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Bellmont fährt an die Darts-WM: «Realisiere noch nicht, was ich für die Schweiz geleistet habe»

Blick.ch - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 09:08
2024 wird die Schweiz erstmals an der Darts-WM vertreten sein. Stefan Bellmont setzt sich beim Quali-Turnier durch und kann seinen Coup noch nicht ganz fassen.
Categories: Swiss News

Rote Ampel für den deutsch-britischen ‘Reset’

Euractiv.de - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 09:05
Ausgerechnet jetzt, wo Europa im Angesicht der US-Präsidentschaftswahl enger zusammenrücken wollte, macht das Ampel-Aus einen Strich durch die Rechnung. Neben einer wahrscheinlich verzögerten Umsetzung der EU-Migrationsreform in Deutschland steht nun auch der erhoffte Staatsvertrag mit Großbritannien wegen der Neuwahl vor dem vorläufigen Aus.
Categories: Europäische Union

Fall des einstigen Anlegerlieblings: Nestlé-Aktie fällt auf Sechs-Jahre-Tief

Blick.ch - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 09:05
Wie geht es den Schweizer Firmen? Was läuft an der Wall Street? Und wie entwickelt sich der Goldpreis? Im Liveticker halten wir dich über die neusten Entwicklungen an den Märkten auf dem Laufenden.
Categories: Swiss News

"Au lieu de calculer, nous, on prépare notre match" (Gernot Rohr)

24 Heures au Bénin - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:50

Les amoureux du football béninois n'attendent que ça : la qualification des Guépards pour la prochaine Coupe d'Afrique des Nations au Maroc en 2025. Et tout va se jouer ce lundi 18 novembre 2024 du côté de Tripoli. Le Bénin devra sortir le grand jeu pour décrocher son billet. D'ailleurs pour Gernot Rohr, sa bande est concentrée pour décrocher cette fameuse qualification.

À la veille de match, le sélectionneur béninois a été interrogé à la fin de la traditionnelle séance de reconnaissance de la pelouse. Et ceci, vue que la Fédération Libyenne a annoncé plus tôt dans la journée qu'il n'y aurait pas de conférence de presse d'avant match. Au micro de nos confrères qui se sont déplacés à Tripoli, Gernot Rohr rassure le peuple béninois.

"On voudrait terminer le travail ici à Tripoli. Nous avons trois points d'avance. Un match nul ou une victoire nous qualifierait. Une défaite pourrait nous éliminer si elle était de 1-0 ou de plus d'un but d'écart. Au lieu de calculer, nous, on prépare notre match. On est prêt mentalement et physiquement.", a lancé le technicien.

Rohr continue : "On va y aller aussi avec notre solidarité. On sait qu'il nous manque des joueurs, notamment dans l'axe. On a reconstitué une défense, qui a donné satisfaction contre le Nigéria et on va lui refaire confiance pour ce match. Je pense que le début de match est très important parce que les Libyens vont vouloir venir nous contrer. Mais on va essayer de bien résister, de bien jouer, de porter aussi le danger dans leur camp. On va essayer de marquer de but, pas jouer pour un 0-0."

Rendez-vous donc dans quelques heures.

J.S

Categories: Afrique

Methane Mitigation at COP-29—Pathways to Climate Action

Africa - INTER PRESS SERVICE - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:38

Roland Kupers, a lead architect at the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Methane Emissions Observatory

By Umar Manzoor Shah
BAKU, Nov 18 2024 (IPS)

Methane emissions have emerged as a focal point of discussion as global leaders congregate at COP29 in Baku to tackle the escalating climate crisis.

In an exclusive interview with IPS, Roland Kupers, a lead architect at the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Methane Emissions Observatory, outlined actionable strategies to curb methane emissions by 2030, the challenges ahead, and the crucial role of international cooperation.

The Methane Problem: Sectoral Challenges and Opportunities

“Methane emissions are not a singular issue but rather a collection of problems spanning five key sectors: oil and gas, coal, waste, rice, and livestock,” Kupers said.  He adds that each sector requires tailored solutions.

