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Colonialism a big concern for countries receiving climate support from the global north
“Analysing Decolonial Climate Perspectives” is a must-read for the Green Climate Fund. The GCF emphasises country ownership and country-driven approaches to climate investments. According to the Fund, “country ownership is an ongoing and evolving process: it is not a fixed state.” Understanding, acknowledging and addressing how past and present colonialism affects countries in the global…
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International Day of Rural Women: the morning after
Yesterday’s International Day of Rural Women celebrated women’s accomplishments. But today unveils persistent challenges to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Violence against women, child marriage, and unequal access to quality education hinder progress. Despite government efforts, ongoing obstacles underscore the urgent need for women to exercise greater power in improving the world around us.
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A salute to rural women
With today marking the International Day of Rural Women, there are many things we need to be grateful for. In the global south, women’s increasing role in leading communities and participating in decision making is promoting inclusive and equitable development in rural areas. And despite the greater time spent fulfilling the community role they increasingly…
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Green ships on blue seas: The global effort to decarbonize shipping
Climate change – The maritime industry is a vital part of the global economy, but it’s also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. On World Maritime Day, we explore the challenges and opportunities of decarbonizing shipping. Can the industry achieve net-zero emissions? How will this benefit people and planet?
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Seed banks: Saving for the future
Conservation – Seed banks safeguard against natural disasters, conflicts, and global crises. They’ve played vital roles in Syria’s civil war recovery and Rwanda’s post-genocide food revival. Notable seed banks include the Doomsday Vault in Norway.
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Trees and fish helping each other help us
Sustainable agriculture – Freshwater fish play a crucial role in food security and livelihoods, particularly in developing regions. Protecting them means safeguarding trees, which maintain water quality, absorb carbon, and nurture fish. This partnership highlights the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of ecological balance.
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Teaching across tongues!
Language, international development – Imagine living in a country that has a national language, but you can’t speak it. Imagine going to school where the teachers teach in the national language, and you don’t fully understand what they’re saying. Imagine sitting a test at school – writing answers to a question you only partly understand…
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That frog in your throat may be the last one you hear
Biodiversity – Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring helped spark today’s green movement. Her words, “in nature, nothing stands alone”, remind us of the delicate harmony between people and planet. Only harmony will save frogs in their battle with habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and climate change. If frogs croak it, so might their ecosystems.
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The Gaia Street bee massacre
(in progress) Ecosystems – A scorchingly hilarious but abominable blog about burning bees, bombing bull ants and a wayward Dad. All jokes aside, it offers a potent reminder about safeguarding bees and ants—nature’s pollination superheroes—critical to global crops, ecosystems and developing country livelihoods. A true tale of scandalously funny proportion if not for its shameful…
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Rice-fish farming and agroforestry: Ancient wisdom for a sustainable future
Sustainable agriculture – The ancient Indigenous practices of rice-fish farming and agroforestry have much in common, harmonising human activities, environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation. Combined with modern science, these approaches offer new methods to farm sustainably, combat climate change and maintain resilient landscapes.
