You are here

G1. Progressive Green

COP16: Un puente entre ciencia y sabiduría: el regalo que nos deja la COP de la gente

Yes to Life no to Mining - Thu, 11/14/2024 - 03:54
Un puente entre ciencia y sabiduría El regalo que nos deja la COP de la gente

Crédito: Felipe Rodriguez – Gaia Amazonas

Un bosque es más que una serie de árboles.Con cada hectárea que desaparece, lo hace también el conjunto de relaciones que componen este ecosistema.Estas y otras reflexiones nos dejó la cumbre en Cali. Por Mariana Gómez, antropóloga, líder de incidencia regional de la Fundación Gaia Amazonas y co-coordinadora de Si a la Vida, No a la Mineria.

Cuando Colombia asumió el reto de ser el anfitrión de la COP16 de biodiversidad todo adquirió un ritmo frenético. Aunque no era claro qué nos podía dejar una Conferencia de las Partes (COP) en el país más megadiverso por metro cuadrado del mundo, y hogar de multiplicidad de culturas, esta empezó a ser una fuerza centrífuga que nos convocó a todas y todos a confluir.

Cali brilló. Colorida y alegre, recibió al mundo entero con calidez. Sus grandes samanes le dieron sombra a conversaciones y las negociaciones estuvieron influenciadas por el ritmo de la salsa y el sabor a chontaduro. Con esta COP Colombia sacó la biodiversidad de su nicho técnico y especializado, muy del sector ambiental, y no solo la llevó a las calles, generando una reflexión colectiva, sino que la puso en la agenda política global. A pesar de las agendas cargadas y la tensión de las negociaciones, el calor del trópico supo pintar sonrisas y gracias a Cali, la COP16 fue una COP alegre.

En las salas de negociación el ritmo, el ruido y hasta la temperatura cambiaban. Las negociaciones tenían otra cadencia. Por momentos era como si una cosa estuviera disociada de la otra y hasta el final de la segunda semana parecía haber dos conversaciones paralelas. A 24 horas de cerrar, los países no habían alcanzado acuerdos sobre los temas previstos. Uno de los temas aún en vilo era la aprobación de un mecanismo para darle un lugar al conocimiento tradicional de los pueblos indígenas y comunidades locales en la implementación de este acuerdo.

Paradójicamente, la COP había estado llena de ejemplos de ejercicios prácticos que evidencian cómo mediante los sistemas de conocimiento en ejercicio de los pueblos indígenas y comunidades locales se protege la biodiversidad en el mundo, y se asegura el bienestar de ecosistemas saludables que regulan los ciclos naturales que hacen posible la vida en el planeta. 

Las apuestas de Gaia Amazonas y la Alianza NorAmazónica (ANA) son testimonio de ello. En un evento durante la COP, la instancia de coordinación del Macroterritorio de los Jaguares de Yuruparí, en alianza con Gaia Amazonas, presentó sus sistemas de conocimiento y gobierno como respuesta efectiva para la protección y el buen vivir de la Amazonía. Estos sostuvieron un diálogo con actores clave en su proceso de consolidación como Entidades Territoriales Indígenas, para la adecuación institucional requerida para que sus gobiernos se integren a la estructura del Estado colombiano. Esto da cuenta de sus contribuciones al marco global de biodiversidad Kunming-Montreal y al cuidado de la vida en todas sus expresiones, ya que sus ejercicios de gestión territorial también contribuyen a la regulación del clima global y ciclo hídrico. Son una manifestación real, milenaria y holística de lo que entendemos como “paz con la naturaleza”. 

Allí, los cuatro gobiernos que conforman el Macroterritorio de los Jaguares de Yuruparí (Mirití Paraná, Pirá Paraná, Yaigojé-Apaporis y Río Tiquié) y Gaia Amazonas lanzamos el SIGETI (Sistema de Información para la Gestión de las Entidades Territoriales Indígenas), una herramienta digital que integra la ciencia indígena y no-indígena, asegurando la gobernanza y soberanía sobre los datos para la toma de decisiones.

El monitoreo comunitario y satelital se hace en una extensión de ocho millones de hectáreas, lo que equivale a aproximadamente 45 veces el tamaño de Bogotá. Su sistema equivale al 16,5 % de toda la Amazonía colombiana. Con ella, indígenas de estos territorios monitorean lo fundamental para garantizar su “buen vivir”, como el estado de los sitios sagrados y las chagras, y visualizan las amenazas para tomar decisiones oportunas.

Crédito: Felipe Rodriguez – Gaia Amazonas.

