Global Healing News United Nations Environment Programme Releases GEO-4 Report by Dr. David W. Randle

Transcription

1 Global Healing News United Nations Environment Programme Releases GEO-4 Report by Dr. David W. Randle November 2007 The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) just released the Global Environment Outlook Report 4, (GE0-4) The report marks the 20th anniversary of the Our Common Future Report, and follows 15 years after the Earth Summit and 5 years after the World Conference on Sustainable Development. See animation of UNEP history at: The report was composed by about 400 scientists from around the world. GEO-4 notes that while there has been progress in some areas like the pollution of air and water, there remain what the report calls persistent problems such as climate change, deterioration of fisheries, and the extinction of species. The report notes that there are no major issues raised in the Our Common Future report of 20 years ago for which the foreseeable trends are favorable. And, this may the reports states threaten humanities survival as well. The 400 page flagship UNEP report can be downloaded free at: An introduction to the report can be seen via video at:

2 Some key findings of the GEO-4 Report include: o Greenhouse gas emissions: Some experts say green house gas emissions will need to fall by up to 50 % by 2050 compared with their 1990 levels - this is based on a threshold of 2º C increase in the global mean temperature above pre-industrial levels, beyond which, some experts say, climate impacts become significantly more severe, and the threat of major irreversible damage more plausible. This implies emissions cuts of 60-80% by 2050 in some developed countries and significant cuts in developing nations. o Economics: Poor development practices are actually more costly not less costly in real economic terms. o Population: Population has increased by 34% since the World Commission on Sustainable Development issued its first major report in 1987, trade is 3 times greater, and the average income has increased 40%. o Energy: Energy supplies are both inadequate and insecure. Use of clean energy sources still remain minimal. o Atmosphere: The report notes some progress made in the area of air pollution but also notes that about 2 million people a year will die prematurely due to indoor, and outdoor air pollution. o Land: Demand to use land more intensely has created unsustainable land use patterns causing degradation of the land. This could be a serious threat as climate change, or biodiversity loss. It affects human well-being through soil pollution, soil erosion, nutrient depletion, water scarcity and salinity. o Water: Climate Change, human use of water and aquatic systems, and overfishing are all influencing the worldʼs water and aquatic resources. The oceans are the main regulator of climate. Changes are affecting the Arctic temperatures and ice, ocean salinity, precipitation, and extreme weather including droughts, floods, and cyclones.

3 o Biodiversity: Current biodiversity assessments show that 60% of the worldʼs ecosystems have been degraded and / or are being used unsustainably. Species are becoming extinct at 100 times faster than fossil records of the past. The lack of genetic diversity may threaten food security and medicines for unknown future diseases maybe being destroyed. o Regional Perspectives: This section of the report identifies environmental priorities for each of the seven regions of the world. For the first time all seven regions emphasize the potential impact of climate change. Land degradation is also a priority for most regions with dessertification in Africa a particular threat. Priorities for the Asia Pacific region include urban air quality, fresh water, degraded ecosystems, agricultural land use and increased waste. Europe has rising incomes and increasing production have lead to unsustainable consumption patterns, higher energy use, poor urban air quality, and transport problems. The Latin America Caribbean Region see problems of increased urban grown, loss of biodiversity, coastal damage, marine pollution, and new vulnerabilities from climate change. North America is struggling to address climate change to which energy use, urban sprawl, and fresh water stresses are linked. In West Asia the priorities are freshwater stresses, degradation of land, coasts, marine ecosystems, urban management, and peace and security. In the Polar Region climate change has brought threats to food security and health of indigenous people. Many regions are also facing new transport challenges with increased population, consumption and urban and suburban growth.

4 Vulnerability of People and the Environment - This section of the report focuses on the connections with poverty and the environment, the role of technology, the need for equitable access to global markets, and other ways besides a good environment to reduce poverty and vulnerability. Linkages of Governance for Sustainability: The GEO -4 recalls the Brundtland Commissionʼs observation that the environmental crisis, the development crisis, and the energy crisis are all one. The Report notes that the world is shrinking, there are fewer resources to share and less land per capita. There is only 1/4 the land there was per capital a century ago and that is expected to drop to 1/5 by The one billion wealthiest people have 15 times the income as the poorest 2.3 billion people. The Future Today: The report reaffirms the GEO-3 report that Sustainability first that involves collaboration with government, civil society and the private sector is the only real way forward. Options for Action: The report highlights the fact that while we donʼt understand fully every environmental problem or solution that waiting for better solutions ahead especially with climate change, will be far more costly than taking decisive action now. The GEO-4 report notes that: Climate change, the destruction caused by forest fires and floods and other problems demonstrate the cost of humanity trying to cope with the scale of environmental impacts, said Mr. Steiner. The report acknowledges that technology can help to reduce peopleʼs vulnerability to environmental stresses, but says there is sometimes a need to correct the technology-centred development paradigm. It argues that the future will be largely determined by the decisions individuals and society make now. Our common future depends on our actions today, not tomorrow or sometime in the future, it cautions. Widely considered the most comprehensive UN report on the environment, GEO-4 was prepared by some 390 experts and reviewed by more than 1,000 others across the world. The cost of inaction greatly exceeds the cost of action, said Olav Kjorven, Director of the UN Development Programme (<" Bureau for Development Policy, pointing out that local efforts around the world demonstrate the potential for change.