“UNEP has prioritized the oil and gas industry due to its substantial potential for reduction.”

“The oil and gas industry could achieve a 75 percent reduction in methane emissions by 2030. It’s not only affordable but also feasible, given the industry’s access to technology, capital, and expertise,” Kupers said, adding that the waste sector also presents significant opportunities, although organizing mitigation measures in this sector poses logistical challenges.

UNEP’s approach includes creating detailed programs to address emissions in high-impact industries like oil, gas, and steel.

“Methane emissions account for a third of the climate footprint of steel production, yet they can be eliminated at a cost of less than 1% of steel’s production price.”

Data: A Cornerstone for Action

Kupers also underlined the critical role of accurate data in driving methane mitigation efforts.

“Data is essential for human agency. Without precise, measurement-based data, it’s impossible to identify and address the specific sources of emissions effectively.”

According to him, many existing datasets rely on emission factors derived from outdated studies. UNEP advocates transitioning to real-time, site-specific measurements to better target interventions.

“When you gather accurate data, you often find emissions in unexpected places, stressing the need for precise monitoring.”

Systemic Shifts in the Energy Sector

To align with the 2030 climate goals, Kupers argues for a fundamental transformation of the global energy system.

“While mitigating methane emissions is crucial, it’s not a substitute for decarbonization. The ultimate objective must be to eliminate fossil fuels entirely.”

He also highlighted the health benefits of reducing methane emissions.

“Methane, both directly and through incomplete combustion, contributes to significant local health hazards.”

The Financial Perspective

While climate discussions often center around the financial challenges of adaptation and mitigation, Kupers believes that addressing methane emissions, particularly in the oil and gas sector, is not a financial burden.

“The oil and gas industry is highly profitable and well-resourced. It has no excuse for not addressing its methane emissions,” Kupers said, adding that even oil and gas operations in developing countries operate in highly sophisticated, well-funded environments.

Responsibilities of Developed Nations

The methane issue differs from broader climate equity debates, Kupers explained.

“For methane emissions in oil and gas, the responsibility to act is universal. Whether in Nigeria, Argentina, or Indonesia, the industry operates with the same high standards and capabilities as in developed countries.”

This universality makes methane mitigation a “climate good news story,” as it bypasses some of the equity challenges seen in broader decarbonization debates.

Barriers to Progress

Despite decades of climate discussions, significant hurdles remain in addressing global warming. He attributes the slow progress to a lack of prioritization and awareness about methane’s role.

“Methane has only recently gained prominence on the global agenda. The science highlighting its importance has emerged in the past decade,” Kupers said. Policymakers are often unaware of methane’s substantial climate footprint or the cost-effective solutions available.

Key COP-29 Objectives

“UNEP has established ambitious goals for methane mitigation. The Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP 2.0), a UNEP-led initiative, currently includes companies responsible for 42 percent of global oil and gas production. Kupers urged more companies to join, with the aim of achieving 80 percent participation,” Kupers said.

Another critical initiative is the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), which integrates data from a dozen satellites to identify significant emission sources. UNEP then notifies governments and companies of these emissions.

“Over the past year, we’ve sent 1,200 notifications to governments, but the response rate has been dismal—just 1 percent,” Kupers said, a disappointing lack of engagement that points to the need for stronger accountability measures at COP29.

The Stakes: Why Methane Matters

Human-induced methane emissions are responsible for a third of the current warming. Unlike CO2, which is often a byproduct of energy use, methane emissions are largely waste streams. This makes them easier to address and a critical opportunity for climate action.

