Last week, ECSP's Lauren Herzer Risi and Claire Doyle traveled to The Hague for the 3rd International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding at Leiden University. We were thrilled to gather with so many experts from different sectors & regions to hear about their inspiring environmental peacebuilding work and spark new connections. From remarks by Margot Wallström, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Sweden, to a panel chaired by Lauren on a changing Arctic, there was a lot to think on! Although we can't capture all the highlights here, we're sharing some quotes that stood out: 1️⃣ On addressing the environmental impacts of war in Ukraine: "...Seasoned politicians think that to care about nature is a luxury, or that it is an add-on to everything else that is more important, or that we can wait, we can do this later. We cannot do it later—this is about the health and well-being of the Ukrainian people." - Margot Wallström 2️⃣ On the gender-sensitive work of Ripple Effect in rural Africa: "One of the things that we have seen is that women are more vulnerable during climate shocks because they don't have different sources of income (...) So [Ripple Effect] makes sure that they have diversified income sources so that they can be more resilient to climate shock impacts." - sofanit Mesfin 3️⃣ On the cost of climate change: "It's just a matter of either paying now or paying more later. We're already paying costs in the billion-dollar disasters we experience in our societies every year, [like] the heatwave that we have raging across parts of North America right now and that we see in other parts of the world." - Sherri Goodman 4️⃣ On environmental action as a path for peace in Eswatini: "Drought remains one of the most recurrent and pervasive hazards [in Eswatini], impacting the country's environmental and socio-economic stability (...) Addressing environmental challenges can promote sustainable peace by fostering cooperation, addressing the root causes of the conflict, and promoting inclusive development." - Gcebile Ginindza-Matsebula Many thanks to Carl Bruch and all those who worked tirelessly to put on the conference! #EnPAx2024 #EnvironmentalPeacebuilding Pictured: Keynote address by Margot Wallström; Session on "African Leadership on Environmental Peacebuilding;" Keynote address by Sherri Goodman; Session on "Nature-Based Solutions for Peace and Security"
Wilson Center | Environmental Change and Security Program’s Post
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Today, the 25th of September marks the start of the #GlobalGoalsWeek, where the world reflects on the progress made towards the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. Today we celebrate the eighth anniversary of the #SDGs! We’re raising the SDG flag here at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Wellington and at our diplomatic missions around the world to draw attention the goals. The world is now halfway through the timeframe we set to achieving the goals and yet progress has been slow. That’s why we all have to work #TogetherForTheSDGs. The SDGs aren’t just a goal – they are about ensuring we leave a better world for future generations. A world were human rights and wellbeing are protected, environmental conservation is prioritized and climate action is taken seriously. Last week, our Embassy participated in the #EUBeachCleanUp on the South coast of Wellington. Our team loved the day and we were inspired by the optimism and enthusiasm of those we met. Progress is possible – so let us know what goals you think we need to work on more in the comments below! #NLinNZ Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken
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The Blue Economy, also known as the Ocean’s Agenda, is supported by the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), titled "Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," include 17 Global Goals with 169 targets, adopted by the UN in 2015. SDG Goal 14, the "Goal of the Oceans," focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceanic resources, promoting environmentally friendly economic development. The UN emphasizes the interconnectedness of economic demands and ocean health, advocating for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The UN Secretary-General highlighted: "Sustainable Development Goal 14, the Goal of the Oceans, must be our roadmap to clean, healthy oceans. The essential first step is ending the artificial dichotomy between economic demands and the health of our seas. The conservation and sustainable use of marine resources are two sides of the same coin. Second, we need to promote strong political leadership and new partnerships, based on the existing legal framework." #Maritime #SDGs #AKF #Water #LifeBelowWater #Lahore
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🇯🇲 Blue Independence: celebrating #Jamaica's freedom and charting a course for sustainable seas 🇯🇲 🌊 Jamaica’s blue economy holds immense potential for economic growth and improved livelihoods. As acknowledged by Jamaica’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Hon. Floyd Green, the sustainable use of ocean resources can unlock numerous opportunities in fisheries, energy, clean water generation, crafts, art, and more. It’s time to embrace the full potential of the blue economy and ensure the long-term viability of our marine resources 🦀🚢 🌎 In line with these efforts, we invite you to join the Virtual Island Summit - an inclusive platform where leaders, experts, and advocates gather to address pressing issues facing island communities worldwide. 👉 Register now for the #VIS2023 and participate in the global conversation on sustainable development, climate action, and the future of island nations: https://lnkd.in/eUGBg7E #JamaicaIndependenceDay #IslandInnovation #Sustainability #BlueEconomy Government of Jamaica Jamaica Information Service
