Jack Hurd’s Post

Razan Al Mubarak, President of IUCN and UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 UAE, writes on the importance of investing in nature in this World Economic Forum agenda blog. “Net-zero targets cannot be met without action on deforestation. Yet a number of key companies and financial institutions are persistently ignoring their role in exacerbating the problem. This needs to change and leaders within the sector are demonstrating how, with initiatives like the Tropical Forest Alliance playing a pivotal role in galvanising the finance sector on this critical issue.” https://lnkd.in/geZuv-YD #Deforestation #NetZero #ClimateAction #Climate #Nature

Trust & Transparency in Voluntary Carbon Markets Voluntary carbon markets play a vital role in offsetting emissions by supporting greenhouse gas reduction projects. However, we face a critical challenge - these markets need more trust and transparency. Many carbon credits fall short and undermining investor confidence. Building trust through three essential relationships is key: trust by companies buying 'de-risked' carbon, confidence by governments in inclusive trading, and trust by communities in fair compensation. At Crown Agents and Integrity Action, our transformative programme focuses on citizen monitoring of forestry and land use, ensuring real-time reporting on whether trees exist. This empowers communities to address potential issues promptly and ensure projects benefit all. Building trust in carbon credits creates a ripple effect - credits become more valuable and trusted, attracting greater investment for impactful projects. As Crown Agents approaches Africa Climate Week and COP28, where we will showcase this among our climate initiatives, we would like to share our work with others. We would love to connect with you or your company to explore collaboration and mutual learning opportunities. Drop me a message to find out how you can help. #ClimateAction #Sustainability #CarbonMarkets #COP28

South Africa emerges as the top-performing African nation in combating climate change. The report noted that many African countries are rapidly enhancing their sustainability efforts. The report exposes a significant awareness gap among businesses in Africa and the Middle East regarding the UN-led COP process.

A Bold Proposal for Global Action The Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalayan (HKH) region is facing unprecedented environmental challenges due to global warming. This region, which includes some of the highest mountain peaks and largest glaciers outside the polar regions, is experiencing the rapid melting of glaciers and permafrost. This situation has led to a rise in glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which have devastating effects on local communities and ecosystems. Moreover, deforestation is rampant in these remote and off-grid areas. Timber mafias are depleting the forests, businesses are burning diesel for electricity, and households are cutting down trees for cooking and heating. These activities contribute to environmental degradation and exacerbate the effects of climate change. To address these pressing challenges, an innovative approach to generate funding for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts is proposed. By leveraging the high mountain peaks and glaciers in the HKH region, we can auction their naming rights through global advertising companies. This initiative not only generates significant funds for climate resilience and environmental conservation but also raises awareness about the importance of the HKH region. The funds raised through this initiative would be directed towards creating Local Adaptation and Mitigation Funds. These funds would support locally determined contributions (LDCs), empowering communities to develop sustainable solutions that address their specific needs and challenges. This approach ensures that the efforts are sustainable and effective in the long term. This innovative approach aligns with the goals of COP 29 to foster impactful and sustainable solutions for climate change. By recognizing the HKH region as a global climate hotspot and leveraging its unique geographical features, we can create a significant financial boost to support climate resilience and environmental conservation in the region. This initiative highlights the importance of collective action and collaboration in addressing global climate challenges. This initiative is not only about raising funds but also about raising awareness. The global recognition of the HKH region's importance can galvanize support from international organizations, governments, and the general public. It can inspire a sense of shared responsibility and collective action, which is crucial for addressing global environmental challenges. The alignment of this initiative with the goals of COP 29 is another strategic advantage. As the world gathers in Uzbekistan to discuss and negotiate climate policies, showcasing innovative solutions like this can set a positive example and encourage other regions to think creatively about their climate challenges. It also demonstrates that even the most remote and seemingly insurmountable environmental issues can be addressed with ingenuity and collaboration.

BioCarbon is committed to emphasizing the importance of nature through our Biodiversity Crediting Program. Nature is not just our lifeline but also a crucial economic asset. With $5 trillion in private finance negatively impacting nature in 2022, we must redirect funds towards nature-based solutions. According to the World Economic Forum, these solutions could supply one-third of mitigation needs and save $104 billion in adaptation costs by 2030. Let us unite public and private institutions to support COP28's call to prioritize nature in climate action. Read more: https://lnkd.in/geZuv-YD #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #NaturePositive

Despite calls for cutting finance flows towards sectors that harm the #environment and fuel climate change, a report by the United Nations Environment Programme released at #cop28 says that while over USD 7 trillion is invested each year in areas that lead to climate crisis and biodiversity loss, #climate-friendly sectors attract only USD 220 billion in annual investments. COP28 UAE United Nations United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) UN Climate Change #cop28uae #unitednations #climatechange #unep #climatecrisis #biodiversity #mediaindiagroup #mig https://lnkd.in/dMswhEMr

