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Business Standard
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Climate change at COP30: India must lead, not wait for other nations
If most countries are unlikely to make strong commitments, it is relevant to ask whether India should also hold back. Climate change is too important for us to take this course Montek S Ahluwalia Listen to This Article Climate change has been driven off the headlines by other more immediate problems: the Russia-Ukraine war, the continuing conflict in Gaza, and the Trump tariffs. But the problem of global warming has not gone away. It will return to the centre stage when the UN Climate Change Conference, COP30, meets in November 2025 in Brazil. The problems facing COP30 What can we realistically expect from COP30? A major problem is that the combined mitigation commitments agreed to by all countries in COP26 will not keep global warming within the limits decided. The ideal 1.5-degree Celsius limit is likely to be
Egypt Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Sharm El Sheikh designated as Egypt's first green city by ICLEI
Sharm El Sheikh has officially become Egypt's first city to be recognized as a 'Green City' by the global Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) network. This significant achievement was announced by Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad, alongside South Sinai Governor Khaled Fouda and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Gimar Deeb. The designation marks the culmination of Sharm El Sheikh's extensive journey towards environmental sustainability, which gained momentum after Egypt hosted the UN Biodiversity Conference in 2018 and was solidified by the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in 2022. Guided by presidential directives, approximately 39 projects transformed the city into a comprehensive green model. Key initiatives contributing to this status include substantial investments (LE800 million) in renewable energy (51 megawatts, solar installations across hotels and remote areas), the establishment of 145 km of cycling paths and sustainable transport, and robust solid waste management systems that engage the local community, including converting used cooking oil into biodiesel. The city also focuses on water desalination in Nabq Protectorate and biodiversity preservation, including coral reef monitoring. Though Sharm El Sheikh is the inaugural Egyptian city to join the ICLEI, El-Kharga City's prior designation as a green city by the Arab League highlights Egypt's expansive dedication to sustainable development. Governor Fouda emphasized that COP27 was a critical turning point, solidifying Sharm El Sheikh's identity as a green tourism destination. The 'Green Sharm' project specifically targets energy, waste, transport, water, and biodiversity, including a ban on single-use plastics in 50 hotels by 2025/2026. This comprehensive strategy, supported by over $19.7 million in funding, aims to make Sharm El Sheikh a global model for sustainable tourism, promoting a healthy environment, a promising economy, and a responsible community. The Green Sharm Project Manager and the UNDP representative both lauded Sharm El Sheikh's inclusion, emphasizing it as a clear demonstration of Egypt's dedication to green transformation and its positive impact on the city's tourism appeal in addition to its role as a global symbol post-COP27.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Brazilian ambassador joins Wicklow artist to bring global water crisis into focus
Drawing audiences from across Ireland to experience a vibrant fusion of fine art photography, environmental consciousness, and cross-cultural dialogue, the insightful exhibition was introduced by Courthouse artistic director Kieran O'Toole, followed by a captivating solo performance by Mestre Sansão on the berimbau, a traditional Brazilian instrument central to capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends music, rhythm, and movement. Guests were welcomed with the Brazilian flag on display and served traditional caipirinhas, adding a festive and immersive cultural touch to the event. Mr Macieira addressed the audience with a poignant message about the urgent need for global climate action, emphasising the importance of COP30, the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference to be hosted by Brazil in 2025, while praising Taves' work for 'elevating water as both a natural and symbolic resource.' Started in 2009, Taves' Water Colour series invites viewers to reflect on the state of water around the world, with the project a visually arresting archive of water imagery captured in diverse global settings. 'What if water, in its fragility, no longer flowed freely—or disappeared altogether?' Taves asked. 'Through these images, I hope to awaken a deeper reflection on water's fragility and its vital importance in our lives.' The enchanting evening concluded with a poetry reading by Wexford-based writer, Sylvia Cullen. Water Colour will remain on view at the Courthouse Arts Centre until Sunday, June 8. The exhibition will close with a special event from 3 to 5 pm, featuring guest speaker William Fagan, chairperson of the Photography Museum of Ireland. A bus can be booked via the Courthouse website for €10 per person. It will depart from the Signal Arts Centre in Bray at 1.45 pm and return from Tinahely at 5 pm. Limited edition postcards featuring a QR code with a preview of the next show are available for purchase.
