Hong Kong’s first blog for SDG education news and announcements
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) . . .
Urbanization often carries a negative connotation, associated with overcrowded cities, pollution, and unsustainable practices. However, this perspective overlooks the potential of well-planned urban areas to promote sustainability and enhance quality of life. This blog post will explore how thoughtful urban development can lead to efficient resource use and reduced carbon footprints. Efficient Resource Use Urban areas can concentrate populations in a smaller geographic footprint, which allows for more efficient use of resources. This density enables better infrastructure, such as public transportation, which reduces reliance on personal vehicles. With effective public transit systems, cities can decrease traffic congestion and lower greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Sustainable Transportation Options Well-planned urban environments prioritize walking, cycling, and public transport. Cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen have set examples by investing in extensive cyc . . .
Who would have won the Simon-Ehrlich bet over different decades, and what do long-term prices tell us about resource scarcity? (Our World in Data) Could low-carbon cement and steel be cheaper than we think? (Hannah Ritchie) Confirmed: 2024 was the hottest year on record, says UN weather agency (UN News) WHO continues to urge China to share data five years after COVID-19 (UN News) New method turns e-waste to gold (Science Daily) Global Electric Vehicle Sales on Track for Record 16.7 Million in 2024 (Happy Eco news) Revolutionary Solvent Removes 98% of Nanoplastics from Water (Happy Eco news) Kenya court rules that criminalising attempted suicide is unconstitutional (The Guardian) ‘We would turn up to find books on fire’: the teachers risking kidnap and death to keep Burkina Faso’s schools open (The Guardian) . . .
I recently read the article The False Dichotomy of Systemic and Individual Behaviour Change, and it got me thinking about climate action. The article breaks down the debate around whether the responsibility lies with big corporations and governments or with individuals making lifestyle changes. The idea that it’s one or the other is misleading, because both systemic change and individual actions are very important - and interlinked. For example, if the government invests in public transport but people aren’t willing to switch from cars, those efforts fall flat. When we make more sustainable choices, like using public transport or buying electric cars, we send a signal to businesses and policymakers that this is what we want. The article also points out that just encouraging individual change isn’t enough; we need to make it easy and affordable. In the end, tackling climate change requires us to see how individual actions and systemic change work together. By underst . . .
How do countries measure immigration, and how accurate is this data? (Our World in Data) The false dichotomy of systemic and individual behaviour change (Hannah Ritchie) Recruitment of child soldiers is on the rise, despite global commitments (UN News) 2024 to become the hottest year on record (UN News) New method turns e-waste to gold (Science Daily) Saving Forests by Moving Trees: Climate Change Forestry (Happy Eco news) How to Have a Positive Environmental Impact All Year Long (Happy Eco news) Are we ready for another pandemic? (The Guardian) Fighting for change: why the road to parliament is still rocky for women across Africa (The Guardian) . . .
I recently read an insightful article on Happy Eco News titled The Link Between Trade Finance, Economic Stability, and the Environment. It highlights the often-overlooked role of trade finance in our global economy. Trade finance includes essential services that facilitate international transactions. These mechanisms not only streamline trade but also contribute to economic stability by providing liquidity and minimizing risks. This is particularly beneficial for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to compete in global markets. The article emphasizes how trade finance can promote environmental sustainability. Financial institutions that incorporate environmental criteria into lending encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices, creating a cycle of responsibility. However, environmental challenges like climate change also pose risks to trade finance, underscoring the need for a balance between economic growth and environmental protection. With advancements in . . .
Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance (Our World in Data) How much energy does desalinisation use? Is it “absurdly cheap”? (Hannah Ritchie) UN General Assembly adopts milestone cybercrime treaty (UN News) UN World Court concludes landmark hearings on States’ responsibility for climate change (UN News) How the freezer factors into lowering food waste (Science Daily) The Link Between Trade Finance, Economic Stability, and the Environment (Happy Eco news) Moo Deng, the Pygmy Hippo Star Bringing Conservation Into the Spotlight (Happy Eco news) At least 6,000 inmates escape Mozambique jail amid post-election riots (The Guardian) . . .
