#Goal 6 and global water crisis

[greenthestral]

Achieving Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for a Sustainable Future

Clean water and sanitation are fundamental human rights and essential for the well-being and prosperity of communities worldwide. Access to clean water is crucial for drinking, hygiene, agriculture, and industry. Sanitation facilities ensure the proper disposal of waste and prevent the spread of diseases. Recognizing the importance of water and sanitation, the United Nations has set Goal 6 as part of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this article, we will explore the significance of Goal 6, its targets, and the actions needed to achieve clean water and sanitation for all.

The Importance of Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Access to clean water and sanitation is not only a pressing global issue but also a matter of basic human rights. Shockingly, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, a staggering 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water, while an overwhelming 4.2 billion people do not have access to safely managed sanitation services. These numbers highlight the scale of the problem and the urgent need for action.

The consequences of inadequate water and sanitation are far-reaching and severe. One of the most significant impacts is the spread of waterborne diseases. Contaminated water sources and poor sanitation facilities create a breeding ground for diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. These illnesses disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates. Lack of access to clean water and sanitation perpetuates a cycle of poverty and ill-health, as communities struggle to break free from the burden of preventable diseases.

Child mortality is also closely linked to the absence of clean water and sanitation. Unsafe drinking water and inadequate sanitation facilities contribute to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of children each year. Diarrheal diseases, in particular, claim the lives of many young children, as their weakened immune systems make them more susceptible to the harmful effects of contaminated water. Furthermore, the time spent collecting water from distant sources and the lack of proper sanitation facilities affect children's education and overall development, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and limited opportunities.

In addition to the human toll, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation hinders economic development. Communities that lack reliable access to clean water face numerous challenges. For instance, the burden of water collection falls primarily on women and girls, who often spend hours each day walking long distances to fetch water. This time-consuming task takes away from opportunities for education, income generation, and other productive activities, reinforcing gender inequalities and limiting economic empowerment.

Moreover, industries and businesses also suffer when water and sanitation are compromised. Lack of clean water can impede agricultural production, affecting crop yields and food security. Industries that rely on water, such as manufacturing and tourism, face operational challenges and increased costs when they must rely on alternative, often expensive, water sources. Inadequate sanitation can lead to environmental pollution, further exacerbating health risks and harming ecosystems, which are essential for the well-being of communities and biodiversity.

The gravity of the water and sanitation crisis necessitates urgent action and a comprehensive approach. Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognizes the importance of clean water and sanitation for all and sets targets to address these challenges. Governments, organizations, and individuals must prioritize investment in infrastructure development, education and awareness programs, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions.

By investing in infrastructure, such as water treatment plants, pipelines, and sanitation facilities, governments can improve access to clean water and proper waste management. Concurrently, education and awareness programs can promote proper hygiene practices, behavioral change, and the sustainable use of water resources. It is crucial to empower communities with knowledge and tools to protect their water sources and ensure sustainable practices are adopted at the individual and community levels.

Sustainable agriculture practices also play a significant role in achieving clean water and sanitation goals. Implementing water-efficient irrigation techniques, promoting organic farming, and reducing the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers can help conserve water resources and prevent pollution. By embracing technology and innovation, such as water purification systems, smart water management systems, and affordable sanitation technologies, we can bridge the gap in access to clean water and sanitation, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Collaboration and partnerships among governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, and communities are crucial for progress. By joining forces, sharing expertise, and pooling resources, we can overcome financial constraints, leverage innovative solutions, and achieve more significant impact. International cooperation, aid, and support can also play a pivotal role in assisting countries with limited resources to improve their water and sanitation infrastructure and practices.

The lack of access to clean water and sanitation remains a global crisis with far-reaching consequences. The numbers are staggering, and the impacts on health, child mortality, and economic development are severe. Achieving Goal 6 of the SDGs requires concerted efforts, investment in infrastructure, education, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions. It is only through collaboration and a commitment to this fundamental human right that we can ensure a sustainable future where every individual has access to clean water and sanitation, leading to improved health, reduced poverty, and enhanced opportunities for all.

Targets for Goal 6

Goal 6 encompasses multiple targets that aim to address the water and sanitation challenges. These targets include:

Achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

Ensuring access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.

Improving water quality by reducing pollution and increasing water treatment.

Increasing water-use efficiency and ensuring sustainable water withdrawals.

Implementing integrated water resources management at all levels.

Protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, and lakes.

Actions to Achieve Goal 6

To achieve Goal 6 and ensure clean water and sanitation for all, various actions need to be undertaken at local, national, and global levels. Here are some key actions:

Infrastructure Development: Governments and organizations should invest in infrastructure development to improve water and sanitation systems. This includes building water treatment plants, pipelines, and sanitation facilities to ensure access to clean water and proper waste management.

Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation is crucial. Education programs can help communities understand the benefits of proper hygiene practices and promote behavior change to prevent water pollution and ensure the sustainable use of water resources.

Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting sustainable agriculture practices can reduce water pollution from pesticides and fertilizers. Implementing efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, can also conserve water resources.

Collaboration and Partnerships: Addressing the water and sanitation challenges requires collaboration between governments, NGOs, businesses, and communities. Partnerships can bring together expertise, resources, and innovative solutions to overcome the barriers to clean water and sanitation.

Technology and Innovation: Embracing technological advancements can greatly contribute to achieving Goal 6. Innovative solutions, such as water purification systems, smart water management systems, and affordable sanitation technologies, can improve access to clean water and sanitation in remote areas.

Water Conservation: Encouraging water conservation practices at the individual and community levels is essential. Simple measures like fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and harvesting rainwater can go a long way in reducing water wastage and ensuring the availability of clean water.

Success Stories and Best Practices

Several success stories demonstrate that progress can be made in achieving Goal 6. For instance, in Rwanda, the government's commitment to improving water and sanitation services has resulted in significant improvements in access to clean water, particularly in rural areas. The introduction of community-led total sanitation programs in Bangladesh has successfully improved sanitation practices and reduced open defecation.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite the progress made, significant challenges remain in achieving Goal 6. Limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, climate change impacts, and conflicts are some of the obstacles that need to be overcome. However, there are opportunities to address these challenges. By increasing investments in water and sanitation, promoting sustainable practices, and strengthening partnerships, we can create a future where clean water and sanitation are accessible to all.

Conclusion

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation is a critical component of the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the significance of access to clean water and sanitation for all. Achieving this goal requires concerted efforts from governments, organizations, communities, and individuals. By implementing the targets and taking necessary actions, we can ensure a sustainable future with clean water and sanitation, improving health, reducing poverty, and fostering economic development worldwide. Let us work together to make Goal 6 a reality and create a world where no one is deprived of this basic human right.

[scrambledpancakes03]

Before the presidential debate...

I've got some thoughts.

While I know that even the "best" presidential outcome feels like a loss at this point, you do have to vote.

I totally understand not wanting to vote for Joe. There are a lot of reasons for that, some more valid than others. That's not my point rn. There's many genocides happening: read how joe is handling it from verified sources and make your own choices, I trust you'll do what you think is right. I'll just be here full of endless dread no matter what...

But for fucks sake before we all lose hope please remember...

Vote down ballot.

Conservatives win repeatedly all over the country and have been able to make life substantially harder for every individual working person, especially those with marginalized statuses... and it's not primarily due to the shit they've pulled in the Oval Office... it's because they're getting elected to sheriff's offices and school boards and zoning commissions and STATE LEGISLATURES.

Don't let your disillusionment with the president keep you from showing up for candidates you won't hear about from national news... because they are the ones who can save us.

Without progressives, leftists, and even more moderate liberals in local offices, every aspect of life gets substantially harder. Local programs shut down, public services are cut from city budgets, and police keep getting more and more absurd militarized resources. And in that environment, how would we ever stand in solidarity with people suffering around the world? Or even people marginalized here in the US?

Here are some (but not all) elected offices that may be on your ballot in the fall that need your attention in no particular order:

1. Secretary of state: oversees the states record keeping... including voting. Don't let them be fascists.

2. School Board: they decide pretty much everything to do with public school's funding, curriculum, and sometimes even personnel matters or district geography. They decide what your kids learn, where, how, and with whom. Don't let them be bigots.

3. District Attorney/Prosecutor: they decide what crimes have charges brought against them, and in what manner. They're the difference between a teenage kid being tried as an adult or a child for a felony, as well as other matters like that. Don't let them be racist.

4. Sheriff: have insane amounts of power over how criminal investigations are conducted and how a community is policed. FOR FUCKS SAKE STOP ELECTING RACISTS. Also we should just... reconsider the concept and maybe try not having sheriff offices at all. But that's a whole different goal.

5. Planning and zoning commissions: if you are struggling to get housing or stay housed, they are the reason there is little to no affordable housing in your area, because they decide what gets built or maintained in your area. Businesses, parks, houses... yeah. Don't let them be corporate puppets.

6. Public works commission: they control the utilities, the water, the trash, and the recycling. This is one of the main places the environmental movement should be looking to make change. They write regulations that can be used and enforced to reign whole groups of people and corporations in to make real collective change in the way we generate power, consume resources, and manage waste. They are also how we prevent more crisis situations like the one in Flint, MI.

