Hong Kong’s first blog for SDG education news and announcements
In a recent article on Forbes, Mirek Dusek from the World Economic Forum looks at the opportunities presented in the Intelligent Age for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are currently seeing a concerning lack of progress towards achieving the SDGs, with only 17% of the targets on track. However, Dusek points out that the Intelligent Age, characterised by rapid technological advancement, renewable energy, and the digital economy, has the potential to accelerate progress. It presents opportunities to unlock economic growth and address specific challenges related to resource management, financial inclusion and education. Dusek stresses the importance of open, affordable, and accessible innovation to ensure that the Intelligent Age contributes to building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive societies. The article also emphasises the need for international collaboration to address the challenges of the SDGs and unlock the full potential of the Intelligent Age. Read . . .
Sustainable development is a crucial concept in today's world, aiming to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. However, there are several misconceptions and myths surrounding sustainable development that need to be addressed. In this blog post, we will debunk common myths and shed light on the realities of sustainable development. Myth 1: Sustainable Development is Only About Environmental Conservation Reality: While environmental conservation is a vital aspect of sustainable development, it also encompasses social equity and economic prosperity. Sustainable development seeks to balance environmental, social, and economic goals for a more inclusive and resilient future. Myth 2: Sustainable Development is Expensive and Impractical Reality: While certain sustainable practices may require initial investments, the long-term benefits often outweigh the costs. Sustainable development can lead to resource efficiency, . . .
UN deputy chief urges leaders to increase innovation amid global crises (UN News) ‘Irrefutable’ need for global regulation of AI: UN experts (UN News) Urban Beekeeping: Honey Havens in Concrete Jungles (Happy Eco news) Sweden cuts tax on flying despite admitting it would increase emissions (The Guardian) ‘We empower ourselves’: the women cleaning up Bolivia’s Lake Uru Uru (The Guardian) How does Indonesia’s palm oil industry fuel the climate crisis? (Eco-business) Aggressive hiring of sustainability talent from consultancies is creating expertise gap: recruiter (Eco-business) Critical crops' alternative way to succeed in heat and drought (Science Daily) World Bank climate finance reaches record $42.6 bln in fiscal 2024 (Reuters) Will sustainable aviation fuels take off? (BBC News) . . .
Launching your own sustainable initiative is an impactful way to contribute to a better future for both current and future generations. Whether you're passionate about renewable energy, zero-waste living, or eco-friendly products, here are some tips to help you succeed in launching your sustainable initiative: Define Your Mission and Goals: Having a clear mission will guide your initiative and align your efforts. Research and Planning: Understand the issue you're addressing, learn from existing solutions, and identify potential challenges. Engage Your Community: Building a supportive network can amplify the impact of your initiative and inspire collective action. Embrace Innovation: Incorporate innovative solutions and technologies to enhance the effectiveness of your initiative. Measure and Communicate Impact: Tracking benefits and outcomes will demonstrate its effectiveness and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices. For more advice and . . .
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Call for ‘solutions across the board’ as 79th General Assembly opens (UN News) ‘Incalculable cost’ of conflict on the lives of children (UN News) 2024: The Climate Election (Happy Eco news) G20 countries turning backs on fossil fuel pledge, say campaigners (The Guardian) ‘The world’s simply not noticing’: 2024 likely to be deadliest year for aid workers (The Guardian) The solar pump revolution could bring water to millions of Africans but it must be sustainable and fair (The Guardian) Digital transformation key to future-proofing climate-stressed Southeast Asia: report (Eco-business) Reducing ‘overconsumption’ of meat and dairy could cut one-sixth of food emissions (Eco-business) Uncollected waste and open burning leading causes of the plastic pollution crisis (Science Daily) Fear of 'lost generation' as Gaza school year begins with all classes shut (Reuters) Bolivia declares n . . .
Image by piviso from Pixabay Sustainable tourism has emerged as a crucial conversation in our rapidly changing world, where the environmental and cultural footprints of travellers are becoming increasingly evident. The topic of this post was inspired by a poignant article from The Guardian: "Tourist boom threatens to swamp Indian mountain town where Dalai Lama took refuge," it is clear that while travel has the potential to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, it also carries the risk of overwhelming fragile communities and ecosystems. In the case of McLeod Ganj, nestled in the Indian Himalayas, the influx of tourists seeking spiritual solace and Tibetan culture has led to significant challenges, including overcrowding, pollution, and the erosion of local traditions. To embrace sustainable tourism, it is imperative that both visitors and the tourism industry adopt practices that prioritise the well-being of local communities and environments. This mean . . .
Make AI work for everyone, UN chief says (UN News) The Taliban’s harsh new ‘vice and virtue’ laws are a throwback to the oppression of the 1990s – especially for the women of Afghanistan (The Conversation) New Solar Heat Technology to Decarbonize Steel and Cement Production (Happy Eco news) ‘Typhoons have prevented me going to school’: The children behind South Korea’s landmark climate win (The Guardian) Gender equality stalling or going backwards for 1bn women and girls (The Guardian) Saving the faltering energy SDG (Eco-business) Toxic, deadly, cheap: Life for women gold miners in the Philippines (Eco-business) Agricultural impact of flooding (Science Daily) Brazil's Amazon rainforest fires in August reach 14-year high (Reuters) Comment: Why compostable packaging can't absolve us of our single-use sins (Reuters) . . .
Recently, I listened to a thought-provoking podcast that delved into the intersection of climate change and child marriage. The podcast highlighted the alarming statistics revealed in a 2023 report by Save the Children titled “Girls at the centre of the storm: Her planet, her future, her solutions.” One of the most striking findings was that around two-thirds of child marriages occur in regions with higher-than-average climate risks. This revelation sheds light on the profound effects of climate change on communities, particularly in vulnerable regions. For example, extreme weather events such as droughts and floods can disrupt livelihoods, leading to increased economic hardship and food insecurity. This, in turn, can exacerbate social issues such as child marriage as families grapple with the impacts of climate change. The report emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address these interconnected challenges. It underscores the importance of integrating . . .
