Climate Change

Central America Seeks Recognition of Its Vulnerability to Climate Change

By Diego Arguedas Ortiz
For decades, the countries of Central America have borne the heavy impact of extreme climate phenomena like hurricanes and severe drought. Now, six of them are demanding that the entire planet recognise their climate vulnerability.

Civil Society Activists Cold-Shouldered at Climate Talks

By Thalif Deen
A former UN Secretary-General once paid a supreme compliment to the work of civil society groups when he described non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as the world’s “third super power” –- presumably ranking behind the United States and Russia.

Bangladesh Facing Tough Climate Choices

By Amantha Perera
Twice a week, 20-year-old Kulsum Begam, a young mother of two, spends over three hours gossiping with the neighbours.

NGOs Disappointed With Final Round of Climate Negotiations

By Thalif Deen
Civil society groups have expressed disappointment over the outcome of the final round of U.N. climate change negotiations in Bonn -- 38 days ahead of the upcoming summit in Paris.

Agricultural Keys to Malaria in African Highlands

By Mzizi Kabiba
Sixty-five years after a major international summit here on malaria, the mosquito-borne disease remains a scourge and its incidence may even be rising in parts of sub-Saharan Africa due to the combined effects of climate change, agricultural practices and population displacement.

Terrace Farming – an Ancient Indigenous Model for Food Security

By Marianela Jarroud
Terrace farming as practiced from time immemorial by native peoples in the Andes mountains contributes to food security as a strategy of adaptation in an environment where the geography and other conditions make the production of nutritional foods a complex undertaking.

Water Remains Largely Marginalized in Climate Talks

By Thalif Deen
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry last week turned the spotlight on the “record number” of extreme weather-related events the world is witnessing these days.

Toasting to a More Sustainable Planet with Argentine Wine

By Fabiana Frayssinet
The region of Cuyo in west-central Argentina is famous for its vineyards. But it is one of the areas in the country hit hardest by the effects of climate change, such as desertification and the melting of mountain top snow. And local winegrowers have come up with their own way to fight global warming.

Before Renewable Power Plant is Completed, Geothermal Overtakes Hydro in Kenya

By Isaiah Esipisu
In its quest to generate more reliable, climate-friendly electric energy, Kenya has become the first country in the world to make use of temporary geothermal wellheads, which are currently injecting an extra 56 megawatts into the national grid.

OPINION: Time to Reform the Global Casino

By Hazel Henderson
The year 2015 highlights the global shift from traditional money-based, gross domestic product (GDP)-measured economic growth to the new models of sustainable, inclusive human development embodied in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ratified by its 193 member nations.

Opinion: Will African Leaders Fight for our Farmers?

By Sipho Mthathi
Climate change is changing the world we know and love. Our land, homes and food are at risk. With nearly a billion people already living in poverty, it is also the single biggest threat to the fight against hunger.

ASEAN Agreement on Haze? As Clear as Smoke

By Kanis Dursin
A regional agreement on managing transboundary haze caused by fires raging in Indonesia’s forests and peatlands appears all but buried in the embers of frustration of its neighbouring countries.

Opinion: It’s gettin’ hot in here…so take back all your carbon

By Emily Alpert
Africa is getting hot fast. Already battling against the impacts of climate change, temperatures in Africa will rise faster than any other continent. In fact, they are expected to exceed 2 C and may reach as high as 6 C greater than 20th century levels. These rapidly rising temperatures foreshadow increased drought, famine and disease. The most vulnerable populations – of which millions are smallholder farmers – need solutions, and they need them now.

Opinion: Five Key Takeaways from India’s New Climate Plan

By Apurba Mitra, Thomas Damassa, Taryn Fransen, Fred Stolle and Kathleen Mogelgaard
Last week, India announced its new climate plan, also known as its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, or INDC. As the world’s third-largest emitter and a country that’s highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, it is encouraging to witness India investing in actions to tackle climate change while addressing poverty, food security and access to healthcare and education.

The Global South Will Make Its Contribution to Fighting Climate Change

By Diego Arguedas Ortiz
Seen for years as passive actors in the fight against global warming, more than 100 countries of the Global South have submitted their national contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonising their economies.

Brazil’s Expanded Climate Targets Frustrate Environmentalists

By Mario Osava
Brazil’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction programme, hailed as bold, has nevertheless left environmentalists frustrated at its lack of ambition in key aspects.

Opinion: The Party’s Over for U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals

By Adriano Campolina
The Pope has left the U.N. and the traffic in Manhattan is back to normal. The hoard of government delegations, NGOs and civil society representatives are packing up and the press is moving on. The party’s over for the Sustainable Development Goals.

Opinion: Secret Trade Negotiations Threaten Sustainable Development Goals

By Sam Cossar-Gilbert
World leaders and Pope Francis met in New York Friday to announce 'a plan to transform our world', the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brazil and Germany Take Lead in Tackling Climate Change

By Britta Schmitz
Brazil and Germany, the two largest national economies within their respective continents, are taking the lead in tackling climate change through outstanding policies and bilateral relations, according to experts.

Opinion: Maldives Reflects its 50 Years at the U.N.

By Ahmed Sareer
The 70th anniversary of the United Nations, which culminates at the high level segment of the General Assembly this week, has prompted numerous reflections on the organization’s many achievements: from its work to rebuild the world in the aftermath of war to scores of lifesaving health programs and peacekeeping efforts.

Opinion: Indonesia’s Climate Commitment Ahead of Paris Talks

By Taryn Fransen
Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry took a step forward on the road to Paris when it published a draft of its new climate plan, or Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), for public consultation on Sep. 1, 2015. As the world’s sixth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, Indonesia’s climate commitment is an important piece of the global response to climate change.
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