7. City, state, and federal legislators. They write the laws. They appropriate the spending of your tax money. Stop narrowing your focus to the federal executive branch when the left needs to gain momentum writing laws at every level. Don't discount local change, because it adds up.

I know we are all focused on the genocides going on around the world right now. The best way we can continue helping as November comes and goes, is to elect local leaders who will support global liberation by writing laws and regulations that protect our free speech, ensure the quality and equity of our education, and commit to divestment from violence all over the world.

Okay? We all got this?

Can we all just agree to do this part, and we can fight about biden separately, please?

TLDR: Fuck you, vote in all the local races.

[kp777]

By Olivia Rosane

Common Dreams

Dec. 6, 2023

"Averting this crisis—and doing so equitably—must be the core goal of COP28 and ongoing global cooperation," one expert said.

Current levels of global heating from the burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of nature risk triggering five tipping points that could throw Earth's systems further out of balance, with three more at risk of toppling in the next decade.

The Global Tipping Points Report, released Wednesday at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates, argues that policymakers have delayed climate action long enough that "linear incremental change" will no longer be enough to protect ecosystems and communities from the worst impacts of the climate crisis. However, world leaders can still choose to take advantage of positive tipping points to drive transformative change.

"The existence of tipping points means that 'business as usual' is now over," the report authors wrote. "Rapid changes to nature and society are occurring, and more are coming."

"Crossing these thresholds may trigger fundamental and sometimes abrupt changes that could irreversibly determine the fate of essential parts of our Earth system for the coming hundreds or thousands of years."

The report defines a "tipping point" as "occurring when change in part of a system becomes self-perpetuating beyond a threshold, leading to substantial, widespread, frequently abrupt and often irreversible impact." A group of more than 200 researchers assessed 26 different potential tipping points in Earth's systems that could be triggered by the climate crisis.

"Tipping points in the Earth system pose threats of a magnitude never faced by humanity," report leader Tim Lenton of Exeter's Global Systems Institute said in a statement. "They can trigger devastating domino effects, including the loss of whole ecosystems and capacity to grow staple crops, with societal impacts including mass displacement, political instability, and financial collapse."

Because current emissions trajectories put the world on track for 1.5°C of warming, this is likely to trigger five tipping points, the report authors found. Those tipping points are the melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, the mass die-off of warm-water coral reefs, the thawing of Arctic permafrost, and the collapse of the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre circulation.

The melting of just the Antarctic ice sheet, for example, could raise global sea levels by 6.6 feet by 2100, Carbon Brief reported, meaning 480 million people would face yearly coastal flooding. Three more tipping points could be triggered in the 2030s if temperatures rise past 1.5°C. These include the mass death of seagrass meadows, mangroves, and boreal forests, according to The Guardian.

"Crossing these thresholds may trigger fundamental and sometimes abrupt changes that could irreversibly determine the fate of essential parts of our Earth system for the coming hundreds or thousands of years," co-author Sina Loriani of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research told The Guardian.

Contributor Manjana Milkoreit of the University of Oslo said in a statement that "our global governance system is inadequate to deal with the coming threats and implement the solutions urgently required."

But that doesn't mean the report authors believe that hope is lost. Rather, they see it as a call to ambitious action at the current U.N. climate talks and beyond.

"Averting this crisis—and doing so equitably—must be the core goal of COP28 and ongoing global cooperation," Milkoreit said.

One way to do this is to take advantage of positive tipping points.

"Concerted actions can create the enabling conditions for triggering rapid and large-scale transformation," the report authors wrote. "Human history is flush with examples of abrupt social and technological change. Recent examples include the exponential increases in renewable electricity, the global reach of environmental justice movements, and the accelerating rollout of electric vehicles."

The report authors made six recommendations based on their findings:

Immediately phasing out fossil fuels and emissions from land use changes like deforestation;

Strengthening plans for adaptation and loss and damage in the face of inevitable tipping points;

Taking tipping points into account in Paris agreement mechanisms like the global stocktake and national climate pledges;

Collaborating to trigger positive tipping points;

Organizing a global summit on tipping points; and

Increasing research on tipping points, including through a special report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

"Now is the moment to unleash a cascade of positive tipping points to ensure a safe, just, and sustainable future for humanity," Lenton said.

An earlier version of this article said the sea levels could rise by 656 feet by 2100 if the Antarctic ice sheet started to melt. It has been corrected to reflect the fact that they would rise by 6.6 feet.

[grasshoppergeography]

Btw, it's World Water Day today. I'll show you the posters we made this year.

You are free to share these of course :) I might post some of them separately later today.

Find them all in better quality here.

And a few words about World Water Day for those who'd like to know more:

World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, focuses on the importance of freshwater. It celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Right now, we are seriously off-track to meet SDG6. Billions of people and countless schools, businesses, healthcare centres, farms and factories don’t have the safe water and toilets they need. To accelerate change, we need more action. Learn about how through stories from around the world. You can also take action by following the steps of The Lazy Person's Guide to Saving the World or get some inspiration from the UN's Act Now site.

The more people talk about these global issues, the more action will be taken - on personal and on governmental level as well. This year we decided to contribute to the campaign with these posters you are free (and encouraged) to share on social media. Give people the chance to talk about the importance of freshwater.

[newsbites]

News from Africa, 19 June

Hage Geingob will host Danish PM Mette Frederiksen and Dutch PM Mark Rutte today in Namibia. Green hydrogen will reportedly be among the subjects discussed.

2. Namibia's proposed visa exemption for Chinese nationals is a bilateral agreement that would benefit both countries, according to China's ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping.

Some Namibian politicians have objected to the proposal, with opposition leader McHenry Venaani claiming it is a "hoodwinking process" for Chinese prisoners to come to the country, and aspiring presidential candidate Job Amupanda alleging that it involves a deal between the ruling party and China to garner support for next year's elections.

The proposed agreement's main goal is to attract Chinese tourists and help Namibia become competitive again after the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Namibia's minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Albert Kawana.

3. Angola and Zambia signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in information technology, including digital transformation, AI, and space technology.

The agreement includes the establishment of direct cross-border optical fibre backbone connectivity between the two countries, scheduled to happen this month.

The collaboration is expected to help improve the regulation of the Angolan and Zambian telecom markets and lead to improved coverage and quality of ICT services provided in both countries.

4. Namibia is embarking on a journey of digital transformation to modernize various aspects of the country's life.

The Department of Home Affairs, Immigration and Security recently announced the successful implementation of an online passport application system, a major step towards delivering home affairs government services through digital channels. Namibia is partnering with Estonia to bring government services online and gradually prepare citizens for the transformation ahead. The Vice Minister of ICT recognizes the importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) for African technology spaces, but stresses the need for a clear roadmap or strategy to ensure that solutions developed in Africa fit the lifestyle on the continent.

5. Nigeria has 71 million people living in extreme poverty and 133 million people are classified as multidimensionally poor, according to 2023 data from the World Poverty Clock and the National Bureau of Statistics.

6. The Bank of Namibia increased the repo rate to safeguard the dollar-rand peg and contain inflationary pressures, but this will severely impact consumers who rely on debt to survive.

The governor expressed empathy for people losing their homes due to rising debt costs, and urged the nation to find better solutions to keep more Namibians in their homes while maintaining financial stability.

7. The fighting in Sudan has caused a surge in refugees fleeing to South Sudan, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.

The UN has called for $253 million in funding to respond to the crisis, but donations have been slow to come in.

The lack of resources and funding has led to inadequate food, water, and sanitation facilities in transit camps, resulting in malnutrition, disease, and preventable deaths.

[mariacallous]

The countries of the Global South are furious, and they’re heading to Egypt to vent their ire. From Nov. 6 to 18, representatives from the world’s developing countries will be at the seaside town of Sharm El Sheikh for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred to as COP27, with one central goal on their collective agenda: to make rich countries finally own up to the harms that the climate change they are responsible for causing is inflicting itself in the form of floods and rising seas, wildfires and droughts on their populations. The issue is not new—it reverberated through the COP26 in Glasgow last year—but in the aftermath of flooding that submerged a third of Pakistan, as well as droughts across much of Africa and Asia, and disappearing island nations in Oceania, there is a fierce determination that won’t be deflected so easily this time around.

“We have failed to avert climate change, we’ve failed to minimize it, now we have to deal with it,” Saleemul Huq, director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Bangladesh, told Foreign Policy. Huq has advised the poorer countries, including his native land, at all 26 previous climate summits. “If this doesn’t happen in Egypt, the whole COP process will become irrelevant, unfit for its stated purpose,” he argues.

Indeed, there is every indication that the gulf between the rich and poor countries is so great that a bitter standoff could upend the climate talks, just when substantial progress on mitigation and adaption, the COP’s main focus, is so urgently required.

For years now, the poor countries of the Global South have sought compensation, sometimes referred to as reparations or  “losses and damages,” for the humanitarian and physical fallout of climate change. They have labored to have redress recognized as a third pillar of the negotiations next to mitigation and adaption, but thus far, to naught. In moral terms, their logic is airtight: They have contributed minimally to the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming, yet they are bearing the brunt of its wrath. Climate justice dictates that the historical emitters should be liable for the damages.

