Factbook news: 5 new data visualisation features
Resolving environmental conflicts is important for creating and sustaining peace. But the connections between environmental problems and social or political conflicts are complex. Environmental changes are rarely, if ever, the sole driver of tensions and violence. The ECC Factbook investigates climate-security links and offers a detailed, interactive map to explore more than 120 case studies. The editorial team is happy to announce 5 new features that make it even easier to access relevant information. Try them out and learn about environment, conflict and cooperation!
1. A new ‘slideshow’ function for the conceptual model allows you to explore climate-conflict dynamics in more detail.
2. Short texts summarise the main conflict mechanisms described in each case study.
3. Icons in the embedded maps of the factsheets show locations of interest.
4. More information is displayed when clicking on the icons.
5. Short texts summarise the climate adaptation and resilience-building measures described in each case study.
Asian Development Bank signals end to ‘dirty’ coal finance
As falling renewable energy costs and a shadow carbon price are making coal power investments unviable the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is making a decisive shift to clean energy, according to bank energy chief Yongping Zhai.
“Ignore Washington” - Why climate action is a Republican issue
The Global Climate Action Summit has created a subtle, yet resonating effect on international climate diplomacy. Arguably, its biggest contribution lies in reaffirming the active role of the US in climate action – a refreshing sign of political maturity and environmental responsibility in Trumpian times.
Bolsonaro names climate denier as Brazil’s foreign minister
Brazil’s president-elect Jair Bolsonaro has named an anti-globalist diplomat to lead foreign affairs and his country’s relationship with the Paris Agreement. Ernesto Araújo, a relatively junior diplomat, accuses the left of using the environmental cause ‘to serve their political project of total domination’
A new mega railway across Latin America
Linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans across the Latin American landmass has often been presented as one of the holy grails of development for the region. While China’s idea of a ‘Nicaraguan Canal’ has made headlines globally, another major infrastructure project is in the works further south: the Bi-Oceanic Railway. The idea has already spurred transboundary environmental cooperation, but the public is still in the dark.