La Alianza NorAmazónica aborda la Amazonía como un solo sistema y resaltó la importancia de una Amazonía bien conectada ecológica, social y culturalmente para la protección de la biodiversidad en dos eventos. Para ello, en alianza con la Red Amazónica de Información Socioambiental Georreferenciada (RAISG) desarrollaron conjuntamente un análisis del estado de la conectividad, evidenciando las transformaciones en la fragmentación del bosque a nivel panamazónico, tomando datos desde 1985 hasta 2022.

Un bosque es más que una serie de árboles. Con cada hectárea que desaparece, lo hace también el conjunto de relaciones que componen este ecosistema; disminuye su capacidad de regular el ciclo hídrico y la temperatura. Para esta visión resulta indispensable valorar los diversos sistemas de conocimiento que confluyen en la Amazonía y ponerlos en diálogo. Por esta razón, ANA ha respaldado la creación de un órgano subsidiario para garantizar una participación efectiva de los pueblos indígenas y comunidades locales, como medio para que el conocimiento tradicional se eleve al mismo lugar que el conocimiento científico. Para ello, preparó un documento de recomendaciones sobre monitoreo comunitario para la protección territorial que brinda elementos para que estos ejercicios territoriales se incorporen en planes nacionales. 

Casi a medianoche en la plenaria de cierre, se aprobó el órgano subsidiario, que además reconoce a los colectivos afrodescendientes con estilos de vida tradicionales en conexión con sus territorios como custodios de la biodiversidad. Si bien hay cierto sinsabor respecto a la poca celeridad para llegar a acuerdos y aún siguen en el aire temas cruciales, es indiscutible que con la deuda histórica que salda la creación de este órgano, la COP de la gente le hace honor a su nombre. Así, el regalo que nos deja esta COP16 es un puente entre la ciencia y la sabiduría. 

Crédito: Mariana Gómez – Gaia Amazonas.

Como dice Vandana Shiva, “si entendiéramos que estamos en relación, sabríamos cómo vivir en un planeta vivo, y cuáles son las acciones correctas”. Tener a los pueblos indígenas y comunidades locales orientando la implementación del convenio desde sus sistemas de conocimiento nos invita a unirnos desde la diversidad. Es una oportunidad única que la ministra de Ambiente, Susana Muhammad, como presidenta de la COP del CDB (Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica), pueda asumir el liderazgo para implementar la ruta de instalación de este órgano subsidiario que contemple criterios para que los países puedan integrar ejercicios comunitarios en sus estrategias nacionales, y que en el mismo momento Colombia también ocupe la Secretaría General de la Organización del Tratado de Cooperación Amazónica (OTCA) en cabeza de Martín von Hildebrand, Fundador de Gaia Amazonas.

Esto puede hacer de la región amazónica una región líder en la integración horizontal de pueblos indígenas y comunidades locales, en camino a la COP30 de Cambio Climático en Belém do Pará (Brasil) en 2025. Así, la Amazonía puede articular las agendas de Cambio Climático y Biodiversidad, y podría volcar la conversación sobre el clima a valorar la contribución de los bosques tropicales y sus pueblos para la regulación del clima global.

Si quieres conocer más, te invito a visitar la cuenta de Instagram de Gaia Amazonas, donde hicimos una apuesta por explicar estos temas, a veces complejos y distantes, de forma pedagógica y creativa. ¡Síguenos!

Lea el artículo original aquí.

 

 

Categories: G1. Progressive Green

We welcome Anne Jellema as new Executive Director

350.org - Mon, 10/21/2024 - 06:02

350.org is excited to announce the appointment of Anne Jellema as our new Executive Director succeeding May Boeve, who has led the organization through an extraordinary 15 years of fighting the fossil fuel industry globally. Anne brings over 20 years of experience building global organizations that center advocacy, movement building, human rights and social justice. Anne’s vision and strategic direction will continue to propel 350.org forward as we demand world leaders fund renewable energy projects instead of dirty fossil fuels. She will be joining 350.org on January 2, 2025, more to follow then.

Rashmi Mistry, 350.org Board Chair and co-founder of Better by Codesign said: 

“Anne’s leadership in global organizations and her deep commitment to movement building and climate justice make her the right choice for this moment. She brings both strategic expertise and an unwavering passion to the climate movement. I’m excited that Anne will lead 350.org through this  new chapter, centering the voices of those most affected by the climate crisis and mobilizing people around the world for action on solutions.”

