Professor Alex Rogers, Scientific Director of the International Programme on the State of the Oceans (IPSO), reflects on a lack of progress on ocean protection in the twenty years since the original Earth Summit, and calls for greater action at Rio+20.
Oceans Inc presenter Charlotte Smith talks to Sue Lieberman of the Pew Environment Group about her aspirations for the Rio+20 Earth Summit and her views of the new Global Partnership for Oceans announced by the UN and the World Bank.
More than 80 governments, organisations and private companies have signed up for a new Global Partnership for the Oceans at the Rio+20 Earth Summit. The World Bank initiative focuses on reducing pollution, protecting habitat and sustainable fishing.
Cumbria-based Energy4All enables anyone to invest in renewable energy, provided that they have at least £250. It does this by helping communities to set up co-operatives that own wind farm capacity, and by carrying out regulated offers to sell the shares.
Sustainability optimists speak of an era of convergence – a coming together of new technologies and new business models to create a 21st century economy. Collaboration and a shared vision will open the door to these new opportunities.
Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) in South India is a prime example of the vital role a well-run microfinance organisation can play in meeting the poor’s energy needs.
The National Trust has cut energy use in its Wales region by a massive 41% over just two years, demonstrating that even the most sensitive buildings can be made much more energy efficient. Secrets of success include a combination of efficiency measures, sustainable heating technologies and culture change. As well as cutting down on energy use it has also installed renewable sources of energy, including solar PV and hydro power.
On Monday 21st May the Antarctic Ocean Alliance unveiled their new report that outlines the habitats of 19 key marine areas it believes should be protected by CCAMLR at the British Academy in London.
The threats facing the natural world can be shocking and our impact on the planet is growing every year. But our world is brilliant and solutions exist that can help to protect our living planet.
These short videos offer a glimpse into some of the challenges and solutions highlighted by WWF’s Living Planet Report 2012.
The onus falls on government to give us the systems, incentives and regulatory frameworks to enable sustainable development. We hope to see a sense of shared vision and objectives by governments at Rio+20, but historically, governments have shown a lack of courage.