This summer, for example, turbo-force monsoon rains left much of Pakistan underwater, with 1,700 people dead, 8 million displaced, and 1.7 million homes destroyed. The Pakistan government estimates $30 billion to 35 billion in losses. The unprecedented high waters caused widespread devastation to farms, bridges, railways, roads, and other infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. Today, hundreds of thousands of people are still living in tents. Studies show that climate change “likely increased extreme monsoon rainfall in Pakistan” and will continue to do so as the increase in temperatures approaches the 2 degrees Celsius mark.

This year, Africa—the continent most vulnerable to climate crisis, according to the United Nations—experienced a fourth consecutive year of below-average rainfall, precipitating one of East Africa’s worst droughts in decades. In Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya, 18 million people endured extreme hunger.

The less affluent countries feel aggrieved because, historically, the likes of South Asia and East Africa have contributed only infinitesimally to the processes behind climate breakdown. Today, all of Africa contributes only 4 percent of global carbon emissions. Its historical footprint is even smaller. Per capita, the average Kenyan emits just 0.33 tons of carbon dioxide. Pakistan’s share of global emissions is just 0.5 percent, with a per capita emissions figure of 0.9 tons. In contrast, the U.S. global share 14 percent and per person emissions at 15.5 tons. Looking back, the United States is responsible for 25 percent of historical emissions. The European Union and the United Kingdom together stand at 22 percent.

Thus, the rage of the poorer countries is legitimate and rational. “Our territories contribute the least to the climate crisis, yet we pay the ultimate price for our world’s carbon addiction,” said Conrod Hunte of the Alliance of Small Island States.

“There is so much loss and damage with so little reparations to countries that contributed so little to the world’s carbon footprint,” Pakistan’s climate minister Sherry Rehman told The Guardian, “that obviously the bargain made between the Global North and Global South is not working. We need to be pressing very hard for a reset of the targets because climate change is accelerating much faster than predicted.”

At this year’s U.N. General Assembly, U.N. Secretary General António Guterres hailed loss and damage as a “fundamental question of climate justice, international solidarity and trust,” adding that “polluters must pay” because “vulnerable countries need meaningful action.”

The developing countries are not coming to the COP with a money figure in mind, but rather to expand the COP 27 agenda by adding to it the topic of establishing a facility that adjudicates losses and damages. Although they also demand that there be a separate pool of money to address historic costs, it is the principle of liability that they first want recognized. “What is critical for developing countries,” said Liane Schalatek of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, an international think tank based in Germany, “is that the finance through a loss and damage facility be additional to the support for mitigation and adaptation that developed countries already provide.”

Indeed, the Global South has been unable to turn compensation claims into a permanent part of the U.N. climate process. In Glasgow last year, they failed again as developed countries dug in their heels against it. The United States and the European Union, in particular, fear nothing more than being held legally accountable for their historical contributions to climate breakdown. One study estimates that by 2030, developing countries are likely to face $290 billion to $580 billion in “residual damages” a year. This figure accounts only for damages from global warming that cannot be prevented with adaptation strategies.

Unlike the governments of Scotland and Wallonia, a region of Belgium—and more recently Denmark and Germany—which are open to discussing reparations, the United States is pushing back, with a logic of its own. U.S. climate envoy John Kerry argues that the climate negotiations should be looking forward, spending energy and monies trying to head off the worst of the climate crisis (through processes of decarbonization), while helping less wealthy countries to adapt best they can to the changed circumstances. In other words, let’s not cry over spilled milk, but get on with ensuring that more milk’s not spilled. “If developed countries do not commit to loss and damage financing, the poorer countries might need some other funding commitments on adaptation to show good faith efforts and to prevent COP27 from becoming a failure,” says Schalatek of the Böll foundation.

Should worse come to worst, the poorer countries might simply refuse to play ball, throwing into jeopardy progress on the headline issues of reinvigorating the national climate goals that participants agreed to in Paris in 2015. The intention is to recalibrate the 2030 emissions-reduction targets in line with the 2015 Paris summit’s goal to keep warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. “The poorer countries cannot be expected to upgrade their emissions commitments without a significant uptick in financial support,” said Schalatek.

Despite the moral imperative, the Global South’s hopes to actually institutionalize another basket of funding is probably doomed, even if it makes its way onto the agenda. In 2009, the well-heeled countries committed to mobilize $100 billion per year for developing countries to pay for climate measures. But every year since they’ve fallen short of this $100 billion pledge. In 2020, developed countries came closest to their goal mobilizing between $21 and $83 billion— depending upon who is counting—for climate funding in the Global South.

[altr24]

ALLATRA Solution: A United Front Against Climate Collapse

The planet is sounding the alarm. But amidst the growing fear, ALLATRA offers a message of hope—a message of unity and action.

The international public movement ALLATRA recognizes that the climate crisis is a global problem that requires a global solution. We understand that the future of our planet is at stake and that only through joint efforts can we overcome this challenge.

In July of this year, the President of ALLATRA took a bold step towards strengthening this unity. She met with Pope Francis, presenting him with a comprehensive climate report, "On the Progression of Climatic Disasters on Earth and Their Catastrophic Consequences." She emphasized that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a human one, posing one of the most pressing challenges to humanity.

But the urgency of the issue goes beyond words. ALLATRA takes real action. We are actively working towards building a bright future where humanity and nature can thrive in harmony. Our volunteers tirelessly spread information and inspire change across the globe.

We are not alone in our struggle. Scientists from all corners of the world are sounding the alarm, sharing their findings, and calling for immediate action. Recent research conducted at University College London paints a chilling picture: The Gulf Stream, a vital ocean current that regulates Europe's climate, may be on the verge of collapse. This could lead to a sharp drop in temperature and plunge Europe into a colder and less hospitable environment.

The Gulf Stream is a warm water current that flows along the eastern coast of North America, across the Atlantic, and towards Europe. Upon arrival, it releases heat energy into the atmosphere, maintaining a warmer temperature in Europe.

According to lead researcher, Dr. Jack Wharton, if winds become weaker in the future, it could lead to a weakening of the Gulf Stream, and consequently, a significant decrease in temperatures in Europe.

Some earlier studies have already shown that ocean currents are weakening due to the climate crisis looming over the planet. The ocean carries a huge amount of heat throughout the globe, and changes in its currents can alter how much heat is transferred and where it goes. This, in turn, will have an impact on the climate of the entire Earth.

Now is not the time for complacency. We are at a crossroads. The "Day After Tomorrow" scenario, once a fictional depiction of climate collapse, is becoming a terrifying possibility.

ALLATRA recognizes that knowing the truth about the planet entering a 12,000-year cycle of global climate change can help us avoid catastrophic tragic consequences for each of us.

The time has come to unite, break down barriers, and develop a common goal. ALLATRA advocates for the creation of a Unified Scientific Center—a global hub where the brightest minds in the world can collaborate in finding innovative solutions to the problem of climate change. 

By harnessing the power of scientific ingenuity, we can develop technologies that will mitigate the consequences of climate change and allow humanity to gain 4-6 years for scientists to find a way to technologically stop the destruction of our planet's core from external cosmic impact.

ALLATRA believes in the power of knowledge, the power of unity, and the power of action. We are a movement driven by a deep love for our planet and a burning desire to protect its future.

Join us. Together, united by purpose, let us build a world that is sustainable, stable, and prosperous for future generations. 

This is extremely important information, please share it, write a comment, like, repost, and of course, applaud!!!

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[newstfionline]

Saturday, May 25, 2024

This hurricane season could be among the worst in decades, NOAA warns (Washington Post) Warm waters across the tropical Atlantic in May 2005 prompted warnings of an active hurricane season ahead. A record-smashing 28 storms formed, including Hurricane Katrina. Nearly two decades of global warming later, those late-spring ocean temperatures are cool compared with today’s record-hot waters. Government meteorologists issued a seasonal forecast Thursday that predicts that storms could develop at frequencies and with ferocity comparable to some of the worst seasons in the past 19 years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast—which calls for 17 to 25 tropical storms, eight to 13 hurricanes and four to seven “major” hurricanes—underscores how dramatically the environment has shifted and increased the risk of destructive weather. The prediction is the most aggressive outlook the agency has ever made ahead of the start of hurricane season.

Almost 6,000 Dead in 6 Years: Baltimore, the U.S. Overdose Capital (NYT) People in Baltimore have been dying of overdoses at a rate never before seen in a major American city. In the past six years, nearly 6,000 lives have been lost. The death rate from 2018 to 2022 was nearly double that of any other large city, and higher than nearly all of Appalachia during the prescription pill crisis, the Midwest during the height of rural meth labs or New York during the crack epidemic. A decade ago, 700 fewer people here were being killed by drugs each year. And when fatalities began to rise from the synthetic opioid fentanyl, so potent that even minuscule doses are deadly, Baltimore’s initial response was hailed as a national model. The city set ambitious goals, distributed Narcan widely, experimented with ways to steer people into treatment and ratcheted up campaigns to alert the public. But then city leaders became preoccupied with other crises, including gun violence and the pandemic. Many of those efforts to fight overdoses stalled, an examination by The New York Times and The Baltimore Banner has found.

