Latest news with #SustainableMarketsInitiative
Montreal Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Opinion: Canada's climate strategy needs allies. King Charles may be one
Canada is waking up to a hard truth: We are not ready for the climate economy already reshaping the world. Wildfires are now a season. Once-in-a-century floods strike every few years. Meanwhile, the U.S. and China are racing ahead with clean energy manufacturing, critical minerals strategies and massive green industrial plans. If we don't act, Canada risks falling behind — not just environmentally, but economically and geopolitically. That's why Prime Minister Mark Carney's June 2 announcement to fast-track clean energy and infrastructure projects couldn't come at a better time. The plan signals a serious shift in our approach to building a green economy: Through carbon border adjustments, new industrial incentives and the creation of 10 national parks, we start to see the outline of a real climate industrial strategy. But for this plan to succeed, it must go beyond regulatory reform and economic opportunity. It must be rooted in environmental justice, Indigenous partnership and international collaboration. In this effort, Carney may find a powerful ally: King Charles III. Some Indigenous communities and provincial leaders have rightly raised concerns about the fast-tracking process. First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities are not just stakeholders — they are rights holders. Their legal authority and ecological knowledge are essential to shaping just and effective climate solutions. With the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) enshrined in Canadian law, meaningful partnership is not optional — it's foundational. This means co-governance, Indigenous-led conservation and direct investment in community-driven clean energy projects, not after-the-fact consultation. As Canada builds its climate strategy, King Charles III could be a valuable global ally. Long before it was popular, he championed environmental causes. Today, through the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) and the Terra Carta charter, he's directing billions toward biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and clean technologies. His message is clear: Finance must align with nature and long-term well-being. At the helm of the SMI is CEO Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, who has mobilized over 250 CEOs globally to drive systemic sustainability reform. Her operational strength and convening power are helping turn a bold vision into action. Carney, King Charles, and Jordan-Saifi have worked together before — notably at the Climate Finance Mobilisation Forum at Windsor Castle. Their shared values and credibility open the door to deeper collaboration. Canada could lead by proposing a Canada–U.K. Sustainable Finance Task Force, embedding Terra Carta principles into national partnerships, or co-developing funding for Indigenous climate innovation. The urgency is heightened by our evolving relationship with the U.S. President Donald Trump has reintroduced sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports, disrupting supply chains and driving up costs for materials essential to our clean energy future. Meanwhile, the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act is reshaping the clean tech landscape, favouring American interests and intensifying competitive pressure on Canada. Carney's push to reduce our dependence on the U.S. through strategic investments in domestic infrastructure and supply chains is crucial. Same with strengthening our alliances — with Europe, the U.K. and Indigenous nations — to move beyond being a supplier of raw materials and toward becoming a leader in clean technologies, sustainable jobs and climate innovation. Carney's plan lays the foundation for a cleaner, fairer and more resilient future. But how we proceed — particularly in upholding Indigenous rights, strengthening international partnerships and overhauling bureaucracy — will determine whether we lead or lag. We already have what we need: the global platform and moral clarity of King Charles, the lived knowledge of Indigenous communities and the economic insight of Carney. Together, they offer the leadership to drive a truly transformative climate agenda. The question is no longer what must be done — it's whether we have the courage to do it. Sarah Farahdel is a public scholar and sustainability expert with nearly a decade of industry experience. She earned her PhD in information systems engineering at Concordia University.
