new Despite these obstacles, leaders cannot let a desire for perfection give way to paralysis. Rather than delay and debate the complexity of the perfect plan, companies need to show they are acting, despite increased complexity. This means sustaining focus on the core issue: cutting emissions. Efforts to do so won’t be a straight line along a perfect plan. Many of the early wins around carbon reduction have been exhausted–and marginal gains are harder to achieve. Real change will require increased investment, strategic planning, and transforming operations–all while facing competing economic pressures. Stakeholders are looking for action, and the need to prioritize long-term, sustainable value creation–for them and the planet–couldn’t be stronger. COP28 is an opportunity to convene, discuss and learn, but the attention will be on those who act. — Fortune, 10h ago

new While commendable strides have been taken across various fronts in the realm of climate action, propelled by innovative solutions at our disposal, we have a clear understanding of the strategies needed to uphold our net zero ambitions. The time for action is long overdue, and COP28 certainly serves as the biggest platform and opportunity for all stakeholders to showcase what has been achieved so far and identify actions that lie ahead. It’s not just a forum for reflection but a call to action, urging all players to present evidence of their contributions, share best practices, and join global efforts to address persistent challenges. It is a collective commitment to meaningful change and progress in our shared journey toward a sustainable world. — Khaleej Times, 20h ago

new Myanmar’s current political and economic environment presents major challenges for local businesses, particularly those in need of lending. Reduced GDP growth, rising inflation, and currency fluctuations have made operating a business more difficult throughout the country. Microenterprises and households that have been traditionally under-served by conventional financial institutions will today face even greater difficulty accessing the resources they need to survive or grow. At the same time, ongoing armed conflict and the lingering economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it harder for microfinance institutions to serve businesses and households. Throughout Myanmar, these complex and interlinked factors continue to impact borrowers and their businesses in different ways. — ReliefWeb, 20h ago

new Establishing a yearly commemorative day for health promotion is an important step towards addressing public health challenges in Nigeria. It allows for a dedicated day where individuals, government agencies, non-profit organisations, and other stakeholders can come together to promote healthy lifestyles, educate the public about prevailing health issues, and advocate for policies and actions that improve the overall health of Nigerians. — The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News, 1d ago

new I have said in the past that the only way our current global society could operate on renewable energy exclusively would be first to reduce dramatically our use of energy overall, perhaps by 75 to 80 percent. This would involve major retrofitting of buildings of all types, the broad use of energy efficient design in all products, the banning of unnecessary energy use—there would be a big fight over what’s “unnecessary”—and caps on overall energy use. Then, we might have to get used to not having electricity 24/7 in the amounts we desire, at least until battery technology to store enough electricity is perfected. My premise is that it will be impossible to supply the amount of energy currently supplied by fossil fuels using renewable sources alone in any time frame that allows for a gradual energy transition (that is, before fossil fuel supplies decline and climate change becomes a possible extinction event). — resilience, 1d ago

new In addressing this, there is a pressing need to advocate for a comprehensive approach to resolution. Condemning violence is essential, but the focus must shift towards endorsing effective peace processes and fostering a thoughtful discourse on strategies that prioritize lasting solutions over superficial measures. The urgency of the matter demands a collective commitment to navigating these challenges with a long-term perspective in mind. — The Organization for World Peace, 1d ago

new Harvest water Harvesting water for use in the garden is now more important than ever, with more extreme weather patterns from flooding to drought putting increased pressure on our municipal water systems. The treatment of water to make it drinkable is energy-intensive. Catching and storing water in our gardens reduces their dependance on this valuable resource (the garden prefers rain water anyway), while helping to reduce pressure on our drainage systems in heavy rains. Water butts or tanks are great, but even barrels or buckets set up without a downpipe can catch lots of water through winter. Ponds (no matter how small) are another excellent way to harvest water in our spaces and are one of the best things we can do for wildlife. — the Guardian, 1d ago