Anne Jellema, incoming Executive Director  of 350.org, added:

“It’s an honor to join 350.org at such a critical time. The organization has entered an exciting phase in campaigning – taking what they’ve learned after 15 years of fighting the fossil fuel industry to champion the transition to renewable energy in communities around the world. I look forward to building on the incredible work of May Boeve and the 350.org team as we strengthen the power of people to catalyze the climate solutions that science and justice demand in this decisive decade.”

 

About Anne Jellema

Credit: Emma Jellema-Butler

Anne has over 20 years of experience in building global organizations that deliver transformative change. She was born in the United States and is based in South Africa, where she’s lived for over 20 years. She joins 350.org as Chief Executive for HIVOS. Throughout her career, Anne has put the agency and practical needs of rights-holders first in designing strategies for change. This approach is rooted in her years as a community organizer and land rights activist in South Africa. She has worked with social movements, women’s organizations, hacktivists and other grassroots forces across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

 

The post We welcome Anne Jellema as new Executive Director appeared first on 350.

Categories: G1. Progressive Green

Tax Their Billions: Your questions answered

350.org - Mon, 10/21/2024 - 03:08

Who should be paying a wealth tax?

We want to be clear: When we’re talking about a national and global wealth tax, we mean a tax on the super-rich. We’re not talking about your local doctor or business owner – we mean multi-million and billionaires. There are many models of a wealth tax on the table both in the UK and globally. What many of them share is the notion that the tax should be paid on assets of over £10 million. A new report from Greenpeace shows that a one-off 2.5 % UK wealth tax on wealth above £10 million could unlock a minimum of £130 billion for climate solutions and public services. At a global level, the Brazilian G20 Presidency commissioned a model by the EU Tax Observatory that showed that a 2% tax on 3,000 billionaires globally would generate an additional $250 billion.

Why a wealth tax? What other tax options are there?

Many of you asked us about other sorts of tax we could be campaigning for. There are lots of options on the table but we believe a wealth tax on the ultra-rich is the best way of unlocking huge amounts of money at the same time as addressing the inequality in our society – by making sure it’s the people who can afford it that are footing the bill. Right now, a few ultra-wealthy individuals and profiteering oil giants are continuing to grow richer at our expense and our governments are letting them get away with it.

What should a wealth tax be spent on?

These new taxes could raise billions of pounds that should be spent to reduce the chasm between the richest and the poorest in the world to make a fairer society where everyone can thrive. 

Overseas, those most impacted by the climate crisis, in places like the Amazon, sub-saharan Africa and the Pacific Islands, are gearing up to build their own power with community-led renewable projects. As one of the biggest global polluters, the UK has a historic responsibility to pay for some of that transition, but rather than take it from the pockets of ordinary people who are also facing the cost of living crisis in the UK, that money should come from mega-rich individuals who are also the biggest polluters!

In the UK, we know some of this money must pay for the transition to affordable, renewable energy and energy efficiency at home. We want everyone to be guaranteed access to clean energy to heat their homes, and meet their basic needs without exception. What’s more, a wealth tax could unlock enough money to ensure we also have the cash to pump into public services, our NHS and much more!

How have the super-rich become super-rich?

At 350.org we believe that billionaires should not exist, and that’s because most billionaires’ wealth has been gained through exploitative and/or extractive work. Very soon we’ll be launching a report on some of the key billionaires we’re focussing on in our campaign, where you’ll get more of an insight into how their wealth was created. Keep your eyes peeled to find out more and for ways you can help us take action.

Won’t people move their money? How do we stop tax avoidance?

Tax avoidance isn’t a new thing. Whether it’s billionaires moving their money or fossil fuel companies getting tax back through loopholes on new developments. There’s no denying that tax avoidance is an issue, but in many models of wealth tax a % of avoidance is built into the expectations of what money can be gained. For example, in Greenpeace’s latest report, they’ve suggested that even with a high 42% avoidance of a wealth tax, £130 billion could still be generated in the UK across 5 years. 

What’s more, the reality is that uprooting your home, business and livelihood isn’t that appealing! Right now the UK, and especially London’s financial centre, is a good place for multi-millionaires and billionaires to exist and realistically a small percentage wealth tax won’t lead to a huge departure from the UK. 

Does this campaign need to be organised at a global level?

We’re pushing for both domestic wealth taxes and wealth taxes at a global level. At a global level, the Brazilian G20 Presidency has been vital in pushing this forward. They commissioned a model by the EU Tax Observatory as a basis to get countries to agree to 2% additional tax on 3,000 billionaires, which would generate $250 billion. The G20 Finance Ministers in July did not agree to taking on the model fully, but were warmer than they ever have been to taxing the super rich. Countries that are champions include Brazil and Spain. Followers include France, Mexico, Australia, and South Africa. The UK is currently on the fence and so we have a chance to push them in the right direction in the run up to the G20 Summit in Rio this November.

