EarthAction

Sir David Attenborough as the recipient of the Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) announced today that Sir David Attenborough will receive the Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to research, documentation, and advocacy for the protection of nature and its restoration.

Sir David Attenborough’s career as a broadcaster, natural historian, author, and environmental advocate spans over seven decades. He is most famous for his work with the BBC’s Natural History Unit, including landmark documentaries such as Life on Earth, the Living Planet, Our Planet and Our Blue Planet. In addition, his renowned advocacy work to preserve and restore biodiversity, transition to renewable energy, mitigate climate change and promote plant-rich diets contribute to the realization of many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The award is the UN’s highest environmental honour, and celebrates those who have dedicated their lives to tackling crises like climate change, species loss and pollution. To date, the Champions of the Earth has recognized 106 laureates, ranging from world leaders to technology inventors. They include 26 world leaders, 64 individuals and 16 groups or organizations.

The Press Release may be viewed here: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/david-attenborough-receives-uns-most-distinguished-environment-award

Feature Story may be viewed here: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/un-recognizes-broadcaster-attenborough-lifetime-achievement-award

David Attenborough exclusive interview with UNEP ED Inger Andersen: https://youtu.be/2YoLsUt4F58

Profile Video: https://youtu.be/Vlvn23rSt0M

Should you have any questions or further clarification please contact UNEP´s Director of Communication, Mr. Daniel Cooney, Daniel.cooney@un.org

Radhika Ochalik

Secretary of Governing Bodies

Director, Governance Affairs Office

UN Environment Programme

Country Energy Sector Reform Efforts

For Global Spotlight Report #26, Climate Scorecard asked our Country Managers to describe the major energy sector reforms/changes that their countries had undertaken since 2015.

READ THE REPORT

Special attention was paid to changes in energy sources, the decrease or increase in fossil fuel sources of energy, the increase in renewables, and the use of nuclear power.

 

Country Managers were also asked to analyze the impact that their country’s energy sector reforms/changes have had (or hope to have moving forward) on their country’s overall level of energy production and consumption, overall emissions levels and the cost of energy.

 

2020 COUNTRY CLIMATE COMMITMENTS

 

View monthly updates of the short and long-term climate goals of leading greenhouse emissions countries. Learn More.

 

DONATE TODAY!

Every donation helps our work.

 

Our global, grassroots organization relies on the support of other committed individuals. Learn More.

 

Climate change is real. What governments do matters.

 

Learn more at Climate Scorecard

Country Climate Commitments Update

Dear Friends,

 

Climate Scorecard’s Country Commitment Tracking Update is intended to provide information on the degree to which 22 leading greenhouse gas emitting countries* are making commitments to near-term (2030) and more long-term (2040-2050) emission reduction goals.

 

View the Update

 

Download the PDF

 

Each month we will provide a summary graphic with supportive text with up-to-date information on how each of the countries we are tracking is answering the following 5 questions:

1. Has the country pledged to update its 2015 Paris Agreement pledge by 2020?
2. Does the updated pledge commit the country to making a 30-50% reduction in emissions by 2030?
3. Has the country submitted a plan for reducing its emissions by 30-50% by 2030?
4. Has the country committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 or sooner?
5. Has the country submitted a plan for becoming carbon neutral by 2050 or sooner?

Our goal in developing this tracking system is to publish information that can be used to put pressure on leading greenhouse gas emitting countries to strengthen their commitments to reducing emissions and supporting the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

 

We urge you to share our monthly updates with colleagues, and welcome your feedback on how we can improve this presentation by replying to this email.

 

Ron Israel

Director

Climate Scorecard

www.climatescorecard.org

EU and Russia Support UN Call for Global Coronavirus Ceasefire. Cameroon Rebels Announce Ceasefire

In an international appeal issued on Monday March 23, UN Secretary-General (UNSG) António Guterres urged warring parties across the world to observe a ceasefire to assist the battle against COVID-19, which he called ‘the common enemy that is now threatening all of humankind.’ (Click here for his video message).

