New how-to guide speeds global race for renewable energy
WFP/Dina El Kassaby
Authored by energy ministers and experts from throughout the globe, the Resourcing the Energy Transition report provides a road map for a more affluent, cleaner, and environmentally friendly future. A just and equitable transition is emphasized in the paper, which focuses on crucial minerals for the energy transition necessary for renewable energy technology. A global mining legacy fund, a worldwide framework for traceability, transparency, and accountability, the formation of a high-level expert advisory group, and the launch of an initiative to empower artisanal and small-scale miners are some of the main recommendations. The significance of collaboration, fairness, equality, and progress in human rights is also emphasized in the report. The panel’s suggestions are intended to speed the transition to renewable energy sources, guarantee just and ethical value chains for essential minerals, and keep global warming to 1.5°C. Large quantities of these minerals give developing nations a chance to revolutionize their economies and generate green jobs. To put the report’s recommendations into practice and guarantee a sustainable and prosperous future for all, the UN Secretary-General has urged cooperation and action.
Southeast Asia’s protected areas could do better with more resources
An international team of researchers discovered that more than half of Southeast Asia’s 80 recently created protected areas were unable to stop deforestation, which resulted in a decline in biodiversity and an increase in carbon emissions. According to the study, understaffing and inadequate budget are to blame for this. Significant financial resources and qualified staff are needed to efficiently administer protected areas. According to the researchers, to enhance management, the 44 ineffective protected sites in the study would require at least US$17 million. They recommend Southeast Asian nations look at nature-based carbon credits and carbon markets to get extra money. Although the study acknowledges the importance of protecting area expansion, it also highlights the necessity of ensuring the efficacy of these areas through appropriate funding and management. Instead of creating new, possibly pointless protected zones, governments ought to think about rerouting resources to enhance already existing ones.
Half the world lacks social protection amid climate crisis, ILO warns
© UNICEF/Sultan Mahmud Mukut
As per the World Social Protection Report 2024–2026, 1.8 billion children and 52.4% of the global population are still uninsured despite having access to at least one social protection benefit. Climate change is making these differences worse, according to ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, who has called it the biggest danger to social justice. 91.3% of the people in vulnerable countries lack social protection, making them exceptionally difficult to live in. These are the 20 most climate-affected countries. The percentage of women and children who do not have access to effective coverage is high—76.1% worldwide. By ensuring access to healthcare, securing income, and fostering green economic transitions, social protection can be extremely helpful in assisting communities in adapting to climate change. On the other hand, underinvestment and enduring gaps prevent governments from realizing their full potential. Though they require $308.5 billion yearly to ensure basic coverage, low-income countries only invest 0.8% of GDP in social safety, compared to high-income nations’ 16.2%. As a way to support climate mitigation and adaptation while guaranteeing public support for the shift to a greener economy, the ILO urges governments to prioritize social protection and advocates for swift, comprehensive legislative action to bridge these gaps.
Investing in clean air can save lives and combat climate change
Unsplash/Luca Baggio
The International Day for Clean Air and Blue Skies emphasizes how crucial it is to make clean air investments to address the negative effects that air pollution has on the environment, human health, and the economy. To decrease the use of fossil fuels, switch to clean cooking, and improve air quality monitoring, international action is required, according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The connection between air pollution, wildfires, and climate change is emphasized in a recent report released by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). According to the paper, the 2023 wildfire season in Canada broke previous records, resulting in worsened air quality in both eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. Global investment in clean air is also advocated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), which highlights the need for stringent emission standards, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and strong air quality regulations. It is possible to accomplish transformative change and healthy air by aggressively tackling air pollution.
References
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/09/1154191
