October 9, 2023 - Globalgreenhouse.eu

Drought in the Amazon: El Niño's Toll on Brazilian Livelihoods

CO2

October 9, 2023

Drought in the Amazon: El Niño’s Toll on Brazilian Livelihoods

In the heart of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, a once-thriving floating village sits eerily stranded, its pathways and homes now entrenched in mudflats. The ripple effect of the severe drought, which has been wreaking havoc on this intricate ecosystem, is being deeply felt by the inhabitants of Lake Puraquequara and its surrounding regions.

Village Marooned, Livelihoods Paralyzed

Gone are the days when motorboats would weave seamlessly across Lake Puraquequara, transporting fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and eager tourists to the confluence of the Rio Negro and Solimoes River. These tributaries, which together form the colossal Amazon River, have long been the village’s lifeline, sustaining its economy and way of life.

However, as Isaac Rodrigues, a local resident, solemnly notes, the drying lake has not only impeded transportation but has also cut them off from the outside world. “Our shops have no customers. We are isolated; boats cannot enter or leave the lake. We’re going to be here until God sends us water.”

El Niño and its Detrimental Impact

Brazil’s government, while recognizing the gravity of the situation, attributes the drastic drought in the Amazon and flooding in the southern parts of the country to the El Niño phenomenon. This climate anomaly, characterized by a warming of the Pacific Ocean’s surface water, has long had profound implications for weather patterns worldwide.

But the dire effects of this year’s El Niño are particularly pronounced in the Amazon. Not only have rivers dwindled, but heaps of dead fish have also been accumulating, drastically affecting the food and drinking water supply of local communities. The situation is so extreme that over 120 rare river dolphins have been found dead, suspected to be victims of the intense heat and drought.

The Fight for Survival

For the residents of Lake Puraquequara, the struggle is palpable. With the lake’s water receding, fresh drinking water has become scarce. Ivalmir Silva, in a desperate bid for sustenance, spent an entire day attempting to dig a waterhole in the evaporating mudflat.

The drought has also crippled the local economy. Otenisio de Lima, a shopkeeper who once relied on fishermen’s daily catches and fresh produce deliveries, spoke of the grim reality: “Everything has become so difficult. Sales have dropped, and there are days when we barely make enough to live on.”

A Bleak Outlook Amid Uncertainty

As the world grapples with the changing climate and its cascading impacts, communities like those in Lake Puraquequara stand as poignant reminders of the human toll. They are at the mercy of environmental fluctuations, with their daily lives and futures hanging in the balance.

Raimundo Silva do Carmo, another shop owner affected by the drought, reflects on the current situation with a mix of hope and resignation: “Let’s see what God does for us.”

The Amazon’s plight underscores the pressing need for global action and cooperation in addressing and mitigating the effects of climate change, not only for the environment but for the countless lives depending on it.

©globalgreenhouse.eu

Developed Nations Pledge €8.8bn to Green Climate Fund, But Critics Say It's Not Enough

News

October 9, 2023

Developed Nations Pledge €8.8bn to Green Climate Fund, But Critics Say It’s Not Enough

Bonn, Germany — As climate concerns take center stage in global dialogues, developed nations have come together to pledge $9.3 billion (€8.8 billion) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with a shared objective of assisting impoverished countries in mitigating climate change effects. However, the announcement, made at a conference in the German city of Bonn, has been met with mixed reviews.

The Green Climate Fund: A Beacon of Hope

The South Korea-based Green Climate Fund, initiated in 2010, is a premier global initiative aimed at financially backing developing nations as they strive to reduce emissions, grapple with the repercussions of climate change, and shift towards cleaner energy alternatives. The funds allocated during the Bonn conference are intended to sponsor projects in developing and emergent nations spanning the years 2024 to 2027.

The German government, leading by example, committed a generous €2 billion to the cause. Additionally, states such as Austria, France, Denmark, Ireland, and Liechtenstein have significantly bolstered their financial commitments. Denmark, Ireland, and Liechtenstein have commendably doubled their pledges from the last donor conference in 2019.

