*[Enwl-eng] CAN EECCA Newsletter: Raising People’s Voice, the Arctic Needs Azerbaijan, and a Future without Fossil Fuels
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Tue Sep 10 15:21:34 MSK 2024
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Climate Action Network
Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia
Digest of news on climate change, energy issues
www.caneecca.org
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Regional Climate News
Kazakhstan's Nuclear Dilemma: Economic Challenges, Environmental Risks, and Future Responsibility (RU)
Andrey Ozharovsky, a specialist in radioactive waste safety, contends that constructing a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan is economically impractical and fraught with environmental risks, including the potential for radiation accidents. He highlights that nuclear facilities require substantial investment and have a long payback period, while renewable energy sources are more cost-effective and environmentally safer. Ozharovsky stresses the need for citizens to make an informed decision in the upcoming referendum and recommends learning from other countries that have moved away from nuclear energy.
The Caspian Sea Faces Desertification: Causes and Consequences (RU)
The Caspian Sea, the world's largest enclosed body of water, is facing a severe threat of desertification driven by climate change and human activities, such as river flow regulation and hydrocarbon pollution. The falling water levels are already harming the ecosystem and destabilizing the socio-economic conditions of the surrounding coastal countries. To prevent further depletion, there is an urgent need for effective water resource management, strengthened international cooperation, and immediate action.
"Raising People’s Voices" — CAN EECCA Coordinator on a Podcast about Climate and Democracy
In the 6th episode of the podcast "Insert Solutions Here: Climate Meets Democracy," experts Olha Boiko from CAN EECCA and Kelsey Perlman from FERN discuss how to amplify the voices of local civil society at higher political levels, including within the EU. They share their experiences in promoting local climate initiatives and enhancing public engagement in political processes. Produced by BUND and UfU as part of a project to strengthen civil society's role in national climate policy implementation, funded by the International Climate Initiative, the podcast is available on Spotify.
Moldova's Climate Commitments and Youth Engagement
Gutta-Club, a member of CAN EECCA in Moldova, hosted a roundtable on youth participation in advancing the country's commitment to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. The event in Chișinău gathered over 20 young men and women to discuss Moldova's climate objectives and share their visions for achieving them. The roundtable highlighted the potential and eagerness of the youth to contribute to initiatives focused on low-carbon and sustainable development.
Tajikistan Hosts Its First National Youth Climate Conference – LCOY 2024 Tajikistan (RU)
In late August, Dushanbe welcomed the inaugural National Youth Climate Conference – LCOY 2024 Tajikistan, aimed at actively engaging young people in the climate movement and local decision-making processes. The conference gathered 80 young leaders, activists, and experts, offering them a platform to discuss pressing climate issues and draft a National Youth Climate Statement, which will be presented at the upcoming UN Climate Conference in Baku. The event highlighted the perspectives and needs of Tajikistan’s youth, laying the groundwork for their ongoing involvement in shaping the country’s climate agenda.
ArcelorMittal given golden handshake, left Kazakhstan with multi-billion dollar health costs
A new report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals that ArcelorMittal's former steel plant in Temirtau, Kazakhstan, caused severe air pollution, contributing to 3,000 deaths and $4.2 billion in health damages over 25 years. The plant's coal-based operations exposed local communities to dangerous levels of pollutants, resulting in numerous health issues, including premature births and childhood asthma. The findings highlight the significant human and economic toll of ArcelorMittal's activities, underscoring the urgent need for more responsible industrial practices and international cooperation to protect public health.
Armenia on the path to expanding solar energy: discussion on the ratification of the International Solar Alliance Agreement
On September 4th, Armenia's National Assembly Committee on Economic Affairs held a first reading of the draft law for ratifying the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement, which aims to promote solar energy development among member countries. Deputy Minister Hakob Vardanyan highlighted Armenia's progress in solar power, noting that solar power plants with a total capacity of 630 MW are already operational in the country, and emphasized the benefits of joining the alliance, which focuses on technology harmonization, innovation, financing, and overcoming barriers to solar energy expansion. The draft law received a positive response from the committee, advancing it for further consideration and potential adoption.
Otabek transforms desert into forest — an Interview with an environmental enthusiast from Uzbekistan (UZ)
Otabek Nuritdinov from Andijan province is transforming 220 hectares of arid land into a thriving forest to combat climate change and enhance the local environment. Despite facing significant challenges, such as limited legal and financial support, he remains committed to restoring the ecosystem and conserving local natural resources. Otabek hopes his initiative will highlight the importance of sustainable resource management and inspire others to take meaningful action in tackling the region’s environmental challenges.
