In this ClimaTalk guest feature, African climate activists are demanding a fairer system for climate adaptation finance ahead of COP29.
The 2024 Virtual Island Summit highlighted the challenges faced and sustainable solutions being developed by island communities across multiple sectors and industries. COP29 CEO Elnur Soltanov announced the Presidency’s commitment to the NCQG and the finalization of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, setting the stage for climate finance negotiations in Baku. St. Kitts and Nevis was revealed as the next location for the Global Sustainable Island Summit (GSIS). The 2025 event will focus on the nexus between water sustainability & energy, agricultural resilience & climate adaptation, climate-health interactions and geothermal energy.
The relocation of Indonesia's capital from Jakarta to Nusantara is framed as a solution to the environmental crisis facing the sinking city, yet this narrative overlooks deeper issues of environmental justice. The relocation raises significant concerns, including land degradation, displacement of Indigenous communities, social inequality, and overlooked environmental issues. Without a more inclusive and sustainable approach, the relocation could exacerbate inequalities in both the new and old capitals.
Australia was the first country to designate a Wetland of International Importance under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, otherwise known as the Ramsar Convention. Cobourg Peninsula is one of 67 Australian Ramsar wetlands, covering 8.3 million hectares; globally there are over 2,500 Ramsar sites today, covering more than 250 million hectares. Cobourg Peninsula is jointly managed by the Garig and Iwaidja Arrarrkbi peoples through the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park and the Northern Territory Government, namely the Parks and Wildlife Commission.
Economic instability and social inequality in resource-rich nations, often referred to as the "resource curse," are rooted in the extractivist economic model. Neo-extractivism, while aiming to allocate resource revenues to social welfare, often perpetuates detrimental cycles of exploitation. Despite reformist intentions, neo-extractivism can lead to severe social and environmental issues as seen in countries like Honduras and Ecuador.
Environmental education is essential for building a sustainable future, as it empowers individuals and communities to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. By integrating practical skills and fostering a sense of agency, it promotes active citizenship and sustainable practices, such as conservation and resource management. Inclusive and equitable environmental education ensures that marginalized groups, who are often most vulnerable to climate change, are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance resilience and drive long-term environmental stewardship.
Gender inequality heightens the impact of climate change on women, particularly in developing regions with significant socio-economic vulnerabilities. Women's critical roles in climate mitigation, such as sustainable agriculture and resource management, are often undervalued due to systemic gender inequalities. Incorporating gender perspectives into climate policies is crucial for enhancing mitigation effectiveness and achieving equitable outcomes.
The UNDP's Peoples' Climate Vote 2024 survey reveals growing global concern about climate change and a strong demand for more ambitious climate action. Unlike the 2021 survey, the 2024 results show increased climate anxiety across all age groups, with a significant majority advocating for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels and better protection from extreme weather. This widespread concern underscores the urgent need for policymakers to balance mitigation efforts with adaptation strategies to address the climate crisis effectively.
Green energy projects pose risks to Indigenous communities, including land grabbing and biodiversity loss. To ensure a just and equitable transition to renewables, climate justice and intersectionality must be central to a just transition.
Five Just Stop Oil campaigners have been handed record prison sentences of up to five years for planning disruptive protests in the UK.