“Methane mitigation is not just an environmental necessity but a low-hanging fruit. It’s a solvable problem, and we must seize this opportunity,” Kupers said.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 


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Categories: Africa

Schnee erwartet: Strasse über den Glaubenbielenpass wird gesperrt

Blick.ch - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:31
Auf der Panoramastrasse über den Glaubenbielenpass zwischen Giswil OW und Sörenberg LU gilt ab heute Montag, 13 Uhr die Wintersperre. Die Strecke ist zwischen Mörlialp und Sörenberg gesperrt.
Categories: Swiss News

European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse

Written by Ingeborg Odink.

Child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse are among the worst forms of violence against children, and are crimes that know no borders. The constant rise in these crimes is exacerbated by the use of digital technologies. Harmonised national laws and international cooperation are essential to improve prevention, protect victims and prosecute perpetrators. The European Day helps to raise awareness to that end.

Background

The European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse is marked every year on 18 November. A Council of Europe initiative, the Day is designed to raise awareness and facilitate an open discussion on the need to prevent child sexual exploitation and abuse, and protect children from these crimes. The Day’s 2024 edition is dedicated to ‘Emerging technologies: Threats and opportunities for the protection of children from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse’. At EU level, the European Commission launched the EU strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse in 2020. A form of cybercrime, child sexual exploitation is also an EU priority in the fight against serious and organised crime under the 2020‑2025 EU security union strategy and the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT).

A new UNICEF report estimates that one in five girls and women and one in seven boys and men alive today globally have been subjected to sexual violence as children. In Europe, one in five children are estimated to be the victim of some form of sexual violence, and between 70 % and 85 % of child victims know their abuser. A third of abused children never tell anyone about the abuse. Reasons for this include feelings of shame and guilt, fear of not being believed, not knowing whom to tell, or inability to recognise the abuse. Child sexual abuse and exploitation increasingly occur online. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a United States-based non-profit organisation, saw the number of reports worldwide of online child sexual exploitation increase from 1 million in 2010 to more than 21.7 million in 2020. The figures jumped to 29.3 million reports in 2021 during the pandemic, involving nearly 85 million images and videos, and reached new record highs of more than 36.2 million in 2023, with NCMEC identifying 63 892 urgent reports that involved a child in imminent danger. Both the European Commission and Europol have expressed concern about this growing phenomenon, highlighting the need to promote preventive and educational initiatives across Europe.

International and EU efforts to combat child sexual abuse International legal framework

The 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child formed the starting point for an international framework for combating child sexual abuse and exploitation, providing for the protection of children from all forms of (sexual) exploitation and abuse, and maltreatment. In 2007, the Council of Europe adopted a Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (CETS No 201). Known as the ‘Lanzarote Convention‘, this was the first international instrument to establish the various forms of child sexual abuse as criminal offences. It requires the parties to adopt appropriate legislation and measures to prevent these offences from occurring, to protect victims, and to prosecute perpetrators. It entered into force on 1 July 2010 and has been ratified by all EU Member States.

EU legal framework

The European Commission is working to ensure that the EU has an adequate legal framework to protect children. The main EU legal instrument to combat the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography is Directive 2011/93/EU. The directive criminalised various forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation, harmonised these criminal offences across the EU, and established minimum sanctions. Furthermore, Article 25 of the directive, on the removal of and blocking of access to websites containing or disseminating child sexual abuse material, contributes to the fight against online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Adopted a year later, the Victims’ Rights Directive (Directive 2012/29/EU) complements the existing framework, as it takes a child-sensitive approach, and requires primary consideration to be given to the best interests of the child. The EU strategy on the rights of the child, issued in March 2021, offers an EU policy framework to combat violence against children and protect them from all forms of abuse.

Recent developments

On 6 February 2024, under the EU strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse, the Commission submitted a proposal for a revision of the 2011 Combating Child Sexual Abuse Directive. The revised rules expand the definitions of offences, to include new forms of online child sexual abuse, and introduce higher penalties and more specific requirements for prevention and assistance to victims. They also set minimum statutes of limitations, to allow victims to seek justice effectively.

In addition, the Commission has launched the revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive, and on 23 April 2024 it adopted a recommendation on integrated child protection systems – a key delivery under the children’s rights strategy to protect children from violence more effectively.