new Dagnet further highlighted the vital role of civil society in holding governments accountable for their climate commitments, including their financial pledges. She contends that efforts to “measure progress and scrutinize government actions are essential tools for civil society to hold governments accountable for their commitments.” She also acknowledged the power of public pressure to drive governments to take more ambitious climate action. Dagnet emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach, combining legal frameworks, grassroots movements, and international collaboration based on robust data and supported by nuanced and more sophisticated communication strategies, to hold governments accountable on the global stage effectively. — Inter Press Service, 1d ago

new John Palmer-Felgate, industrial designer with a career spanning more than two decades and founder of Eco-inject, says: “At Eco-inject, we focus on solutions that are both economic and ecofriendly. We are striving for sustainability and elegance while also reducing cost of goods. With INEOS Styrolution’s sustainable ECO materials, we can achieve just that. Using bio-based plastics dramatically reduces the carbon footprint of autoinjector devices, allowing them to meet increasingly stringent healthcare sustainability criteria. This will allow consumers to continue to benefit from using these self-administered devices in their own homes”. — https://www.indianchemicalnews.com/, 1d ago

new The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) gave the world a surprise on its first day, Thursday. Delegates from more than 160 countries unanimously agreed to formally establish the Loss and Damage Fund, pledging more than $400 million to support the world's particularly vulnerable countries in their efforts to cope with the loss and damage caused by climate change. This groundbreaking progress has brought much-needed good news to the world, raising confidence and expectations for the outcomes of this conference.The issue of funding has been a focal point in recent UN climate conferences, with prolonged and intense debates surrounding the amount of aid and compensation developed countries should offer for their historical emissions, as well as the ways of raising and distributing the funds. However, the urgency of the severe climate change situation has led to significant achievements. Developed countries have committed to mobilizing $100 billion a year to support climate finance. The establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund was a decision made at COP27 in Egypt in 2022, but its implementation has not been easy. Nonetheless, this time, several developed countries have made pledges toward the fund. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), host country of COP28, committed $100 million, Germany, $100 million, the UK, 40 million pounds (about $50.6 million) and 20 million pounds for other arrangements, Japan, $10 million, and the US, known for its grandstanding on climate issues, only $17.5 million. When it comes to paying, some countries revealed their true face. The amount pledged by the US is meager in comparison with its status as the world's largest economy and the responsibility in addressing climate change it should bear given its highest historical cumulative carbon emissions, leading to criticism from attending delegates and experts who deemed it "disappointing," "shocking," and "embarrassing."However, amid this disappointment, there were heartening developments. When the US once again let the world down at the critical moment, other countries stepped up. On the second day of the climate conference, Friday, the UAE announced $30 billion for a new climate finance fund, aiming to mobilize $250 billion by the end of the decade. It also aims to improve the flow of money into projects to reduce emissions, especially in the Global South.Washington should really feel ashamed of this scene. The New York Times bluntly questioned in a September article: How Long Can America's Climate Hypocrisy Last? "It's nothing new for climate ambition and climate hypocrisy to flicker back and forth like the two faces of a lenticular hologram," said the article. Even the American media itself says so, showing how bad the US' performance is on climate issues.Another typical example is the deliberate effort by the US to woo Pacific island nations, establishing new embassies and claiming to help them maintain "maritime security." However, when it comes to the climate issues that these countries genuinely care about, Washington exhibits conspicuous stinginess and parsimony. The true focus of Washington in its diplomacy is becoming increasingly evident to people.At any rate, the US cannot be absent when addressing the issue of climate. Even if other countries are proactive, they cannot fill the irresponsible void left by the US. Conversely, if the US fails to set an example on climate issues, it completely loses its qualification to pursue global leadership. In any case, the US must shoulder its due obligations and responsibilities. The Democratic Party shows a more positive attitude toward climate issues than the Republican Party. The Biden administration should take advantage of its time in office to push for substantive progress on climate issues with greater determination and force.This current climate conference's crucial agenda is the "Global Stocktake," where each contracting party will review progress and gaps in implementing key provisions of the Paris Agreement. The focus will also be on "four paradigm shifts": fast-tracking energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030; transforming climate finance, by delivering on old promises and setting the framework for a new deal on finance; putting nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action; mobilizing for the most inclusive COP ever. These are ambitious goals indeed.In the realm of climate, every step forward is incredibly challenging. It is precisely because of this difficulty that each achievement is so valuable. Regardless, we observe that human society is moving forward step by step, even though the pace is still too slow and lags behind the rate of environmental degradation. How to ensure that this collective effort of all humanity involves less short-term selfish calculations and more long-term vision of shared future, and stronger climate actions, is crucial for the future and fate of humanity. No one can escape or evade this duty, especially for countries with significant responsibilities and obligations. — globaltimes.cn, 2d ago