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🌍 On the occasion of International Environment Day, we have some great news: Estonia is the most environmentally friendly country in the world! According to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) compiled by researchers from Yale and Columbia Universities, we are ranked first out of 180 countries. This comprehensive index takes into account factors such as climate change mitigation, ecosystem vitality, and environmental health. Top 10 countries in the index: 1. 🇪🇪 Estonia 2. 🇱🇺 Luxembourg 3. 🇩🇪 Germany 4. 🇫🇮 Finland 5. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 6. 🇸🇪 Sweden 7. 🇳🇴 Norway 8. 🇦🇹 Austria 9. 🇨🇭 Switzerland 10. 🇩🇰 Denmark For more information: https://epi.yale.edu/ #EnvironmentDay #Sustainability #Estonia #EnvironmentalPerformance #ClimateAction #EPI
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“The [Israeli] occupation exploits the environment through an apartheid system that dispossess Palestinians of their land, water, and other natural resources, undermines infrastructure, and obstructs the adoption of adaptive technologies such as water management and renewable energy.” From my article “Climate Colonialism: Re-Assessing North-South Responsibility” published in the Conference Proceedings from the 4th Environmental Politics Conference hosted by Arab Reform Initiative. Without delving into the structural and root causes of climate vulnerability and environmental fragility during global summits, tackling the triple planetary crisis (climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss) will be impossible.
Our Environmental Politics Program team is at #cop28uae at the moment advocating for and promoting the notion of Just Environmental Transition. The climate, political, economic, and social crises in the MENA underline the urgency of transitioning to a just and sustainable model, focusing on water access, food security, and energy transition. This multifaceted approach, incorporating ecological, social, economic, and political aspects, forms the essence of the "Just Transition" concept. This concept is gaining traction among governments, civil society, and private sectors, though opinions vary on its definition and implementation in the region. International events continue to influence this transition, often sidelining the region's specific needs and priorities. This conference, organised by the Arab Reform Initiative, APS Alternative Policy Solutions, and the Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis (MIPA), sought to address the questions of what exactly would constitute a Just Transition in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in terms of access to food and water justice, given the myriad of challenges and the restrictive spaces for mobilisation, especially for marginalised communities. It also explored who decides and sets the agenda for just transition in the region and how civil society organisations (CSOs) can mobilize and work with local communities towards a more inclusive process. This document is a collections of opinion pieces by expert panelists in their respective fields. Contributors: Shady Khalil Ruba Ajjour Saker El Nour, Ph.D. Rayan Kassem Samah Hadid Kanj HAMADE Clémentine Lienard Amjad Bany Issa Safaa Khalaf Sahar Mohamed Melissa Pawson Amine Derkaoui Salma Kadry, MA Sara Hess Zeina Abla Jina Talj Imen Louati, PhD Mourad ZENASNI Supported by the EU's 'Civil Society Facility for the Mediterranean' and Sweden, through The Embassy of Sweden Amman – Regional Development Cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa. https://lnkd.in/eCFxp3Pu https://lnkd.in/dMU8XD4Q #justtransition #environmentaljustice #climatecrisis #MENA
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The second day of the #ALDAGeneralAssembly2024 is currently underway! Within the agenda of the day, the panel on Citizens' Participation in Tackling Climate Challenges”🌍 Speakers moderated by Valeria Fantini: Alessia Marzotto, Daniel Botha, Carles Llorens Vila, Chorten Dorji, Desbina Kallinikidou. The speakers started by sharing best practices on citizens participation on climate-related challenges and experiences from three Horizon Projects, REAL DEAL, SHARED GREEN DEAL and ACCTING. Among the others, Carles Llorens (ORU-Fogar) presented examples from Ecuador, Catalonia, Basque Country, and Senegal, showcasing diverse approaches to citizen participation in governance and decision-making. Mrs. Desbina Kallinikidou highlighted Oberhausen's focus on accessible language and local NGO support, facilitating discussions on climate change; while Mr. Chorten Dorji, representing HAB Bhutan, showcased the "Voice for green change partnership" project, implemented with ALDA. The workshop provided valuable insights into the role of citizens in shaping climate policies and highlighted the importance of inclusive, participatory approaches in addressing global challenges 🌱🤝 #ALDAGeneralAssembly2024 #LocalDemocracy4GlobalImpact
