Hong Kong’s first blog for SDG education news and announcements
The language of sustainability and environmentalism is coming more into the public consciousness worldwide and so too the names of important organizations, frameworks, events. People are increasingly able to recognize the 2030 Agenda and probably know that the SDGs are central to its aims. Most would be able to make a good guess at its vision and principles as well. But how many would understand Means of Implementation and FUR? But, these are the very means by which the SDGs and their targets are achieved. By knowing what we are doing, how we are doing it and then checking how well it is working and making adjustments. . . .
Diners more likely to choose a vegetarian option when 75% of the menu is meat-free – new research (The Conversation) Rapid systemic change is needed: slashing emissions in cities (Eco-Business) Putting carbon offsets in perspective (Eco-Business) Infarm raises $200m to support global expansion of vertical farms (BusinessGreen) Google accused of breaching promise to stop cashing in on climate denial (BusinessGreen) Study Finds 55 Chemicals of High-Concern Used in Building Materials (IISD) A ‘false solution’? How crypto mining became the oil industry’s new hope (The Guardian) . . .
We are probably all familiar with the term GDP, even if we are not all quite sure what it means or really is. But for many years, despite many a voice (such as Bobby Kennedy’s famous speech) pointing out the failings of using it as a measure of economic success or a legitimate target of economic policy, it has been and continues to be the most commonly used economic indicator. To update Kennedy’s sentiments we can now see how GDP fails to distinguish between “good” or sustainable production and “bad” or unsustainable, linear production. This article in The Conversation takes a look at the issue and suggests alternatives such as gross ecosystem Product. Well worth a read. . . .
Solidarity is identified in the Millennium Declaration as one of the fundamental values of international relations in the 21st Century, wherein those, who either suffer or benefit least deserve help from those who benefit most. Consequently, in the context of globalization and the challenge of growing inequality, strengthening of international solidarity is indispensable. Therefore, the UN General Assembly, convinced that the promotion of the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing is important for combating poverty, proclaimed 20 of December as International Human Solidarity Day. This is further reinforced by the 2030 Agenda as sustainable development is centred on people & planet, underpinned by human rights and supported by a global partnership determined to lift people out of poverty, hunger and disease. It will, thus, be built on a foundation of global cooperation and solidarity. . . .
'Orange Nature': Mobile giant injects €50m into carbon removal projects in support of net zero target (BusinessGreen) How green is Asian tech? C+ at best: Greenpeace (Eco-Business) Energy firms want APAC governments to step up in the energy transition (Eco-Business) We should ban all new oil and gas fields (The Conversation) Majority of universities in UK ‘not on track to meet emissions targets’ (The Guardian) Batman loach returns: fish feared extinct found in Turkey (The Guardian) Fields of Plastics (IISD) . . .
McDonalds gets its fair share of bad press. But to be fair, there is a lot of good about the great evil corporate food giant. It cannot be denied that they provide cheap, affordable food the world over. And often much more besides such as a warm place for the homeless to get some shelter and toilets that those caught short can access. It may not make up for the damage they do to the environment and our bodies with their industrial “food” but it is always worth noting very few things are just bad. Now they have opened their first net zero restaurant in the UK which has on-site renewable energy, recycled insulation and cladding in the build, and refurbished machinery amongst others. See it all here. . . .
This piece in The Conversation by Kian Mintz-Woo raises an interesting point about where to put the carbon we sequester from the atmosphere as part of attempts to limit emissions and therefore global heating. While the answer for natural methods such as tree and seaweed planting might simply be “everywhere” it is a bit harder than might be expected when looking at more technological solutions. Many of the “best” places for storage are in places that have falling carbon emissions. Should they import sequestered carbon? Do we need to build storage into business models in places still increasing carbon emissions? Lots of interesting points demonstrating sustainability decisions are never easy. . . .
Why increased rainfall in the Arctic is bad news for the whole world (The Conversation) Can Mushrooms Eliminate Plastic? (IISD) Reports Explore Shifting Roles of Stakeholders, Auditors in SDG Follow-up (IISD) United Airlines flies passenger aircraft using 100 per cent biofuel engine (BusinessGreen) World set to add record 290GW of renewable power capacity in 2021 (BusinessGreen) . . .