However, notable by its absence was a fresh pledge from the United States. Although President Joe Biden previously declared $1 billion (€950 million) in climate finance for developing nations earlier this year, this absence from the most recent round of commitments has raised eyebrows.

Criticism

Despite the substantial figures being committed, the prevailing sentiment among non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is one of discontent. Their contention is that the current pledges are insufficient to counteract the devastating climate impacts on the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Harjeet Singh, spearheading the global political strategy at the Climate Action Network International, expressed his disapproval, particularly highlighting the conspicuous silence of the United States. He described it as “glaring and inexcusable.”

Backing this sentiment, Liane Schalatek of the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Washington emphasized that developed countries must step up their game. She stated, “Developed countries are still not doing their part to help developing countries and affected people and communities with urgent climate actions.”

COP28: The Road Ahead

The commitment to climate funding will undoubtedly be a focal point of discussions at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, scheduled to commence in Dubai at the end of November. As anticipation builds, Sultan Al Jaber, the president-designate of COP28, has already voiced concerns, stating that the present level of replenishment falls short of the exigencies of the current global climate scenario.

Svenja Schulze, the German Minister for Economic Development, echoed this sentiment and made a fervent appeal for more nations to make meaningful contributions. Schulze also pointed out that not only industrialized nations, but also countries that have historically profited from fossil fuels and emerging nations with substantial carbon footprints, such as China, should take responsibility.

Conclusion

As global temperatures rise and climate calamities become more frequent, the commitment of wealthy nations to financially support those most vulnerable becomes ever more crucial. While the pledges at the Bonn conference are a step in the right direction, many believe that a more concerted and inclusive effort is imperative to truly combat the looming climate crisis. The upcoming COP28 conference is expected to further illuminate the path forward, but for now, the call for more substantial action remains loud and clear.

©globalgreenhouse.eu

Tallinn Embraces Nature: The Impact of European Green Capital 2023

CO2

October 9, 2023

Tallinn Embraces Nature: The Impact of European Green Capital 2023

TALLINN, Estonia — As the curtains draw on Tallinn’s year as the European Green Capital of 2023, one cannot help but notice the ripple effect it has had on the Estonian capital’s environment, urban spaces, and its citizenry. From revamped public squares to ambitious environmental projects, Tallinn has showcased its commitment to greener living.

The Heartbeat of Tallinn’s Old Town

For anyone familiar with Tallinn, the Town Hall square has always been the bustling epicenter of life. Historically, this space was a melting pot of social exchanges, from vibrant farmers’ markets to iconic Christmas celebrations. Yet, for two decades, a simple pleasure eluded its residents: the ability to relax and enjoy the square without patronizing surrounding establishments.

That changed dramatically in the summer of 2023. The square blossomed into a thriving temporary park, replete with wooden benches, blooming flowers, saplings, and an open-air library. Kaidi Põldoja, the steward of Tallinn’s urban planning department, shared, “The feedback has been amazing. People were initially skeptical, anticipating mere greenwashing, but we’ve proven our commitment.”

Only in harmony with nature does humanity have a chance of survival and development

European Green Capital: A Symbol of Change

The European Green Capital (EGC) initiative by the European Commission has been a beacon for cities keen on adopting a sustainable future. Awarded in 2021, Tallinn had two years to prep for this prestigious title, a journey that started right in Tallinn back in 2006.

For a country as compact as Estonia, the significance of this award was profound. “Estonia is small. Tallinn is our only big city, so our learning has been predominantly from other European capitals,” reveals Põldoja.

But it’s not just about accolades. Tallinn’s deputy mayor, Vladimir Svet, believes that being a Green Capital is fundamentally an attitude. “It’s about making enduring decisions, even if they might be unpopular today, with the vision of genuinely transforming Tallinn into a green city.”

Tactical Urbanism: Green Tracks and Pollinator Highways

One of the standout initiatives during Tallinn’s reign as the EGC has been the ‘Green Tracks’ project. The aim? Infusing pockets of green into every corner of the city.

The speed and efficiency of these projects, a strategy known as ‘tactical urbanism’, has bypassed conventional bureaucratic hurdles. Põldoja remarks, “The changing climate and the lessons from the COVID pandemic have reiterated the need for swift solutions.”