new To get the trillions of dollars needed to tackle climate change, governments could increase taxes on polluting activities and cut fossil fuel subsidies, said an advisory panel to the COP28 talks in Dubai. Emerging and developing countries will need $2.4 trillion of investment a year between now and 2030 to transition to clean energy and adapt their economies, according to a report published at the conference by a group of independent economists. Among those taxes could be levies on shipping, which accounts for nearly 3% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, and aviation, which accounts for 2%-3% of emissions and is not covered by the Paris Agreement. “We see great potential, particularly when it comes to taxing bad things internationally and using that money to generate predictable resources,” said panel member Amar Bhattacharya of the Brookings Center for Sustainable Development. — capitalandmain.com, 1d ago

new Let’s put this demand in the context of what we call the energy trilemma, which asserts that all countries want energy that is environmentally benign, has a secure supply, and is affordable. However, in most situations, any combination of two factors precludes the third. Take coal for example. It is “secure” in that almost every nation has commercially available access to coal or lignite either domestically or nearby. The energy produced is affordable in that the power plants can be relatively inexpensive to build and the resulting power sold cheaply. So coal-powered energy is both secure and affordable but obviously not environmentally benign. Now assume we wanted to maximize the second and third values, produce energy for the economy that is both environmentally benign and affordable. That leads us to renewable technologies like wind and solar—both widely utilized—but an exclusive reliance on these intermittent resources (in the absence of batteries) would sacrifice the security of supply. — OilPrice.com, 2d ago

new ...“Ensuring that Africa can rapidly advance on a low-carbon intensive development pathway is a critical priority that is in everyone’s interest. That is why COP28 has built its action agenda that includes the key pillars of fast tracking a just and orderly energy transition and fixing climate finance. To confront the climate crisis, keep 1.5C within reach and leave nobody behind, we must focus all our efforts on delivering these priorities. I see great synergies between the BESS Consortium and the UAE-led $4.5 billion ‘Africa Green Investment’ initiative launched at the Africa Climate Summit. We both seek to deliver transformational projects on-the-ground and to create the right policy frameworks by working jointly with committed Governments. I see great transformational power in this partnership and call on others to join.”... — The Rockefeller Foundation, 2d ago

new Roughly speaking, that is my, perhaps unfashionable, view. Williams is, of course, a hugely influential figure, but he doesn’t represent the main trajectory of contemporary philosophy, which is now heavily focused on the interpretation of science-based findings. Generally speaking, Williams is sceptical about the dominant effort to turn philosophy into a handmaiden of science, except in those specific areas that call for this. The overall view that I find most plausible and truthful about our human situation is that — contrary to the sceptical view that we just considered — we can defend a robust understanding of both freedom and responsibility, that can be provided in entirely naturalistic terms. However, what’s interesting about the sort of view Williams describes, which goes all the way back to the ancient Greeks, is that this does not serve to vindicate an easy optimism about the human condition. On the contrary, understanding our situation in these terms grounds a pessimism that is rooted, not in the sceptical thought that we aren’t really free and responsible, but in a more difficult and subtle truth about our predicament, which is that while we may well be free and responsible agents, we nevertheless remain vulnerable to luck, contingency, and aspects of fate in the exercise of moral life itself. It is our awareness of this that we find uncomfortable and tend to resist. Most available theories in the free will debate seek, in various ways, to evade this pessimistic conclusion. Although this understanding of our predicament as human agents may not be one we find comfortable it is, nevertheless, the most truthful interpretation. — Five Books, 2d ago

