Hong Kong’s first blog for SDG education news and announcements
The Conversation includes a good article summarizing research done in Sweden on the flight-free holiday trend there. Since about 2016, the idea that we do not have to fly to go on holiday has been gaining traction in high income countries where a foreign holiday has become something of a norm in the last 50 years. Now some countries are banning flights, especially domestic where an alternative can get the journey done in less than 3 hours. As with all trends and decisions around sustainability, there are some interesting pros and cons, hidden dangers and qualifications. Good to get the debate going!! . . .
Climate change: how elephants help pump planet-warming carbon underground (The Conversation) Driving Home the Importance of Safe and Sustainable Mobility (IISD) CDP launches climate disclosure framework for SMEs (BusinessGreen) Soup residues make up 41% of food waste (WLFB) Sales of eco-friendly pet food soar as owners become aware of impact (The Guardian) . . .
There are a number of important International days this week. Today, 1st December is World AIDS Day, and every year, the world commemorates people around the world unite to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. On 2nd December is the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. More than 40 million people worldwide are victims of modern slavery and more than 150 million children are subject to child labour, accounting for almost one in ten children around the world. The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. 3rd December is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Disability inclusion is an essential condition to upholding human rights, sustainable development, and peace and security. It is also central to the . . .
We were delighted to graduate our first cohort from the Youth Ambassador Asia-Pacific Programme. UNITAR entrusted the implementation and running of their Ambassador programme to The ITS Education Asia Foundation and twelve schools from around Hong Kong nominated sustainability-minded students to join. They have had 9 grueling Saturdays of events, speakers, workshops and lessons plus put in a huge amount of time and effort in between to develop their ideas, do their research and create and practice their pitches. It all came to fruition on Saturday 27th November with a fantastic pitch event and graduation ceremony hosted by Cyberport. . . .
Nice top 5 takeaway review of COP26 (The Conversation) Interesting Serbian project to track emigration which threatens depopulation (Srpski) Apple starts to offer better repair options (BusinessGreen) The moral case for destroying fossil fuel infrastructure (The Guardian) Australia to export solar power to Asia (Eco-Business) . . .
Tomorrow, 25th November, is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Under the restrictions imposed by many governments as part of their covid response strategies, millions of families have been forced to stay locked down together for much longer than normal and under much more stress than usual. Sadly, this has led to a “Shadow Pandemic” of violence, usually by men against women and girls. Violence by men against women and girls is inexplicable, pointless behaviour. Days like this at least begin to raise awareness and will hopefully stimulate the actions needed to address this behavioural disease. . . .
As part of my own CPD, I recently completed a course on the Circular Economy with the United Nations Systems Staff College. Participants were selected from 122 countries and from a variety of government, corporate, IGO, NGO and academic backgrounds. The peer group was highly enriching and the expert input to the learning equally valuable. Key takeaways: Sustainability needs properly thought out, designed and governed circularity Both business and government have their part to play Ultimately, as individuals we must drive institutional behaviour and create a virtuous circle of truly transformative systemic change through our consumption choices and our political demands. . . .
A great listicle from the World Economic Forum with 10 ways to foster and develop grassroots innovation. From engaging local government and communities, through attacking discrimination in all forms, to introducing appropriate technology and including youth, this is a really good all-encompassing list with good brief explanations. Take a look! . . .