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Today in Bonn, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UN Climate Change, UN Biodiversity, and UN Convention to Combat Desertification launched 'Seeking Synergy Solutions: Four Thematic Reports' by the Expert Group on Climate and Sustainable Development Goals Synergy. Convened by the UN, this expert group includes us, Future Africa UP, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), UK Research and Innovation, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, and UrbanBetter. The report on accelerating action through policy frameworks is co-thematically led by Måns Nilsson, SEI Executive Director and co-authored by Adis Dzebo, SEI Senior Research Fellow. Countries are off track on sustainable development and missing key SDG and Paris Agreement targets. According to Nilsson, this new report guides senior officials on integrating climate and sustainability plans, emphasizing synergy with practical examples and tools. Starting in early 2025, Parties to the Paris Agreement will submit more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions. Dzebo notes this is a chance to boost domestic sustainable development and climate efforts. These four thematic reports will contribute to the 2024 Global Report on Climate and SDG Synergy that will be launched during the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York in July. The goal is for the report to play a major role in discussions at the Fifth Global Climate and SDG Synergy Conference, set for September 5-6 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Learn more here 👉 https://buff.ly/4efFwh7 #SDGs #Synergy #JuneClimateMeetings #ParisAgreement #NDCs #HLPF #Bonn
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Our Environmental Politics Program team is at #cop28uae at the moment advocating for and promoting the notion of Just Environmental Transition. The climate, political, economic, and social crises in the MENA underline the urgency of transitioning to a just and sustainable model, focusing on water access, food security, and energy transition. This multifaceted approach, incorporating ecological, social, economic, and political aspects, forms the essence of the "Just Transition" concept. This concept is gaining traction among governments, civil society, and private sectors, though opinions vary on its definition and implementation in the region. International events continue to influence this transition, often sidelining the region's specific needs and priorities. This conference, organised by the Arab Reform Initiative, APS Alternative Policy Solutions, and the Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis (MIPA), sought to address the questions of what exactly would constitute a Just Transition in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in terms of access to food and water justice, given the myriad of challenges and the restrictive spaces for mobilisation, especially for marginalised communities. It also explored who decides and sets the agenda for just transition in the region and how civil society organisations (CSOs) can mobilize and work with local communities towards a more inclusive process. This document is a collections of opinion pieces by expert panelists in their respective fields. Contributors: Shady Khalil Ruba Ajjour Saker El Nour, Ph.D. Rayan Kassem Samah Hadid Kanj HAMADE Clémentine Lienard Amjad Bany Issa Safaa Khalaf Sahar Mohamed Melissa Pawson Amine Derkaoui Salma Kadry, MA Sara Hess Zeina Abla Jina Talj Imen Louati, PhD Mourad ZENASNI Supported by the EU's 'Civil Society Facility for the Mediterranean' and Sweden, through The Embassy of Sweden Amman – Regional Development Cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa. https://lnkd.in/eCFxp3Pu https://lnkd.in/dMU8XD4Q #justtransition #environmentaljustice #climatecrisis #MENA
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🔉The Institute for Development and Diplomacy will host the Climate and Water Summit at ADA University. ▶️We will discuss pressing environmental issues with experts representing governmental institutions, academia, industry, and international organizations. Representatives from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources 🇦🇿 , ADA University, FAO, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan will debate global environmental challenges. The COP29 Chief Operations Officer, Türkiye’s Sustainable Future Commission Chairman, and “Aqualink”’s director general will discuss solutions and opportunities to meet climate targets. For registration: esdp@ada.edu.az #COP29 #climatechange #waterchallenge #sustainabledevelopment #environment
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On this United Nations Day, we take a moment to reflect on the profound impact of international collaboration in tackling global environmental challenges. At Falkirk Environmental Consultants, we firmly believe that the strength of collective efforts knows no bounds. The United Nations plays a pivotal role in fostering cooperation, sharing knowledge, and mobilizing resources to address the pressing issues that affect our planet. Whether it's climate change, biodiversity loss, or sustainable development, these challenges transcend borders and require a united front. Our work is a testament to the power of collaboration. From partnering with international organizations to engaging local communities, we understand that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility. As we celebrate United Nations Day, let's recommit ourselves to the ideals of unity, cooperation, and sustainable progress. By working together across borders, we can create a world where our environment thrives, and future generations inherit a planet of abundance. How do you think international collaboration can shape a greener future? Share your thoughts below and let's continue the conversation! #UnitedNationsDay #InternationalCollaboration #GlobalSustainability #FalkirkEnvironmentalConsultants
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