Latest news with #UNEnvironmentProgram
National Observer
a day ago
- Business
- National Observer
Losing confidence in Carney's willingness to prioritize action on the climate crisis
Prime Minister Mark Carney has described the Trump administration's economic and political disruption of the international order as game-changing. His efforts to manage this transition internationally and domestically are occurring in the context of the existential threat to the planet. A 2024 UN Environment Program (UNEP) report concluded that, under a status quo scenario, the Earth is on track to reach an approximate 2.7°C increase in planetary warming by 2100. A study by leading climate scientists in the journal Oxford Academic warned: 'We are on the brink of an irreversible climate disaster… Much of the very fabric of life on Earth is imperiled… We have now brought the planet into climatic conditions never witnessed by us or our prehistoric relatives…' Canadians are witnessing it firsthand as devastating wildfires rage across Western Canada. Carney has long been an authority on the risks posed by climate change. In 2015, as Bank of England Governor, he gave the 'tragedy of the horizon' speech, which introduced climate change to bankers as a threat to international financial stability. In his 2021 book Value(s), Carney critiques free market fundamentalism for its disregard of the human condition. The existential threat of climate change, state of inequality etc., all stem from a common crisis in values. A practicing Catholic, Carney sat on the Vatican's Council for Inclusive Capitalism. In an interview shortly after he was appointed UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance in December 2019, Carney described climate change as the world's greatest existential threat. He urged people everywhere to keep up the pressure in calling for climate action. How will the Carney government navigate 'fighting climate change' and bending to the priorities of corporations and their political enablers? writes Bruce Campbell Canada's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction record Canada's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), represent its commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions by 45 to 50 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035, building on its emissions' reduction plan of 40 to 45 per cent by 2030. Canada's commitment to reach net-zero by 2050 is codified in law through the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. Canada has been a laggard in meeting its emissions reduction targets. In his 2024 report, Canada's commissioner of the environment and sustainable development warned that since 2005, Canada's emissions have declined by 7.1 per cent, still a long way from reaching the reduction of at least 40 per cent required by 2030. Canadian banks and other financial institutions continue to invest heavily in fossil fuel projects. The Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), a global, member-led initiative supporting banks to lead on climate mitigation in line with the Paris Agreement goals, has seen more than 140 banks, including Canada's big banks, leave the alliance since the election of the Trump administration. The Canada Pension Plan recently dropped its commitment to align its investments with the country's net-zero action targets. Carney Government climate-related actions In his election victory speech, Carney said, 'It's time to build an industrial strategy that makes Canada more competitive while fighting climate change.' Carney also promised action to increase clean energy infrastructure, particularly interprovincial transmission ties to help electrify the economy. Carney appointed Tim Hodgson — former chairperson at Ontario Hydro One and formerly on the board of fossil fuel company MEG Energy — to serve as energy and natural resources minister; Hodgson is a former Goldman Sachs banker and worked alongside Carney at the Bank of Canada. Hodgson's speech at a Calgary gathering pressed for the Pathways Alliance project to proceed with a proposed carbon-capture facility in the oilsands region of northern Alberta. Negotiations are currently underway which suggest that the carbon emissions cap could be changed if there are meaningful advances toward the realization of its carbon capture and storage project (CCS). Many questions remain about carbon capture and storage feasibility. An Oxford University study concluded that regarding CCS 'as a way to compensate for ongoing fossil fuel burning is economically illiterate.' While Hodgson has been at the forefront of Carney government pronouncements, Julie Dabrusin, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has been missing in action. Michael Sabia, recently appointed by Carney as the Clerk of the Privy Council, the head of the public service, is woven from the same cloth as both Carney and Hodgson. Carney's mandate letter to cabinet stated the government's intention for Canada to become an energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy. The letter outlined seven priorities, none of which explicitly mentioned climate. It simply stated: 'We will fight climate change.' The Speech from the Throne delivered by King Charles III mentioned the creation of a federal project office committed to building an industrial strategy to make Canada more globally competitive, 'while fighting climate change.' At the meeting between the federal government and premiers, a joint statement was issued reading, in part, 'First Ministers agreed that Canada must work urgently to get Canadian natural resources and commodities to domestic and international markets, such as critical minerals and decarbonized Canadian oil and gas by pipelines…' The very term 'decarbonized oil and gas' has been denounced by the co-chair of the federal Net-Zero Advisory Body (NZAB), climate scientist Simon Donner, as Orwellian. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was 'encouraged' by the federal government's change of tone on pipelines. On June 6, Carney introduced Bill C-5. The bill includes the Building Canada Act, which gives the government the power to circumvent environmental laws to get major resource projects built. The Canadian Environmental Law Association warned that Bill C-5 could fast-track environmentally risky mega-projects across the country while undermining federal laws designed to safeguard the environment, human health, and Indigenous rights. Navigating between corporate interests and the health of the planet For someone very knowledgeable about the climate threat to the planet, Carney's actions thus far are not encouraging. Going forward, will he implement measures necessary to ensure the government meets its Paris Agreement commitments? What changes will his cabinet make to its emissions cap on fossil fuel company emissions? Will he finalize methane regulations for oil and gas, finalize the clean electricity investment tax credit, establish a made-in-Canada climate taxonomy, mandate the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board to provide binding obligations for public companies, adopt Senator Rosa Galvez' (CAFA) — a bill to ensure financial institutions align their activities with Canada's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement? Carney's actions thus far leave my optimism hanging by a thread.
