Hong Kong’s first blog for SDG education news and announcements
In many countries, people breathe the cleanest air in centuries. What can the rest of the world learn from this? (Our World in Data) Some interesting charts on the "Cleantech Revolution” (Hannah Ritchie) What is social justice and how is the UN helping make it a reality? (UN News) Multilateralism: What is it, and why does it matter? (UN News) The Hidden Cost of Secondhand Stores: Are We Consuming Too Much? (Happy Eco news) Converting CO2 and Waste to Bioplastics (Happy Eco news) Handouts are never free. The cruel US aid freeze is an opportunity for the Caribbean (The Guardian) The Ugandan arts centre bringing harmony to Africa’s biggest refugee camp (The Guardian) We can farm more seafood while minimizing its impact on biodiversity (Science Daily) . . .
I recently read an insightful article by Hannah Ritchie on Our World in Data that highlights how many countries are experiencing some of the cleanest air in centuries. This transformation offers valuable lessons for sustainability. Air pollution often worsens before it improves, following a predictable trajectory as countries industrialize. However, advancements in technology and policy can accelerate the transition to cleaner air. For instance, the UK and US have drastically reduced sulfur dioxide emissions through a combination of reduced coal consumption and scrubbing technologies. Meanwhile, China has managed to cut sulfur dioxide emissions while increasing coal use by adopting innovative technologies. The rise of electric vehicles presents a significant opportunity for cleaner transportation, particularly in developing markets. Additionally, international collaboration in sharing knowledge and technology can further enhance improvements in air quality. Ritchie’s article re . . .
Public data on antibiotic use in livestock is incomplete, making it difficult to track how much is used and where (Our World in Data) Do US states with more renewable energy have more expensive electricity? (Hannah Ritchie) Peace by chocolate: One Syrian refugee family’s journey to sweet success (UN News) Scaling up or losing steam? Parliamentarians debate the future of the SDGs (UN News) The United Kingdom to Ditch Bee-Harming Pesticides for Good (Happy Eco news) Ethiopian Wolves Are Carnivores and Pollinators (Happy Eco news) How Nelson Mandela’s Trafalgar Square speech still resonates, 20 years on (The Guardian) Trump’s aid cuts will lead to a surge in propaganda and misinformation, say press freedom groups (The Guardian) Why we need to expand the search for climate-friendly microalgae (Science Daily) . . .
According to a recent report, January 2025 was the hottest January on record, reaching an alarming 1.75°C above pre-industrial levels. This unexpected rise in temperatures, despite the La Niña weather pattern that typically cools things down, highlights the urgent reality of climate change. This marks the 18th month in the last 19 where temperatures exceeded 1.5°C, mainly due to human activities like burning fossil fuels. The impacts are being felt globally, with heavy rains and flooding in Europe, while regions like northern Africa and the UK are experiencing unusual dryness. As this UN article emphasizes, we need to pay attention to these alarming trends and recognize that the time for action is now. Our planet's future depends on how we respond to these challenges. . . .
If we can make maternal deaths as rare as in the healthiest countries, we can save 275,000 mothers each year (Our World in Data) How many people died in disasters in 2024? (Hannah Ritchie) ‘Step Up the Pace’ and end female genital mutilation, UN says (UN News) It’s official: January was the warmest on record (UN News) Rethinking energy demand can foster sustainable development and reduce emissions from buildings and transport (Science Daily) Hamburg Green Network: Balancing Growth and Green Space (Happy Eco news) How Barcelona Subway Power Generation is Changing the Future of Urban Transit (Happy Eco news) ‘How often do you see Palestinian stories in fiction?’: the film-maker trying to adjust our focus (The Guardian) Jeff Bezos fund ends support for climate group amid fears billionaires ‘bowing down’ to Trump (The Guardian) . . .
Scaling up: how increasing inputs has made artificial intelligence more capable (Our World in Data) How much food did the world produce in 2024? (Hannah Ritchie) Global education must integrate AI, centred on humanity (UN News) What is the World Health Organization and why does it matter? (UN News) How improving education could close maternal heart health gaps (Science Daily) We May Be the First Sustainable Generation: Hannah Ritchie, Data Scientist (Happy Eco news) Rewilding Cattle Pastures in a Few Wealthy Countries Will Deliver Huge Climate Benefits (Happy Eco news) ‘A constant state of panic’: how war in Gaza triggered new wave of depression and insomnia among Palestinian refugees from 1967 war (The Guardian) ICC chief prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Taliban leaders over persecution of women (The Guardian) . . .
In our interconnected world, the World Health Organization (WHO) is a key player in keeping us healthy and safe. Since its founding in 1948, the WHO has tackled all sorts of health challenges, from infectious diseases to new technologies. Its role has become even more crucial, especially with recent news about Donald Trump's decision to pull the U.S. out of the organization. The WHO is all about teamwork. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it helped get vaccines to people around the globe and provided vital guidance to countries. It also fights health inequalities, making sure everyone, especially those in low-resource areas, has access to essential health services. Plus, it steps in during emergencies, delivering medical supplies to places like Gaza and Ukraine when they need it most. Trump's announcement to withdraw raises concerns about funding and global teamwork. Without strong collaboration, we could struggle to respond effectively to future health crises, affecting millions. The WH . . .
The great global redistributor we never hear about: money sent or brought back by migrants (Our World in Data) How much food did the world produce in 2024? (Hannah Ritchie) Guterres highlights ‘hope through action’ for 2025, amid continuing turmoil (UN News) New era of crisis for children, as global conflicts intensify and inequality worsens (UN News) Could this fundamental discovery revolutionize fertilizer use in farming? (Science Daily) Sri Lanka Mangrove Restoration Plan to Expand Forests by Over 50% (Happy Eco news) Recycled Tires Power Solar Device for Clean Water and Pollution Control (Happy Eco news) Biden to remove Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism (The Guardian) Nobel prize winners call for urgent ‘moonshot’ effort to avert global hunger catastrophe (The Guardian) . . .
