Green Economy Archives

The Rapid Rise of Green Bonds

Most countries joining the growing list of nations pursuing clean geothermal power have been confronted with a huge financial challenge.

Mangrove Conservation Paves the Way to a Sustainable Future

By Malini Shankar

When the Asian tsunami washed over several Indian Ocean Rim countries on Boxing Day 2004, it left a trail of destruction in its wake, including a death toll that touched 230,000.

Divestment Campaign Aims to Bleed Dry the Fossil Fuel Industry

By Leehi Yona and Diego Arguedas Ortiz

Even as the presence of major oil and gas corporations is nearly ubiquitous at the U.N. climate talks in the Peruvian capital known as COP20, fossil fuel divestment campaigns have gained ground in various countries and are moving to counter the influence of the "dirty energy" lobby here.

OPINION: Women Must Be Partners and Drivers of Climate Change Decision-Making

By Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

As leaders from around the world gather in Lima, Peru this week to discuss global cooperation in addressing climate change, a woman in Guatemala will struggle to feed her family from a farm plot that produces less each season.

Climate Neutrality – the Lifeboat Launched by Lima

By Diego Arguedas Ortiz

Packed into stifling meeting rooms in the Peruvian capital, delegates from 195 countries are trying to find a path that would make it possible for the planet to reach climate neutrality in the second half of this century – the only way to avoid irreversible damage, scientists warn.

OPINION: Addressing Climate Change Requires Real Solutions, Not Blind Faith in the Magic of Markets

By Kristen Lyons

Norwegians know something of life in a climate change world. Migratory birds arrive earlier in spring, trees come into leaf before previously expected, and palsa mires (wetlands) are being lost as permafrost thaws.

“What’s Good for Island States Is Good for the Planet”

By Desmond Brown

The lead negotiator for an inter-governmental organisation of low-lying coastal and small island countries doesn't mince words. She says the new international climate change treaty being drafted here at the ongoing U.N. Climate Change Conference “is to ensure our survival".

Q&A: Why Kyoto’s Clean Development Mechanism is at a Crossroads

By Wambi Michael

The U.N. mechanism for supporting carbon emissions projects in developing countries – the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) – is in crisis as a result of a dramatic slump in the prices being paid for carbon credits.

Climate Finance Flowing, But for Many, the Well Remains Dry

By Desmond Brown

For more than 10 years, Mildred Crawford has been “a voice in the wilderness” crying out on behalf of rural women in agriculture.

OPINION: Japan’s Misuse of Climate Funds for Dirty Coal Plants Exposed

By Dipti Bhatnagar

World governments gathered in Lima, Peru for the latest round of U.N. climate negotiations should have finance on their mind.

Will Rollout of Green Technologies Get a Boost at Lima Climate Summit?

By Desmond Brown

The road towards a green economy is paved with both reward and risk, and policymakers must seek to balance these out if the transition to low-carbon energy sources is to succeed on the required scale, climate experts say.

The South Demands Clarity in Financing and Adaptation at COP20

By Diego Arguedas Ortiz

At the 12-day climate summit that began Monday in the Peruvian capital, representatives of 195 countries and hundreds of members of civil society are trying to agree on the key points of a new international treaty aimed at curbing global warming.

OPINION: Climate Justice Is the Only Way to Solve Our Climate Crisis

By Jagoda Munic

In November, the world's top climate scientists issued their latest warning that the climate crisis is rapidly worsening on a number of fronts, and that we must stop our climate-polluting way of producing energy if we are to stand a chance of avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.

Only a Few Drops of Water at the Lima Climate Summit

By Emilio Godoy

Although it is one of the victims of global warming, water will not be given a place of importance at the COP20 climate change conference to be held Dec. 1-12 in Lima, Peru.

Rich Countries Pony Up (Some) for Climate Justice

By Oscar Reyes

It’s one of the oldest tricks in politics: Talk down expectations to the point that you can meet them.

Central American Civil Society Calls for Protection of Local Agriculture at COP20

By Diego Arguedas Ortiz

Worried about the effects of global warming on agriculture, water and food security in their communities, social organisations in Central America are demanding that their governments put a priority on these issues in the COP20 climate summit.

Down With Sustainable Development! Long Live Convivial Degrowth!

By Justin Hyatt

For anyone who recently attended the Fourth International Conference on Degrowth in Leipzig, Germany, listening in on conference talk, surrounded by the ecologically savvy, one quickly noticed that no one was singing the praises of sustainable development.

A Game-Changing Week on Climate Change

By Joel Jaeger

- In recent days, two major developments have injected new life into international action on climate change.

Will New Climate Treaty Be a Thriller, or Shaggy Dog Story?

By Stephen Leahy

This December, 195 nations plus the European Union will meet in Lima for two weeks for the crucial U.N. Conference of the Parties on Climate Change, known as COP 20. The hope in Lima is to produce the first complete draft of a new global climate agreement.

Latin America Moves Towards Decarbonising the Economy

By Fabíola Ortiz

When the advances made towards curbing global warming are analysed in the first 12 days of December in Lima, during the 20th climate conference, Latin America will present some achievements, as well as the many challenges it faces in “decarbonising development”.

High Expectations At the World Parks Congress

By Marshall Patsanza

Conserving the world's most valuable natural resources is the focus of the sixth World Parks Congress 2014, taking place Sydney, Australia. The congress, which takes place once every 10 years, is convened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).