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.
With climate change increasingly being seen as a security issue, we ask what role the United Nations Security Council could and should play. To answer this question, we are joined on the Climate Diplomacy Podcast by UN expert and Chatham House Associate Fellow Oli Brown. In this podcast, Oli explains some of the challenges that the UN Security Council has had in tackling climate change and outlines the prospects for action in the future.
Limited access to energy is a significant barrier to development and holds back efforts to improve living conditions in developing and emerging economies. Around the world, 1.1 billion people still do not have access to electricity, and 2.8 billion still rely on animal and crop waste, wood, charcoal and other solid fuels to cook their food and heat their homes.
Why the science of extreme weather attribution matters
As the earth’s climate warms, people face mounting threats from rising seas, and more intense and frequent storms, heatwaves, fires, and droughts. When these events hit, people want to understand whether they are connected to climate change. Linking climate change with heatwaves, storms and other events can help us prepare for a changing world, argues Peter Stott.
A recent report by the UNEP focuses on addressing trade in wildlife and forest products across the three sectors of crime prevention and criminal justice, trade regulation and natural resource management. It finds that there is less focus on the legislative means for preventing offenses related to trade in wildlife and forest products and more attention on the means for detecting and punishing such offenses.