Work has also continued on the 2022 legislative proposal that would make the detection, reporting and removal of child sexual abuse material mandatory for providers of online communication services. It also envisages the creation of an EU centre to prevent and counter child sexual abuse. Pending an agreement in the Council (a new compromise text from the Hungarian Presidency is now on the table), Parliament and Council agreed to extend the 2021 interim regulation providing a temporary derogation from EU rules on confidentiality of electronic communication, to enable detection, reporting and removal on a voluntary basis.

International cooperation through EU agencies, initiatives and networks

Various EU agencies, such as Europol, support law enforcement cooperation among Member States to form a united front against (online) sexual exploitation and abuse of children in the EU and beyond. The stop child abuse – trace an object initiative, designed to help trace the origin of objects linked to criminal investigations, is one example of Europol’s efforts; the initiative has led to the identification of a number of victims, as well as offenders. Eurojust supports judicial cooperation among Member States to facilitate the prosecution of child sexual abuse perpetrators in cross-border cases. In addition, the European Commission funds and supports several initiatives and networks, including the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) portal, raising awareness of the potential risks children face online, and INHOPE, a network of hotlines combating online child sexual abuse material by analysing and reporting illegal content. The WePROTECT Global Alliance, supported by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Commission, develops political and practical solutions to make the digital world safe for children, and seeks to prevent online sexual abuse and long-term harm. The Internet Watch Foundation, co-funded by the EU, provides a hotline for reporting online sexual abuse content globally, and raises awareness through prevention campaigns.

European Parliament position

The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) is currently working on the proposed revision of the Combating Child Sexual Abuse Directive. The draft report (rapporteur: Jeroen Lenaers, EPP/Netherlands) was published on 16 April 2024. Ever since its first assessment in 2017, Parliament and its Children’s Rights Coordinator have called repeatedly for full transposition of the directive’s provisions, and urged action in several areas. Parliament has previously demanded better child protection and victim support and a greater focus on prevention and awareness-raising, stressed that information and communications technology companies and online platforms should take some responsibility in the fight against child sexual abuse material, and called for more national investment in digital education. Parliament has welcomed Europol’s prevention and awareness-raising work, and supported the establishment of an EU centre to prevent and counter child sexual abuse.

Read this ‘At a glance’ note on ‘European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse‘ in the Think Tank pages of the European Parliament.

Categories: European Union

Medizinstudium: Zürich soll mit 500 weiteren Studienplätzen Ärztemangel bekämpfen

Blick.ch - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:29
Der Zürcher Kantonsrat will mit 500 zusätzlichen Medizin-Studienplätzen bis 2028 den akuten Mangel an Ärztinnen und Ärzte bekämpfen. Er hat am Montag die Regierung beauftragt, die dafür notwendigen Mittel zu berechnen.
Categories: Swiss News

L’Expresso : Olaf Scholz sur la défensive après son appel à Vladimir Poutine

Euractiv.fr - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:27
Aujourd'hui dans l'Expresso : après son appel à Vladimir Poutine, Olaf Scholz sous le feu des critiques, le ministre tchèque des Affaires étrangères s’oppose à une suspension du dialogue avec Israël, les eaux portugaises connaissent une augmentation du trafic de navires russe.
Categories: Union européenne

La Grèce veut renforcer sa défense et développer un Dôme de fer

Courrier des Balkans - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:20

La Grèce se sent menacée et mène elle aussi une course à l'armement, comme la plupart de ses voisins des Balkans. Le ministre de la Défense a présenté jeudi un vaste plan, qui prévoit notamment le développement d'un système de dôme de fer en coopération en Israël.