In addition, Mr Guterres tasked UN Special Envoys in conflict zones to follow up on this appeal. ‘My special envoys will be now working with the parties to the conflict to try to make sure that this global appeal is not only listened to but leads to concrete action, leads to a pause in fighting, creating the conditions for the response to COVID‑19 to be much more effective.’

The appeal appears to be having some impact - although limited so far.

On March 26, a rebel militia in Cameroon, the Southern Cameroons Defence Forces (Socadef), responded by announcing that they would observe a two week long ceasefireso that people could be tested for coronavirus without fear. 

A chief mediator in the Cameroon conflict Mr Alexandre Liebeskind, said that he hoped others would follow Socadef's example, not only in Cameroon but also in other conflicts in Africa. "Sitting in Africa, I am particularly concerned because it's a fragile continent. The economic and social consequences [of coronavirus] could be devastating if it is not quickly contained." 

European Union and Russia support the ceasefire call

Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has supported the UNSG's call for a ceasefire, tweeting: 

'The call for an immediate global ceasefire by UN Secretary General @antonioguterres is more important than ever. Only together and in peace can we overcome the global #coronavirus pandemic. This is the real fight we need to face today. Unity and solidarity are our weapons.' (@JosepBorellF)

Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, released a statement on March 25, supporting the ceasefire call and highlighting key conflicts where a ceasefire is especially important.

"Of special concern are the situations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Syria, as well in the Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip. We note separately the risks associated with the possible deterioration of the epidemiological situation in African countries, where there is a persisting armed confrontation. The localities with camps for refugees and internally displaced persons are particularly vulnerable."

Win Without War urges the United States to Support

Win without War, a United States based campaign, has called on the Trump Administration and US Congress to support the ceasefire call.

'The truth is, it’s going to take all of us, everywhere, doing our part. That’s what every doctor says, every scientist and public health official tells us. Yet in far too many corners of the world, some of us are still trying to kill one another on the battlefield. Right now, we need the entirety of the U.S. government fighting this pandemic, not endless wars.'
Win Without War appeal to President Trump and the U.S. Congress.

US residents can add their support at We Demand a Global Ceasefire.

Call to support global ceasefire by ending weapons production

World Beyond War (WBW) and Peace Brigades International (PBI) Canada, another two organisations promoting the UN call for a ceasefire, are urging campaigners in arms-producing countries to support by ending weapons production and arms transfers. See United Nations Calls For Peace During The Coronavirus Pandemic, But War Production Continues.

They note that the weapons industry is keeping factories open to keep making weapons, even in countries like Italy and the USA where many other businesses are having to close during the worst part of the pandemic. Indeed the arms industry has effectively convinced governments that the defence industry be included as "essential services, [which] may remain in operation.”

WBW has launched an online petition calling for the cancellation of Canada' largest arms show, CANSEC, which is scheduled to take place on May 27-28 and has not been cancelled or postponed.

Webinar on an End to War

World Beyond War is holding a webinar on April 7 on the topic Ending War with keynote speaker David Swanson. Click here for details. 

Taken from UNFOLD ZERO

UN Young Champions of the Earth 2020 - Application Open Now!

We are pleased to share with you the news and all associated digital assets of the 2020 launch of UNEP's flagship youth initiative, Young Champions of the Earth. We’re now live!
 
Help spread the call for applications: 

We would greatly appreciate your help in amplifying the call for applications through your social media networks, to inspire a new wave of young innovators to apply this year. We’re looking for the artists, scientists, economists, communicators and entrepreneurs from all walks of life —with big, bold ideas— for the environment, for humanity, for a greener future. 
 
If you could share on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook the below on #YoungChamps - we would be so very appreciative.  

