Hong Kong’s first blog for SDG education news and announcements
What's on the agenda at the COP16 nature summit in Colombia? (Reuters) World court faces ‘unprecedented number’ of cases (UN News) Combining satellite methods provides drought detection from space (Science Daily) Can Branded Giveaways Be Eco-Friendly? (Happy Eco news) Vegan and Cruelty-Free Skincare Is More Than a Trend: It’s a Movement (Happy Eco news) A Colombian warlord became the Amazon rainforest’s most unlikely protector. Now he is cutting it down (The Guardian) Urban green spaces have vital role in cutting heat-related deaths, study finds (The Guardian) Marine conservationist ‘trepidatious’ over role of blue carbon credits in protecting ocean (Eco-business) Are biodiversity credits doomed to repeat the voluntary carbon market’s flaws? (Eco-business) These Florida domed homes have survived category 5 hurricanes (BBC News) . . .
The fashion industry is a massive economic force, valued at approximately $1.7 trillion in 2023. However, the rise of fast fashion, marked by rapidly produced, trendy styles at low prices, poses significant environmental and social challenges. This shift has transformed our shopping habits, with clothing production doubling since 2000. Many people now treat low-priced garments as disposable, often discarding items after just seven wears. The environmental impact is staggering: for every five garments produced, three end up in landfills or are incinerated. Textile production contributes 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year, surpassing all emissions from international flights and maritime shipping combined. This cycle of overconsumption contributes significantly to climate change. The Path to Sustainability: Sustainable Materials: Brands can source eco-friendly materials to reduce their carbon footprints. Ethical Labour Practices: Fair wages and safe w . . .
Nearly half the world’s 1.1 billion poor live in conflict settings (UN News) WORLD FOOD DAY LIVE: Finding solutions to global hunger (UN News) From Doom to Boom: The Surprising Eco Consumerism Trend (Happy Eco news) Brazil’s National Climate Curriculum (Happy Eco news) Negative stereotypes in international media cost Africa £3.2bn a year – report (The Guardian) The essential ingredient of any vaccination programme? Women (The Guardian) Asia’s poorest countries owe twice as much in debt as they receive in climate finance: IIED (Eco-business) How fast is biodiversity declining globally? (Eco-business) Nitrogen pollution and rising carbon dioxide: A joint threat to grassland biodiversity? (Science Daily) Canadian climate lawsuit by young people could sway global cases (Reuters) Nepal's inventive use for waste placentas (BBC News) . . .
I recently came across this interesting video released by National Geographic about sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture rejects industrial farming in favour of practices that mimic natural ecological processes. By minimising tilling, promoting healthy soil through crop rotation, and fostering natural pest control, it aims to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Embracing broader principles, such as fair treatment of farm workers and fair food pricing, sustainable agriculture offers a holistic approach to addressing the environmental and social implications of food production. Critics raise concerns about lower crop yields and higher land use, but proponents argue that with increased efficiency, sustainably farmed lands can be as productive as conventionally farmed ones. Overall, sustainable agriculture plays a critical role in ensuring food security and reducing the environmental impact of food production, offering a promising path towards a more secu . . .
Water is ‘canary in the coalmine’ of climate change: WMO (UN News) The week the world comes to Manhattan: Looking back at UNGA79 (UN News) Global EV Charging Market Set for Explosive Growth (Happy Eco news) Global Tribunal Highlights Fossil Fuel Environmental Impact Cases (Happy Eco news) Gang violence leaves Haiti facing ‘worst hunger emergency in the western hemisphere’ (The Guardian) ‘Gamechanger’ HIV prevention drug to be made available cheaply in 120 countries (The Guardian) Disease and malnutrition stalk water-scarce Afghanistan (Eco-business) Can regenerative agriculture make palm oil sustainable? (Eco-business) Climate report warns of escalating crisis, urges immediate action as UN summit nears (Science Daily) Global energy-related CO2 emissions set to peak this year, consultancy DNV says (Reuters) How satellites are mapping the future of turtle conservation (BBC News) . . .
Did we all forget about the SDGs? I ran across an old article today titled, ‘The United States Can’t Afford to Forget about the Sustainable Development Goals,’ written a mere year after they were first announced as replacements for the original Millennium Development Goals, and I came to a startling realization – I am shocked at how few people I speak with on a regular basis either have never heard of the SDGs or had completely forgotten about their existence. Rarely do they pop-up in mainstream news, nor are they referenced in the rhetoric of most political figures we see in the news every day. I find it appalling they are not topics found outside of a geography classroom or other strictly academic setting. Everyone wants the world to be a better place (I’d hope), yet not that many have the wherewithal to do anything about it. The Goals were established with this in mind and every initiative of every target has something actionable behind it that we shou . . .
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, . . .