- Le fil de l'Info / , , , , ,
Categories: Balkans Occidentaux

Bosnie-Herzégovine : des centaines de Tchétchènes bloqués à la frontière de l'UE

Courrier des Balkans / Bosnie-Herzégovine - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:20

Ils refusent d'aller combattre en Ukraine ou fuient les persécutions de Moscou. Des centaines de Tchétchènes et d'autres ressortissants du Caucase sont actuellement bloqués en Bosnie-Herzégovine, à la frontière avec la Croatie. Leur espoir : rejoindre l'Union européenne pour y demander l'asile.

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Categories: Balkans Occidentaux

Bosnie-Herzégovine : des centaines de Tchétchènes bloqués à la frontière de l'UE

Courrier des Balkans - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:20

Ils refusent d'aller combattre en Ukraine ou fuient les persécutions de Moscou. Des centaines de Tchétchènes et d'autres ressortissants du Caucase sont actuellement bloqués en Bosnie-Herzégovine, à la frontière avec la Croatie. Leur espoir : rejoindre l'Union européenne pour y demander l'asile.

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Categories: Balkans Occidentaux

Bosnie-Herzégovine : des centaines de Tchétchènes bloqués à la frontière de l'UE

Courrier des Balkans / Croatie - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:20

Ils refusent d'aller combattre en Ukraine ou fuient les persécutions de Moscou. Des centaines de Tchétchènes et d'autres ressortissants du Caucase sont actuellement bloqués en Bosnie-Herzégovine, à la frontière avec la Croatie. Leur espoir : rejoindre l'Union européenne pour y demander l'asile.

- Articles / , , , , , , ,
Categories: Balkans Occidentaux

Lengyelország Éber Szemei: Készenlétben az Orosz Fenyegetésre

Biztonságpiac - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:20

Az elmúlt napok eseményei ismét a reflektorfénybe helyezték a kelet-európai feszültségeket. Oroszország újabb intenzív támadásokat indított Ukrajna ellen, amelyek hatásai a lengyel határig is elhatoltak. Válaszul a lengyel vezetés fokozott készültségi állapotot rendelt el, és nyíltan kijelentette: készek védeni légterüket az esetleges orosz fenyegetésekkel szemben.

A legfrissebb információk szerint a lengyel hadsereg vadászgépei fokozott járőrözést végeznek az ország keleti határain, és a légvédelmi rendszerek is készenlétben állnak. Cezary Tomczyk védelmi miniszter-helyettes hangsúlyozta, hogy amennyiben bármely orosz rakéta lengyel terület felé tartana, azt azonnal semlegesítenék.

A lengyel döntéshozók aggodalmát az is erősíti, hogy az elmúlt hónapokban már többször is történt, hogy orosz eszközök behatoltak a lengyel légtérbe. A szakértők szerint ez azt mutatja, hogy Oroszország hajlandó kockáztatni az eszkalációt, és a NATO keleti szárnyát is fenyegeti.

A lengyel vezetés álláspontja szerint a jelenlegi helyzetben elengedhetetlen a szövetségesek támogatása és a közös fellépés. A lengyel kormányfő, Donald Tusk is hangsúlyozta, hogy a telefondiplomácia önmagában nem elegendő az orosz agresszió megfékezéséhez, és a Nyugatnak erős, egységes frontot kell mutatnia Ukrajna támogatásában.

A lengyelországi események ismét felvetették a kérdést: mennyire stabil a béke Európában? És vajon képes-e a Nyugat megakadályozni, hogy az ukrajnai konfliktus tovább terjedjen?

The post Lengyelország Éber Szemei: Készenlétben az Orosz Fenyegetésre appeared first on Biztonságpiac.