5 Brief Global Healing Notes The Environment in 10 Seconds UNEP GEO-4 Video. UNEP History Sign up for Global Healing sponsored International Days podcasts. MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id= The Shift. I choose Love Global Peace Ranking Index: GEO-4 Report Downloads Global Healing Partners Events Join the Global Healing Care2 discussions. Over 875 persons from 45 U.S. states and 28 nations are currently participating in the Care2 Global Healing group. Please join.

6 Global Healing Participates in UNEP North American Consultation Since 2000, The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) organizes a yearly Global Civil Society Forum (GCSF), in conjunction with UNEP Governing Council / Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC / GMEF). This forum is the main entry point for civil society participation at governance level. The GCSF cycle is built through six regional consultation meetings. During odd years (e.g., 2001, 2003, 2005) UNEP convenes its Governing Council, the board of ministers from the countries governing UNEP. The Governing Council takes place at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. During even years (e.g., 2002, 2004, 2006) UNEP convenes special Sessions on the different continents (e.g., 2000 in Malmö, Sweden; 2002 in Cartagena, Colombia; 2004 in Seoul, Republic of Korea; 2006 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 2008 in Monaco). This year representatives at the six regional consultation meetings were held in: Monterey, Mexico, Cairo, Egypt, Seoul, South Korea, Geneva Switzerland, Manama, Bahrain, and Washington D.C, USA At each of these six consultations UNEP staff and members of the Civil Society Forum discussed policy issues related to: Globalization and the environment: Mobilizing finance to meet the climate challenge UNEP Medium Term Strategy Enhancing Major Groups Participation at UNEP s Governance Level Global Environment Outlook 4th Assessment (GEO-4) Issues Each region also elected representatives to attend the upcoming International meeting to be held in February, 2008 in Monaco. Dr. David Randle one of the co-facilitators of Global Healing was elected as one of the four representatives for North America to attend the meeting in Monaco this coming February. He would be most interested in hearing from you on your thoughts and ideas for this meeting. Contact him at globalhealing@mac.com Over 50 persons gather for North American Civil Society Meeting in Washington D.C.

7 This Month features Faith Partners of America Faith Partners of the Americas is a non-profit corporation [501 (c) 3] that works to build relations of solidarity between churches and the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean and churches and the peoples of North America. Faith Partners is a project of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs. Anyone wanting to donate to its work can make donations to COHA, specifying that they are for Faith Partners of the Americas. The Vision: to see a world where cooperation and solidarity are the hallmarks of human relations and where the Abundant Life proclaimed in the Gospel is the standard for all. The Mission: to provide information about the hemisphere and promote relationships of solidarity between the faith communities and the peoples of the hemisphere that will work toward justice and the elimination of poverty.

8 Global Healing In Action

9 Business Ethics Magazine Lists Global Healing Affiliate Green Mountain Coffee as #2 Best Corporate Citizen Fair Trade & Organic Business Ethics Magazine has released its annual survey of the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" in the Spring 2005 issue published today. Green Mountain Coffee a Global Healing Affiliate was rated 2 out 1000 corporations The closely watched survey has gained national recognition as an indicator of best practices in the area of corporate social responsibility. Many of the companies will be recognized at a New York event, the Business Ethics Summit. This year's "100 Best" list is led by Cummins, a Columbus, Indiana-based engine manufacturer cited as a world leader in emissions reductions and Green Mountain Coffee. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters of Waterbury, Vermont and a Global Healing Affiliate was the #2 rated company, hailed as "a pioneer in helping struggling coffee growers by paying them fair trade prices." "What distinguishes the 100 Best Corporate Citizens from their peers is a commitment to higher standards," said Marjorie Kelly, Editor of Business Ethics Magazine. "The list represents the top ten percent of Russell 1000 firms when it comes to corporate social responsibility -- those that perform to a higher standard in serving a variety of stakeholders with excellence and integrity." When you choose Fair Trade Certified and organic coffees, you improve the quality of life in coffee communities around the world, and get a great cup of coffee to enjoy at home. Now that's a fair trade. View Movie CSTM_Fair_Trade_Movie.aspx People have a choice when they purchase coffee. Now we can support both a good company and the global healing initiative when we purchase Green Mountain Coffee at: Global Healing Congratulates Green Mountain Coffee on this accomplishment.

10 The Global Healing Forum Page provides the opportunity to participate in forums, polls, and discussions. Contribute your thoughts or post new ideas to an online network of over 880 persons from 46 states and 28 countries To further peace, justice, and sustainability in our world and help us build a global advocacy group for peace, justice and sustainability particularly as it relates to the Millennium Development Goals. See Millennium Video at and/or take part in the discussions on the Global Healing Forum Page. To Sign-up. Click on the Link Below