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.
Climate Diplomacy Podcast 3: Populism and Climate Change
Right-wing populist parties are already part of the governments of seven EU member states and are expected to make up a quarter of MEPs after the European elections in May 2019. In this episode host Martin Wall talks to the authors of an explorative study on the the voices and the weight of right-wing populist parties in the formulation of European climate policy.
The SDG 17 calls for getting the foundations right for substantial progress on the 2030 Agenda. It includes key conditions for successful sustainability action that are relevant across all actor groups, and most of them depend on international cooperation.
Intelligence analysts have agreed since the late 80s that climate change poses serious security risks. A series of authoritative governmental and non-governmental analyses over more than three decades lays a strong foundation for concern over climate change implications for national security.
Of Yellow Vests and Green Policies
Originally planned as a demonstration against fuel tax hikes, the Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vests) revolts have sparked national and global debates. Some view the demonstrations as part of a rising anti-climate movement, while others draw parallels between the protests and demands for more climate action.