Give Peace (and the climate) a Chance
Jordan River basin countries are desperately short of water. Israel, Jordan and Palestine have less than a quarter as much water as the common definition of a water-scarce country. Regional climate models predict that unless drastic action is taken to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, rising temperatures will reduce agricultural productivity and make water even harder to come by in this already-dry region. At the same time, population growth is increasing demand for water, food and jobs at a tremendous rate. A decrease in the availability of water needed to feed the Middle East's growing population could raise the stakes for the return or the retention of occupied land. The threat to political stability in the Middle East underlines why the climate talks in Copenhagen in December must conclude with a deal on climate change.
You might also be interested in
Why Blaine Higgs's 'big picture' emissions plan faces long odds
Canadian premier's vision of selling LNG to Europe to close coal plants faces local and global obstacles.
What to Expect at Plastics INC-4
What to expect in Ottawa as plastic pollution treaty talks get underway, explained by the team leader of the global neutral reporting service Earth Negotiations Bulletin.
Ecuador Referendum Rules Out ISDS Return, Underlining Public Support for a Sustainable Path
Ecuador has voted to allow international arbitration and investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) in its treaties and agreements. But the risks that initially made them turn away from this outdated model remain.
How can we improve on freshwater health and prevent plastic pollution?
INC-4 is the fourth meeting in a series of international negotiations that aims to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution that could and should have big implications for freshwater quality both in Canada and beyond.