Categories: Biztonságpolitika

EU-Außenminister diskutieren Aussetzung politischer Gespräche mit Israel

Euractiv.de - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:17
Die EU-Außenminister werden am Montag (18. November) in Brüssel zusammenkommen, um einen umstrittenen Vorschlag des scheidenden EU-Chefdiplomaten Josep Borrell zu erörtern. Dieser hatte eine Aussetzung der politischen Gespräche mit Israel angeregt.
Categories: Europäische Union

Vorsteher Markus Dieth setzt klare Bedingungen: Kantone erwarten einen besseren EU-Deal als zuvor

Blick.ch - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:10
Die Schweizer Kantone setzen Grenzen für die EU-Verhandlungen. Vorsteher Markus Dieth verlangt Einschränkungen bei der Rechtsübernahme und Personenfreizügigkeit. Er zeigt sich optimistisch für ein vorteilhafteres Abkommen als zuvor.
Categories: Swiss News

Gegen Lehrermangel: Bildigsnetz will den «Perfect Match» finden

Blick.ch - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:09
Das Start-up Bildigsnetz setzt mit einer Art Tinder für den Bildungsbereich auf digitale Vernetzung als Antwort auf den Fachkräftemangel. Auch andere haben den Mangel an Lehrpersonen als Innovations- und Geschäftsfeld entdeckt.
Categories: Swiss News

COP29 Must Set New Global Climate Finance Target, Says UNDP Adaptation Head

Africa - INTER PRESS SERVICE - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:06

Srilata Kammila, Head of Climate Change Adaptation at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Credit: UNDP

By Umar Manzoor Shah
BAKU, Nov 18 2024 (IPS)

Empowering communities, fostering innovation and integrating socio-economic contexts into climate strategies are crucial for effective adaptation to climate change, says Srilata Kammila, Head of Climate Change Adaptation at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In an exclusive interview with Inter Press Service, Kammila shed light on the agency’s pioneering approaches to locally-led climate adaptation.

“Locally-led adaptation isn’t just about governments or international agencies imposing solutions,” she said. “It’s about engaging communities in designing projects based on their specific vulnerabilities, socio-economic contexts, and indigenous knowledge.”

This approach, according to Kammila, ensures that adaptation strategies address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and ethnic minorities. For instance, during the design phase of adaptation projects, extensive stakeholder consultations inform decisions, blending climate science with local realities.

“We recognize that vulnerable communities often bear the brunt of climate change,” Kammila told IPS in an interview. “By involving them in decision-making, we not only ensure equitable solutions but also harness their unique knowledge and resilience.”

Innovative Models for Locally-Led Solutions

She says that UNDP’s Adaptation Innovation Marketplace (AIMA) stands out as an example of fostering local innovation. This platform, according to Kammila, provides grants ranging from USD 60,000 to USD 250,000 to support grassroots entrepreneurs and organizations.

“We’ve backed projects like floating aquaponics farms in India, benefiting over 5,700 households, and climate-resilient housing in the Sahel,” Kammila says.

She adds that beyond financial support, AIMA offers technical assistance, business advisory services, and peer-to-peer networking. These measures, she claims, help local innovators scale their projects and embed climate adaptation strategies into their enterprises.

“This model isn’t just about funding; it’s about building capacity. From farming innovations to agroforestry, we’re enabling communities to develop solutions tailored to their realities.”

Integrating Local and National Planning

A critical aspect of UNDP’s work, according to Kammila, involves bridging national adaptation strategies with local needs. National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) often guide overarching priorities, but localized plans dive deeper into region-specific vulnerabilities and opportunities.

Kammila cited Mozambique’s example, where the government developed local adaptation plans in 11 districts. These plans consider specific climate risks, such as rainfall patterns and crop requirements, to implement targeted solutions.

“Adapting national strategies to local contexts is essential. What works for a farm in Mozambique might not suit one in India. By downscaling adaptation plans, we ensure that local governments and communities take the lead in shaping their futures.”

Building Long-Term Resilience

The UNDP also collaborates with governments to integrate climate adaptation into broader development policies. This includes strengthening governance mechanisms, building local capacity, and ensuring climate finance reaches those who need it most.

“From ministries of finance to local farmers, everyone must be part of the conversation. Adaptation isn’t a one-time effort; it’s an iterative process. Risks evolve, and so must our strategies.”

UNDP has supported over 60 countries in developing NAPs, enabling them to integrate climate risks into their development agendas.

“This process not only builds resilience but also unlocks resources for sustainable growth.”