Forbes
05-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
World Environment Day 2025: Real Solutions To Beat Plastic Pollution
Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, Pine Bend sanitary landfill, the largest open landfill in Minnesota. ... More (Photo by: Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) June 5th marks World Environment Day, and this year's theme, 'Beat Plastic Pollution,' is pertinent as global plastic production has ballooned from 2 million tons in 1950 to a staggering 430 million ton annually today, according to the United Nations Environment Program. The World Economic Forum further shares stark data that 350 million tons of plastic waste is generated each year and of that 19 million leaks in the environment with 13 million onto land and 6 million into rivers and coastlines. The In 2022 the OECD warned that if current trends continue, plastic waste could nearly triple by 2060, with half ending up in landfills and less than a fifth recycled. A vendor arranges paper bags at Kimironko market in Kigali, Rwanda, July 14, 2022. TO GO WITH ... More "Feature: Rwanda makes strides in plastic ban" (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua via Getty Images) At the recycling center, plastic bottles are collected and packed for recycling Tackling plastic pollution requires systemic change that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic products. The journey to 'beat plastic pollution' has to start with strong policy frameworks such as Extended Producer Responsibility laws which are critical to shifting accountability onto companies and ensuring that environmental impacts are managed from production through to disposal. However, legislation alone is not enough. Consumer awareness must move beyond marketing claims like 'recyclable,' especially as most plastics are not truly recycled and end up in landfills and oceans. Consumers must focus on reducing unnecessary plastics through reuse and refill systems, supporting companies committed to genuine sustainability, and demanding greater transparency and accountability. These are powerful actions that individuals can take to drive the market transformation needed to create a future where plastic pollution is no longer inevitable but preventable. Ultimately, collective action from policymakers, businesses, and consumers is essential. On this World Environment Day, the call is clear: it is time to move beyond promises and take decisive action for a cleaner, more sustainable planet.
Arab News
28-02-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Why Saudi Arabia is ditching plastic bottles in favor of tap water
RIYADH: Plastic consumption remains a deeply ingrained part of daily life in Saudi Arabia. However, growing public awareness and innovative solutions have brought the country to a crossroads in its sustainability journey. Each year, 5 billion plastic water bottles are discarded in Saudi Arabia, of which less than 5 percent are recycled. Despite mounting public concern about the environmental impact of plastic waste, 77 percent of Saudis continue to rely on bottled water as their main source of hydration, according to a study by Wisewell, a UAE-based water technology company. Sami Khoreibi, founder and CEO of Wisewell, refers to this contradiction as 'the plastic paradox' — a term that captures the disconnect between environmental concerns and real-world behavior. 'People know the risks, they're aware of the damage, but they don't feel like they have an alternative,' he told Arab News. 'And until now, they really haven't.' Unlike other materials, plastic does not biodegrade and can take up to 1,000 years to break down, according to the UN Environment Program. As it accumulates, it pollutes ecosystems, harms marine life, degrades soil, contaminates groundwater, and poses serious health risks. However, Saudi taste for bottled water is not entirely by choice. Khoreibi says Saudi residents have historically tended to prefer bottled water due to a lack of viable alternatives. 'For decades, tap water hasn't been widely trusted for drinking,' he said. 'And filtration solutions, when available, have either been too complex, lacked transparency, or weren't positioned as a real replacement for bottled water.' • Producing and transporting 1 kg of bottled water uses 27 kg of water, 0.85 kg of fossil fuel, and emits 562 grams of greenhouse gases. • Chemicals like BPA in plastic bottles are linked to health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. • Bottled water's environmental impact is up to 3,500 times greater than tap water. Saudi Arabia ensures tap water safety through advanced desalination and strict quality control. Due to its arid climate and absence of permanent rivers, about 60 percent of the country's potable water comes from desalination, with the rest from non-renewable groundwater. However, a mix of distrust in tap water, limited filtration options, and the extreme climate driving high hydration needs has led to a system where single-use plastic bottles are the default. Fortunately, this is not an irreversible trend. 'This is a region that has transformed itself time and time again,' said Khoreibi. 