From hexagonal plant boxes reflecting the intricacy of bee hives to the mammoth 14-kilometre Pollinator Highway project, Tallinn’s efforts have been both symbolic and tangible.

Engaging Citizens: Cleaning up the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea, sadly one of the most polluted globally, has been another area of focus. Efforts to mobilize residents for its welfare have been commendable. Volunteer-driven beach cleanups and initiatives like the ‘World Cleanup Day’ have seen thousands come together to make a tangible difference.

What Lies Ahead for Tallinn?

As the European Green Capital title shifts to another city, the question arises: What next for Tallinn?

Ivo Arro, a prominent architect, believes that sustainability is an ongoing journey. “It’s a continuum,” he says. The strides made in the past year have fast-tracked several green initiatives. Vladimir Svet acknowledges the impact of the EGC title, saying, “It saved us years of deliberation and allowed smoother, more efficient decision-making.”

In Conclusion

Tallinn’s year as the European Green Capital has not just been about projects or initiatives. It’s been a cultural shift, a redefining of priorities, and a demonstration of what cities can achieve when sustainability is at the core of their vision. As the year concludes, Tallinn stands as a beacon for other cities, exemplifying that green transformations, while challenging, are both possible and essential.

Mont Blanc's Shrinking Summit: A Symbol of Climate Change or Natural Variability?

CO2

October 9, 2023

Mont Blanc’s Shrinking Summit: A Symbol of Climate Change or Natural Variability?

CHAMONIX, France — Mont Blanc, the iconic snowy giant that stands tall as Western Europe’s highest peak, has shrunk. Researchers have recorded a drop of more than two meters in its height in the last two years, sparking renewed interest in the ongoing studies and debates surrounding climate change and its impacts on our planet’s landmarks.

Mont Blanc’s Fluctuating Altitude

Researchers from the Haute-Savoie department announced on Thursday, 5th October, that the majestic Mont Blanc now measures 4,805.59 metres, a reduction of 2.22 metres from its 2021 recorded height.

However, mountains are not static entities. Mont Blanc’s height is influenced by a thick layer of snow and ice, which varies annually due to wind patterns and prevailing weather conditions. The fluctuation observed this year, for instance, could be attributed to diminished summer rainfall, an observation that is not unprecedented.

Jean des Garets, chief surveyor for the Haute-Savoie department, warned against drawing quick conclusions from the height measurements. At a recent press briefing in Chamonix, he stated, “Mont Blanc could well be much taller in two years.” Des Garets further emphasized that their role is to gather data for posterity rather than interpret them: “We leave that up to the scientists.”

The Biennial Climb: Why Measure Mont Blanc?

The shrinking size of Mont Blanc might raise eyebrows, but the process of measuring the peak is equally intriguing. In mid-September, a dedicated team comprising roughly twenty individuals embarked on the ascent. Equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and, for the inaugural time, a drone, these individuals formed eight roped teams, meticulously recording point-by-point measurements over several days.

This exercise isn’t a one-off event; researchers have been consistently scaling Mont Blanc every two years since 2001. Their goal? To amass data that sheds light on climate change’s impact on the Alps.

Des Garets explained, “We’ve learned a lot from these measurement campaigns. The summit is constantly changing in altitude and position, with variations of up to five metres.”

Climate Change or Natural Variability?

The revelation of Mont Blanc’s decreasing stature immediately invites speculation about climate change’s influence. The Alps, like many mountainous regions worldwide, are vulnerable to rising global temperatures, which can lead to shrinking glaciers and fluctuating mountain heights.

Yet, the dynamics of Mont Blanc’s height, influenced by the interplay of snow, ice, wind, and weather, remain intricate. Is the recent change a result of natural variability or a grim reminder of human-induced climate change?

As researchers diligently gather data, the scientific community awaits its interpretation. Regardless of the immediate cause behind Mont Blanc’s altered height, the mountain serves as a testament to our changing world. Its fluctuations are a reminder of the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems and the ongoing necessity for informed, evidence-based discourse on climate change and environmental preservation.