What is Labour’s stance on a wealth tax? Why aren’t they already doing it?

Labour have currently ruled out the type of wealth tax we’re calling for in the UK. For now, what is looking most likely for the next UK budget are wider changes to things like capital gains tax, inheritance tax and potentially tax on pensions. But none of these target the levels of extreme wealth that we feel is needed. There is growing political backing for a wealth tax in the UK. The Green Party supported the idea of a 2.5% wealth tax on the ultra-rich in their manifesto, and we’ll be looking at how we can work with those new Green MPs in our campaigning. Labour knows there is a huge deficit of money in the UK and there is a massive opportunity for us to build on the global momentum for a wealth tax and bring it to the UK context. 

Thanks so much to everyone who submitted a question! We grouped them together to answer as many as possible. Submit further questions if you like and we’ll add answers to this blog post as soon as possible

Our new “Tax Their Billions” campaign launched earlier this year calling for higher taxes on the super rich and fossil fuel companies. Get involved by signing the petition, watching the video and taking the quiz!

— Tommy for the 350 UK team

The post Tax Their Billions: Your questions answered appeared first on 350.

Categories: G1. Progressive Green

Six reasons to be hopeful about the future of renewable energy

350.org - Fri, 10/11/2024 - 01:15

The future of renewable energy is looking more promising than ever before. The past year of 2023 was ripe with great progress in the renewable energy sector, bringing us even closer to a world where every person can have access to 100% safe, affordable and reliable energy. Wonder why I’m saying that? Check out REN21’s Renewables in Energy Supply Module of the Renewables 2024 Global Status Report.

From record-breaking investments to governments embracing solar and wind energy, let’s break down the report to see the ongoing positive developments in the renewables sector:

1. More money is going into renewables

The world is investing more in renewable energy than ever before, especially in solar and wind power. In 2023, a record-breaking USD$622.5 billion was invested in renewables! 

Most of this money went into solar panels and wind farms, with a 70% increase in tech investments like batteries (for energy storage) and solar panels. In fact, renewable power installations attracted far more investment than fossil fuel power plants did in 2023.

China is leading the charge in this trend, contributing 44% of global renewable energy investments. This is followed by Europe at 20.9% and the U.S. at 15%. Sadly, Africa and the Middle East only got 3.6% of these investments. It’s obvious there’s more work to be done in those regions. 

2. Renewable energy is powering more and more of the world

All in all, renewable power capacity grew by 54% just within a year. Renewable energy generated an impressive 30% of the world’s electricity in 2023 which is a MASSIVE increase from just 21.7% in 2013. In fact, three regions in the world now have more than 35% renewable electricity in their power sector: Latin America and the Caribbean, Oceania, and Europe.

Renewables also made up 10% of heat, and 3.5% of fuels which are the other important components through which energy is supplied. 

About 536 gigawatts (GW)* of new renewable power was added, with solar power (407 GW) and wind power (117 GW) making up the biggest chunk or nearly 98% of these additions. All these ever-increasing shares show how renewables are becoming essential in meeting global energy needs and replacing dirty energy sources like fossil fuels.

*In case you are wondering what gigawatts are, a watt is a measure of power and there are 1 billion watts in 1 GW, which is enough power to light 100 million LED light bulbs.

3. Countries are bettering their renewable energy targets

Many countries updated their renewable energy goals, pushing for more renewable energy solutions. By the end of the year, 182 countries had set targets across different renewables sectors and technologies. Even better, 90 countries now have national goals, and seven are aiming for 100% renewable energy!

Countries’ governments are making it easier to move to renewables, too. In 2023, 20 countries introduced or updated financial policies like tax credits, grants, and subsidies to support renewable projects. For example, India rolled out new grants in early 2024 to help people buy small solar systems, while Indonesia set aside $6 million to boost rooftop solar power. Canada also introduced tax credits for cleaner tech investments, and in the U.S., 39 states now have clean energy standards, with 17 targeting 100% renewable electricity by 2050.

While governments still have a lot of work to do, especially in making sure that they walk the talk in meeting their ambitious goals and implementing climate solutions responsibly, renewable energy is definitely becoming the new normal. 