Powys County Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
King stunned by David Attenborough's age as pair attend ocean film premiere
The King said he 'can't believe' Sir David Attenborough's age as the pair attended a film premiere highlighting the important environmental role of oceans. Charles was among the guests to walk the 'blue carpet' and see a first screening of Ocean With David Attenborough at the Southbank Centre in London on Tuesday. The movie, narrated by Sir David, shows why ocean recovery is vital for stabilising the climate and securing a healthier future for the population. Charles, who is patron of the Marine Biological Association, has advocated for protecting the environment and sustainability, including in the oceans, for more than five decades. Meeting Sir David and his daughter Susan ahead of the premiere, Charles said he was 'so glad' the broadcaster was involved with the film and that it was 'always a pleasure' to see him. The King asked the veteran broadcaster about his 99th birthday, which Sir David confirmed was on Thursday, the day of the film's release. Charles remarked in response: 'I can't believe it.' The pair remained in lively discussion as they posed for photos, before both were greeted with warm applause by the 2,200 fellow attendees as they entered the auditorium for the screening. Charles, wearing a black suit and bow tie, had earlier arrived on the blue carpet and met with several high-profile guests that included actor Theo James – with the pair sharing a light chuckle. The film includes dramatic footage of the devastation fishing practices such as bottom trawling wreak on the seabed and its wildlife, as well as highlighting the wonder of natural habitats, from kelp forests to coral reefs, and the need to protect them. But Sir David says in the film: 'The ocean can recover faster than we thought possible. 'If we just let nature take its course, the sea will save itself.' And he concludes: 'If we save the sea, we save our world.' In a major speech at the Our Ocean Conference in 2017, Charles said: 'Mine is not a new commitment, but perhaps you will allow me to restate my determination to join you in continuing to do whatever I can, for as long as I can, to maintain not only the health and vitality of the ocean and all that depends upon it, but also the viability of that greatest and most unique of living organisms – Nature herself.' He later launched the Sustainable Markets Initiative in 2020, in response to the increasing threats posed by climate change and biodiversity loss. Toby Nowlan, from Silverback Films – the movie's producer and director, said it was Sir David's 'most important story' and came at a crucial moment for global environmental efforts. He told reporters: 'A lot of people got together and said we need to make a seminal film to enact change for our ocean, to be released now – halfway through the United Nation's decade of the ocean, this year, the year of the ocean – in time for the United Nations Oceans conference in June in Nice. 'So the idea was basically to find the greatest authority on storytelling and the greatest authority in wildlife filmmaking to front this piece.' Conservationists are calling for governments at the UN conference to deliver on pledges to protect 30% of the world's oceans, protect the high seas or open ocean outside national maritime borders and halt the most damaging forms of fishing. Asked about the King's attendance at the premiere, Mr Nowlan said: 'I think it's absolutely wonderful. I think it's really, really marvellous. 'The Prince [of Wales] and the King have done incredible things for the environmental world and for conservation, and I think this just this is an extension of that. 'Their presence here really speaks to how this should be such a big moment in time – it could be such a moment in history for us to drive change and help save the ocean.'
Irish Independent
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
King stunned by David Attenborough's age as pair attend ocean film premiere
Charles was among the guests to walk the 'blue carpet' and see a first screening of Ocean With David Attenborough at the Southbank Centre in London on Tuesday. The movie, narrated by Sir David, shows why ocean recovery is vital for stabilising the climate and securing a healthier future for the population. Charles, who is patron of the Marine Biological Association, has advocated for protecting the environment and sustainability, including in the oceans, for more than five decades. Meeting with Sir David and his daughter Susan ahead of the premiere, Charles said he was 'so glad' the broadcaster was involved with the film and that it was 'always a pleasure' to see him. The King asked the veteran broadcaster about his 99th birthday, which Sir David confirmed was on Thursday, the day of the film's release. Charles remarked in response: 'I can't believe it.' The pair remained in lively discussion as they posed for photos, before both were greeted with warm applause by the 2,200 fellow attendees as they entered the auditorium for the screening. Charles, wearing a black suit and bow tie, had earlier arrived on the blue carpet and met with several high-profile guests that included actor Theo James – with the pair sharing a light chuckle. In a major speech at the Our Ocean Conference in 2017, Charles said: 'Mine is not a new commitment, but perhaps you will allow me to restate my determination to join you in continuing to do whatever I can, for as long as I can, to maintain not only the health and vitality of the ocean and all that depends upon it, but also the viability of that greatest and most unique of living organisms – Nature herself.' He later launched the Sustainable Markets Initiative in 2020, in response to the increasing threats posed by climate change and biodiversity loss. ADVERTISEMENT Toby Nowlan, from Silverback Films – the movie's producer and director, said it was Sir David's 'most important story' and came at a crucial moment for global environmental efforts. He told reporters: 'A lot of people got together and said we need to make a seminal film to enact change for our ocean, to be released now – halfway through the United Nation's decade of the ocean, this year, the year of the ocean – in time for the United Nations Oceans conference in June in Nice. 'So the idea was basically to find the greatest authority on storytelling and the greatest authority in wildlife filmmaking to front this piece.' Asked about the King's attendance at the premiere, Mr Nowlan said: 'I think it's absolutely wonderful. I think it's really, really marvellous. 'The Prince [of Wales] and the King have done incredible things for the environmental world and for conservation, and I think this just this is an extension of that. 'Their presence here really speaks to how this should be such a big moment in time – it could be such a moment in history for us to drive change and help save the ocean.'
