- Scandinavia keeps topping the GSCI: Sweden is leading the Sustainable Competitiveness Index, closely followed by Denmark, Iceland & Finland, while Norway is ranked 9
- The top 20 are dominated by Northern European countries, including the Baltic states
- Of the top twenty nations only one is not European – New Zealand on 11
- The UK is ranked 15, Germany 22
- The World’s largest economy, the US, is ranked 32. The US ranks particularly low in resource efficiency, but also social capital – potentially undermining the global status of the US in the future
- Of the large emerging economies (BRICs), China is ranked 37, Brazil 49, Russia 51, and India 130. Tiếp tục đọc “The Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index 2021”
Tác giả: Đào Thu Hằng
I'm from Hanoi, Viet Nam.
I'm an author of Dot Chuoi Non (dotchuoinon.com/author/hangbelu/), a blog on Positive thinking, founded by Dr. Tran Dinh Hoanh, an attorney in Washington DC.
I'm a co-founder of Conversations on Vietnam Development - cvdvn.net, a virtual think tank. I am a co-founder of two companies in Viet Nam working on children education services. I advise companies on STEAM education, English language education for children and students in Vietnam.
I'm studying the Buddha's teaching and the teaching of Jesus. I practice mindful living including meditation.
I hold a PhD on Sustainable Energy Systems from University of Lisbon and Aalto University.
I graduated from Hanoi University of Technology on Environmental Engineering. I obtained a Master degree of the same major from Stanford University and Nanyang Technological University.
My English-language blog at: hangbelu.wordpress/.
I play table tennis as a hobby.
China’s Commitment to Stop Overseas Financing of New Coal Plants in Perspective
September 24, 2021
On September 21, 2021, Chinese president Xi Jinping announced at the United Nations General Assembly debate that China would not build any new coal-fired power plants abroad and would step up its support for developing green and low-carbon energy in developing countries. He also reiterated the country’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2060 and peak carbon emissions by 2030, targets which he had first announced last year. This new announcement sets the tone for the upcoming UN climate change conference, COP26, which will be held in Glasgow in early November.
Q1: Why does this new climate commitment matter?
A1: Xi Jinping’s speech at last year’s UN General Assembly was noteworthy because it set a timeline for China’s decarbonization. However, in addition to not specifying a peak level of emissions, it also left unanswered the question of whether the country would shoulder the responsibility for climate action outside its borders. China’s role as the largest public financier of coal projects globally has come into particular focus this past year as other governments, such as the G7 members, have pledged to slash their public financing of such projects. There were multiple calls from the international community, including U.S. special envoy for climate John Kerry, for China to end its support for coal projects globally.
Tiếp tục đọc “China’s Commitment to Stop Overseas Financing of New Coal Plants in Perspective”
Is Europe’s gas and electricity price surge a one-off?
Surging natural gas prices in Europe, driven by rising demand and tight supply, are pushing up electricity prices; to prevent volatility, governments need to commit more clearly to a low-carbon future.
Since January 2021, natural gas prices have soared by more than 170% in Europe (Figure 1), sparking concerns about the potential macroeconomic implications.https://e.infogram.com/1p761ygy79gngyhz5yydwzln9lanq3km1rm?parent_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bruegel.org%2F2021%2F09%2Fis-europes-gas-and-electricity-price-surge-a-one-off%2F&src=embed#async_embed
Both demand and supply factors have contributed to a tightening of the European gas market.
European gas demand is increasing in residential heating, industry and power generation. Higher demand for residential heating due to a cold winter and widespread remote working pushed up overall European gas demand by 7.6% in the first quarter of 2021. Also, a combination of continued industrial output rebound, summer heatwaves with increased use of air conditioning and rallying EU carbon prices fostering a switch from coal to gas, kept European gas demand high throughout the second quarter of the year.
Tiếp tục đọc “Is Europe’s gas and electricity price surge a one-off?”
What’s Behind Europe’s Skyrocketing Power Prices
Europe’s energy ambitions are clear: to shift to a low-carbon future by remaking its power generating and distribution systems. But the present situation is an expensive mess. A global supply crunch for natural gas, bottlenecks for renewable energy and wind speeds in the North Sea among the slowest in 20 years, idling turbines, have contributed to soaring electricity prices. As winter approaches, governments are preparing to intervene if needed in volatile energy markets to keep homes warm and factories running.
1. What’s the problem here?
Energy prices skyrocketed as economies emerge from the pandemic — boosting demand just as supplies are falling short. Coal plants have been shuttered, gas stockpiles are low and the continent’s increasing reliance on renewable sources of energy is exposing its vulnerability. Even with mild weather in September, gas and electricity prices were breaking records across the continent and in the U.K. Italy’s Ecological Transition Minister Roberto Cingolani said he expected power prices to increase by 40% in the third quarter. In the U.K., CF Industries Holdings Inc., a major fertilizer producer, shut two plants, and Norwegian ammonia manufacturer Yara International ASA curbed its European production because of high fuel costs, as the crunch started to hit industrial companies.