Links to all launch posts on social media: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unep/videos/176416607002450/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/UNEP/status/1226832202199130112
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Yn1IsnaB-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/unep_youngchamps-activity-6632600885035839488-oEzt  

All digital assets:

• Updated website: https://www.unep.org/youngchampions/
• Promotional film narrated by actor Penn Badgley available on UNEP'sFacebook here and on YouTube– Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese
• Promotional film for download in: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese
• Press releases in six languages available here.
• Information brochures – these can be downloaded in six languages from the “About” pages of the website or here.
• Social media cards available in all UN languages here. 

Full Trello Board

About:  
For the 4th year running, UNEP is calling on 18-30-year-old innovators to submit their creative solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Representing every global region, seven applicants with the most promising solutions will be recognized as Young Champions of the Earth – the world’s preeminent environmental honour for young people. Each winner will receive seed funding, mentorship and participation in a high-level UN meeting and global publicity. 

How to apply: Applications can be submitted in 7 UN languages via a portal on the Young Champions website. The deadline for submissions is 10 April 2020 (see here for a complete timeline). 

We would greatly appreciate your support in amplifying the call and reaching out through your networksto headhunt for stellar candidates. (And should you know of any stellar individuals in particular, please let me know so that we can look out for their applications).

Thank you, as always, for your cooperation and kind support.

Recent Significant Climate Change Events

Global Spotlight Report #24 we asked Climate Scorecard Country Managers to report on significant climate change events in their countries that occurred from October 2019 – January 2020.

READ THE REPORT

Around the world many countries struggled to cope with extreme weather events. Brazil and Australia battled forest fires that burned large acreage in the Amazon, killed more than a billion animals, and pushed many species to the brink of extinction in Australia. India and South Korea battled “fine dust” and intense air pollution. Japan was hit by two powerful typhoons. Delta regions in Nigeria were harmed by widespread floods.

 

2020 will go a long way to determining the ability of countries around the world to work together to meet the challenges of climate change. View the latest report for detailed Country Activity Reports and Action Alert Messages.

2020 COUNTRY CLIMATECOMMITMENTS

View monthly updates of the short and long-term climate goals of leading greenhouse emissions countries. Learn More

 

DONATE TODAY!

Every donation helps our work.

Our global, grassroots organization relies on the support of other committed individuals. Learn More

 

Read more at www.climatescorecard.org

You Moved Chase!

I'm going to cut to the chase: Today, JPMorgan Chase announced a fossil fuel policy that rules out funding for coal plants, and for oil and gas projects in the Arctic. This is a major step forward in our efforts to get the finance sector to make the changes we need to heal the climate and protect communities around the world.
 
That’s why we’re celebrating today, Lois. Because you did it!! After two years of showing up in every way, you moved the #1 banker of fossil fuels in the world.

I'm going to give you a minute to let that sink in, maybe dance around a little bit, and let out a majorly deserved “YES!” Because this is monumental.

But this campaign is far from over: it’s a major milestone for Chase to end funding of coal and Arctic oil and gas projects, but we need them to go even further. Chase must immediately stop financing tar sands mines and pipelines, and stop financing any companies that are building new fossil fuel infrastructure. 

The great news is that you’ve already proven you can move the world’s #1 banker of fossil fuels! So let’s get the promise we really want: let’s convince Chase to defund all fossil fuels!

Tell Chase to do more!

Your dedication to people and planet has been incredible. You’ve showed up at Chase branches and shut them down, emailed executives urging them to act for the climate, called Jamie Dimon to tell him how disappointed you are, and you never let up.

Everyone at RAN wants to thank you for dedicating yourself to demanding Chase defund climate change. But we can’t let up now, Lois. We have Chase right where we want them, and they need to go further to undo the damage they’ve done.
 
Chase has for decades financed fossil fuel companies that have violated Indigenous rights, destroyed rainforests, endangered species, and wreaked havoc on the climate. It now needs to respond to the climate crisis on a scale equal to the damage it has done.

Business as usual isn’t an option anymore and Chase knows it, YOU made sure of that. In the months to come, we need you out there with us, telling Chase that their work isn’t done yet.
 
Take this moment to celebrate, Lois, you got to them and your message was loud and clear. Get ready to move them even more because Chase needs to defund climate change completely, and with your help, it will happen.
 
