Blue economy and sustainable development
The term, blue economy, was coined in 2012 during a United Nations conference on sustainable development and growth. According to the World Bank, it is defined as the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.” Evidence suggests that in most developing countries the focus is on a part of the definition. The part regarding health of the ocean ecosystem is often ignored. Also, for some blue economy implies new settlements and not the development of livelihood opportunities for the indigenous populations in the coastal areas. This article is rooted in my visits to the coastal belt and the time spent there besides discussions on various forums including the Bank of Punjab-SDPI public private dialogue on blue economy in September 2022 and a multi-model conference in March 2022. It concludes some recommendations for both the demand and supply sides. Pakistan is blessed with a coastline exceeding a thousand kilometres in length. Weak long-term planning has resulted in a majority of the population of the coastal areas remaining poor. The lack of basic amenities like safe drinking water and electricity is another issue. Benefiting from opportunities for tourism and fisheries, in addition to the marine trade, requires inclusive strategic as well as tactical level planning to mobilise and coordinate public as well as private sector efforts and resources. Exploitation of coastal wind power potential is another opportunity that merits exploration.
India targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, says Modi
India’s economy will become carbon neutral by the year 2070, the country’s prime minster has announced at the COP26 climate crisis summit in Glasgow. The target date is two decades beyond what scientists say is needed to avert catastrophic climate impacts. India is the last of the world’s major carbon polluters to announce a net-zero target, with China saying it would reach that goal in 2060, and the United States and the European Union aiming for 2050.
COP26: What climate summit means for one woman in Bangladesh
China's carbon emissions are vast and growing, dwarfing those of other countries. Experts agree that without big reductions in China's emissions, the world cannot win the fight against climate change. In 2020, China's President Xi Jinping said his country would aim for its emissions to reach their highest point before 2030 and for carbon neutrality before 2060. His statement has now been confirmed as China's official position ahead of the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow. But China has not said exactly how these goals will be achieved.
Why China's climate policy matters to us all
China's carbon emissions are vast and growing, dwarfing those of other countries. Experts agree that without big reductions in China's emissions, the world cannot win the fight against climate change. In 2020, China's President Xi Jinping said his country would aim for its emissions to reach their highest point before 2030 and for carbon neutrality before 2060. His statement has now been confirmed as China's official position ahead of the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow. But China has not said exactly how these goals will be achieved.
Deliver on promises, developing world tells rich at climate talks
A crucial U.N. conference heard calls on its first day for the world's major economies to keep their promises of financial help to address the climate crisis, while big polluters India and Brazil made new commitments to cut emissions. World leaders, environmental experts and activists all pleaded for decisive action to halt the global warming which threatens the future of the planet at the start of the two-week COP26 summit in the Scottish city of Glasgow on Monday. The task facing negotiators was made even more daunting by the failure of the Group of 20 major industrial nations to agree ambitious new commitments at the weekend.