Rapid demographic growth may destabilise the Sahel

Significance However, the context is crucial. This region, where reserves of water, arable land and vegetation are vulnerable to climate change, also sees rates of population growth and human fertility that are among the highest in the world. These pressures jeopardise hopes of development progress and fuel instability, with serious potential knock-on consequences for West Africa as a whole. Impacts A fast-expanding population will strain the region's limited resources of water, vegetation, grazing and arable land. Governments do recognise the challenge presented by population trends, but they are struggling to respond. Improved living standards, health and education help to create the conditions for a slowdown in demographic growth.

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeria Andreoni ◽  
Apollonia Miola

Purpose – The increasing complexity of the present economic system and the strong interdependencies existing between production activities taking place in different world areas make modern societies vulnerable to crisis. The global supply chain is a paradigmatic example of economic structures on which the impacts of unexpected events propagate rapidly through the system. Climate change, which affects societies all over the world, is one of the most important factors influencing the efficiency of the present economic networks. During the last decades a large set of studies have been oriented to investigate the direct impacts generated on specific geographical areas or productions. However, a smaller number of analyses have been oriented to quantify the cascading and indirect economic effects generated all over the world. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The main objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the main studies, methodologies and databases used to investigate the climate vulnerability of the global supply chain. Findings – The great complexity of the global economic system, coupled with methodological and data gaps, makes it difficult to estimate the domino effects of unexpected events. A clear understanding of the possible consequences generated all over the world is, however, a fundamental step to build socio-economic resilience and to plan effective adaptation strategies. Originality/value – The information provided in this paper can be useful to support further studies, to build consistent quantification methodologies and to fill the possible data gap.


2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 9-19
Author(s):  
Ike Iswary Lawanda

Purpose This is a methodological proposal that describes the access to information as a starting point, and the importance of access to information as the backbone for the values of investment with the notion of culture as shared beliefs, supported by information to communicate and provide awareness about issues related to environmental policy that is consistent with sustainable development. Data collection is done from census data of Cikarawang population, observation and in-depth interviews with informants of community leaders. Constructive theory constructs to identify the diversity of existing construction of and placing in the consensus. The goal of this methodology is to produce an informed and knowledgeable construction of, which simultaneously improving continuously. Constructivists do not intend to predict and control the real world and divert it but to reconstruct the world at the point of its existence: in the mind of the people of the community in Cikarawang village. The view of the importance of cultural institutions and traditional knowledge should not be ignored in reaching the target of practical dissemination of information regarding environmental policy should be conducted for further study the model of and the model for the construction of the constructed. The use of application in documenting myths and rituals of Cikarawang people is enabling the access of information of the people in learning the culture and language of Cikarawang. Moreover, it is the way to reach the goal of sustainable environment for the next generations. Design/methodology/approach The goal of this methodology is to produce an informed and knowledgeable construction of, which simultaneously improved continuously. Constructivists do not intend to predict and control the real world and divert it but to reconstruct the world at the point of its existence: in the mind of the constructor. In the process related to two aspects, : hermeneutic and dialectical. Aspects of individual construction of hermeneutic describe as compare and contrast to the dialectical aspects of individual construction of, so that each respondent was entered into the construction of another and entirely fused. Findings The access of information on asri to face global warming is to demonstrate the hybridity and syncretism of this everyday locality and to show how this global sense of place is a progressive sense of place which avoids defensive and exclusionary definitions of place and culture because they cannot be sustained in a world where understanding a place means understanding its connection to other places. However, the youths of Cikarawang are likely to self-identify, as liberals are also more supportive of progressive domestic social agenda than older generations. They are less overtly religious than the older generations. Research limitations/implications The access of information, is about trying to establish the existence of the collectivity by defining what makes it a community – isolating national characteristics, defining crucial historical moments or significant places. None of these implies that these meanings can be fixed. There might be useful to think of nations as projects which are never fully achieved. There are always alternative accounts which are being given, and alternative interpretations being made from different positions. Climate information needs to be made in accordance with the local context and activities of both of the content, format, timing and distribution (dissemination). Practical implications The undetermined that perceived lack of locals trying to understand the information about weather and climate change are delivered by using technology need to engage their participation to identify and develop adaptation and mitigation strategies. Knowledge about the weather and how to overcome it is also myths about the environment containing taboo and prohibition as well as the annual harvest ritual. Digital technology using application is the nearest object to individual youngsters to access information openly and individually. Access of information using apps and internet is bridging the issues of climate change, myths and rituals about environment, and generation gaps. Social implications The behavior of young people of Generation X are not heeding the ban in the experience of their ancestors. It is not only because of their belief in myth depleted but also in the absence of respected elders. Person figures which are respected as wise men or local leaders to be role models. In the past, knowledge and cultural information are presented, preserved, generated down to future generations. Nowadays, information about climate, weather, cultural knowledge in agriculture, irrigation, daily life, ritual, myth, and kinship is no longer simply rely on figures but the media that they believe in. Originality/value It is an interdisciplinary research of global knowledge, memory and communication. Digital technology-based application as the system to support access of information and the effort of documentation on community myths and rituals of remote people may affect on sustainable local wisdoms which protect and sustain the environment to be inherited to next generations. Web, private social networks, wikis and blogs are becoming important corporate tools for communication, collaboration and information-sharing. It is a way of young people in this Generation X most familiar in such as interactive, collaborative, managing knowledge, and managing global system and bridging generation gaps.


