Obama to unveil historic climate change plan to cut US carbon pollution
President Barack Obama will unveil a plan on Monday that will cut carbon pollution from power plants and promote cap-and-trade, undertaking the most significant action on climate change in American history. The proposed regulations Obama will launch at the White House on Monday could cut carbon pollution by as much as 25% from about 1,600 power plants in operation today, according to those claiming familiarity with the plan. Power plants are the country’s single biggest source of carbon pollution – responsible for up to 40% of the country’s emissions. They will put America on course to meet its international climate goal, and put US diplomats in a better position to leverage climate commitments from big polluters such as China and India, Obama said in a speech to West Point graduates this week. “I intend to make sure America is out front in a global framework to preserve our planet,” he said. “American influence is always stronger when we lead by example. We can not exempt ourselves from the rules that apply to everyone else.” (Guardian)
World will ‘lose capacity to feed itself’ with corporate-controlled farms, says study
Small farmers produce the majority of the world’s food, but large corporations are increasingly controlling the most fertile land, according to a new study arguing that without action more people around the world will go hungry. The study, from land-use group Grain, argues that small farms are more productive than their larger counterparts. It also notes that small farmers tend to focus on local and national markets, whilst, in contrast, big corporate farms prioritise commodities and concentrate on export crops. In non-industrialised countries, small farmers contribute around 80% of food, despite struggling with the amount of land available to them. For example in Central America, small famers account for 50% of all agriculture, despite covering only 17% of agricultural land. This trend could threaten global food security, the organisation claims. Grain’s Camila Montecinos commented, “People need to understand that if current processes of land concentration continue, then no matter how hard-working, efficient and productive they are, small farmers will simply not be able to carry on. The concentration of fertile land in fewer and fewer hands is directly related to the increasing number of people going hungry every day.” (Green and Blue Tomorrow)
Responsible Investment
Comic Relief tables new ethical investment strategy after exposé
The UK charity Comic Relief has concluded a review into its ethical investment strategy, following revelations last year it invested in companies that appeared to conflict with its mission. The organisation will now implement the recommendations, including the exclusion of controversial industries. In December, a BBC investigation alleged that the popular charity had investments in the arms and alcohol industries, both of which were in direct conflict with its mission. The review made five recommendations, all of which have been accepted. This includes Comic Relief signing up to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment and publishing annual reports about its investments in a bid to improve transparency. However, the review also states that the investment market “may not be able to provide enough suitable pooled funds with the mix of excluded sectors that Comic Relief decides to require”, and recommends a bespoke fund as a potential solution to this. Simon Howard, Chief Executive of trade body the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) congratulated Comic Relief, but added: “We’re a bit surprised at the suggestion that the UK can’t readily provide investment of whatever type Comic Relief chooses. The UK is a leader in sustainable and responsible investment and UK fund managers are flexible”. (Blue and Green Tomorrow)
Indonesian finance sector takes steps to become green
All financial service institutions supervised by the Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK) must from now on adhere to standards of a green economy by way of giving out loans to companies that comply with environmentally friendly practices. A memorandum of understanding signed by the OJK and the Environment Ministry on Monday, is an extension of a 2010 programme between the ministry and Bank Indonesia, underscoring the government’s efforts to prevent companies from damaging the environment. According to OJK chairman Muliaman Hadad, total outstanding bank loans used to finance environmentally friendly projects — which includes endeavors on biodiesel, bio-energy, green industry and organic agriculture — reached Rp 15.5 trillion ($1.3 billion) in December last year. Under the new agreement, all financial companies supervised by OJK will have to consult with the Environment Ministry to check their standing in the Corporate Environmental Performance Ratings. The list, assessed by the ministry annually, color-codes companies according to their level of cooperation. (Jakarta Globe)
Technology & Innovation
Cisco and Kansas City team up to launch smart city network
Kansas City, Missouri, is aiming to become the next stop for civic-minded entrepreneurs looking to pilot sustainable solutions via a smart city network. The city is partnering with Cisco to develop a mobile platform in its downtown corridor that will enable Kansas City to launch a number of pilot projects including sensor-based infrastructure monitoring, smart street lighting and high-definition security video. The effort, part of Cisco’s Smart+Connected Cities initiative, hopes to improve connectivity and sustainability within municipal borders, as well give residents the opportunity to be more engaged in Kansas City’s well-being using digital kiosks and mobile phone apps. “It’s a win-win for all,” said Mayor Sly James. “It furthers our efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.” Cisco and Kansas City are encouraging entrepreneurs to think of the project as a “living lab” incubator to test out new products and ideas targeted towards smart cities. Think Big Partners, a Kansas City business accelerator and coworking space, will be working to bring in a range of innovators interested in helping the city address ongoing challenges. (Business Green)
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