Tiếp tục đọc “What’s Behind Europe’s Skyrocketing Power Prices”
The young Vietnamese helping tackle the illegal wildlife trade
Trang Nguyen is a rarity in Vietnam where civil society is viewed with scepticism and most young people want more lucrative careers.
![Trang has won international recognition for her work including the Future for Nature Award [Theo Krus/Courtesy of Trang Nguyen]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Trang-recieving-future-for-nature-award.jpg?resize=770%2C513)
By Sen Nguyen10 Sep 2021
Standing on top of a four-wheel drive looking out at a central Kenyan wildlife reserve wearing a bucket hat and walking boots, Trang Nguyen stands apart from most Vietnamese who prefer European charm and East Asian wonders for their holidays and photographic memories.
But Trang is no ordinary traveller.
The 31-year-old founder and executive director of WildAct, a Vietnamese conservation NGO, travels the world as a wildlife conservation scientist.
Tiếp tục đọc “The young Vietnamese helping tackle the illegal wildlife trade”
What’s behind the decision to close Yale-NUS College?(Singapore’s first liberal-arts college)
NUS said the best elements of Yale-NUS and its own University Scholars Programme will form the basis of a yet-to-be-named new college.ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
Sandra Davie, Ang Qing and Ng Wei Kai PUBLISHEDSEP 5, 2021, 5:00 AM SGT
SINGAPORE – More than a week since the shock announcement that Yale-NUS College will close its doors in 2025, students and alumni are still wondering if they will get a more detailed explanation of the decision.
ASEAN needs more Belt and Road money, say ministers
China-led investments needed to assist COVID-damaged economies
Chinese high-speed trains are flagship Belt and Road Initiative projects that will dramatically improve connectivity in mainland Southeast Asia. © APCK TAN, Nikkei staff writerSeptember 1, 2021 21:14 JST
SHANGHAI — Ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations called on Wednesday for more multilateral investments through China’s Belt and Road Initiative to support economic recovery while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to depress regional economic growth.
Meeting online at a Belt and Road Summit, ASEAN ministers said the region has benefited from the infrastructure and digital connectivity already brought about by BRI, but new initiatives are needed to create opportunities amid pandemic-induced uncertainties.
Tiếp tục đọc “ASEAN needs more Belt and Road money, say ministers”
Việt Nam mạnh giàu: Giấc mơ từ bên ngoài Tổ quốc
03/09/2021 07:14 GMT+7
TTO – Khi thế giới trở nên phẳng, những giấc mơ cũng không có “quốc tịch”. Ước mong về một Việt Nam mạnh giàu, khởi sinh bên ngoài lãnh thổ, nói với ta nhiều hơn về cái di sản hiện tồn trên đường phát triển đó.
Trưng bày sách “Thơ Việt Nam đương đại” tại phòng đọc Thư viện Quốc gia Pháp
Họ đang tìm mọi cơ hội để hướng về và phát triển đất nước. Cũng có thể là người chẳng có máu mủ ruột rà gì với quốc gia bé nhỏ này nhưng họ lại bị hai chữ “Việt Nam” quyến luyến và không ngừng cổ vũ cho sự phát triển của nó.
Khi thế giới trở nên phẳng, những giấc mơ cũng không có “quốc tịch”. Ước mong về một Việt Nam mạnh giàu, khởi sinh bên ngoài lãnh thổ, nói với ta nhiều hơn về cái di sản hiện tồn trên đường phát triển đó.
Tiếp tục đọc “Việt Nam mạnh giàu: Giấc mơ từ bên ngoài Tổ quốc”
Germany to invest billions to bring semiconductor production back to Europe
By Oliver Noyan | EURACTIV.de | translated by Daniel Eck
3 Sept 2021 (updated: 0:16)
Europe is not just trailing behind in terms of numbers, but also with respect to quality. Most advanced microchips, which are used in smartphones, computers and other high-tech devices, are currently produced almost exclusively in Asia. [SCHUTTERSTOCK/genkur]
Languages: Deutsch
Tiếp tục đọc “Germany to invest billions to bring semiconductor production back to Europe”
Geopolitical standoff in South China Sea leads to environmental fallout
by Leilani Chavez on 12 August 2021
- Satellite images show significant growth in the occurrence of algal blooms in contested areas in the South China Sea.
- Images suggest that these algal blooms or phytoplankton overgrowth are linked to the presence of vessels anchored in the area and to island-building activities in the region.
- While satellite images help give a preview of the ecological state of the South China Sea, on-site observations are necessary to validate the findings, experts say.