new For every year that emissions do not fall substantially, dependence on CDR increases if we are to meet our climate goals. Given the uncertainties and costs inherent in scaling up CDR, and resource constraints (such as energy, land and water), it is far less risky to pursue rapid emissions reductions to minimise the requirement for CDR that is, follow a ‘lower-CDR’ pathway. This also necessitates low levels of residual emissions and hence rapid emissions reductions. — Imperial College London, 2d ago

new Addressing the Assembly, Mr. Dominguez Velasco said: "You have my full commitment to build on the great work that has been done by my predecessors, taking what is already a significant and influential organization, to be an institution that will thrive in delivering its full agenda, from safety to decarbonization, from digitalization to the human element; an International Maritime Organization that not only looks towards the future, but does more in embracing change, diversity, inclusion and transparency; one that is dedicated to its people, from all the very professional staff that form the IMO Secretariat, to our seafarers worldwide and perhaps most importantly, a dedication to the younger generations, the ones we are obliged to hand over to, to hand over a planet that is a better place to live in."... — freightweek.org, 2d ago

new ...“The path to achieving net zero extends through the world’s urban centers, where the critical climate battle is expected to unfold predominantly. Thus, the empowerment of local communities and the assurance of their commitment, particularly among vulnerable sectors, will play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable urbanization. Many local governments have crafted ambitious climate action plans and set targets for reducing emissions, underscoring their dedication to both mitigation and adaptation initiatives. Nevertheless, a significant challenge persists, particularly in the global south, as many lack the essential funding for the effective implementation of these plans. Given that the needs of cities often take a backseat to competing global MDB agenda priorities, this report aims to highlight the crucial requirement for urban finance to address the climate crisis at the subnational level. MDBs should seize the opportunity to transform into “Banks for Cities” and expedite progress toward the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement.” – Abigail Binay, Mayor of Makati, Philippines... — CPI, 2d ago

new Palestine submitted its first NDC to the UNFCCC in 2017 and an updated version in October 2021. The document cites adaptation to climate change as its main goal, since Palestine contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. Both that report and Palestine’s National Adaptation Plan, which it submitted to the U.N. in 2016, name numerous challenges stemming from the Israeli government’s strict control over Palestinian land and natural resources. One of the focuses of both documents is the agricultural sector, which the vast majority of Palestinians rely on for their livelihoods. Rain-fed agriculture accounts for more than 80 percent of farming in Palestine, and increasingly frequent dry spells and soil evaporation from high temperatures are degrading the quality of the harvest. The National Adaptation Plan notes that the Israeli occupation has limited Palestinians’ ability to develop wastewater treatment plants, which could provide an alternative form of irrigation to save desiccated crops. — Grist, 2d ago

new It’s surprising, observes Peter, how many massive businesses don’t have “a grip” on their plastic use. However, while he appreciates activism, he doesn’t encourage demonizing the business world for its role in the crisis. “If we think that business is doomed, then we are doomed,” he says. “Business is part and parcel of our society today. Working with these businesses on the inside, I see a lot of momentum and motivation to transform business into a force for good…There are very cutthroat elements of business as well. It’s about finding that balance to answer to the business incentive, while also trying to change the business incentive.”... — Wharton Global Youth Program, 2d ago

new Wasted is a hard-hitting and humbling reminder that it's time to shift our perspective and open our eyes to the reality of our trashed planet in this new era of the Anthropocene. We have forgotten the undeniable truth that waste has an inextricable connection to our daily lives and the well-being of our societies. Solutions to tackle this blight exist in plain sight, so why are we wasting opportunities to make change? Wasted aims to inspire action across business, policy and individuals to clean up our communities, cities and natural habitats and create healthy, thriving economies. — eco-business.com, 2d ago

new Industries and businesses will also be affected. But they also play an important role in addressing the problem because, one, they have the money to invest in solutions that could achieve long-term impact and, two, because these carbon- and water-intensive sectors contribute to pollution and scarcity in specific watersheds and climate change on a planetary scale. It is critical that this sector gets involved and actively engages with other actors to solve the big environmental challenges we face. — Eco-Business, 2d ago