US gun sellers and Mexican cartel violence (USA Today) A recent leak of Mexican military intelligence shows that over 78,000 American firearms have made their way to Mexico in recent years, providing firepower to the cartels that run the drug trade south of the border. The data is part of a leak of over 10 million files released by the transparency organization Distributed Denial of Secrets, or DDoSecrets. According to the data, most of the guns used by Mexican cartels are shipped south via American big-box stores located near the border—just two stores sold almost 1,000 guns that ended up in the hands of the cartels between 2020 and 2022. Many of these guns are bought by American citizens, who then sell them off for a no-questions-asked profit to cartel buyers. Then these American firearms are smuggled south as part of the cycle of Latin-American narcotics headed north. The violence in Central America fueled, in part, by guns also has contributed to the migration crisis at the U.S. border.

Mexico’s cartels have even infiltrated the tortilla business (Washington Post) Small businesses stamping out warm tortillas have long been a fixture of Mexican neighborhoods. Now, thousands are being threatened by armed groups, part of a transformation in organized crime that’s rippling through Latin America. Cartels are playing a growing role in the region’s economies, from infiltrating seaports to extorting small businesses—and gaining increasing political power. Drug-trafficking rings have expanded so rapidly that nearly every Latin American mainland nation has become a major producer or transit corridor for cocaine, according to the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime. But criminal groups are also branching out into other illegal enterprises. In Mexico, they’re shaking down fishermen, chicken vendors, builders, trucking companies, gas stations and a host of other businesses, including producers of the country’s staple food—the corn tortilla. At least 15 percent of tortillerías—about 20,000 storefront businesses—are regularly extorted, according to the National Tortilla Council, a trade group. A decade ago, the council said, only a tiny percentage were threatened. Around the country, from rural villages to beach resort towns such as Zihuatanejo, tortilla shops that refuse to pay are set on fire or riddled with gunfire.

Three missionaries from Oklahoma-based group fatally shot in Haiti (Washington Post) Three people from an Oklahoma-based missionary group, including the daughter and son-in-law of a Missouri state representative, were shot and killed in a gang attack in Haiti as they were leaving an event at a local church, the organization said Friday. Missions in Haiti Inc. identified the victims as David Lloyd, son of its founders; his wife, Natalie Lloyd, daughter of Missouri state Rep. Ben Baker; and Jude, the group’s country director. They were coming out of a church Thursday evening when they were ambushed by “a gang of 3 trucks full of guys,” the Claremont, Okla.-based organization said on its Facebook page.

Has Europe already reached its demographic tipping point? (Financial Times) This year could mark a turning point in EU history, with the population of 448 million beginning a decline that is expected to persist, marking an unprecedented shrinkage in peacetime, according to UN projections. The EU population rose in the year to January 2023, helped by an influx of displaced persons from Ukraine, after a temporary two-year dip that reflected the impact of the pandemic. Last year, Eurostat forecast that the population would peak at 453 million in 2026. But the 2023 numbers came in below expectations as EU births fell to levels Eurostat had not forecast for another two decades, suggesting the peak may come before 2026.

In Russia at war, kids swap classroom for shooting range (Reuters) Fourteen-year-old Russian schoolboy David learned something new this month: firing accurately with a Kalashnikov is trickier than with a pistol. With other pupils, he got to try out the weapons as part of basic military training—a feature of the school programme that was dropped in the final years of the Soviet Union but has been reintroduced since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine. “It’s easier to fire a pistol. And it’s more difficult to take aim with an assault rifle,” said David, a lanky boy with black hair and glasses. He said the firearms practice would “make life easier” for him in the future. Military service is compulsory for young men in Russia, whose war in Ukraine is now well into its third year.

Ukraine makes gains in its other war—fighting corruption (BBC) Ukraine has battled endemic corruption since the first days of its independence in 1991, and government officials and independent campaigners alike say that fight is key to winning the existential war it is fighting with Russia. They have had some success. Anti-corruption organisation Transparency International ranks Ukraine at its highest level since 2006: currently 104th out of 180 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index. “Most Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions are showing pretty good results,” Andriy Borovyk, the executive director of Transparency International Ukraine, tells the BBC. Ukraine’s task now is to focus on rooting out corruption in its tax and customs services, as well as improve financial oversight, says Mr Borovyk. Corruption has also been a major obstacle to recruiting more men for the war with Russia. Last year President Volodymyr Zelensky sacked all regional officials in charge of military conscription amid bribery concerns. Thousands of Ukrainians also bribed their way out of the country to avoid being sent to the war.

Top U.N. Court Orders Israel to End Rafah Offensive (NYT) The International Court of Justice on Friday ruled that Israel must immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, dealing another blow to the country as it faces increasing international isolation. The United Nations top court has no means of enforcing its ruling, but the decision places further international pressure on Israel over its conduct in Gaza. Hard-line politicians in Israel immediately vowed that Israel would not comply. Still, the 13-2 ruling puts more pressure on the Netanyahu government over the conduct of the war. Gazan authorities say at least 35,000 people have been killed, without distinguishing between combatants and civilians, and hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee repeatedly to avoid the Israeli bombardment, which has devastated most of the enclave.

U.S. Military Faces Reality in Gaza as Aid Project Struggles (NYT) In the week since the U.S. military and allies attached a temporary pier to the Gaza shoreline, Pentagon planners have come face to face with the logistical nightmare that critics had warned would accompany the endeavor. The Defense Department predicted that a steady stream of humanitarian aid would be arriving in Gaza via the pier by now, but little relief has reached Palestinians in the besieged strip, officials acknowledged this week. Several trucks were looted as they made their way to a warehouse, the U.N. World Food Program said, and the complexity of operating the pier project in a war zone is continuing to slow distribution. The project was always expected to be difficult. For one thing, White House policy does not allow U.S. troops to be on the ground in Gaza. So the Pentagon has the ability to start but not finish the mission, a situation one military analyst likened to having the engine of a car but not the wheels. As the pier project struggles to get going, the situation in Gaza remains dire. More than 34,000 people have died and more than 77,000 have been wounded, according to health authorities in the territory.

In South Africa, a community struggling for clean water reflects wider discontent ahead of election (AP) On days when a municipal truck comes to Hammanskraal to deliver drinking water, a queue of South Africans starts forming early in the morning to fill their buckets. This is not a distant, rural community, but a township on the edge of the administrative capital city of Africa’s most advanced economy. It’s barely 30 miles from the government buildings in nearby Pretoria. Hammanskraal’s problems—a lack of clean water, a shortage of proper housing and high unemployment—are a snapshot of the issues affecting millions and driving a mood of discontent in South Africa that might force its biggest political change in 30 years in next week’s national election. The African National Congress, once led by Nelson Mandela, has been in power ever since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule in 1994. But poverty, failing government services in many places and a national unemployment rate of over 32% that all mainly affect the country’s Black majority are seen as central to the ruling party’s loss of support.

Gardening Is Good for You (NYT) Last Saturday, I was covered in dirt, my back ached, the scream of a trillion cicadas rang in my ears, and, despite my best efforts, a sunburn was developing on the back of my neck. I was in heaven after a day gardening. For me, gardening is a workout, meditation and opportunity to socialize with my neighbors all rolled into one. And while I’m admittedly biased, research backs up some of my observations that gardening can have real benefits for your mind and body. Shoveling mulch, pulling weeds and lugging around a watering can all qualify as moderate-intensity physical activities. And gardeners tend to report higher levels of physical activity overall, compared with non-gardeners. Gardening also does wonders for your mental well-being. Some studies report that working in a garden lowers people’s scores on anxiety and depression measures; other research has found increased confidence and self-esteem among gardeners. In one small study, spending 30 minutes gardening lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Many people also report feeling a sense of meaning and purpose when they garden.

[laeonj]

World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. 

[water-conservation]

 From Ideas to Action: Effective Water Conservation Projects for a Sustainable Future

1. Introduction

The global concerns of water scarcity and the impending water crisis demand immediate attention. It is our duty as humans to preserve and guard this priceless resource for coming generations. Projects aimed at conserving water are one of the main areas where creative solutions are required. These initiatives look for fresh and inventive approaches to lessen waste, restore rivers, and conserve water. 

2. The importance of water conservation

Saving water is essential to guaranteeing that there will be clean, safe water for present and future generations. The need for water has grown rapidly as a result of the fast urbanization, industrialization, and population development, placing a heavy burden on available supplies.

Water conservation helps save money on water bills and safeguards the environment. We can lessen the need for excessive water withdrawal from rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers by putting water conservation methods into effect. Thus, a sustainable water balance in ecosystems may be maintained and the depletion of these water sources can be avoided.

3. Sustainable solutions for water conservation

It's critical that we search for sustainable solutions in our efforts to preserve water that have the least negative effects on the environment. The following creative project ideas for water conservation are setting the standard for a sustainable water future:

1. Rainwater Harvesting: One efficient technique to cut back on water use is to collect and store rainwater for later use. Installing rain barrels or cisterns to collect rainwater from rooftops is one way to accomplish this.

2. Greywater Recycling: Wastewater from daily activities like washing and showering can be cleaned up and utilized again for landscape irrigation and other non-potable uses. It's a clever technique to lessen the demand on freshwater supplies.

