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.
In this interview, EcoPeace Directors Nada Majdalani (Palestine), Yana Abu-Taleb (Jordan) and Gidon Bromberg (Israel) explain why disengaging from a shared environment can aggravate the region’s security challenges.
At the conclusion of the 50th Pacific Islands Forum, Pacific leaders issued a Forum Communiqué and the ‘Kainaki II Declaration for Urgent Climate Change Action Now’ – the strongest collective statement the Forum has issued on climate change. Pacific leaders highlight the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit, the SAMOA Pathway Review, and 25th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 25) to the UNFCCC as “global turning points to ensure meaningful, measurable and effective climate change action”.
If ratified, the Mercosur-EU trade deal may reinforce the parties’ commitment to climate action. Yet, its potential relevance is weakened by a language that often stops short of concrete commitments, as well as political resistance.
Climate Change Is Exacerbating Iraq’s Complicated Water Politics
Iraq is on the verge of an environmental breakdown, and climate change is not helping. The country's fragile environment and the increasing scarcity of natural resources — particularly water — are a result of poor environmental management, as well as several political and historical factors. However, as climate change impacts add to the existing pressures, the environmental collapse turns into a security issue.