Saturday, January 31, 2015
Turning the World Downside Up
Natural Resources
OPINION: The Future of Wetlands, the Future of Waterbirds – an Intercontinental Connection
The first global treaty dealing with biodiversity was the Ramsar Convention – predating the Rio processes by 20 years.
People’s Tribunal Hopes Verdict on Mining Abuses Gains Traction
A recent case study on Canadian mining abuses in Latin America has woven one more thread of justice in the tapestry of international law.Marine Resources in High Seas Should be Shared Equitably
After almost 10 years of often frustrating negotiations, the U.N. ad hoc committee on BBNJ decided, by consensus, to set in motion a process that will result in work commencing on a legally binding international instrument on the conservation and sustainable use, including benefit sharing, of Biological Diversity Beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction.
OPINION: Brazil Can Help Steer SDGs Towards Ambitious Targets
With the current Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) expiring at the end of this year to be replaced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which will set priorities for the next fifteen years, 2015 will be a crucial year for the future of global development.
U.S.-India Partnership a Step Forward for Low-Carbon Growth
India garnered international attention this week for its climate action.
OPINION: The Corporate Takeover of Ukrainian Agriculture
At the same time as the United States, Canada and the European Union announced a set of new sanctions against Russia in mid-December last year, Ukraine received 350 million dollars in U.S. military aid, coming on top of a one billion dollar aid package approved by the U.S. Congress in March 2014.
Zimbabwe Battles with Energy Poverty
Janet Mutoriti (30), a mother of three from St Mary’s suburb in Chitungwiza, 25 kilometres outside Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, frequently risks arrest for straying into the nearby urban forests to fetch wood for cooking.
Africa’s Rural Women Must Count in Water Management
More women’s voices are being heard at international platforms to address the post-2015 water agenda, as witnessed at the recently concluded international U.N International Water Conference held from Jan. 15 to 17 in Zaragoza, Spain.
Renewables Can Benefit Water, Energy and Food Nexus
With global energy needs projected to increase by 35 percent by 2035, a new report says meeting this demand could increase water withdrawals in the energy sector unless more cost effective renewable energy sources are deployed in power, water and food production.
Aboriginal Businesses Stimulate Positive Change in Australia
Roy Roger Gibson, an indigenous Kuku Yalanji elder, would watch thousands of tourists and vehicles trampling his pristine land while working on the sugarcane fields in Far North Queensland. His people were suffering and their culture was being eroded. The native wildlife was disappearing. He dreamt of turning this around.
After Nine Years of Foot-Dragging, U.N. Ready for Talks on High Seas Treaty
After four days of intense negotiations - preceded by nine years of dilly-dallying - the United Nations has agreed to convene an intergovernmental conference aimed at drafting a legally binding treaty to conserve marine life and govern the mostly lawless high seas beyond national jurisdiction.
A “Rosetta Stone” for Conducting Biodiversity Assessments
This month saw an important milestone reached by the U.N.’s young Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES): Publication of its first public product.
Africa Needs to Move Forward on Renewable Energy
Diversification of Africa’s electricity sources by embarking on renewable energy solutions – such as solar, wind, geothermal and hydro power – is being heralded as a solution to the continent’s energy poverty.
The Bahamas’ New Motto: “Sand, Surf and Solar”
When it comes to tourism in the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM), The Bahamas -- 700 islands sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean starting just 50 miles off Florida -- is a heavyweight.
Final Push to Launch U.N. Negotiations on High Seas Treaty
The United Nations will make its third - and perhaps final - attempt at reaching an agreement to launch negotiations for an international biodiversity treaty governing the high seas.Next Page »