3. Drip Irrigation Systems: These systems reduce water waste by delivering water straight to the roots of the plant, in contrast to traditional sprinklers. This technique guarantees water conservation in landscapes, gardens, and agriculture.

4. Installing smart water meters can assist with real-time monitoring and control of water usage. Water waste may be recognized and addressed by individuals and enterprises with the use of precise data and immediate feedback.

5. Water-Efficient Appliances: Purchasing water-efficient fixtures such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets can significantly cut down on the amount of water used in residential and business settings.

6. Permeable Pavement: Rainwater can seep into the ground when permeable materials are used for parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks. This replenishes groundwater and eases the strain on stormwater management systems.

4. Innovative project idea: Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is a time-tested technique that has become more and more popular in recent years for water conservation. In order to lessen the burden on freshwater resources and reduce water wastage, this project proposal involves collecting rainwater and storing it for later use.

Depending on the project's objectives and scale, rainwater collecting can be implemented in a variety of creative methods. Rainwater from rooftops and gutters can be collected for household use by installing rain barrels or cisterns. After that, you can use this water for non-potable uses including cleaning, toilet flushing, and plant watering.

Rainwater harvesting can be integrated into infrastructure and building design on a bigger scale. For instance, subterranean storage tanks that gather rainfall for irrigation and cooling purposes can be built into structures.

5. Innovative project idea: Graywater recycling

Reducing water waste in agriculture is the goal of a creative project idea called graywater recycling. Graywater is the term for wastewater that is produced by appliances like washing machines, sinks, and showers and can be recovered and used again for irrigation. We can lessen the demand on water resources and the quantity of freshwater needed for crop irrigation by putting in place graywater recycling technologies.

Graywater recycling can be used in agricultural activities in a variety of ways. Before using graywater for irrigation, farmers might install filtration systems to clean it up and remove any pollutants. Drip irrigation systems can also be used to provide effective and precise water distribution, minimizing water loss from runoff and evaporation.

Graywater recycling not only saves water but also gives plants nutrients because it contains trace amounts of organic debris and home cleansers. We can assist ensure our water future and support sustainable agriculture by implementing this creative project proposal.

6. Innovative project idea: Artificial wetlands

Artificial wetlands are another innovative project idea that can contribute to water conservation efforts. These man-made ecosystems mimic the functions of natural wetlands and provide a range of environmental benefits, including water purification and habitat creation.

In an artificial wetland system, wastewater or stormwater is directed to the wetland, where natural processes such as filtration, sedimentation, and biological action help to remove pollutants and contaminants. As the water passes through the wetland, plants and microorganisms break down and absorb the harmful substances, resulting in cleaner water that can be safely discharged into rivers or reused for non-potable purposes.

Artificial wetlands not only help to conserve water by treating and recycling wastewater but also provide valuable wildlife habitats, improve water quality, and enhance overall ecosystem health. Whether implemented on a small scale in residential areas or on a larger scale for industrial or municipal purposes, artificial wetlands are an effective and sustainable way to conserve our precious water resources.

7. Innovative project idea: Water-efficient landscaping

Water-efficient landscaping is a creative project idea that can significantly contribute to water conservation efforts. Traditional landscaping practices often involve high water usage, but by implementing water-efficient techniques, we can reduce water consumption while still maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces.

One approach to water-efficient landscaping is using native plants that are well-adapted to the local climate and require minimal irrigation. These plants are naturally acclimated to the area's rainfall patterns and soil conditions, making them more resistant to drought and reducing the need for supplemental watering.

Additionally, incorporating efficient irrigation systems can further enhance water conservation. Drip irrigation, for example, delivers water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and ensuring more efficient water usage. Smart irrigation controllers can also be used to automatically adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels, preventing overwatering and ensuring water is used optimally.

Water-efficient landscaping not only saves water but also helps to prevent soil erosion, promotes biodiversity, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. By embracing these innovative practices, we can make a positive impact on our water resources while still enjoying the beauty of our outdoor spaces.

8. Innovative project idea: Water recycling systems

Systems for reusing used water are yet another creative project concept that can support water conservation initiatives. These systems gather and clean water from a variety of sources, including effluent from specific activities, greywater from sinks and showers, and even rainfall.

The need for freshwater resources can be decreased by using treated recycled water for non-potable uses such as industrial processes, toilet flushing, and irrigation. Water recycling systems range in complexity from expensive treatment technology to basic installations like rain buckets.

Water recycling not only helps preserve water supplies but also lessens the load on wastewater treatment facilities and lowers the energy and expenses involved in purifying and delivering freshwater.

10. Innovative project idea: Community awareness campaigns

These campaigns can take various forms, including educational programs, workshops, online campaigns, and community events. One effective strategy is to collaborate with local schools, environmental organizations, and community centers to reach a wider audience.

Through community awareness campaigns, individuals can learn about efficient water use, the impact of their daily habits on water consumption, and practical steps they can take to conserve water.

11. Conclusion

In conclusion, raising awareness about water conservation through community campaigns is an effective strategy to educate individuals about the importance of conserving our precious resource. By collaborating with local schools, environmental organizations, and community centers, we can reach a wider audience and empower them to take action.

By implementing these innovative ideas, we can create a positive impact on water conservation efforts and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

[bankabio]

Access to clean water - A big trench between need and availability

The figure shows the percentage of people across the world who use unsanitized drinking water. And it is alarming to see the percentage of the population in so many countries that do not have such a small population with access to clean drinking water.

Understanding the global scenario and the availability of clean water

The water demand is on the rise owing to population growth and urbanization. Access to safe drinking water is the basic requirement for health. However, data shows that in the current state of things, billions of people will lack access to clean water by the year 2030.

To begin with, how do you define clean drinking water? Clean drinking water denotes an improved water supply that is available when required and is free from any contamination.

Blame it on poor management, misuse, and over-extraction of groundwater our freshwater supply is stressed. Underinvestment in water, degraded ecosystem and climatic changes are water-related and add to scarcity woes in obtaining clean and safe water.

To reach the optimum level of making clean and safe drinking water available to all universally it is important to increase the current progress at least fourfold. Only then will it save the millions of people who succumb to death because of diseases caused by unsafe water?

Today over 2.2 billion people globally lack access to safely managed water services. The problem is highly prevalent in the rural areas.

Access to the safe water crisis in India

The above figures related to water issues in India is alarming. Water crisis is a huge concern and it is imperative to act without delay.

India with a population of over 1.4 billion people struggles hard to bridge the gap between need and availability of safe drinking water.

Around 6% of the population which is over 91 million people do not have access to safe water.

The current challenges in India include contaminated water surface, extreme water stress, and lack of piped water supply access. Rising sea levels and drought add to this worry.

Safe water is the backbone of any healthy economy. However, this is a sphere that is highly underprioritized across the globe. While the government of India has stated the urgency of offering tap water to every house by 2024, we are yet to see how the policy takes shape. Also, Promote the use of a Wastewater Treatment plant at the rural level and decrease the use of drinkable water for other purposes.

Additional expenses caused by unsafe drinking water

Water-borne diseases have cost over USD 600 million in a year and is especially the case seen in flood-prone and drought areas which has affected the Indian population in the last few years.

Also, groundwater meets almost 85 percent of the drinking water needs in rural areas and around 48 percent of the requirements in urban areas. However, over two-thirds of the total 718 districts in India are affected gravely by water depletion.

India is today the highest user of groundwater sources due to the rise in drilling in the past few years which has aggravated the scarcity of groundwater.

The impact of the trench between the need and availability of clean water has an indirect impact on rural India too. Without a safe and reliable source of water women and children are given the responsibility of collecting water which in turn has seen a rise in the school dropout rates.

In the year 2015, India achieved 93 percent of improved access to clean water in rural areas.

However, with the shift to the sustainable development goals as per the new baseline estimate only about 49 percent of the rural Indian population is using the safely managed drinking water.

The water problems in the Indian States

The graph shows the population of India on the left side with the data on water and sanitisation cases as a percentage against the household percentage that get access to clean drinking water in their homes.

Nearly half that is over 48.3% of the households in the urban and rural areas do not have access to clean drinking water.

Around one-fourth of the houses get clean water through any public and unrestricted source. This is the data from the national sample surveys or NSS.

On average a family of four world need at least 40 litre of water a week if they conservatively use just 2 litres of water each day. This is as per the allocation per person by the government in rural areas.

Groundwater sources in various states

If the state-wise estimates are made then Madhya Pradesh has 57.5% and West Bengal has 50.1% of its population that had to use a public water source for getting clean drinking water. It was 23.3% in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh was at 21.3% and Bihar had just 4.7% as households mostly use chappakal or hand pumps installed outside their homes. Thus for Indian households a hand pump is the main source of drinking water in rural areas.

The improved drinking water sources include piped water into the yard or dwelling, borehole and tubewell, protected spring, rainwater, bottled water, or a community reverse osmosis plant. However, it is not necessary that the water that is obtained from the improved sources would not have any negative health impact on those who consume it.

Initiatives that are being taken to address the water needs

A few ways to manage and supply drinking water across the country could be:

To stream groundwater depletion which is being highly exploited. It works to help the villagers understand the availability of water and its usage pattern.