4. Solar & wind energy will become even more widespread in the coming years

Solar energy is growing like never before as it becomes cheaper each year – which means regular people will also get access to producing their own energy! Since 2018, the rooftop solar market has been steadily expanding, and in 2023, a record-breaking 180 gigawatts (GW) of new solar installations were added. Solar panel costs have sharply decreased just in the last year making it 56% cheaper than fossil fuels & nuclear. Both homes and businesses are increasingly turning to solar because it’s more affordable and easier to install. With the costs of solar panels likely continue to drop further in the coming years, more people, including local communities will turn to solar for their energy needs. 

Another source of renewable energy on the rise is wind energy. Wind power is not only cleaner than most existing energy sources, but it’s also one of the most cost-effective energy sources out there. Many countries are increasing their wind power targets to tackle the climate crisis, boost energy security, and drive economic growth. These developments mean that wind energy will be adopted more and more in the near future.

5. Renewables are creating more & equitable jobs 

Renewables are not only driving job growth but also reducing gender inequality by offering more opportunities for women in both employment and entrepreneurship.

Solar energy sector alone is creating an impressive number of jobs. In 2023, it created an estimated 2.2 million jobs to a total of 7.1 million jobs, mostly in construction and manufacturing. What’s even better is that 40% of these jobs were held by women. This is a much higher percentage than the number of women employed by the fossil fuel industry!

The renewable energy sector will also see substantial job growth in the coming years, as a result of national and regional policies aimed at combating climate change by promoting renewable energy. In the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is projected to create nearly 5 million jobs in renewables. Similarly, Canada’s climate law is expected to boost the sector by almost 50% by 2030, reaching around 640,000 jobs. In Europe, the REPowerEU plan will generate an estimated 3.5 million jobs between 2022 and 2030. Meanwhile, South Africa anticipates 462,000 new jobs in renewable energy from 2017 to 2025. For the latest facts & figures on economic and social benefits that renewables are bringing, check out the Economic and Social Value Creation Module of the Renewables 2024 Global Status Report which comes out in November!

6. We still have time to meet global energy targets

At COP28 in Dubai, governments agreed on a big goal: triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. While we’ve made great progress, we’re not quite there yet. Right now, we’re on track to add 8,000 gigawatts of renewable energy, but we need to hit 11,000 GW by 2030 to meet the COP28 goal. The good news? There’s still time to catch up!

As part of the international climate treaty, the Paris Agreement, countries are required to update their climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), every five years. As of early 2023, only 14 countries had clear renewable energy targets for 2030 in their NDCs. Together, these commitments only add up to 1,300 GW—so there’s plenty of room to aim higher and push harder. The next round of updating is due soon (in early 2025) which means there’s a huge opportunity to step up and make stronger commitments, and we are demanding that countries do so! 

The renewable energy revolution is well underway, with solar and wind leading the charge. To continue transforming global energy systems, we should expand our focus to include heating, fuels, and other proven renewable technologies. We must also continue to urge our leaders to take stronger climate action now. Let’s leverage this momentum in the renewables sector to secure a sustainable energy future for generations to come! 

The post Six reasons to be hopeful about the future of renewable energy appeared first on 350.

Categories: G1. Progressive Green

Our Power News

350.org - Tue, 10/01/2024 - 00:39

This newsletter is also available in French and Spanish.

Are you wondering where your monthly Fossil Free update went? Well, I have an exciting surprise for you – as the world of climate & energy is quickly changing, so are we!

Our vision is simple: we want every person to have access to safe, affordable and reliable energy.

Our belief is straightforward: it’s ordinary people like you and me who have the power to create a just energy transition.

With this in mind, we are ramping-up our campaigns for renewables that place communities at the heart of our energy systems, and we want you to join us. The future of energy is ours to take!

So, welcome to our very first edition of Our Power Newsletter. In here, you’ll not just get exclusive insights into our latest work but also inspiring stories of community energy projects, expert analysis on climate news, easy-to-understand explanations of complex topics and plenty of opportunities to get involved!

Enjoy reading, and if you like what you’ve read – tell your friends, family, colleagues and basically everyone about it. Let’s build Our Power together!

Movement Updates Discover our latest actions demanding climate solutions & energy justice

Launching Our Own Power Network

Did you know that communities around the world are reclaiming their power from the hands of fossil fuel giants by building their own renewable energy projects? To support them, we’ve just launched the Our Own Power Network, an international movement of renewable energy champions. Sign up for our very first Our Own Power Webinar on 1 October where you’ll hear inspiring stories from members in the Amazon, Africa and the Pacific who are leading exciting renewable energy projects in their communities.

