Hong Kong’s first blog for SDG education news and announcements
Launching your own sustainable initiative is an impactful way to contribute to a better future for both current and future generations. Whether you're passionate about renewable energy, zero-waste living, or eco-friendly products, here are some tips to help you succeed in launching your sustainable initiative: Define Your Mission and Goals: Having a clear mission will guide your initiative and align your efforts. Research and Planning: Understand the issue you're addressing, learn from existing solutions, and identify potential challenges. Engage Your Community: Building a supportive network can amplify the impact of your initiative and inspire collective action. Embrace Innovation: Incorporate innovative solutions and technologies to enhance the effectiveness of your initiative. Measure and Communicate Impact: Tracking benefits and outcomes will demonstrate its effectiveness and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices. For more advice and mentorshi . . .
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Call for ‘solutions across the board’ as 79th General Assembly opens (UN News) ‘Incalculable cost’ of conflict on the lives of children (UN News) 2024: The Climate Election (Happy Eco news) G20 countries turning backs on fossil fuel pledge, say campaigners (The Guardian) ‘The world’s simply not noticing’: 2024 likely to be deadliest year for aid workers (The Guardian) The solar pump revolution could bring water to millions of Africans but it must be sustainable and fair (The Guardian) Digital transformation key to future-proofing climate-stressed Southeast Asia: report (Eco-business) Reducing ‘overconsumption’ of meat and dairy could cut one-sixth of food emissions (Eco-business) Uncollected waste and open burning leading causes of the plastic pollution crisis (Science Daily) Fear of 'lost generation' as Gaza school year begins with all classes shut (Reuters) Bolivia declares n . . .
Image by piviso from Pixabay Sustainable tourism has emerged as a crucial conversation in our rapidly changing world, where the environmental and cultural footprints of travellers are becoming increasingly evident. The topic of this post was inspired by a poignant article from The Guardian: "Tourist boom threatens to swamp Indian mountain town where Dalai Lama took refuge," it is clear that while travel has the potential to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, it also carries the risk of overwhelming fragile communities and ecosystems. In the case of McLeod Ganj, nestled in the Indian Himalayas, the influx of tourists seeking spiritual solace and Tibetan culture has led to significant challenges, including overcrowding, pollution, and the erosion of local traditions. To embrace sustainable tourism, it is imperative that both visitors and the tourism industry adopt practices that prioritise the well-being of local communities and environments. This mean . . .
Make AI work for everyone, UN chief says (UN News) The Taliban’s harsh new ‘vice and virtue’ laws are a throwback to the oppression of the 1990s – especially for the women of Afghanistan (The Conversation) New Solar Heat Technology to Decarbonize Steel and Cement Production (Happy Eco news) ‘Typhoons have prevented me going to school’: The children behind South Korea’s landmark climate win (The Guardian) Gender equality stalling or going backwards for 1bn women and girls (The Guardian) Saving the faltering energy SDG (Eco-business) Toxic, deadly, cheap: Life for women gold miners in the Philippines (Eco-business) Agricultural impact of flooding (Science Daily) Brazil's Amazon rainforest fires in August reach 14-year high (Reuters) Comment: Why compostable packaging can't absolve us of our single-use sins (Reuters) . . .
Recently, I listened to a thought-provoking podcast that delved into the intersection of climate change and child marriage. The podcast highlighted the alarming statistics revealed in a 2023 report by Save the Children titled “Girls at the centre of the storm: Her planet, her future, her solutions.” One of the most striking findings was that around two-thirds of child marriages occur in regions with higher-than-average climate risks. This revelation sheds light on the profound effects of climate change on communities, particularly in vulnerable regions. For example, extreme weather events such as droughts and floods can disrupt livelihoods, leading to increased economic hardship and food insecurity. This, in turn, can exacerbate social issues such as child marriage as families grapple with the impacts of climate change. The report emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address these interconnected challenges. It underscores the importance of integrating c . . .
Image by Suzal Gurung from Pixabay ‘Lessons of the past forgotten’ as nuclear proliferation continues (UN News) What is sea level rise and why does it matter to our future? (UN News) How much microplastic are you drinking? New tool can tell you in minutes (Science Daily) ‘Humanity is failing’: official report warns our chance to save the Great Barrier Reef is fast closing (The Conversation) Hydrogen Trains Gaining Momentum (Happy Eco news) Slow the growth, save the world? Why declining birth rates need not mean an end to prosperity (The Guardian) ‘Frightening’ Taliban law bans women from speaking in public (The Guardian) China’s pipeline of future coal plants set to shrink with sharp drop in new permit approvals (Eco-business) Five charts: How climate change is driving up food prices around the world (Eco-business) Hong Kong turns to green energy (HKTDC) . . .
Image by Sadegh Shafiee from Pixabay Mythbuster: breaking down recycling myths Recycling contributes to a circular economy by reducing waste sent to landfills, conserving natural resources, and minimizing environmental impact. It helps close the loop on resource consumption and waste generation, creating a more sustainable system. Let’s look at some common recycling myths. Myth 1: recycling doesn't save energy One common misconception about recycling is that it doesn't save energy. In reality, recycling is an energy-saving process that reduces the need for new materials, which require more energy to produce. For instance, recycling paper uses 40% less energy than making new paper from raw materials. Myth 2: all paper can be recycled Not all paper can be recycled. Paper contaminated with food or grease cannot be recycled as it can contaminate the entire batch. Check with your local recycling program to see which paper types are accepted. Myth 3: A product labelled . . .
Image by xiSerge from Pixabay Tracking the extent of homelessness around the world (Our World In Data) Mpox: What you need to know about the latest public health emergency (UN News) Scientists achieve more than 98% efficiency removing nanoplastics from water (Science Daily) Warming waters and nutrient overload: A dangerous combination threatening our rivers and lakes (Science Daily) New genetically engineered wood can store carbon and reduce emissions (Science Daily) If we want more solar and wind farms, we need to get locals on board by ensuring they all benefit too (The Conversation) How protectionism can help developing countries unlock their economic potential (The Conversation) Sustainability Isn’t Just Skin Deep—Are You Paying Attention to Your Factories? (Sourcing Journal) Countries' climate obligations could be legally defined at top UN court in December (UN News) Corporate sustainability is maturing, not disappearing (Fast Company) Unexploded o . . .