Significance India and Pakistan face a higher risk of heatwaves. Rising average temperatures may be linked to increased monsoon-related emergencies in South Asia. Impacts India will likely exceed its intended nationally determined contribution targets arising from the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference. Declining living standards due to climate change could raise migratory pressures across South Asia. South Asian countries will increasingly use drone technology to create risk maps charting climate change.


Subject The Paris Agreement and US withdrawal. Significance President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change on June 1, prompting criticism from around the world. While current pledges are unlikely to change and the agreement will not see flight or withdrawal by other countries, US withdrawal imperils the ability of the agreement’s structure to accelerate climate action to a scale necessary to meet its objective of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees centigrade by 2100. Impacts The US private sector and sub-national polities will increase their climate action, though the loss of federal support will still be felt. A future US administration could re-enter the agreement, but substantial momentum will be lost diplomatically in the intervening years. Calls for greater adaptation -- rather than mitigation -- funds from climate-vulnerable states will grow more strident.


Significance The senior leadership seeks to defend its position within China, first and foremost by preserving and strengthening the power of the Party through which it rules. China’s growing wealth and power create new opportunities for the Party to bolster its power -- and give rise to new threats that could undermine it. Impacts China’s ambitions centre on itself; they do not involve remaking the world in China’s image. China’s interests converge with other states' on climate change and economic cooperation; disputes concern how gains and costs are shared. China’s pursuit of its self-interest may sometimes have positive spill-overs, such as when it shares innovations, freely or otherwise. Despite controversies and setbacks, the Belt and Road will provide infrastructure critical for economic development globally. Beijing, long a practitioner of commercial espionage, is becoming bolder in its use of cyber operations to pursue its foreign policy agenda.


Subject Climate change in Central Asia. Significance As the Central Asian states emerge from months of sweltering summer temperatures, attention is increasingly turning to the effects of climate change. In a region always short of rainfall and dependent on glacier-fed rivers, rising global temperatures look set to have deeper and swifter impacts than in many other parts of the world. Impacts International climate change responses will have limited impacts on Central Asian specifics. Regional structures may become more effective as the situation's urgency becomes apparent. One part-solution involves repairing irrigation canals to reduce massive leakage.


Author(s):  
Sonam Wangyel Wang ◽  
Woo-Kyun Lee ◽  
Yowhan Son

Purpose The purpose of this study is to synthesize the impacts of climate change on agriculture and assess the status of policies, programs and strategies to adapt small farm holders to climate change in South Asia. Design/methodology/approach The authors collected secondary information through a desktop review of policy documents, action plans and published reports. Face-to-face interviews with policy makers, agriculture and climate experts representing the government, non-governmental organizations, international development agencies and the private sector were also conducted to validate the secondary information. Findings The results revealed that agriculture is the dominant economic mainstay providing livelihood to over 70 per cent, employing 60 per cent of the labor force and contributing about 22 per cent of the regional gross domestic product. Climate impacts, such as floods, sea level rise and salt intrusion, increased frequency and intensity of storms, and pests combined with increasing water scarcity continue to reduce arable land, reduce yield of crops and threaten the food security of farmers. Adaptation efforts include using improved varieties of crop; changing cropping patterns and planting seasons; and water conservation techniques. However, progress remains low because of a lack of adequate technical knowledge and financial resources. Originality/value The amount of published literature on climate change and its impact on agriculture is increasing, but there is little effort to analyze and document impacts and strategies to adapt small farm holders to climate change at a landscape level, particularly in South Asia. This study fills in this gap and will serve as a valuable source of information for those wishing to conduct research or develop adaptation strategies for any of the four countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal.