The idea of 24/7 water is something that can be achieved by gaining a professionally run water utility company managing the business and being accountable to citizens directly.

It is imperative to manage the iconic rivers of India. It is required to make irrigation predictable which needs immense investment in infrastructure to usher agriculture.

Minor irrigation schemes, tracking floods and droughts, and implementing rainwater harvesting systems or recharging underground aquifers could be ways to narrow this gap. Solar disinfectants and filter usage are areas that can be worked on to solve the problems of clean water access which is a basic human right.

Once the summer months set in water becomes an even more rare commodity in India. The country has just 4% of water resources which makes it among the most water-stressed countries in the world. Climatic change, floods, and droughts bring in more distress.

We at Bankabio Understand the future needs and come up with Solution products to ensure access to sanitation, hygiene, and wastewater treatments in the most disconnected areas of India.

Source Link

[jennifer694125]

Filtered Water for a Sustainable Future: Eco-Friendly Practices with Water Dispensers

In our evolving understanding of environmental sustainability, choices that reduce our ecological footprint take on unprecedented importance. Water dispensers equipped with advanced filtration technology emerge as eco-friendly champions, playing a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles. This exploration dives deep into the environmental implications of water dispensers with filters, highlighting their role in curbing plastic waste and fostering sustainable hydration practices.

1. Reducing Single-Use Plastic Waste:

The ubiquitous presence of single-use plastic bottles has contributed to a global crisis in plastic waste. Water dispensers with filters offer a tangible solution to this predicament by presenting an alternative to the constant cycle of purchasing, consuming, and discarding plastic bottles. These dispensers provide a sustainable option, effectively reducing the volume of plastic waste and lessening the burden on landfills and ecosystems.

2. Bottleless Water Dispensers:

A distinctive feature of eco-friendly water dispensers is the option for bottleless systems. These dispensers connect directly to the water supply, eliminating the need for plastic bottles altogether. By seamlessly integrating with existing plumbing, these bottleless dispensers not only minimize plastic waste but also diminish the associated carbon footprint throughout the life cycle of plastic bottle production, transportation, and disposal.

3. Sustainable Filtration Systems:

The filtration systems embedded in water dispensers prioritize sustainability. Many models incorporate replaceable filters, ensuring that only the filter itself needs replacement, minimizing the environmental impact. Some manufacturers have taken this a step further, initiating recycling programs for used filters, transforming what was once considered waste into a resource for future use.

4. Energy Efficiency and Carbon Footprint:

Water dispensers with filters are designed with a focus on energy efficiency, aligning with broader environmental goals. The traditional process of producing plastic bottles, bottling water, and transporting these bottles contributes significantly to carbon emissions. By opting for filtered water dispensers, households actively reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable approach to hydration while conserving energy resources.

5. Eco-Friendly Materials:

Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating eco-friendly materials into the design of water dispensers. These materials may be recyclable or sourced from sustainable origins, minimizing the overall environmental impact associated with both the production and eventual disposal of these appliances. This conscious choice in material selection further reinforces the commitment to sustainability.

6. Promoting Conscious Consumerism:

Choosing a water dispenser with filters extends beyond a mere practical decision; it represents a conscious commitment to sustainable consumerism. By opting for a reusable and environmentally friendly solution, individuals actively participate in the movement toward responsible product use. This shift in mindset fosters a culture where consumers prioritize products that align with environmental values, thereby influencing broader market trends.

7. Educating and Advocating:

Water dispensers with filters serve as educational tools and advocates for environmental responsibility. They become tangible examples of how individual choices in daily routines can collectively make a substantial impact on environmental preservation. By embracing eco-friendly hydration practices, individuals not only contribute directly to sustainability but also inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect toward a more eco-conscious society.

8. Economic Benefits of Sustainability:

Beyond the environmental advantages, embracing sustainable hydration practices with filtered water dispensers can yield economic benefits. While the initial investment may seem significant, the long-term cost-effectiveness of a reusable system compared to the continuous purchase of bottled water positions these dispensers as not just environmentally conscious but also financially prudent choices. This economic perspective further incentivizes the adoption of sustainable alternatives.

Conclusion: A Pledge to Sustainability with Filtered Water Dispensers

In the journey toward a sustainable future, each individual choice plays a pivotal role, and opting for a water dispenser with filters is a powerful step in the right direction. These appliances stand as ambassadors of eco-friendly practices, spearheading the reduction of single-use plastic waste, promoting sustainable filtration systems, and advocating for conscious consumerism. By choosing filtered water dispensers, individuals embrace a healthier hydration alternative and actively contribute to the collective effort to preserve our planet for generations to come. It's not just a water dispenser; it's a pledge to sustainability—one refreshing sip at a time.

[entomoblog]

Les #crises #climat et #biodiversité constituent une urgence globale de #santé publique : un appel de 200 journaux scientifiques via Philippe Grandcolas @pgISYEB

See on Scoop.it - Insect Archive

Les #crises #climat et #biodiversité constituent une urgence globale de #santé publique : un appel de 200 journaux scientifiques https://t.co/9BL9uJDN3M

— Philippe Grandcolas (@pgISYEB) November 22, 2023

  Les #crises #climat et #biodiversité constituent une urgence globale de #santé publique : un appel de 200 journaux scientifiques https://t.co/9BL9uJDN3M

— Philippe Grandcolas (@pgISYEB) November 22, 2023

  Time to treat the climate and nature crisis as one indivisible global health emergency - The Lancet, 25.10.2023 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)02289-4/fulltext

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[livesanskrit]

Send from Sansgreet Android App. Sanskrit greetings app from team @livesanskrit .

It's the first Android app for sending @sanskrit greetings. Download app from https://livesanskrit.com/sansgreet

World Toilet Day.

World Toilet Day (WTD) is an official United Nations international observance day on 19 November to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. Worldwide, 4.2 billion people live without "safely managed sanitation" and around 673 million people practice open defecation. 74 Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all". In particular, target 6.2 is to "End open defecation and provide access to sanitation and hygiene)". When the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2020 was published, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Today, Sustainable Development Goal 6 is badly off track" and it “is hindering progress on the 2030 Agenda, the realization of human rights and the achievement of peace and security around the world".

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[hazelgallon]

GAZA’S HUMANITARIAN CRISIS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE GLOBAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

“Children don’t grow up in Palestine.”

That is the answer of a child asked by a journalist about what he wants to be when he grows up. Upon seeing this video, I felt as if my heart were broken into a thousand tiny pieces. I turned my phone off and tried to forget about what I just saw. But the mere act of it made me even more guilty. I feel guilty that I have the privilege to turn away from my screen to avoid the monstrosities that are currently happening in Gaza, despite the inescapable reality of the children there. I feel guilty that while I am in the comfort of my own home, women and children in Gaza are suffering under the rubble of what was left of their homes. What can I do as someone who lives 9000 kilometers away from Gaza?

As a student studying Bachelor of Science in Technology Communication Management, I am trained to become an ethical communicator. The tagline "Advancing a Sustainable Future'' can be devoted to the SDGs promoted by the United Nations. But how can we, as a society, advance to a sustainable future if parts of the world are dismantled? If there are still oppressors and oppressed, if some people are forced to leave their homeland due to rising conflict, What is happening in Gaza impedes the progress of the 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations. I should use what I have learned over the years in order to promote what is good for the people in Gaza. I might be far away from the conflict and not suffer any consequences from it. I am still affected because this is not a religious conflict at all; this is already a humanitarian issue.

“You don’t have to be a Muslim to support Palestine; you just have to be human.”

The attack on the people in Gaza is a humanitarian issue that opposes some, if not all, of the 17 SDGs promoted by the United Nations. In this blog, I will only focus on three sustainable goals: Goal #3: Good Health and Well-Being; Goal #6: Clean Water and Sanitation; and, most importantly, Goal #16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and How it Undermines SDG #3 Good Health and Well-Being

Children are the most innocent form of life to exist. They should be in school, playing with their friends, laughing, and experiencing a normal childhood. In Gaza, it is different. The children of Gaza cannot go to school because it has become a refugee camp for displaced families. At least four schools in Gaza suffered damage from Israeli attacks. The refugees taking shelter in these schools thought that it would be safe for them to stay there, but it seems that the IDF does not care for the rising numbers of civilian casualties. Hospitals, mosques, churches, temples, and schools are considered to be the safest places in the world, but in Gaza, people live in constant fear as they witness that everywhere they go, the catastrophe will follow them, and even the walls of hospitals, mosques, churches, temples, and schools cannot protect them from the airstrikes.

The United Nations’ goal to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages is undermined because of these monstrosities. In a place where almost half of the 2 million population are children, and every 15 minutes, a child is martyred, healthy lives and well-being seem to not matter. As for the children who survived the airstrike, they will be forever scarred and will suffer unfathomable physical and emotional consequences that even a grown adult will not be able to recover from.

How can we achieve a sustainable future if the children in Gaza lack assurance of even waking up safe and alive tomorrow? Children are the future of this world. We should speak up about this more, as it is the only way that we can send our help to them. The children of Gaza, who should be in school, are terrified and displaced. The easiest way to help them is to spread more awareness and factual information about this crucial humanitarian crisis. Even that act is the bare minimum, but for students like me who lack the capacity to financially aid and donate to the people of Gaza, it is my duty to communicate with those who have no opportunity to speak.