Making Waves at New York Climate Week

The annual New York Climate Week is the place to push leaders, from business executives to policymakers, into taking meaningful climate action. This year, we demanded that COP presidents deliver real commitments to phase out fossil fuels and scale up renewable energy, putting people over profits. We urged our leaders to raise the bar on national climate goals (or NDCs, you can read more on this below). Our movement took to the streets, pressured banks, amplified Indigenous voices and demanded that wealthy nations fund the energy transition while protecting environmental defenders.

350 US joins partners in protesting in front of Citibank (who have put in $400 billion in fossil fuels since 2016) on 24 September 2024, in New York. Photo: Mel Smith

Spotlighting Vietnam’s Unjust Energy Transition

We received wonderful news that our friend & unjustly detained Vietnamese climate activist Hoàng Thị Minh Hồng was released from prison on 21 September, 20 months early from her sentence. Our FreeHong campaign gathered over 9,200 signatures across 55 countries, pressuring officials for her release. During New York Climate Week, we also held a panel calling out Vietnam’s recent $15.5 billion inter-governmental energy financing deal, the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) that excludes civil society participation, respect for human rights, fair financing mechanisms, and proven climate solutions.

Where Disability & Climate Meet

Our world is often unforgiving and ableist even without the climate breakdown. Our exclusive video with climate justice and disability rights activist Áine Kelly-Costello explains why climate justice cannot be separated from disability justice. We’ve also featured footage from the Disability Justice Project, an amazing global grassroots media network and hub for documentaries by and about persons with disabilities. See how we can transform our climate movement to ensure that no one gets left behind:

WATCH VIDEO

A deaf black man wearing glasses looks neutrally at the camera while holding a hand lettered sign. Photo: Disabled and Here

Climate Jargon Unpack the terms & concepts being used by climate activists & experts

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

NDCs are the talk of the town this year, especially around upcoming international climate summits like the COP29.

What are NDCs: Also known as climate change action plans or climate goals, NDC’s are self-defined national climate commitments by countries who joined the Paris Agreement. They lay down a roadmap for each country to do their part in stopping the climate crisis.

Why are NDCs important: because they detail how countries plan to reduce emissions, adapt to climate impacts and ensure investments so that the planet remains liveable for all of us.

When do countries update their NDCs: All countries are expected to update their NDCs every five years, with better and more ambitious plans. The last round of NDC updating was in 2020-21 (here are some examples) and the next round is due very soon, in early 2025. Throughout this year and beyond, we will keep pushing countries to not only submit good NDCs but to also turn these plans into reality!

Learn more about what good NDCs look like:

LEARN MORE

Community Spotlight Be inspired by stories & interviews of real people who are fighting for a just energy transition

Domangburi’s First Light

350 GROC volunteers install a solar panel in the local school. Photo: 350GROC

In the remote village of Domangburi in north-western Ghana, the lack of electricity forced the community to rely on firewood, flashlights, and oil lamps for light. This severely affected students’ ability to study and limited economic opportunities for all. However, a transformation took place this year. 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon (350 GROC), a network of local youth groups dedicated to mobilizing and empowering young people, alongside local leaders and volunteers, went to each and every home in the village and installed solar panels and bulbs—65 in total. They also set up solar street lights at the local school and market. For the first time, Domangburi has access to safer, cleaner, and reliable solar energy. The effort and perseverance of locals will now create opportunities for education, economic growth, and a brighter future for the whole community for generations to come.

 

Discover more about the work of 350 GROC through the words of its National Coordinator and Ghanian Climate Activist Portia Adu-Mensah.

Renewable Rundown Get informed on big numbers, key facts and important news

$2 Trillion

Or USD$2000 billion. That’s the potential amount of money we can raise if countries globally adopt a wealth tax on the richest 0.5% households just like Spain did in 2022, according to the U.K based campaign group, Tax Justice Network.

 

Their study, published in August this year, estimates potential revenue for 172 countries from implementing a moderate, progressive tax on net wealth. If such a tax scheme is adopted, countries could get up to 7% more money in their national budgets each year!

To put this in context, the money we need to triple renewable energy by 2030 (a target set last year at the UN Climate Conference, COP28) is $8 trillion of investment in new renewable energy projects and $4 trillion for grid and storage infrastructure over the next 6 years. Coincidentally, this amount also works out to be $2 trillion a year on average.

And so the data is crystal clear: if governments tax the ultra-rich, we can fund the transition to renewable energy!