Subject Outlook for North African wheat purchases. Significance Algeria has announced plans to reduce its wheat imports this year, which have traditionally been among the highest in the world. However, constraints on water and arable land suggest that filling the gap through increased domestic production will be a formidable challenge. Egypt, meanwhile, is also seeking to control its consumption levels through reforming bread subsidies, while Morocco’s cereals sector remains vulnerable to the vagaries of the weather. Impacts The political imperative of ensuring citizens can rely on supplies of bread, couscous and pasta means funding imports remains a priority. The need to procure huge volumes of wheat exposes countries to risks arising from constraints in water availability and price fluctuations. The importance of wheat procurement has created vested interests, skilled at manipulating price differences to their advantage.


Author(s):  
Ye. Borshchuk ◽  
O. Ginda ◽  
O. Korenovskyy

Problem setting. Modern economic systems in the process of their operation create certain negative consequences: environmental problems (climate change, desertification, loss of biodiversity), depletion of natural capital, large-scale poverty, social injustice, which threatens the socioeconomic development of present and future generations.The paper substantiates the position that one of the ways to ensure the solution of the problems of civilization development is the formation of a system of “green economy”, which helps to reduce risks to the environment and largely solves the problem of resource conservation.The transition to a green economy is due to the global consequences of climate change, irrational use of natural resources, exacerbation of social inequality.The analysis of modern tendencies of civilizational development testifies to the instability of modern models of economic development both at the regional and global levels. A common disadvantage of these models is the absolutization of economic growth in conditions of neglect of social and environmental problems. A number of global problems of socio-economic development at the present stage have been identified: climate change, depletion of limited natural resources and climate change due to the accelerated growth of the world’s population, which is accompanied by negative effects on the environment.Recent research and publications analysis. The problems of forming the foundations of the green economy are in the center of attention of leading domestic and foreign scientists and authoritative international organizations, within which a number of important policy documents aimed at developing and implementing theoretical and applied foundations of the green economy in the context of achieving sustainable development.Highlighting previously unsettled parts of the general problem. Despite the fact that the problem of forming the foundations of the green economy is constantly in the spotlight, it should be noted the lack of tools for systems analysis in the development of scientific approaches to developing conceptual foundations of the green economy. The purpose of the article is a systematic analysis of the foundations of the green economy and the peculiarities of its functioning in modern conditions.Paper main body. A systematic analysis of the theoretical and applied principles of formation of the main principles of the green economy is performed. It is proved that the formation of a green economy and the transition to the principles of sustainable economic development are priorities at the global, national, regional and local levels. The functioning of the green economy is based on the use of such sources of economic growth, which, while reducing the anthropogenic pressure on nature, ensure sustainable development.Based on a systematic approach to the analysis of the essence of the green economy and the concept of sustainable development, it is proved that the concept of “green economy” replaces the concept of sustainable development – sustainable development is a broader concept and “green economy” can be interpreted as a tool for sustainable development. Summarizing the approaches of domestic and foreign scientists, it is proposed to interpret the green economy as an economic activity that operates on the basis of the unity of natural and social systems, which contributes to improving people’s living standards in the long run and without harming the environment. Based on the use of system analysis tools, it is established that the “green economy” is a means of sustainable development, and its formation necessitates a revision of living standards in order to preserve the natural environment, improve resource efficiency, environmentally oriented activities and restructuring the economy, increasing the share of “green” sectors and reducing the “brown”.Conclusions of the research and prospects for further studies. Using the results of research by leading scientists, the basic principles of the “green economy” are identified, which determine its features in comparison with the classical market economy: internalization, cost-effectiveness, property rights, sustainability, openness to consumers. The transition to a green economy should stimulate the creation of a favorable competitive environment, as well as the development of regulatory methods, including the implementation of relevant standards and regulations. The main task of the “green economy”, as well as the traditional market, is the rational management, which is the allocation of limited resources to achieve sustainable development. In the future, the task of studying the relationship between the approaches of the “classical” and “green economy” to solve the problems of rationality of economic activity. The main task of the “green economy”, as well as the traditional market, should be rational management, which is the distribution of limited resources to achieve the goals – due to limited resources there is a need to choose this or that option for their use.


2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (04) ◽  
pp. 444-454
Author(s):  
Imran Khan ◽  
Karim Haider Syed

Climate change has brought some challenges for the governments in the world. Different governments in the world have adopted different policies to face the challenges of climate change. Pakistan is one of most affected nations by climate change and it has launched a complete program in the clean and green Pakistan movement to counter these challenges. This is a borderless issue and needed collective response along with the specific one to combat these challenges. It is the matter of fact that Pakistan is a developing nation with limited resources to combat the huge challenges of climate change. Imran Khan as head of his political party PTI introduced programs like the Billion tree tsunami in KPK in 2014 and later on won the general elections of 2018 launched a ten billion tree tsunami campaign and soon after made it part of the Clean Green Pakistan Movement. This study focuses on the climate change effects on Pakistan and examines the Clean Green Pakistan movement to counter the challenges of climate change in Pakistan.


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