The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Launches Report on Nature as Infrastructure
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) released a report called Nature as Infrastructure. The report emphasizes integrating nature-based solutions into infrastructure design to improve climate resilience. Investing in nature assets can protect critical infrastructure services and reduce the impact of human development on nature. Examples include tree planting in China and mangrove planting in Indonesia. Utilizing nature as infrastructure requires scientific research, effective implementation, community consultation, and policy incentives.
Saudi Arabia aims to plant 200M Mangroves by 2030
Saudi Arabia has significantly increased its renewable connected capacity in the past two years, making progress towards its goal of reaching net zero by 2060. According to the Minister of Energy, the Kingdom has quadrupled its renewable energy capacity from 700 megawatts to 2 GW, with an additional
Saudi Arabia: Top Oil Producer, High Hydrocarbon Dependence
Saudi Arabia, known for its significant holdings of oil reserves, is now endeavoring to embrace clean energy and combat global warming, according to an article from Le Monde. The kingdom, which launched its modernization project with the “Vision 2030” plan in 2016, is aiming to diversify its econo
France bans private funding for coal, triples nuclear capacity.
French President Emmanuel Macron took the floor for 15 minutes at the World Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai to outline Frances priorities in the fight against climate change. Macron urged developed countries to rapidly abandon fossil fuels and called for other major emitting countries to follow
Lukashenko meets leaders before forum opening: Azerbaijan, Serbia, Cuba
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko is currently attending the UN Climate Summit in Dubai. The summit, which is being held in Dubai and has brought together delegations from over 150 countries, aims to address global issues of climate and environmental security. Lukashenko is expected to voice
Lukashenko heading to Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is set to visit Beijing for talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, according to Belarusian state media. This will be Lukashenkos second trip to China this year, emphasizing his close alliance with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit is described as a
COP28 Presidency and Saudi Arabia launch OGDC.
DUBAI: The Saudi Green Initiative Forum (SGI Forum), the third edition of which kicked off on Monday, is set to discuss critical sustainability issues such as energy transition, protecting the seas, and unlocking climate finance. The forum aims to facilitate climate action at the UN climate Summit,
The Area of Construction Land Use Decreased 18.9% in China
China is reducing construction land use per GDP by 18.9% to save resources and protect the environment. They are ensuring a minimum 35% natural coastline retention rate and promoting clean energy. China is implementing a project to protect and restore natural assets and has treated 80 million mu of land. They have also restored abandoned mines, coastlines, wetlands, and increased mangrove areas.
Bird-Watching in Tobago: A Tropical Paradise
A travel article praises bird-watching in Tobago, a Caribbean island, sharing encounters with rare birds and caiman on a golf course. The author recommends combining bird-watching with other holiday activities due to Tobago’s convenience. They highlight Cuffie River Nature Retreat for observing hummingbirds and the Main Ridge Forest Reserve for bird-watching. The article suggests visiting from January to April, during the dry season, and recommends locations where birds are fed to increase sightings. Other suggested spots include Shurland Nature Park and Little Tobago Island.
Saudi Insurance Sector: CEOs Collaborate in Historic Meeting
DUBAI: The Saudi Green Initiative Forum (SGI Forum) kicked off on Monday as COP28 continues to mobilize world leaders towards serious action against climate change. Held under the slogan “From Ambition to Action”, the 3rd edition of the forum will discuss critical sustainability, primarily energy
A New Approach: Nature as Infrastructure
Recent report: View nature as infrastructure; strengthen and enrich it while pursuing growth. Environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions resulted from rapid modernization. Challenge: meet environmental goals while allowing economic growth. Economists and biologists must collaborate, capture natural capital’s complexity. Scientists and communities should collaborate for site-specific knowledge. Governance, incentives important for protecting and nurturing nature. Minimize grey infrastructure’s impact. Properly value and finance nature protection and restoration. Give special attention to vulnerable low-income economies. Multilateral development banks can catalyze nature-as-infrastructure approach. Important to invest in green and better grey infrastructure for a sustainable global economy.
SGI Forum prompts global climate action amid COP28.
Saudi Arabias commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action will be showcased at the Saudi Green Initiative Forum. The forum will serve as a platform to highlight the countrys various projects and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and mitigating the effects of climate cha
The White Shirts of Summer: New and Selected Poems Reflections
Mamang Dai’s book The White Shirts of Summer: New and Selected Poems contains evocative poems that explore nature, dreams, memories, and time. The author’s words create vivid imagery and emotions, contemplating existence and the fleeting nature of life. The book invites readers to reflect on their own journey.
A Roadmap for Increasing Capital Flow into Mangrove Protection and Restoration
A report was launched at COP28 giving a roadmap to increase capital for mangrove protection and restoration. The roadmap aims to achieve the financial goals of the Mangrove Breakthrough by unlocking capital with diverse actors. Mangroves are important but under threat, and $4 billion of investment by 2030 could help. Action is needed from public, private, and philanthropic capital. Collaboration with the Sustainable Markets Initiative was involved.
Decline in Fish Stocks Endangers Livelihoods
Cambodian fishermen are facing a decline in fish stocks due to climate change, overfishing, dam-building, and wetland conversions. This is impacting their income and food supplies. Extreme weather conditions prevent them from fishing regularly. The Mekong River’s flow reversal into the Tonle Sap Lake is disrupted, affecting livelihoods. Efforts are being made to educate fishing communities on responsible practices and transition to fish farming. Cambodia is urging developed nations to take action on climate change at COP28.
The NGT s Inquiry on Controversial Tirupati Balaji Temple Construction in Ulwe
NGT asked MCZMA for information on Tirupati Balaji temple construction in Ulwe. Environmentalist claimed CRZ rules violated as temple was built on mangrove area. MCZMA’s recommendation based on non-CRZ area, no clearance granted for construction. NGT issued notices, response expected in 2 weeks. Next hearing on Jan 12.