- Decades of territorial and maritime disputes, however, have limited the conduct of studies and dissuaded the establishment of conservation zones in the South China Sea.
Tiếp tục đọc “Geopolitical standoff in South China Sea leads to environmental fallout”
Vietnam emerging as solar power champion
If your coffee’s going downhill, blame climate change
by Reuters
Monday, 16 August 2021 10:00 GMT
Brazil is turning to stronger and more bitter robusta coffee beans, which are hardier in the heat than the delicate arabica, in a sign of how climate change is affecting global markets
* Robusta coffee more heat tolerant than arabica
* It can be grown at lower altitudes than rival variety
* Top roasters ramping up use of Brazilian robusta
* Yields in Brazil now match top robusta grower Vietnam
By Maytaal Angel, Marcelo Teixeira and Roberto Samora
LONDON/NEW YORK/SAO PAULO, Aug 16 (Reuters) – Coffee leader Brazil is turning to stronger and more bitter robusta beans, which are hardier in the heat than the delicate arabica, in a sign of how climate change is affecting global markets – and shaping our favourite flavours.
Brazil is the world’s biggest producer of arabica, yet its production has stayed largely flat over the last five years. Meanwhile its output of cheaper robusta – generally grown at lower altitudes and viewed as of inferior quality – has leapt and is attracting more and more international buyers, new data shows.
The expansion is challenging Vietnam’s longstanding robusta dominance, while squeezing smaller players, increasingly leaving output concentrated in fewer regions and more vulnerable to price spikes if extreme weather occurs.
It also promises to gradually alter the flavour of the world’s coffee over the coming years as more of the harsher and more caffeine-charged robusta variety, widely used to make instant coffee, makes its way into the pricier ground blends currently dominated by arabica.
Whatever your taste, Enrique Alves, a scientist specialising in coffee seed cultivation at Brazilian state agritech research centre Embrapa, said that it might ultimately be thanks to robusta that “our daily coffee will never be missing” as the globe warms.
Tiếp tục đọc “If your coffee’s going downhill, blame climate change”
Actions Large Energy Buyers Can Take to Transform and Decarbonize the Grid: Procurement Practices for Achieving 100% Carbon Free Electricity
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
▪ Large energy buyers—including corporates, cities, and institutional customers—have played and will continue to play an important role in driving clean energy in the near term, particularly renewables. However, to ensure that the power sector achieves deep decarbonization over the next two to three decades, large energy buyers will need to take additional actions to play a leading role in accelerating the transition to a carbon-free grid.
▪ Large energy buyers can implement approaches that help transform the grid such as matching clean energy purchasing with the timing of their energy use, incorporating demand flexibility, purchasing dispatchable clean electricity, adopting enabling technologies (e.g., energy storage), maximizing emissions reductions, and driving an an equitable transition to clean energy.
▪ There is no single strategy for implementing transformative procurement practices, which is why we have
highlighted a variety of approaches in this issue brief. Optimal procurement approaches can vary based on differences in customer electricity usage, market context, available product offerings, staff and resources, and differences across grids.
▪ To enable large energy buyers to implement transformative procurement practices, new products and solutions will be needed. Metrics and recognition programs will also need to be revised to incentivize and encourage more customers to take actions that can facilitate a carbon-free grid.
Download full paper here
The latest UN report is clear: Climate change is here, it’s a crisis, and it’s caused by fossil fuels.
AUGUST 10, 2021SHARE
A new United Nations–led report from hundreds of climate scientists around the world makes it clear: The human-driven climate crisis is now well under way. Earth is likely hotter now than it has been at any moment since the beginning of the last Ice Age, 125,000 years ago, and the world has warmed 1.1 degrees Celsius, or nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit, since the Industrial Revolution began—an “unprecedented” and “rapid” change with no parallel in the Common Era. What’s more, the recent spate of horrific heat waves, fire-fueling droughts, and flood-inducing storms that have imperiled the inhabited world are not only typical of global warming, but directly caused by it.
UN report: Pandemic year marked by spike in world hunger
Africa posting biggest jump. World at critical juncture, must act now for 2030 turnaround
UNICEF/UN0232174/Njiokiktjien VII PhotoAfra, held by her mother Therese, is being checked for malnourishment at Al Sabbah Children’s hospital in Juba, South Sudan.
ROME/NEW YORK, 12 July 2021 – There was a dramatic worsening of world hunger in 2020, the United Nations said today – much of it likely related to the fallout of COVID-19. While the pandemic’s impact has yet to be fully mapped, a multi-agency report estimates that around a tenth of the global population – up to 811 million people – were undernourished last year. The number suggests it will take a tremendous effort for the world to honour its pledge to end hunger by 2030.
This year’s edition of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World is the first global assessment of its kind in the pandemic era. The report is jointly published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Tiếp tục đọc “UN report: Pandemic year marked by spike in world hunger”
CVD 