Times
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Times
Chris Hadfield: I'll work with the King to tackle space junk
'If you sit quietly on the International Space Station, you can hear little bits of debris ricochet off the armour of the hull. Sometimes they hit the window and leave a ding.' Having experienced for himself the threat posed by the growing clouds of metallic junk orbiting our planet, Chris Hadfield, the retired Canadian astronaut who achieved fame as the guitar-playing commander of the International Space Station (ISS), has an ally in the King in his quest to clear it up. 'He contacted me to work with his team called the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) to try and draft Astra Carta,' Hadfield said. Taking inspiration from Magna Carta and Carta de Foresta, the 13th-century documents that enshrined the rule of law and granted public access
Fashion Network
22-04-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Fashion world honors Pope Francis for his vision, values and legacy of peace
Deep sorrow and great emotion have marked the response of the global fashion industry following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at 7:35 a.m. on April 21. Across the creative and cultural spheres, prominent voices in fashion and beyond paid tribute to the pontiff's enduring legacy. Known for his compassion, humility, and dedication to peace and the planet, Pope Francis left an impression on individuals from all walks of life—including leaders from the fashion world. Donatella Versace, artistic director of the iconic Italian fashion house Versace, honored the Pope by posting a photo of him on Instagram, writing: "Rest in peace, His Holiness Pope Francis." Renzo Rosso, founder of the Only the Brave group—which owns brands such as Diesel, Marni, and Maison Margiela —shared his admiration in a heartfelt message: "Thank you, Pope Francis, for your example, courage, and commitment to our planet." Rosso met the Pope several years ago in a private audience, where he was gifted a pair of white jeans. Federico Marchetti, Italian entrepreneur and founder of the luxury e-commerce platform Yoox, also shared a personal photo from his meeting with Pope Francis, captioned: "Requiescat in pace, Franciscus." He went further, publishing the Pope's final speech in full. Fashion editor and influencer Anna Dello Russo echoed similar sentiments on Instagram: "Goodbye Francis. He was the Pope of the forgotten, the poor, the marginalized and the persecuted." Tributes extended beyond the fashion industry. King Charles III of the United Kingdom—who established the Fashion Task Force under the Sustainable Markets Initiative in 2020 while still Prince of Wales, with Marchetti as chairman—honored the pope's spiritual and ecological legacy. In a message released by Buckingham Palace on behalf of both himself and Queen Camilla, the monarch reflected: "His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the church and his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith and those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others. His belief that caring for Creation is a fundamental expression of faith in God resonated with so many across the world." Italian Undersecretary of Culture Lucia Borgonzoni also reflected on Pope Francis's connection to art and culture. "Among the many messages of deep spirituality he has delivered to history—such as his powerful and moving appeals for peace, so fragile in these times marred by conflict and oppression—what will remain unforgettable to me are the words filled with love that he dedicated to art in all its forms," she wrote. "He recognized the essential role of art in each of our lives, as well as the importance of cultural figures." According to the official medical certificate, Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was 88 years old. He became the 266th pontiff of the Catholic Church following his election on March 13, 2013, after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His health began to decline in March due to bilateral pneumonia, resulting in a 38-day hospitalization at Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic, which ended on Sunday, March 23. He gradually resumed his duties and made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, when he toured Saint Peter's Square aboard the Popemobile. There, he delivered the traditional "urbi et orbi" blessing—a solemn message addressed "to the city [of Rome] and to the world"—and briefly greeted U.S. Vice President Vance. With Ansa
