Facebook Youtube Linkedin Instagram
Articles
Podcast
Interviews
Videos
Tags
Adaptation Strategies Biodiversity Business Circular economy Cities & Coasts Clean Energy Climate Action Climate Change Impacts Climate Finance Climate Policy COP24 COP26 COP27 COP28 COP29 Covid-19 ecca2025 Energy Energy Efficiency Energy transition Environmental intelligence Foresight Dialogues Forests Future Earth GHG emissions Global Media Global Policy Health Home featured content IPCC Jobs & Growth Kyoto Protocol Land Loss and Damage Media & Communication Migrations & Inequalities Mitigation Ocean Paris Agreement Renewables Resources SDGs - Sustainable Development Goals Society Sustainability Water & Food
Facebook Youtube Linkedin Instagram

Francesco Bassetti

The Green Climate Fund Must Focus on Adaptation  

Historically adaptation projects have received less funding than ones for mitigation. Furthermore, the burden of implementing adaptation is falling ever more on the public sector, whereas for mitigation private sector interest and investments are on the rise. This is leading to consequences in how climate finance allocates resources which are failing to support at risk areas and Least Developed Countries. The Green Climate Fund aims to bridge this funding gap and has secured its second round of funding, this time obtaining 9.78 billion USD in pledges. 

The Green Wave Takes Swiss Elections by Storm

On the 20th October 2019, the Swiss elections came to a close with a surprising outcome: Green parties gained an unprecedented share of the vote and for the first time could get a seat in the coalition that governs Switzerland. After advances by Green parties in the European parliamentary elections, climate change continues to play a key role in politics, as public opinion is ever more influenced by the effective communication of climate science.

Looking for Leaders? Look at Smart Cities

With urban populations continuing to grow and contributing more than their fair share of global emissions, cities must step up and fulfil their potential as sources of solutions to the climate crisis. Initiatives such as C40 smart cities can help catalyse ambitious climate action plans in line with science-based targets. The latest C40 meeting in Copenhagen shows that there is a growing drive for cities to take the lead in generating positive change.

The Cruel Irony of Climate Debt

Not only does climate change have a more significant impact on the economies of lower income countries, these also have to pay more for adaptation, recovery and redevelopment loans, leading them into the climate debt trap. With the added “cruel irony” that those less responsible for climate change are being made to pay a larger share of the price.

What We Do Now Will Define the Oceans and Cryosphere of the Future

A new IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere claims that we still have time to avert some of the worst effects of climate change. Although painting a dire picture, which reveals the pervasive effects of global warming, the Report also highlights the significant benefits of limiting global warming by emphasising how lower emission scenarios will have reduced impacts on the wellbeing of oceans and the cryosphere.

As the Climate Crisis Advances is it Time to Retreat?

Responding to a changing climate can be both a challenge and an opportunity. A new policy paper published in the journal Science advocates a strategic and managed climate retreat, curbing new developments in at risk areas and shifting the focus from ad hoc disaster measures to efficient and equitable retreat strategies.

Addressing Wildlife Trade with Science and Local Knowledge

Due to human activity we are currently undergoing Earth’s sixth mass extinction. Delegations from all over the world came together in Switzerland at the CITES conference to debate how to protect over 500 endangered species by regulating wildlife trade. 

The Effects of Wildfires on a Zero Carbon Future

With July reported to have been the hottest month on record it came with no shortage of natural disasters. Arctic wildfires ravaging the northern hemisphere’s woodlands grabbed media attention. Understanding their impacts can help dictate policy decisions for greenhouse gas emission reduction schemes so as to remain well below the 2ºC mark.

The outdoor industry’s troubled relationship with nature

The outdoor industry is a booming business as more and more people take to the outdoors for recreational activities. However, enjoying being in nature doesn’t always translate into environmental awareness and the outdoor industry itself is contributing little towards maintaining the natural environments that its customers rely on. With a growing consumer base and increased economic clout this sector has the potential to help educate people on the current climate crisis.

Nuclear Power Feeling the Heat

For the second time in less than one month Europe has been hit by an extreme heatwave. This time high temperatures have caused French nuclear power stations to decrease energy outputs due to unsafe levels of heat.

Renewable Energy: Powering Jobs and Growth

A record breaking 11 million jobs in 2018: as renewables continue to generate employment, policy makers and businesses are beginning to see beyond the purely environmental benefits and recognise the broad socio-economic opportunities and benefits that renewables can bring