“In this world of information, ignorance is a choice.”

Gaza’s Struggle for Clean Water and Sanitation

It is not only the airstrikes and bullets that threaten the safety and well-being of the people of Gaza. Gaza’s source of water usually comes from pipelines in Israel, desalination plants on the Mediterranean Sea, and wells. When the conflict broke out in the wake of the Hamas attack, all of these water sources were cut off. Which brought even more serious harm to the people of Gaza. Access to clean water and sanitation is a basic human right recognized by the United Nations. That is why it is one of their goals to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Which again is undermined by the conflict caused by the Israeli-Hamas attacks.

Aside from the fact that the human body needs water to survive, especially children and the elderly, It is also crucial for sanitation. The absence of clean water in a community can cause widespread infections and dysentery. An emergency physician at Columbia University, Dr. Tsion Firew, said that the leading cause of death for children not older than 5 is diarrheal disease caused by unclean water.

“Gaza is running out of water, and Gaza is running out of life,” said Philippe Lazzarini, chief of the U.N. agency for Palestinians.

Water is equivalent to life. Its importance is next to air. It is not only drinking water that Gaza needs but also sanitary water to aid the wounds of the people who were affected by the airstrikes. Most of them are children who were almost buried under rubble.

As the 'total siege' of Gaza continues, the already dire humanitarian situation continues to get worse, giving rise to soaring needs. With no way in for aid supplies and basic goods, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency warned yesterday that clean water is running out and people -- particularly young children - will soon start dying of severe dehydration.

(Save the Children Calls for a Ceasefire in Gaza as Casualties Soar and Water Runs Out - Occupied Palestinian Territory, 2023)

Will There be Peace and Justice for the People of Palestine?

All the living generations of the 20 families have been wiped from the civil registry, as Palestinians say. With their deaths, they brought with them a piece of Palestine’s history. May I remind you that this is not just mere statistics; these are the lives of real people. 20 family surnames will never be heard in Palestine anymore. This is ethnic cleansing.

An independent media platform, Raseef22, which focused on underrepresented communities such as women, ethnic and religious minorities, the young, and the destitute, posted on their Instagram platform a list of Palestinian families under threat of a potential end to their whole bloodline. These are some of the families and households that are currently facing annihilation as a result of the ongoing conflict. The following count of casualties is subject to change as there is still an ongoing effort to extract victims from the rubble.

Jamil Al-Za’anin’s family: 21 members killed, including 9 children.

The Abu Ubaid family: 20 members killed, including 7 children.

The Abu Qouta family: 19 members killed, including 10 children.

The Shabat family: 18 killed, comprising 13 family members (11 children, the youngest being one year old) and 5 from the neighbors.

Abu Zuhair Al-Naqib’s family: 16 members killed, including 5 children.

Abu Daqqa family: 18 members killed, including 7 children, one as young as a month old. Only 8-year-old Tala and her uncle survived. 

Abu Sameer Al-Qatnani’s family: 15 members killed, including the grandparents, parents, their wives, and all the grandchildren, totaling 4 children.

Nasser Shamlakh’s family: 14 members killed, including 3 children, the youngest being just 3 months old.

Abu Zuhair Al-Lahlam’s family: 14 members killed, some of whom were children (exact number of children remains unconfirmed as of yet).

Al-Madhoun family: 14 members killed, including 10 children.

Abu Hilal family: 12 members killed, including 3 children, the youngest being a newborn who had not yet to reach the age of 10 days, in addition to a fetus still in its mother’s womb, as well as 11 of the family’s neighbors, belonging to three different families.

Abu Rakab family: 7 members killed, including 5 children.

The family of those exiled as part of the Shalit deal, Salem Duweib, and his wife Islam Hamad, and their three children.

Abu Shaaban family: 6 members killed, including the husband, wife, and their four children.

This conflict is nothing new; it has been happening for 75 years. The people of Palestine have been enduring these past decades of suffering and oppression, and yet now that they have resisted the oppressor, the whole world looks at them as if they were the problem. They are only fighting for their land, for their Palestine. Is peace and justice only for white people? What makes Arab blood different and less important than the blood of the white oppressors? To promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, to provide access to justice for all, and to build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels, we must first acknowledge the ruthless reality that some of us still look down on the deaths of non-white, non-Christian lives. There will be no peace unless Palestine is free.

UNICEF PH is inviting the Filipino people to help the children in Gaza by donating small amounts. This small act will not alleviate the pain and suffering of the people in Gaza who have been affected by the crisis. But it will give them comfort to know that there are people around the world who care and that there are people 9000 kilometers away from them who listen. They are heard, supported, and cared for.

There are few celebrities who are in support of the people in Gaza, who are clearly oppressed. And there are even fewer celebrities who have bravely spoken for the welfare of the people there. 

@mosalah on Instagram

On October 18, 2023, Egyptian football player Mohamed Salah called out the world leaders and demanded that humanitarian aid be allowed to Gaza immediately.

As of today, October 22, the first humanitarian aid has entered Gaza from Egypt through the Rafa crossing. Only 20 trucks carrying medicine and food were allowed to cross, excluding water or fuel, which are highly needed in hospitals. Even this is not an achievement worth celebrating. There are 2 million people in Gaza, and 20 trucks of medicine and food will not suffice the whole population. What Gaza needs is a ceasefire and a humanitarian aid that is proportional and enough.

On October 22, 2023, a solidarity walk for Palestine was held in Cagayan de Oro City, starting from Rodelsa Circle and ending at the Amphitheater. It was led by the Muslim Youth Council of Cagayan de Oro City with the aim of promoting peace, empathy, and understanding among diverse communities.

'Our vision is to stand together in support of those affected by conflicts while extending a warm invitation to our non-Muslim brothers and sisters.This nonpartisan event has a dedicated focus on raising awareness about the Palestinian situation and advocating for peace, human rights, and a just resolution to the ongoing conflicts in the region. Participants are encouraged to express their solidarity through peaceful means, underlining our commitment to a better, more harmonious world.' SOURCE: Muslim Youth Council - Cagayan de Oro Facebook Page

On a global scale, thousands of protesters have rallied for the cause of the people in Palestine. Cagayan de Oro City is only one of the many cities that have taken to the streets to demand an end to the conflict between Israel and the Hamas group, which is the leading cause of the rising civilian casualties in the region.

Al Jazeera, a Qatari state-owned Arabic-language news television network, provided a list of the cities that have participated in a solidarity walk and protest for Palestine. The list below is subject to change as many solidarity walks and protests will take place soon.

Adelaide, Algiers, Amman, Athens, Auckland, Baghdad, Barcelona, Beirut, Berlin, Boston, Braband, Brasilia, Brisbane, Cairo, Calgary, Cambridge, Canberra, Cape Town, Caracas, Colombo, Copenhagen, Dallas, Damascus, Dearborn, Delhi, Dhaka, Doha, Diyarbakir, Dublin, Edinburgh, Edmonton, Geneva, Glasgow, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Istanbul, Jakarta, Karachi, Kargil, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, London, Los Angeles, Lucknow, Male, Manama, Manchester, Marawi City, Melbourne, Mexico City, Milan, Mississauga, Montreal, Mumbai, Nablus, Naples, New York City, Paris, Pittsburgh, Portland, Pune, Rabat, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Sanaa, Santiago, São Paulo, Seoul, Surakarta, Sydney, Tehran, The Hague, Thiruvananthapuram, Tokyo, Tucson, Turin, Vancouver, Washington DC.

AL JAZEERA | Demonstrators rally during a ‘Stand with Palestine’ march in solidarity with Gaza, in Dublin, Ireland, October 14, 2023 [Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters]

AL JAZEERA | Jordanians gather to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, in Amman, Jordan, October 13, 2023 [Alaa Al Sukhni/Reuters]

AL JAZEERA | Supporters of the Palestinian people hold a rally and march called a ‘Day of Action for Palestine’ as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, near the White House in Washington, DC, the United States, October 14, 2023 [Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters]

AL JAZEERA | Muslim women shout slogans during a rally supporting the Palestinians in Jakarta, Indonesia, October 15, 2023 [Dita Alangkara/AP photo]

AL JAZEERA | Thousands of Moroccans take part in a protest in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, in Rabat, Morocco, October 15, 2023 [Mosa’ab Elshamy/AP photo]

AL JAZEERA | Demonstrators wave Turkish and Palestinian flags during a rally amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas, in Istanbul, Turkey, October 15, 2023 [Dilara Senkaya/Reuters]

AL JAZEERA | Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest near the Israeli embassy in London, the United Kingdom, October 9, 2023 [Toby Melville/Reuters]

Advancing to a Sustainable Future means we all must act to turn the ongoing struggle in Gaza into a route to peace, justice, and prosperity. We can plant the seeds of sustainable development in this turbulent region by addressing the urgent requirements for good health, clean water, and strong institutions. It is a call to action and a reminder that lasting peace and international cooperation are necessary to end the cycle of hostilities and provide Gaza's residents with a better future.