'If we can shift from an oil-dependent economy to a diversified one, we can absolutely change the way people consume water.' Beyond environmental damage, microplastics and nanoplastics also threaten public health. Studies show that particles shed from plastic bottles over time have entered human food systems and even the bloodstream. Scientists are now linking microplastic exposure to fertility issues, neurological disorders, and other health concerns. Khoreibi believes health concerns will be the biggest driver of change. 'People care about the planet, but let's be honest — what really moves people is personal health,' he said. 'If you're drinking from plastic bottles, you're exposing yourself to microplastics daily. And what we're seeing in new research is alarming — these particles are showing up in human organs, even in unborn babies. 'This isn't just an environmental issue anymore. It's a human health crisis.' A recent survey by Wisewell found that 65 percent of Saudi residents are already concerned about the health implications of plastic consumption. However, many have continued using bottled water because no widely trusted alternative has been available. To cut single-use plastics and triple recycling targets by 2030, the Saudi government has launched numerous initiatives under Vision 2030, including banning plastic bags and straws as part of its intensified sustainability efforts. Khoreibi stresses that tackling plastic waste at its source is more effective than relying solely on recycling. 'The best way to increase recycling rates is actually to reduce what needs to be recycled in the first place,' he said. 'We don't need more efficient ways to deal with plastic waste — we need to eliminate single-use plastic bottles entirely.' Khoreibi drew a direct parallel between the rise of sustainable water solutions and the early development of solar energy in the region. In 2007, he launched Abu Dhabi's first solar company at a time when the idea of using solar power in an oil-rich country was met with skepticism. 'They thought it was crazy,' he said. 'Why would a country with so much oil invest in solar? But fast forward a few years, and now solar is a key part of the energy mix.' He added: 'The same thing will happen with water — the idea that you need bottled water for safety and quality is a myth that's going to disappear.' Alternative solutions such as refill stations, biodegradable packaging, and home filtration systems are already transforming how people access clean water. Wisewell, for example, has developed a smart filtration system that provides real-time data on water quality, filter life, and consumption patterns. Khoreibi believes trust is key to adoption. 'Filtration isn't new, but people need to see and understand that it works,' he said. 'That's why our system gives users real-time data — they can actually monitor their water quality, so there's no more mystery about what they're drinking.' Saudi Arabia offers a prime landscape for shifting from bottled water consumption to sustainable alternatives. With one of the world's youngest populations, the country is eager for innovation. Additionally, the government is actively promoting sustainability and technology, while consumer awareness about plastic waste and microplastics is at an all-time high. Recognizing this shift, Wisewell has recently entered the Saudi market. The expansion aligns with Vision 2030's environmental goals, offering Saudi households a sustainable alternative to plastic water bottles. Khoreibi sees this as a crucial step in reducing the Kingdom's reliance on single-use plastics. 'This is one of the most exciting markets in the world right now for sustainability-driven solutions,' he said. 'Saudi Arabia is undergoing massive change, and there's a real appetite for innovation. We're not just launching a product — we're helping drive a movement.' Nonetheless, consumer education remains a challenge. 'It's not just about giving people an alternative — it's about making them feel confident in it,' Khoreibi said. 'They need to believe that a filtration-based system is not just an option, but the best option for their health, their convenience, and their wallets.' Khoreibi views Saudi Arabia's embrace of sustainable water solutions as part of a broader regional shift, positioning the Gulf not just as an importer of innovation but as a driver of global solutions. 'For so long, we've looked to the West for technology,' he said. 'Is it German? Is it American? Is it Japanese? But that's changing. The Gulf is now producing world-class technology — not just for itself, but for export. 'The future of sustainable water solutions doesn't have to come from Europe or North America. It can come from here.' Saudi Arabia has the potential to lead the region in eliminating single-use plastics, setting a precedent for neighboring countries. A successful effort would not only address its own plastic crisis but also help shape the global conversation on water consumption and sustainability. 'This isn't just about stopping plastic waste,' Khoreibi said. 'It's about rethinking the way we consume water entirely. And Saudi Arabia has the power to lead that change.'