The Path Ahead

Despite significant progress, Kammila acknowledged the challenges ahead.

“We’ve laid the foundation, but scaling these efforts requires sustained commitment and innovation,” she said.

By prioritizing locally-led initiatives, the UNDP is proving that communities are not just victims of climate change but vital agents of change.

“Climate adaptation is most effective when it’s rooted in the lived realities of those it seeks to serve.”

Localized Innovation and Technical Assistance

Climate adaptation doesn’t necessitate high-tech imports from developed nations but should focus on locally appropriate solutions, Kamilla explains.

“Innovation depends on what’s needed in that context—whether it’s drought resilience or flood management. Technical assistance, technology transfer, and capacity building must include awareness of climate risks not just now, but how we know they will unfold.”

This approach involves extensive studies on climate risks, projecting potential impacts over five to ten years.  She adds that UNDP’s Green Climate Fund projects, for instance, begin with consultations involving community-based organizations to ensure that adaptation solutions align with the needs of vulnerable populations, especially women.

Incorporating Gender Perspectives

Gender equity is central to UNDP’s climate adaptation framework. Kammila highlighted a project in Bangladesh that focuses on the Sundarbans region, where women are often disproportionately affected by climate-induced migration and socio-economic challenges.

“In the Sundarbans, men frequently migrate to urban areas, leaving women with limited resources and agency. The project, implemented with the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs rather than the Ministry of Environment, prioritizes women’s needs, ensuring they benefit from water and adaptation solutions,” Kammila says.

UNDP, she says, employs gender-disaggregated data to monitor how projects impact women specifically.

“For instance, if a project targets 200,000 people, we aim to ensure a significant percentage are women. This involves examining how women in households directly benefit from water solutions or other interventions.”

Challenges in Integrating Adaptation with Development

While UNDP supports governments in integrating climate adaptation into national development goals, the actual integration is the responsibility of governments.

This process, according to Kammila, is however fraught with challenges. She says the key hurdles include data and information deficiencies, as developing countries often lack observational networks and forecasting capacities critical for understanding climate risks at granular levels.

She also noted Institutional and Human Capacity Gaps as many Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS) struggle with limited expertise in adaptation planning. “

“Also, we have community-level awareness. Local governments and communities frequently lack understanding of effective adaptation strategies, necessitating education and training. And then we have financial constraints, as adaptation requires additional financing, often unavailable through traditional development budgets. Instruments like the Green Climate Fund (GCF) are vital to bridging this gap,” Kammila told IPS.

Mobilizing Climate Finance

“We’ve mobilized USD 1.6 billion in active portfolios, unlocking USD 3 billion in co-financing. This funding supports sectors such as agriculture, water management, disaster preparedness, and ecosystem-based adaptation.”

In practical terms, says Kammila, UNDP assists governments in combining their development budgets with climate finance to ensure resilience. For example, irrigation investments are augmented with climate-sensitive funds to make them adaptive. “We oversee and monitor the funds to ensure proper use, applying environmental, social, and gender safeguards.”

Expectations from COP

As the global community gathers for the COP29 at Baku, finance remains a central theme. Kammila acknowledges the urgency. “This is now or never. A major focus is on setting a new global climate finance target. The challenge is ensuring sufficient and timely resources for adaptation, particularly for vulnerable countries. Yeah, I mean, absolutely, it’s the finance COP. A big focus of this is, as you know, the new global climate finance target.”

IPS UN Bureau Report

 


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Categories: Africa

Italiens Gesetz zum Leihmutterschaftsverbot tritt in Kraft

Euractiv.de - Mon, 11/18/2024 - 08:06
Das italienische Gesetz, das Leihmutterschaft zu einem „universellen Verbrechen“ erklärt, trat am Montag (18. November) in Kraft. Damit wird die Praxis, die in Italien bereits illegal ist, als auch für im Ausland befindliche Italiener verboten sein.
Categories: Europäische Union

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