As we aim to achieve each of the 17 sustainable development goals and as we advance into a sustainable future, let us not leave our Muslim brothers and sisters behind. In this time of crisis, it is not our sympathy that they need, but our actions. As a student, this is the least that I can do. I will never stop talking about the oppression in Gaza. I will never stop talking about the women and children in Gaza. As a TCM student, I will use my voice, to speak for the minorities in Gaza.

To promote Goal #3: Good Health and Well-Being; Goal #6: Clean Water and Sanitation; and, most importantly, Goal #16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, raising awareness while respecting its complexity is a must. You can educate yourself and others about Gaza, sign petitions, and take part in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza now.

Sign and share the petition now!

Copy and paste the link: https://www.nrc.no/news/2023/october/ceasefirenow-open-call-for-an-immediate-ceasefire-in-the-gaza-strip-and-israel/

#CeasefireNOW

If you wish to read more about the seven-decade-long conflict between Israel and Palestine, feel free to check out the links below.

If you wish to be updated on the current happenings in Gaza, follow the press, advocates, and journalists on their Instagram account.

Motaz Azaiza: @motaz_azaiza

Al Jazeera: @aljazeeraenglish

Plestia Alaqad: @byplestia

Subhi: @sbeih.jpg

References BURAKOFF, M. (2023, October 17). Gaza's limited water supply raises concerns for human health. AP News. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://apnews.com/article/gaza-israel-water-humanitarian-crisis-cfeabcda00fefdd03c2877495c4dcd09 Children in Gaza desperately need lifesaving support. (n.d.). UNICEF. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/children-gaza-desperate-need-lifesaving-support China says Israel's actions in Gaza are 'beyond self defense' as U.S. races to avert wider conflict. (2023, October 16). CNBC. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/16/china-says-israels-actions-in-gaza-have-gone-beyond-self-defense.html 47 Palestinian families erased from civil registry in Gaza under Israel's genocidal aggression. (n.d.). Palestinian News & Information Agency-WAFA. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/138295 Mhawesh, M. R. (2023, October 10). 'Why bomb schools?' Gaza families have no safe space amid Israeli attacks. Al Jazeera. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/10/10/why-bomb-schools-gaza-families-have-no-safe-space-amid-israeli-attacks Mhawesh, M. R. (2023, October 13). When a family dies under Israel's bombs, part of Gaza's history disappears. Al Jazeera. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/13/when-a-family-dies-under-israels-bombs-part-of-gazas-history-disappears Mohammad, L., & Jin, C. H. (2023, October 19). Children make up nearly half of Gaza's population. Here's what it means for the war. NPR. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://www.npr.org/2023/10/19/1206479861/israel-gaza-hamas-children-population-war-palestinians One Palestinian child in Gaza killed every 15 minutes by Israeli forces. (2023, October 16). Defense for Children International – Palestine. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://www.dci-palestine.org/one_palestinian_child_in_gaza_killed_every_15_minutes_by_israeli_forces Open Call for an Immediate Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel to Prevent a Humanitarian Catastrophe and Further Loss of Innocent Lives - occupied Palestinian territory. (2023, October 18). ReliefWeb. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/open-call-immediate-ceasefire-gaza-strip-and-israel-prevent-humanitarian-catastrophe-and-further-loss-innocent-lives Save the Children calls for a ceasefire in Gaza as casualties soar and water runs out - occupied Palestinian territory. (2023, October 17). ReliefWeb. Retrieved October 22, 2023, from https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/save-children-calls-ceasefire-gaza-casualties-soar-and-water-runs-out

[mariacallous]

In the lead up to the COP27 climate summit, the urgency of climate change had never been clearer. A third of Pakistan had submerged under water, half of China’s landmass was parched by drought, and repeated heatwaves set Europe ablaze with some regions losing up to 80% of their harvest.

Despite this, the global community in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt was unable to muster the financial commitments needed to adequately respond to the climate crisis. Achieving the Paris Agreement’s temperature and adaptation goals requires an estimated global investment of $3-6 trillion a year until 2050, but current investment levels are nearly a tenth of that, just around $630 billion. Further, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), annual climate finance to developing countries needs to increase by four to eight times by 2030, yet COP27’s new finance pledges came nowhere near this target, and no headway was made on a new 2025 finance goal.

There were some victories, like the establishment of the Global Shield fund for climate risk, and a historical Loss and Damage Fund to help countries recover from climate impacts. But the details of these funds could take years to formalize before any country sees the proceeds. In the meantime, emerging market and developing economies will continue to face the brunt of the impacts of climate change with the fewest resources, while also being the least responsible for warming the planet.

Given this context, a new tool, debt-for-adaptations swaps, could be a game changing way to accelerate the lethargic pace at which climate finance is made accessible to countries desperately in need.

In a debt-for-adaptation swap, countries who borrowed money from other nations or multilateral development banks (e.g., the IMF and World Bank) could have that debt forgiven, if the money that was to be spent on repayment was instead diverted to climate adaptation and resilience projects. This has an opportunity to both alleviate debt distress and increase funding to adaptation which has proved far more difficult to finance than clean power. There has been a lot of interest in debt swaps from developing countries and multilateral development banks, especially at COP27, but not specifically focused on adaptation.

The U.S. should take on a leading role in this effort, not only because it is the right thing to do but also because it advances U.S. interests in its geo-strategic rivalry with China. As developing nations look to see who will help them out of the climate catastrophe, the U.S. has a chance to pioneer an alternate model to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is entrapping developing countries into loans and debt distress.

Moreso, the sovereign debt burden of developing countries is largely a historical product of colonialism. By championing debt-for-adaptation swaps, the Biden administration can advance its environmental justice objectives and quickly channel critical resources to vulnerable communities.

The State of Play: Loans and Mitigation Dominate, Grants and Adaptation Lag Behind

There is no common, universal definition for what “climate finance” means but it generally refers to two types of financial flows: (1) climate investments which seek to generate financial returns, and (2) climate aid which is given as a grant with no expectation of repayment.

Nearly 94% of existing climate finance is in the first category[1]—an investment through either debt or equity where the funder is expecting some financial return. These funders include commercial banks and investors, governments, and multilateral and national finance institutions (e.g., World Bank, International Monetary Fund, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation).

The expectation of revenue generation for climate investments structurally binds the success and likelihood of deals to broader macroeconomic and political trends. Therefore, climate investment has been slow in developing countries due to a real and perceived risk of doing business in countries which may be involved in or adjacent to armed conflicts, face political or economic instability, or experience humanitarian disasters. While private investors do want to invest in the developing world, most such projects are at very high-risk levels, well above what is considered “investment grade.”

Projects that do meet the “investment grade” criteria are almost all focused on renewable energy. Indeed, 90% of all climate finance last year went exclusively to activities which mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This makes sense from an investor perspective because electricity can be bought and sold, generating predictable cash flows to yield returns.

The tradeoff is that climate adaptation has been almost entirely neglected in climate finance flows despite being more urgent for many developing countries. Roughly $50 billion in adaptation finance was tracked between 2019-2020, compared to $571 billion for mitigation. The U.N. estimates that developing countries already need $70 billion per year to cover adaptation costs now and will need $140–$300 billion in 2030, rising to $280-500 billion by 2050. The damage from this year’s monsoon flood in Pakistan alone will exceed $40 billion.

There are a range of reasons why adaptation projects like drought-resistant seeds, resilient buildings, environmental restoration, or sea walls have struggled to attract private sector financing. At its core, it is more difficult to capture the benefits of adapting to climate change in a way that generates revenue. Suffice it to say, as long as profit-motive drives the majority of climate finance flows, adaptation finance will lag behind.

What adaptation lacks in revenue generation opportunities, though, it makes up for in avoided damages. Adaptation finance can help avoid the costs of infrastructure collapse, climate refugees, and potential failed states. A conservative estimate finds that by 2050, the economic cost of climate change will be between $1 trillion and $1.8 trillion (not including non-economic losses like loss of cultural sites).

The hope is that climate aid, or money that’s given without expectation of financial return (e.g., grants), can fill this gap in climate adaptation finance. Unfortunately, developed countries have channeled a comparatively meager amount of overall climate finance through grant-based instruments. In total, grants currently account for only 6% of climate finance. Between 2016-2018, grant-based bilateral climate finance accounted for 34% of all U.S. contributions ($645M), 12% of Japan’s ($1.2B), and only 3% of France’s ($146M). There have been some bright spots, however, with 91% of the U.K.’s contributions coming through grants ($1.3B), 99% of Australia’s ($111M), and 100% of Sweden’s ($482M). At COP27, developed countries failed to make headway on the Glasgow Climate Pact to double adaptation finance, nor did they define the Global Goal on Adaptation (equivalent to the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C mitigation target).

In the U.S., there has been political reluctance to legislatively disburse funds for climate aid grants. President Biden requested $11.4 billion in climate aid every year till 2024, but Congress has authorized just $1 billion total. The politics of grant-based aid remain controversial, as Republicans and Democrats are virtually in different worlds on how to address the climate crisis and the role of the U.S. in supporting other countries.

Therefore, in the absence of a significant inflow of grant money, innovative solutions are needed to overcome the barriers to scaling up climate finance for adaptation. By using debt-for-adaptation swaps, climate finance for adaptation can be mobilized while