Mid East Info
22-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
At ‘Make it in the Emirates': Khalifa Fund's ASATEER supported project wins ‘Emirati Traditional Crafts' Award
The ASATEER project, supported by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), has been awarded the 'Emirati Traditional Crafts' at the fourth edition of the 'Make it in the Emirates' Forum, recognising its innovative contributions and significant role in advancing the UAE's entrepreneurial and creative landscape. The judging panel at this prestigious forum, which is recognised as the UAE's premier industrial gathering that congregates entrepreneurs and innovators across diverse sectors, commended the project for its cultural resonance, originality, and potential to enhance the UAE's local economy while contributing to the advancement of the design industry. Mohammed Rashed AlSuwaidi, founder of ASATEER, expressed his immense pride in receiving this recognition, attributing the project's success to the steadfast support provided by KFED. He stated: 'This recognition inspires us to further strengthen our footprint in the local market and explore new growth opportunities, whether through strategic collaborations or financial partnerships.' AlSuwaidi added: 'Our products are deeply rooted in Emirati heritage, inspired by the legacy of the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. We are committed to sharing our culture, both its authenticity and modern evolution, with the world through premium craftsmanship. Our participation in several prominent events, including the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), has further fortified our commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly production. Ultimately, we aim to be pioneers in locally sourced Emirati-made design.' Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, remarked: 'We are proud to see ASATEER's achievement and the growth of other homegrown ventures. This reflects the dynamic nature of the UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Supporting startups and fostering innovation is central to our mission. Therefore, we remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering such projects, which serve as catalysts for Abu Dhabi's sustainable economic growth.' The 'Make in the Emirates' forum serves as a crucial platform that unites start-ups, investors, and innovators, with the goal of promoting local manufacturing and enhancing innovation, in line with the UAE's vision for economic growth through entrepreneurial projects and endeavours. The 'Make in the Emirates' Awards, one of the key initiatives of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, recognise excellence and innovation in the industrial sector. These awards celebrate the creative minds and visionaries who aim to shape the future of industry in the UAE and beyond with their bold and ambitious vision. The awards also support the UAE's transformation into a global hub for manufacturing and innovation and offer a platform for participants to showcase their innovations, achievements, success stories, and contributions to the advancement of the country's industrial sector.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kate Middleton and Prince William Score a Rare Joint Honor
Kate Middleton and Prince William are two of the TIME100 Philanthropy honorees for 2025. The Prince and Princess of Wales were recognized for "modernizing royal philanthropy" in a new tribute penned by TIME reporter Harry Booth. Booth wrote that while royal patronage dates back centuries, William and Kate have positioned themselves as "less concerned with cultural preservation and more attuned to social issues, tackling homelessness and rural mental health through their Royal Foundation and spotlighting innovative solutions to climate change through the Earthshot Prize." As they've taken a step closer to the British throne, the couple has spoken about wanting to modernize the monarchy and give back to communities in a more transparent and relatable way. "I can only describe what I'm trying to do, and that's I'm trying to do it differently and I'm trying to do it for my generation," Prince William told the BBC in November 2024. "And to give you more of an understanding around it, I'm doing it with maybe a smaller 'R' in the 'royal,' if you like. That's maybe a better way of saying it." "It's more about impact philanthropy, collaboration, convening, and helping people," he added. "And I'm also going to throw empathy in there as well, because I really care about what I do. It helps impact people's lives. And I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world." Last month, Prince William announced that the 2025 Earthshot Prize ceremony will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in November. This marks the fifth continent to host the awards since its inception in 2020 and will coincide with the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (known in shorthand as COP30), which the prince is also attending in Brazil. "As we bring The Earthshot Prize to Brazil, a nation rich in biodiversity and environmental innovation, we are seeing fresh momentum for new ideas to create healthier and safer ways to live our lives," William said in the announcement. "It is an honor to profile the people making our world a better place for us and for our children." The TIME100 honor also spotlighted Princess Kate's Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood and Shaping Us campaign, which recently recruited companies like LEGO and IKEA, as well as major banks and supermarket chains, to commit to investing in programs and products designed to support parents and help children thrive in their early years. "Crucial to the Waleses' approach is aligning social imperatives with sound business strategies and building corporate alliances to expand their reach," Booth praised. Earlier this month, TIME also honored Kate in its second annual TIME100 Health list. The Princess of Wales was included within the list's "Catalyst" group for publicly announcing in March 2024 that she was undergoing cancer treatment and drawing global awareness to the disease. The magazine unveiled the TIME100 Health list just two weeks after Meghan Markle spoke on stage at the TIME100 Summit in New York City about her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, lifestyle brand As ever and podcast Confessions of a Female Founder. Meghan and Prince Harry were previously on the cover of TIME for their inclusion in its Most Influential People list in 2021, and he joined her at the April 23 summit. However, they were not recognized for their philanthropy work. Read the original article on People