new To that end, CIMB will engage with its clients to shift their production towards certified sustainable palm oil to minimise environmental impacts, adopt better agricultural practices to increase yields and reduce operational greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions as well as improve the quality and coverage of emissions reporting. CIMB’s Net Zero targets for this sector serve to complement its No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (“NDPE”) commitment which was rolled out in 2022, where clients with new plantations are required to conduct a High Conservation Value (“HCV”) assessment and commit to the conservation of HCV and peat areas prior to land clearing. In addition, clients are also responsible to ensure that the rights of communities, smallholders, and workers are safeguarded. CIMB is the first bank globally to have announced a science-based Net Zero decarbonisation pathway for the Palm Oil sector. As part of the process, CIMB actively engaged with key industry stakeholders to ensure its plans are reflective of the collective need to move forward in this area. — Eco-Business, 2d ago

new ...“Dubai recognises the critical importance of the environment and is fully committed to its preservation as a top strategic priority for ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. The profound challenges posed by global climate change have exerted significant pressure on various forms of wildlife, and Dubai is strongly dedicated to playing a substantial role in mitigating these effects through initiatives that promote the sustainability of our natural environment, with particular emphasis on coral reefs. Coral reefs are a vital component in the protection of marine life and have both economic and environmental significance. We are pleased to see this promising project launched in Dubai, contributing to global efforts aimed at conserving coral reefs,” he added. — gulfnews.com, 2d ago

new ..."Dubai recognises the critical importance of the environment and is fully committed to its preservation as a top strategic priority for ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. The profound challenges posed by global climate change have exerted significant pressure on various forms of wildlife, and Dubai is strongly dedicated to playing a substantial role in mitigating these effects through initiatives that promote the sustainability of our natural environment, with particular emphasis on coral reefs. Coral reefs are a vital component in the protection of marine life and have both economic and environmental significance. We are pleased to see this promising project launched in Dubai, contributing to global efforts aimed at conserving coral reefs," Sheikh Hamdan said. — Khaleej Times, 2d ago

new California’s report also usefully lays out the potential risks associated with using these new tools, making clear that while there are some new potential harms, in many cases many of the risks are common to the use of any technology. Governments need to be conscious of the fact that tools that enable the easy generation of high-quality content could be misused to dupe consumers and residents.Perhaps because 35 of the 50 leading AI businesses are in California, as the state's report points out at the outset, it is silent on the risks to governments and those they serve of relying excessively on technologies developed and governed by unaccountable companies, especially when those technologies are procured by public servants without a deep knowledge of the tech. — GovTech, 2d ago

new An important component of that program was a shift away from what Edinger called “suggestion box culture,” empowering staff to make process improvements on their own. The approach was successful in Denver, and while Edinger said it will not be identical for OIT, he wants to use employee expertise to hone government service delivery.After only a week in the job, he is still focused on learning as much as possible about his new agency. This involves asking questions about existing processes and goals so that his future work can help align the agency need with the goals of Gov. Jared Polis. Specifically, the governor’s top five statewide priorities include energy, health, crime prevention, land use and tax reform.“When I made the leap from a city like Denver, the capital city, to the actual capital, then you know that the challenges change a little bit,” he said, highlighting not just the difference in scale but also the unique needs of different parts of the state. For example, Denver is composed of 78 unique neighborhoods, but Edinger said the municipality makes up less than 1 percent of the state geographically. — GovTech, 2d ago

new To expedite economic development and wealth creation in the tourism sector, collaboration with the government is paramount. Our vision for enhancing tourism relies on a synergistic partnership, acknowledging the government’s limitations. A collaborative relationship ensures shared responsibility and a comprehensive approach to problem-solving. Our organization actively engages in the creation of job opportunities, a vital component of economic development. In our various venues, we contribute significantly to employment, with, for instance, over 200 vendors involved on any given event day. This serves as a tangible example of how public-private partnerships can yield positive outcomes. — The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News, 2d ago