MTV Lebanon
11-02-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Trump 'declares war' on paper straws, orders shifting back plastic ones
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order ending a US government effort to replace plastic straws with paper. The order, which takes effect immediately, reverses a measure signed by former President Joe Biden, who had called plastic pollution a "crisis". Last week, Trump - who sold branded plastic straws during his 2020 election campaign - said paper straws "don't work" and "disgustingly" dissolve in the mouths of consumers. In 2024, Biden ordered a gradual end to US government purchases of plastic straws, as well as plastic cutlery and packaging. Trump's directive orders government agencies to stop buying paper straws and calls for a strategy to eliminate them nationwide. "We're going back to plastic straws," Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday. "These things don't work, I've had them many times, and on occasion, they break, they explode. If something's hot, they don't last very long, like a matter of minutes, sometimes a matter of seconds. It's a ridiculous situation," Trump said. As part of a wider effort to target plastic pollution, the Biden administration last year announced that it would gradually phase out single-use plastics from food packaging, operations and events by 2027, and from all federal operations by 2035. Trump has been a long-standing critic of paper straws. During his campaign to be re-elected president in 2020, which he ultimately lost, "Trump" branded plastic straws were sold - at $15 for a pack of 10 - as a replacement for what he called "liberal" paper straws. In total, the campaign reportedly nearly $500,000 from straw sales in the first few weeks alone. Some statistics place the number of disposable drinking straws used in the US at 500 million a day - although that figure is hotly disputed and the true total could be about half that. A number of US cities and states - including Seattle, Washington; California; Oregon; and New Jersey - have adopted rules that limit the use of plastic straws or require that businesses provide them only after being asked by customers. UN Environment Program statistics show that 460 million metric tonnes of plastic are produced every year, contributing to waste in the ocean and microplastics which can affect human health. Some studies have shown that paper straws, however, contain significant amounts of "forever chemicals" such as polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. PFAS can stay in the environment for decades, contaminate water supplies and cause a variety of health issues.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump signs order shifting US back toward plastic straws
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order ending a US government effort to replace plastic straws and other items with materials such as paper. The order, which takes effect immediately, reverses a measure signed by former President Joe Biden, who had called plastic pollution a "crisis". Last week, Trump - who sold branded plastic straws during his 2020 election campaign - said paper straws "don't work" and "disgustingly" dissolve in the mouths of consumers. In 2024, Biden ordered a gradual end to US government purchases of plastic straws, as well as plastic cutlery and packaging. "We're going back to plastic straws," Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday. "These things don't work, I've had them many times, and on occasion, they break, they explode. If something's hot, they don't last very long, like a matter of minutes, sometimes a matter of seconds. It's a ridiculous situation," Trump said. Trump straws: How the US president is using straws to beat liberals with As part of a wider effort to target plastic pollution, the Biden administration last year announced that it would gradually phase out single-use plastics from food packaging, operations and events by 2027, and from all federal operations by 2035. Trump has been a long-standing critic of paper straws. During his campaign to be re-elected president in 2020, which he ultimately lost, "Trump" branded plastic straws were sold - at $15 for a pack of 10 - as a replacement for what he called "liberal" paper straws. In total, the campaign reportedly nearly $500,000 from straw sales in the first few weeks alone. Some statistics place the number of disposable drinking straws used in the US at 500 million a year - although that figure is hotly disputed and the true total could be about half that. A number of US cities and states - including Seattle, Washington; California; Oregon; and New Jersey - have adopted rules that limit the use of plastic straws or require that businesses provide them only after being asked by customers. UN Environment Program statistics show that 460 million metric tonnes of plastic are produced every year, contributing to waste in the ocean and microplastics which can affect human health. Some studies have shown that paper straws, however, contain significant amounts of "forever chemicals" such as polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. PFAS can stay in the environment for decades, contaminate water supplies and cause a variety of health issues. How did straws become a Trump culture war?