Activists in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan launch project inspired by the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers
Activists in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have launched the "People of the River" project, inspired by the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers, which will produce a film about the Shu River and the lives of the people in its basin. The project embraces the idea that rivers are living entities with fundamental rights, such as the right to flow freely and remain unpolluted. The initiative invites interested individuals and organizations to join and support the cause of protecting and preserving rivers.
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World Climate News
Global Week of Action for climate finance and a fossil-free future — September 13-20 (in 100 languages)
As COP 29 approaches, the urgency of climate finance and phasing out fossil fuels for a just energy transition is greater than ever. The Global North governments have consistently failed to provide their fair share of climate action, particularly in delivering climate finance to the Global South, despite their obligations and the urgent need for funds to address mitigation, adaptation, and a just transition. The Global Fight to End Fossil Fuels and the #PayUp Climate Finance Campaign will join forces from September 13 to 20 for a Global Week of Action, demanding concrete steps from these governments to fulfill their commitments and ensure a sustainable future.
Environmental destruction in times of coronavirus: a new study brings cases from Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia to light
A new study by the Czech NGO Arnika and its regional partners reveals 15 cases of environmental destruction and human rights violations that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic across Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The study highlights how some governments and private companies took advantage of weakened public oversight and participation during lockdowns to pass laws favoring investors, approve controversial projects, and commit illegal activities like logging and hydropower construction. These actions represent violations of the Aarhus Convention on environmental democracy, which asserts that rights to public participation and transparency cannot be compromised even during crises like the pandemic.
Scorching heat, melting ice, forests ablaze: Why the Arctic needs Azerbaijan
The Arctic is facing severe climate changes driven by global warming, underscoring the need for worldwide collaboration, including partnerships with unexpected players like Azerbaijan. The author sees the upcoming COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan — a nation heavily dependent on fossil fuels and with limited experience in climate policy — as a critical opportunity to achieve meaningful greenhouse gas reductions, despite the human rights issues and the contentious choice of location.
Tens of thousands in South Korea protest lack of climate progress
Over 30,000 people gathered in Seoul, South Korea, to demand stronger government action on climate change amid soaring temperatures, making it the country's largest climate demonstration this year. The protest followed a court ruling that criticized South Korea's climate laws for not adequately protecting basic human rights or future generations. Despite aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, South Korea remains the second-largest coal polluter among G20 nations and has made only modest progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Your eco dilemmas… solved!
Every day, we face eco dilemmas, and this guide offers the best options to make a difference. Studies suggest that giving up meat or reducing its consumption has a greater impact than cutting food waste, while switching to a green bank may be more effective than changing your energy supplier. Ultimately, each of these actions contributes to reducing our climate footprint, so it's crucial to choose what will have the most significant positive effect.
Climate protesters should not get longer prison sentences than rapists and far right, says Greens co-leader
Adrian Ramsay, co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, criticized the jail sentences of up to five years given to Just Stop Oil protesters, arguing they are disproportionate compared to those handed to rapists and far-right rioters. Speaking at the Green Party's annual conference in Manchester, Ramsay emphasized that while he does not condone the protesters' tactics, he believes in achieving change through elections and political power rather than punitive measures. He expressed sympathy for the protesters' concerns about climate impact and underscored the need for more Green Party members in positions of influence to address these issues effectively.
ADB to devote half its lending to climate finance by 2030
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans to allocate 50% of its annual lending to climate finance by 2030, a significant increase from its current 35% target, aiming to mobilize $100 billion in climate finance between 2019 and 2030. The bank's updated strategy also focuses on boosting private sector investment, with a goal to triple financing for private sector projects to $13 billion over the same period. This initiative follows a broader effort to expand ADB's financial capacity and adapt its operations to meet Asia's urgent development challenges and support a sustainable future.
Indonesia has yet to receive promised G7 funds to reduce coal use
Indonesia has yet to receive the promised $20 billion in funding from the G7's Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to help phase out coal, with only a small fraction of the amount disbursed so far. Senior government officials, including Luhut Pandjaitan, have criticized the financing terms, which lack grants and offer unattractive commercial interest rates. As Indonesia faces challenges in shutting down its coal-fired power plants, it requires $94.6 billion by 2030 to develop clean energy infrastructure, but progress remains stalled due to funding shortfalls.
