Hong Kong’s first blog for SDG education news and announcements
As the holiday season approaches, many of us feel the pressure to shop. But just a day after Thanksgiving, on November 29th, we have a unique opportunity to take a stand against consumerism—it's Buy Nothing Day. This international event encourages us to refrain from shopping for 24 hours, allowing us to reflect on our consumption habits. Founded in Canada in 1992 by activist Ted Dave, Buy Nothing Day emerged from the anti-consumerist movement, urging people to celebrate what they already have instead of acquiring more. Today, it’s celebrated in over 50 countries, uniting those passionate about protecting our environment and fostering sustainable living. During the holiday season, carbon emissions soar as people travel to shops and purchase goods. By participating in Buy Nothing Day, we can reduce our carbon footprints and communicate the need for sustainable practices to corporations. It's an opportunity to cherish experiences, strengthen connections, and appreciate . . .
With coral reefs in jeopardy, UN emergency meeting seeks to raise money to aid them (Reuters) General Assembly renews long-standing call for end to US embargo against Cuba (UN News) At COP16, Guterres urges world to ‘choose wisely…make peace with nature’ (UN News) Beehive fences are highly effective in reducing human-elephant conflict, but researchers warn of future risks (Science Daily) How Plogging Keeps Us in Shape and Protects the Planet (Happy Eco news) Coffee Grounds for Agriculture Contamination: A Sustainable Solution (Happy Eco news) Solar power to the people: how the sun is bringing light – and TV – to Amazon villages (The Guardian) Africa’s small-scale revolution against big agriculture: five farmers talk greener, better food (The Guardian) Super polluting coal plants fuel economies and the climate crisis (Eco-business) New RSPO rules for sustainable palm oil certification raises concern over deforestation and human right . . .
COP16 kicked off on October 21st in Colombia, focusing on critical environmental challenges. Here are the main issues being addressed: - Climate Change and Ecosystem Resilience: delegates are tackling the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, highlighting the need for strategies that help ecosystems adapt and thrive in changing conditions. - Indigenous Rights and Knowledge: a significant theme at COP16 is the recognition of Indigenous rights and their traditional ecological knowledge. The conference aims to ensure Indigenous communities are included in decision-making processes and that their land rights are respected. - Funding for Conservation: discussions emphasize the urgent need for increased funding for biodiversity initiatives, particularly in the Global South. Delegates are exploring global financial mechanisms, including both public and private contributions, to support conservation efforts. - Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade: the illegal wildlife trade remains . . .
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) . . .