The UN climate conference #COP28 currently underway in Dubai is set to be one of the biggest promotional events for carbon offsets ever. Yet, the fraud of carbon markets and the harm caused by offsetting projects have already been thoroughly documented. Over two decades of research, media and civil society investigations have shown the extensive damage that carbon markets cause, ranging from loss of community to forced relocation and sexual abuse. Instead of the proclaimed environmental benefits, carbon projects undermine real climate action, creating a pro-profit market that exempts companies from actual responsibility. Carbon markets are not a solution to climate change. Real climate action is based on equity and justice, not market-based solutions. Info and examples from Peru, Liberia, Kenya & elsewhere: https://lnkd.in/eSPVefg9 #COP28 #carbonoffsets #carbonmarkets GRAIN, Focus on the Global South

As Laura Gemmell points out, there was something good to come out of #COP28, no, not remotely enough, it was a dismal failure for failing to agree to #phaseoutfossilfuels but this story of the Maori climate startup securing USD50 million to develop a different kind of carbon market is a sign of hope. The Hinemoana Halo Ocean Fund is a potentially game-changing initiative led by three Māori leaders. The purchase of Hinemoana Halo credits will go towards the restoration of seagrass meadows, wetlands, mangroves and coastal forests; all critical for preventing erosion, providing habitats for marine life and sequestering carbon dioxide. There’s also a recovery plan for taonga species such as whales, dolphins and manta rays. The fund would essentially create an incentive to protect animals like elephants, and provide an opportunity for indigenous communities to wholly dedicate themselves to that task while earning an income. This initiative also shows that down here in Aotearoa NZ we DO have the ability to effect real positive change in the world, so let's not let dismal leadership stop us from doing that and get on with it. One way of doing your bit is becoming a B Corp business. Here at Grow Good, we help companies fast-track and simplify the process of getting B Corp Certified. The B Corp movement is out to transform the global economy to one that prioritises planet and people alongside profit. To learn more about B Corp and if it could be the right thing for you,  we have: ➡️  Our free e-book "To B Or Not To B; The What, Why & How of B Corp" is the DEFINITIVE guide to B Corp - https://bit.ly/BCorpEBook ➡️  This story about how we helped the amazing humans at Jeuneora get B Corp and get purpose at work - https://bit.ly/casestudyj ➡️  “The B Better Podcast" https://bit.ly/BeBPod, where we talk to B Corps about their journey to B Corp & Beyond and our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/GGCoYoTu for more B Corp-related content ➡️  Feeling like you’re ready to B Better and want to see if we can help? Well, then, let’s have a chat! Book a call here - https://bit.ly/BookGGCall #getbcorpcert #bcorp #esg #purposedrivenbusiness #growgood #purposefuelledperformance #getpurposeatwork #sustainability #bbetter #inpursuitofpurpose #impact #bcorpconsultant #nzbcorps #nzbusiness #bcorpcertified #greenbusiness #businessforgood

Despite what it seems, it's wasn't all doom and gloom at #COP28. Eco Choice CEO Laura Gemmell highlights some positive news for a game-changing initiative set to revolutionise the international carbon market. The Hinemoana Halo Ocean Fund, a Māori-led initiative from Aotearoa, has secured a whopping US$50 million in funding. Simply put, it’s an offset scheme, which seeks to empower indigenous custodians of the land to protect and revitalise coastal and marine biodiversity in Aotearoa and the Pacific. While Eco Choice Aotearoa does not accept offsets as a substitute for actual operational changes, we do recognise and support the use of quality, holistic credits in addition to our core practices, particularly in sectors where emissions are harder to reduce. Learn more about how the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Fund will enable indigenous communities to fulfil their responsibilities as kaitiaki, guardians of nature in the article below. Lisa Tumahai CNZM Mere Takoko Aperahama Edwards Ralph Chami Conservation International Blue Green Future The Spinoff Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Ministry for the Environment | Manatū mō te Taiao Climate Change Commission New Zealand Trade and Enterprise New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade #ClimateAction #ClimateChange #Conservation #BiodiversityCrisis #EnvironmentalStewardship #IndigenousKnowledge #MarineConservation

In case you missed it! Water is making a comeback! #cop28 A New York Times article making the rounds on social media found that America is depleting its reserves of groundwater at a dangerous rate. An important alarm bell, but there is other water-related news that not everyone may be aware of: last week was #worldwaterweek in Stockholm, and the COP28 UAE Presidency finally announced its Water Agenda! COP28’s two-week thematic program will be structured in thematic days, including one exploring climate action across food, agriculture, and water. Water-related priorities for the Conference this year are: - conserving and restoring freshwater ecosystems; - enhancing urban water resilience; and - bolstering water-resilient food systems. The level of attention given to water risks and opportunities, from agriculture to disaster prevention, is unprecedented. I'm especially excited to hear more conversations about integrated approaches to the governance and management of water-food systems. Sustainable development and climate change professionals! Which thematic day(s) are you looking forward to the most at COP28? https://lnkd.in/emnXjTkd