Your Power Support us in demanding real climate action

Now that we know a bit more about NDCs, we need your help in demanding more ambitious climate goals from our leaders. These goals must stop the worst effects of global heating and commit to just solutions to the crisis. Countries’ 2025 NDCs should clearly commit to a real renewable energy goal following principles of justice while ensuring a fossil fuel phase out.

Sign the letter below demanding more climate action from our Heads of State:

ADD YOUR NAME

Energize Build your skills to tackle the climate crisis and widen our movement

Have you been feeling drained by the constant demands of activism? Then you probably need to nurture your mental and emotional well-being first to be able to show up fully for the climate movement.

Learn how to boost creativity, reduce stress, and strengthen your inner self with our quick, impactful guide. You’ll leave feeling empowered, centered, and ready to continue the fight for a better future!

FIND STEADY GROUND

 

The post Our Power News appeared first on 350.

Categories: G1. Progressive Green

We all have a role to play on Reconciliation Day

350.org - Fri, 09/27/2024 - 11:14

Monday is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

It’s a day to recognize and reflect on the devastating colonial legacy of residential schools by commemorating the children who were murdered in the system and expressing solidarity with those who survived.

Here are some ways that we encourage you to show your support and solidarity:

1. Wear an Orange Shirt – As I dressed my 2 year old for Orange Shirt Day at his daycare on Friday, I reflected on the story of Phyllis Webstad. Phyllis was just six years old when she wore a new orange shirt that her grandmother gifted her for her first day of residential school. Upon arrival, she was stripped of all her clothes and belongings including the orange shirt. Inspired by Phyllis’ story, the colour orange has become a unifying symbol for the ‘Every Child Matters’ movement which commemorates the children abused and murdered in the residential school system and honours the survivors.

Today, Phyllis is the founder and ambassador of the Orange Shirt Society and works actively to support the healing process of residential school survivors. You can learn more about how to support the Orange Shirt Society here.

Find a shirt that supports Indigenous organizations: Every year, the Orange Shirt Society selects a new design to represent the official Orange Shirt. For Orange Shirt Day 2024, you can find the official retailers here. Or you can purchase a design by an Indigenous Brand such as Red Rebel Armour or Shop First Nations.

2. Listen to and Support Residential School Survivors – Truth and Reconciliation cannot happen until the truth is heard. Often, the truth is hard to hear for non-Indigenous people. But it is critical for settlers to grapple with Canada’s colonial history and present for true reconciliation. Beyond just listening, it’s important to actively support residential school survivors. Consider some of the following actions: 

  • Join a local Truth and Reconciliation Day Event: Here’s a list of events across BC, google search your town or city to find events near you

 3. Follow the leadership of Indigenous Land Defenders – Indigenous peoples and communities are disproportionately on the frontlines of resource extraction, environmental destruction, and climate impacts. In order to build a truly just future for all, we must follow the leadership of Indigenous land defenders who are courageously resisting environmental and climate injustice. 

We hope these resources were helpful and that you will take time to reflect on our collective journey towards Truth and Reconciliation.

In solidarity,

Atiya and the 350 Canada Team

The post We all have a role to play on Reconciliation Day appeared first on 350.

Categories: G1. Progressive Green

Support communities resisting lithium mining in Central Portugal – respond to consultation by 4th September!

Yes to Life no to Mining - Sat, 08/31/2024 - 11:41
Support communities resisting lithium mining in Central Portugal Respond to consultation by 4th September!

Image: The Alvarrões mine via Google Earth

The Alvarrões mine in Portugal, located on the foothills of the Serra da Estrela National Park and classified as Geopark and UNESCO world heritage, is in the advanced stages of expanding. 

 

The open pit mine is set to enlarge from what is now officially 6 hectares to 32 hectares to further extract lithium, feldspar and quartz (with a concession area of 641 hectares). Currently the mining company is already exploring more than 12 hectares without having a license to do so.  

 

Quick link to the public consultation (deadline 4th September)

 

The consequences of open air mining have already proven to wreak havoc: from environmental destruction including air pollution and contamination of water and soil, to dwindling opportunities and investments in (eco- and agri-) tourism and agriculture.

So far, the mining company in question has not adhered to most -if any- environmental regulations and obligations, so vigilance and action is warranted. 

In response, local citizens have united in Ação Floresta Viva, a reforestation organisation that began in 2022 after devastating wildfires in the area decimated one fourth of the park.

Ação Floresta Viva’s mission to protect the environment further continues now with the resistance against destructive open pit mining.