The New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance and its access features: Operationalising 'enhanced access' to climate finance
The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance, set to replace the previous $100 billion-per-year target, aims to enhance access to climate finance by focusing not only on the amount but also on who receives the funds, how, and when. This working paper explores the challenges faced by both providers and recipients in accessing climate finance and suggests mechanisms to formalize access, including improving transparency and simplifying procedures. As negotiations finalize, establishing effective 'access features' will be crucial to ensuring that those in need can utilize climate finance fairly and effectively.
Who Is following climate news: analysis of news consumption and attitudes in eight countries
A new study by the Oxford Climate Journalism Network at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism reveals a modest increase in interest in climate change news and consistently high levels of trust in scientists. The research examines shifts in climate news consumption in eight countries — Brazil, France, Germany, India, Japan, Pakistan, the UK, and the USA — in 2023. The report emphasizes the importance of solutions journalism and highlights the ongoing impact of the media on climate-related actions.
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Opportunities
The New Generation of Decision Makers IRENA Youth Forum
The IRENA Youth Forum: The New Generation of Decision Makers will take place from 9-13 January 2025 in Abu Dhabi, alongside the 15th IRENA Assembly. This event will connect young people with global leaders, government representatives, and experts to contribute to accelerating the deployment of renewable energy and achieving climate and sustainable development goals. Interested youth aged 16 to 35 can apply for participation by 24 September 2024, with full sponsorship available for up to 35 selected participants.
Funded participation at COP29 for CAN EECCA members
CAN EECCA is offering funded participation for its members to attend COP29 in Baku from November 11-22, 2024, with funding available for up to 10 applicants. Eligible candidates should have experience in climate advocacy in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia and be ready to actively engage during the event and share insights upon their return. The application deadline is September 13, 2024, and selections will be made by September 20, 2024.
How to engage with COP29: an essential series of webinars for CSOs
The Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility, funded by the EU, in collaboration with CAN EECCA, is organizing a series of webinars for civil society organizations (CSOs) to engage with the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024. These sessions will offer key insights into climate policy, finance, and strategies for effective engagement. Open to both local and international CSOs, the webinars will take place on September 16, 18, and 20, and participants need to register in advance.
Information session on the Global Greengrants Fund Small Grants Program in Central Asia (RU)
An online information session about the Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) Small Grants Program in Central Asia will take place on September 12, 2024. Participants will receive insights into GGF’s activities, the program’s goals and priorities, the application process, and common pitfalls to avoid when applying. The program has recently announced a call for project proposals from environmental organizations and grassroots groups in Central Asia, prioritizing projects that focus on environmental justice, climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and other environmental initiatives.
Video Contest on Green Incentives in Universities of Central Asia and the South Caucasus (RU)
In partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Kazakh-German University is accepting submissions of 30- to 60-second videos that highlight the name of the educational institution, a green incentive initiative, and its outcomes. The videos should reflect regional identity, gender balance, and age diversity, and include a compelling call to action. Videos can be filmed on a smartphone and must be submitted by September 16th (midnight Almaty time, GMT+5).
October 12, 2024 — International Youth Climate Adaptation Day
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) will host International Youth Climate Adaptation Day on October 12, 2024, the largest annual event of its kind, bringing together young people from over 100 countries. This day is dedicated to mobilizing, showcasing, and celebrating the potential of youth in developing and accelerating climate adaptation solutions. Young people worldwide are encouraged to participate in various activities, including the "My Adaptation Solution" video competition and organizing Youth Climate Adaptation Lighthouse Events.
Invitation to Media for coverage of the UN Climate Change Conference
The UNFCCC Secretariat invites media organizations to apply for workspace and facilities to cover the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) taking place from November 11-22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Media attendance is welcomed at local, regional, and international levels; however, due to limited facilities, approvals will be granted based on applications submitted online by the October 14, 2024, deadline. Media accreditation began on June 2 and is currently open.
The World Bank Group’s Young Professionals Program (YPP)
YPP recruits global talent with diverse backgrounds and technical skills to work across the World Bank and World Bank Group, with the goal of tackling development challenges and advancing its mission. The program offers a competitive, five-year contract with opportunities for learning, growth, and rotational assignments, and is open to candidates born on or after October 1, 1992, with a master’s degree or equivalent, and at least four years of relevant experience. Applications close on September 30, 2024, and selected candidates must be ready to start full-time employment on September 8, 2025.
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