Environment
The role of cities in climate governance
Cohesive populations, proximity to their citizens, and data capabilities offer cities a pivotal role in climate action alongside national and international actors. If clear goals are set, local circumstances accounted for, and other governance partners effectively collaborated with, cities could lead in the fight against climate change.
Concern for the planet, or a statement that the US is back? Biden’s virtual summit puts the ball in Xi’s court, as the US reclaims a leading role on international climate action
President Biden has shown his intent to restate the US as global leaders on climate change as he hosted a virtual summit on 22-23 April, encouraging states to build on their climate pledges. It has been hailed as a major success, uniting leading countries in climate action. However, the summit has sparked debate regarding climate politics. As competition between the US and China reaches its zenith, climate change remains one of the few areas left for them to cooperate on. Whether climate action will lead to healthy competition or conflict will depend on a range of factors over the next decade.
An Ecosystem in Crisis: Environmental Degradation in Venezuela
Venezuela’s biodiverse environment, from its share of the Amazon rainforest to its lakes and coastline, has suffered increasing levels of pollution and degradation in recent years. Venezuela’s reliance on extractive practices including mining and its ageing oil industry is one of the main drivers of the degradation of its environment. Given the attitude of the Maduro regime, the situation is set to worsen.
The Bulgarian Energy Market between Subsidies and Challenges
Many know Bulgaria as the poorest country in the EU. The country consistently lags behind its Western partners and ranks the lowest in a variety of areas. From disposable income to media freedom, as well as corruption and trust in the government. However, there seems to be an area in which Bulgaria is outperforming the EU average: green development. A combination of subsidies and ponderous growth has fostered this outcome, but the way ahead is not guaranteed.
Carbon Neutral by 2060? The Environmental Implications of China’s New Climate Target for Southeast Asia
On September 22, China announced its long term target to be carbon neutral by 2060 and reach peak CO2 emissions before 2030. This has been deemed a game-changer for international
China’s Renunciation of Single-use Plastic
Recently, China has decided to gradually abolish the use of single-use plastic. This decision was reached by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) at the beginning of 2020. The reason why they would make this decision is quite simple: China has contributed to worldwide pollution much more than other countries.
Southeast Asia’s Transboundary Haze: Obstacles to a Regional Solution
The so-called ‘ASEAN Way’ can be an obstacle to effectively addressing regional transboundary issues, and the transboundary haze problem is no exception.
African Continent: Challenges of Climate and Demographic Changes
Impacts of climate change and growing population, as well as the threats to human development – such as poverty, crime and health – could lead to insecurity and instability in African countries.
Canada: Environment and taxpayers face pollution threats
The environmentally precious river remains threatened by the proposed construction of an open-pit gold and copper mine by one of Canada’s most notorious polluters: Imperial Metals.
Bolsonaro’s Environmental Policy: An Increasing Risk
President Jair Bolsonaro’s inauguration in January marked Brazil’s entry into the ranks of nations recently electing far-right leadership. In the first five months of his term, Bolsonaro’s r has drawn particular ire for altering environmental policies.