For people and planet,

Paddy McCully, Climate and Energy Program Director, Rainforest Action Network. Read more here

Climate Change Education

In many countries, the effort to combat climate change is hampered by the lack of effective climate education programs. For Global Spotlight Report #23, we asked our Country Managers in leading greenhouse gas emitting countries to describe and comment on the status of their country’s climate education programs.

READ THE REPORT

Sadly, many countries do not prioritize climate education at either the primary or secondary school levels. At best, it is taught as a component of environmental or sustainable development education programs. Occasionally, it is found as part of science education courses. But rarely do you encounter a program that addresses the role that humans play in global warming and the steps that we can take to address climate change in our own lifestyles and as citizen advocates, or programs that emphasize how to be resilient and respond to extreme weather events and other climate related emergencies.

 

View the latest report for detailed Country Activity Reports and Action Alert Messages.

 

Climate change is real, and what governments do matters.

 

2020 Country Climate Commitments

 

View monthly updates of the short and long-term climate goals of leading greenhouse emissions countries. Learn More

 

DONATE TODAY!

Every donation helps our work.

Our global, grassroots organization relies on the support of other committed individuals. Learn More

 

Climate Scorecard Global Spotlight: National Climate Leaders of 2019

Climate Scorecard is pleased to announce our first annual National Climate Leader

Awards. These awards go to the men and women in leading greenhouse emitting countries

who are making a difference in the climate policies of their countries and the world. They

include wizened scholars, researchers, political leaders, and young climate change

activists. They are applauded for the work they are doing to prevent the catastrophe that

will occur if global warming goes unchecked.

 

Those on Climate Scorecard’s National Climate Leader Awards List were nominated by a

Climate Scorecard Country Manager in each of the 22 greenhouse gas emitting countries

that we cover. Our Country Managers tracked climate related events in their countries

over the past year and are well positioned to propose candidates for our list.

 

Read & download the full report here

 

 

The State of the World's Children 2019: Children, Food and Nutrition

Poor diets are leading to alarming levels of child malnutrition worldwide, with millions of children who are stunted, overweight or lacking essential vitamins and nutrients. Overall, one-third of children under 5 aren’t growing well because they aren’t eating well. 

UNICEF’s latest report, The State of the World’s Children 2019: Children, food and nutrition: Growing well in a changing world, examines the issue of children, food and nutrition and provides a fresh perspective on this rapidly evolving challenge.

Read the report

Fast Facts

• 149 million children are stunted, or too short for their age
• 50 million children are wasted, or too thin for their height
• 340 million children – or 1 in 2 – suffer from deficiencies in essential vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin A and iron
• 40 million children are overweight or obese

At the centre of this profound triple burden of malnutrition – undernutrition, hidden hunger and overweight – is a broken food system that fails to provide children with the diets they need to grow healthily. 

In addition to new data and analyses of malnutrition in the 21st century, the report outlines recommendations to put children’s rights at the heart of food systems. 

Please share this report with your organizations and networks.

Exploe the special featureUNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives.
To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. And we never give up.
UNICEF, for every child.Donate now

The Cost of Climate Change

For Global Spotlight Report #18, Climate Scorecard asked our Country Managers to provide information on how climate change is impacting the most vulnerable population groups in the leading greenhouse gas emitting countries that we cover.

Read the Report

Extreme weather events, such as soaring temperatures, droughts, floods, and forest fires are the cause of much climate-related suffering among the vulnerable. From a health perspective, those most affected include the very young, the disables, and the elderly. The Climate Scorecard Country Reports paint a sobering picture of the impact of climate change on those most vulnerable in countries around the world.

Climate change is real and what governments do matters.

2020 Emission Reduction Campaign

Our Campaign is directed at getting governments to set new urgently needed short-term and long-term emission reduction targets. Learn More

Donate Today!
Every donation helps our work.

Our global, grassroots organization relies on the support of other committed individuals. Learn More.

Read more about Climate Scorecard here