Assessing the Security Implications of Climate Change for West Africa: Country Case Studies of Ghana and Burkina Faso

Traditionally seen as an environmental and an energy issue, climate change is now also being cast as a threat to international peace and security. Africa, though the least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, is seen as the continent most likely to suffer its worst consequences—a function of the continent’s reliance on climate-dependent sectors (such as rain-fed agriculture) and its history of resource, ethnic and political conflict. The security implications of climate change have become the subject of unprecedented international attention; in 2007 climate change was the focus of both a Security Council debate and the Nobel Peace Prize. There have been some attempts to construct scenarios of the ways in which warming temperatures might undermine security at a global scale. But the country-level security impacts of climate change have been lost in the political rhetoric. Local experts are rarely consulted. This paper is a modest effort to address this research gap. Drawing on field visits and consultations with local experts, this paper explores the extent to which climate change may undermine security in two different countries in West Africa, Ghana and Burkina Faso

A Way Forward: Canadian Perspectives on Post-2012 Climate Policy

This report assesses the four pillars of a post-2012 climate regime—mitigation, adaptation, technology, and financing and investment—from a Canadian perspective. These issues form the basis of the Bali Action Plan and have emerged as critical components to post-Bali discussions. The analysis aims to help set the groundwork for discussions in Canada. . .

Added by  Immaculate Bugingo  May 14, 2008
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Amazon Case Study: Action that must be Taken to Halt Deforestation and Illegal Logging, Preserving both Forests and Climate

Tropical deforestation is responsible for about one-fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the emissions of the world’s entire transport sector. Although tropical forests cover only 7% of the Earth’s land surface, they store vast amounts of carbon. This makes them a crucial buffer against climate change - the more of this carbon lost i. . .

Added by  Immaculate Bugingo  May 14, 2008
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Statement on Carbon Capture and Storage

The climate crisis requires urgent action. To avoid the worst effects, global greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2015 and then start falling by at least 50% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels. The energy sector is responsible for some two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions, including upwards of 60% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Coal. . .

Added by  Immaculate Bugingo  May 14, 2008
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Climate Change Latest Threat to Dwindling Fish Stocks

A UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report has suggested that climate change is emerging as the latest threat to the world's dwindling fish stocks. The report suggests that at least three quarters of the globe's key fishing grounds may become seriously impacted by changes in circulation as a result of the ocean's natural pumping systems fading and fa. . .

Added by  Immaculate Bugingo  May 14, 2008
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Researchers Identify 25 Environmental Threats of the Future

Researchers, policymakers and environmental campaigners have identified 25 potential future threats to the environment, which they believe should be focused upon. According to a report in New Scientist, William Sutherland, a zoologist at the University of Cambridge in the UK, led a series of horizon-scanning workshops where the threats where highli. . .

Added by  Immaculate Bugingo  May 14, 2008
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Gender and Equity Issues in Liquid Biofuels Production - Minimizing the Risks to Maximize the Opportunities

This paper on gender and equity issues in liquid biofuels production was prepared at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) by the UN in Gender Equity and Rural Employment Division. The paper discusses the potential gender-differentiated risks of large-scale liquid biofuels production in developing countries, particularly in terms of food secu. . .

Added by  Immaculate Bugingo  May 14, 2008
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What is Organic Architecture?

More than green, beyond individual, Organic Architecture describes a way of thinking about design that transcends the common, everyday buildings around us. ecological + individual = organic While Organic Architecture does describe environmental concerns, it also embodies the human spirit, transcending the mere act of shelter into something wh. . .

Added by  Patrizia Mazzoni  May 13, 2008
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Mayor Newsom, United Nations Global Compact and Bay Area Council Form New Business Partnership for Climate Change

To Serve As Worldwide Model For New Economically Friendly Solutions SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The United Nations Global Compact, the City of San Francisco, the Bay Area Council and a wide array of Bay Area businesses have joined together in a unique partnership designed to provide meaningful actions that businesses around the world can ta. . .

Added by  Patrizia Mazzoni  May 13, 2008
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Vertical Garden: The art of organic architecture

Patrick Blanc overgrows the vertical surfaces of buildings in the most beautiful way. What he creates is far away from any fancy horticultural show, his Vertical Garden could rather be called eco-art, or greener architecture consisting of a variety of plants trailing gently up any interior or outside wall. Imagine the Hanging Gardens of ancient Bab. . .

Added by  Patrizia Mazzoni  May 13, 2008
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Celulose Irani - Biomass to Electricity

Located in Vargem Bonita, Brazil, the Celulose Irani Project demonstrates how one paper manufacturer is finding economic value in what was once considered waste. The facility uses byproduct biomass from their paper production process to generate sustainable energy for their facility. Irani thus provides a model for biomass projects that reduce both. . .

Added by  Anuradha Bhattacharjee  May 12, 2008
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