It is believed that this project is only just the beginning: vast areas of Central and Northern Portugal are currently being prospected for the mining of various raw materials, lithium in particular. Many of these areas are in the same region. 

There are a number of ways to support the community to put a halt to the mine expansion:

1) Speak out through this participation portal – for which the deadline is 4th of September:

https://participa.pt/pt/consulta/ampliacao-da-mina-de-alvarroes

2) Sign the petition:

https://peticaopublica.com/mobile/psign.aspx?pi=Alvarroes#google_vignette

3) Follow and like on social media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/florestavivaguard

Instagram: @acao.floresta.viva

 

Author: Ação Floresta Viva

 

Categories: G1. Progressive Green

Show support for anti-lithium activists under attack in Serbia

Yes to Life no to Mining - Sun, 08/18/2024 - 09:57

Show support for anti-lithium activists under attack in Serbia Thousands march to stop Rio Tinto

Photo: Balkan Green Energy News

Savez ekoloških organizacija Srbije (SEOSYLNM calls for support for activists under threat Letter from European Regional Contact Person

Recent weeks have seen a new wave of protests against lithium mining in Serbia. Upon call for solidarity from Ne Damo Jadar (NDJ) and Savez Savez ekoloških organizacija Srbije (SEOS), 50 protests were held across the whole country, the biggest one taking place on 10 August in Belgrade. People marched in thousands to stop Rio Tinto’s “Jadar” project as well as other lithium exploration projects in the country, and blocked railway at two points over night, dispersed by heavily geared riot police in morning hours. 

During the protests in Belgrade, three young activists were arrested – Ivan Bjelić, Jevđenije Dimitrijević and Nikola Ristić, and some hours later expressly charged by 40 or 30 days of detention for “breaching public peace and order”, extremely harsh for this type of accusation, and taken directly to prison to serve the sentence. Two days later, on Tuesday 13 Aug, after intense public pressure, their sentences have been annulled, and they were released. They will face a new trial. Since last Sunday, a number of other activists across the country have been taken to police for “information talks,” and some had their apartments searched. They are reportedly being accused of “violent tearing down of constitutional order.” It is to be highlighted that the citizen protests were peaceful and nonviolent. This clear attempt at intimidation, persecution and silencing of democratic protests should be strongly condemned! Researcher and activist Aleksandar Matković wrote an open letter that opposed the mine, after which he received death threats. Aleksandar was one of the co-organisers of the Jadar Declaration, together with Marš sa Drine. He is currently a fellow of Transnational Institute, and we received a request from them to spread support. TNI has published a translated version of the letter :  https://www.tni.org/en/article/open-letter-regarding-rio-tinto-and-the-mining-colony-that-serbia-is-turning-into
And tweeted about it here: https://x.com/TNInstitute/status/1824779031071309976 Some more update. Rio Tinto’s “Jadar” project to mine lithium and borates in the valley of river Jadar in Western Serbia was revived by the Constitutional Court earlier this July by revoking the parliamentary decree from Jan 2022 which cancelled the relevant permits. The project is aggressively pushed and promoted by the authoritarian president and leadership of the ruling party through a heavy media campaign to influence the opinion, which is in majority against the mine. Just three days after the Constitutonal Court’s decision, an EU delegation led by German chancellor Olof Scholz visited Belgrade and signed a MoU about a strategic partnership in raw materials, battery, and electric vehicles.
Please join in solidarity with the movements demanding STOP to lithium and borates exploration and mining in Serbia! Follow some of the organisations via twitter or instagram: @nedamojadar
@znamodanedamo
@mars_sa_drine
@Earth_Thrive Share and spread the news, in particular concerning the unjustified police persecution of the activists.

 

In solidarity, Mirko Yes to Life No to Mining RCP – Europe

 

Categories: G1. Progressive Green

Pages

The Fine Print I:

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this site are not the official position of the IWW (or even the IWW’s EUC) unless otherwise indicated and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone but the author’s, nor should it be assumed that any of these authors automatically support the IWW or endorse any of its positions.

Further: the inclusion of a link on our site (other than the link to the main IWW site) does not imply endorsement by or an alliance with the IWW. These sites have been chosen by our members due to their perceived relevance to the IWW EUC and are included here for informational purposes only. If you have any suggestions or comments on any of the links included (or not included) above, please contact us.

The Fine Print II:

Fair Use Notice: The material on this site is provided for educational and informational purposes. It may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. It is being made available in an effort to advance the understanding of scientific, environmental, economic, social justice and human rights issues etc.

It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have an interest in using the included information for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. The information on this site does not constitute legal or technical advice.