Two new publications illustrate climate diplomacy initiative
Melting glaciers in the Himalayas or the Andes, more frequent storms in the Caribbean or Oceania, changing weather patterns in Africa or the Middle East: the challenges posed by climate change are enormous. The repercussions raise geopolitical questions, have implications for livelihoods and development, and require a strategic response to ensure sustainable development.
The climate diplomacy initiative is an effort undertaken to help foster a response to climate change that is commensurate with its status as one of the key foreign policy challenges of the 21st century. Since the start of the climate diplomacy initiative to address these challenges, hundreds of decision-makers and experts as well as thousands of citizens have participated in regional roundtables from Bogotá to New Delhi, executive briefings and consultations from Wellington to Port of Spain, and events at climate conferences from Durban to Doha. The objectives at the core of these activities are to share viewpoints, jointly identify priorities and develop common strategies to address climate security challenges.
Building upon the 2012 edition, the initiative’s new flagship publication “Climate Diplomacy: New Approaches for Foreign Policy”, comprehensively documents this ambitious political process to engage stakeholders, partner countries and regional organisations. It details aims and activities, provides background to the climate diplomacy initiative and sketches the road ahead. It also highlights the achievements and key messages distilled.
As part of the climate diplomacy initiative, an exhibition visualizes the dramatic and growing impact of global environmental change. Developed as a touring exhibition, it is available in English, German, Chinese, and Portuguese, and has been displayed in cities around the world. The booklet now published pictures the topics and regions covered in the exhibition, using captivating images from the exhibition itself wherever possible. It also provides insights into the story behind the exhibition, including the network of partners supporting its development and implementation. Moreover, the booklet contains practical information for all those interested in showcasing the exhibition.
Even as the US officially pulled out of the Paris Agreement earlier this week, it might be too soon to lose hope on the country's long-term commitments to climate action. If a Democrat wins the upcoming presidential elections, which are set for November 2020, a reaccession process could begin shortly after the withdrawal is complete. In the meantime, however, the effect on trade policy could be significant.
European peatlands could turn from carbon sinks to sources as a quarter have reached levels of dryness unsurpassed in a record stretching back 2,000 years, according to a new study. This trend of “widespread” and “substantial” drying corresponds to recent climate change, both natural and human-caused, but may also be exacerbated by the peatlands being used for agriculture and fuel.
Tackling Food Security and Protracted Crisis in Horn of Africa
The Kingdom of the Netherlands has contributed $28 million to back FAO's work to boost the resilience of food systems in Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan - part of a new initiative to scale-up resilience-based development work in countries affected by protracted crises.
A group of five small countries have announced that they will launch negotiations on a new Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability, which, if successful, would constitute the first international trade agreement focused solely on climate change and sustainable development. The initiative also breaks new ground by aiming to simultaneously remove barriers for trade in environmental goods and services and crafting binding rules to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies. Small countries can pioneer the development of new trade rules that can help achieve climate goals, but making credible commitments, attracting additional participants, and ensuring transparency will be essential ingredients for long-term success.