The Sustainability Learning Forum

Rio+20: Forests form important foundation for a green economy

Duncan Macqueen, International Institute for Environment and Development

Forests constitute the vast majority of what is green on planet earth. The quest for a green economy at Rio+20 excited the full spectrum of the forest community – from forest industries to local forest rights-holder groups. Both groups have something to offer – although it may be necessary to invest more in locally-controlled forestry if a fair green economy is to be achieved. more[...] login_required

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Climate Change

Extreme events increase. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there were only ion he US a record twelve weather disasters costing more than $1 billion in 2011. The strategies to meet this are mitigation – that means reduction and prevention of greenhouse gases output - and adaptation – that means measures to adapt to the inevitable global warming. more[...]

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The time for short-term solutions is behind us

Björn Stigson, WBCSD

When the world’s governments meet in Copenhagen in December, their representatives will be dealing with an unprecedented level of change in two interwoven areas: climate and the economy. This massive pressure for change is leading to what I believe is a new industrial revolution, one that has the potential to dramatically reshape the world we live in. That pressure will remain, no matter what global leaders decide in Copenhagen. Sustainable solutions to the complex problems we are facing will require government and business to cooperate on a level never seen before. more[...] login_required

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Beyond 2012 – The World Food Programme’s Perspective for a Future Climate Change Policy

World Food Programme (WFP)

Climate is a key parameter in growing food. Changes in climate pose a threat to agriculture and can lead to drastic increases in food insecurity and hunger. Climate change will affect everyone, but it has a disproportionate effect on those living in poverty in developing countries in areas where deprivation and vulnerability to climate risks and natural disasters are severe. Studies warn of a coming “global food crunch” with long-term drivers of climate change, scarcity of land and water, lack of investment in agriculture and fuel production, and rising food consumption due to population growth all combining to cause political instability. more[...] login_required

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Brazil’s position on global warming

Carlos Minc Baumfeld

Brazil’s position on global warming is extremely clear: We want the country to take on a leading role amongst the nations that are now dealing with this phenomenon, which has been named one of the most worrying for future generations. more[...] login_required

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Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge

James P. Leape, WWF

Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge the world has ever faced. It has the potential to also be the greatest developmental, social, health, and security challenge – if unchecked, global warming could potentially create hundreds of millions of climate refugees as coastal areas are flooded, crops fail – causing greater food scarcity – and water supplies dry up. It is a threat that will affect us all, irrespective of where we live. As Archbishop Tutu said, climate change is “totally indiscriminate of race, culture and religion.” more[...] login_required

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What Does Business Want from a Global Deal?

Paul Dickinson, Carbon Disclosure Project

The private sector will be the source of almost all of the funds required for the transition to a low-carbon economy, and the creation of new and radically different infrastructure and energy systems. The challenge for governments is to realign financial signals so that low-carbon solutions are the obvious choice for investment decisions. more[...] login_required

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Toward a Post-Kyoto Climate Change Architecture: A Political Analysis

Prof. Dr. Robert O. Keohane, Princeton University
Prof. Kal Raustiala, UCLA

Any international regime aimed at the mitigation of climate change must solve three problems. It must: (1) secure sufficient participation to be effective; (2) achieve agreement on rules that are meaningful, so that if they were followed, climate change would indeed be mitigated; and (3) ensure compliance with the rules. That is, it must solve problems of participation, effectiveness, and compliance. These problems require careful institutional design. more[...] login_required

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The Politics of Climate Change

Lord Anthony Giddens, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

It is an important year, and everybody knows it because it is the year of Copenhagen. It’s a key for climate change policy. I do hope the Copenhagen negotiations will be successful, but there are reasons I have to be worried. more[...] login_required

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A Global Concept for Zero-Emission Buildings

Dr. Wolfgang Große-Entrup, Bayer Group

Carbon reduction is a difficult job. Significant progress will only be possible with a coherent climate strategy. We spoke with Dr. Wolfgang Große Entrup, Head of Governmental and Product Affairs at Bayer AG about the ambitious plans. more[...] login_required

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A Greener Tomorrow – How Caring for Climate Signatories are Leading the Way to a Low Carbon Economy

United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)

Analyses progress made by signatories in addressing climate change and assesses public disclosures of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The report outlines corporate leadership in climate mitigation and adaptation. (UNGC/Dalberg, 2010) more[...] login_required

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Matheron, Gérard

Editorial Team

Short Profile of Gérard Matheron more[...] login_required

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Guillou, Marion

Editorial Team

Short Profile, Marion Guillou, INRA more[...] login_required

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Pachauri, Rajendra-Kumar

Editorial Team

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A Green Building Inspired by the Future

Sonae
Sonae

The recent Sonae Maia Business Center, located at Sonae's Business Park in Maia (Portugal), is the first building on the Iberian Peninsula to be awarded Leed Gold Certification. Built with the most environmental efficiency advanced technologies existing in the world, this eco-friendly building, with an area of 16.000 m2, allows a considerable reduction of environmental impacts, giving their occupants an indoor environment of excellence, quality and comfort. more[...]

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