#DRR Disaster Risk Reduction – #DutytoProtect

Africa – Americas – Arab States – Asia & Pacific – Central Asia – Europe

 

When all the ice has melted, first I will be Warm and then I will be Cold.

Stay up-to-date with the analysis and outcomes of Disaster Risk Reduction and International Law Symposium 2017 by our Reading blog posts.

#ClimateChance #ClimateChance2017 #Agadir #COP22 #COP23 #ONG #Climat #Humanrights

1 #DRR Disaster Risk Reduction – “#Duty-to-Protect”

Disaster law initiatives to combat climate change – “Duty-to-Protect”

How to grapple with the increasing frequency and severity of a wide array of both ‘human-made’ and ‘natural’ disasters.

Experts say we have three years to save the planet

International law must comply by 2020 latest with national #disasterlaw

Under Sendai Framework priority 2 – Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk (Duty to protect);

Global and regional levels
28. To achieve this, it is important:
(a) To guide action at the regional level through agreed regional and sub-regional strategies and mechanisms for cooperation for disaster risk reduction, as appropriate, in the light of the present Framework, in order to foster more efficient planning, create common information systems and exchange good practices and programmes for cooperation and capacity development, in particular to address common and trans-boundary disaster risks;

Are disaster management services the main duty-bearers to roll out DRR?

Break down legal fragment between DRR, Climate adaptation, the Tree proposal, Sendai framework, the SDGs, also between nuclear regulations.

Land use and forestry proposal for 2021-2030 – Forest laws to reduce deforestation.

National framework regulations needed now in;

  • Land use and urban planning
  • Building codes – Retrofits of existing buildings, Exemplary new buildings and Efficient equipment
  • Environment and resource management
  • Safety standards

 

Connect DRR and climate change, after New Zeeland 2010 Building code demolish or rescue.

2011 International convention from prevention of pollution from ships.

Mexico mainstreamed DRR law in all sectors. France mayor sent to prison for ignoring DDR laws.

Civil protection law = Disaster management (law to much focus on response)

Sectoral laws like Climate change adoption laws and development approvals important in rural and sub-urban areas. Linkage between environment laws and climate change laws.

Why do we need a lawyer? Protection of rights links to disaster

Legal disaster

Customs law disaster

Why compulsion and force?

Why international? Paragraph 14 Cooperation legal and not

Consent Capacity Building (ILC) framework adopted 2 months after Sendai 2018 next

Legislation/Regulations Is it a Self form of disaster risk reduction DRR?

Can monitoring DRR indicators alone identify (urban/rural) hazards and exercise disaster relief law of public response?

Disaster Ill-star

1950-60 Defense did research on disaster

Values scope and scale of a loss

Volition choices in relation to hazards

Valocity policies response times’ project, risk, predict – time horizon

Vicinity geography also social cultural economic, legal overlays

Vulnerabilities = impact outcome (origin)

Viewpoints philosophy

Victims disaster label, response label (victim-hood)

Katrina –> Depress obsess –> Super dome

Victims vs. Cash / Charity patterns

Natural more emo than man-made disaster

2003 August heatwave 14 802 (living on climbing 7th floor) – Time frame Chernobyl 100 (1 000 cancer)

Does climate legislation and regulation protect Who is an (urban/rural) disaster victim, healthy/sick people?

 

Core DRR mitigation and prevention response to disasters and hazards – linked to relief union

1st November 1755 Lisbon earthquake 1/3 loss – Urbanisation important

Voltaire unforeseeable and random – Urbanisation important

1927 National Relief Union

Preventive measures against disasters

UN early warning systems – Iran earth quake 1963

Pollution Sustainable Development

1980 Prevention Natural Disaster Reduction

1992 Rio declaration

UNFCCC – Framework Climate Change

Kyoto protocol

1991 Resolution 46182

Yokohama Framework

Millennium change

Climate change, Human rights, Environment law

Sendai

PREVENTION at activities and measures to avoid existing and new disaster risks.

MITIGATION de-licensing or minimizing of impact of hazardous events.

PREPARDENESS capacity developed by governments responds and recover organisation, community or individuals to effectively anticipate respond to and recover from the impact of likely or imminent or current disasters.

Commentary

Early Warning Systems

SARC-agreement

The obligation of recording casualties is not an instrument of to reflect disaster victims

Urban Disaster Law

Duty is a conduct and not a result, to shall reduce risk of disaster and harm precaused thereby.

 

The U.?N. Human Rights Council adopted the resolution, which was submitted by the Brazilian and Ecuadorian governments, last month at its headquarters in Geneva. Diplomats say the document could now lay the groundwork for more cities-focused work by the council –>

GOOD NEWS Adopted resolution #L30 – 37th Meeting, 35th Session Human Rights Council http://webtv.un.org/watch/ahrc35l.30rev.1-vote-item3-37th-meeting-35th-regular-session-human-rights-council/548071109600

Can the Sendai framework be enforced? Is there a will to extend the new international treaties within the domestic jurisdiction?

Exploring accountability, implementation and enforcement in the Sendai framework

States have a disaster law impact on human rights not only in their own territories.  Also, often there is an extraterritorial disaster law impact – on people in the rest of the world.

This project aims to provide a critical evaluation of the law and policy of whether and to what extent disaster law vs. human rights law is and should be applicable to states extraterritoriality.

When forced climate migrants decide to make perilous border crossings: the causal role of disaster

Themes:
Climate Change, Community-based DRR, Education & School Safety, Environment & Ecosystems, Gender, Health & Health Facilities, Disaster Risk Management, Critical Infrastructure, Vulnerable Populations, Children and Youth

#ClimateChance #CCAgadir17 #Cities #EUSEW17 #c40cities #NUA #NAU #CCCRdg #Habitat3 #Humanrights

 

#SendaiFramework #Switch2Sendai #Policy #Governance

#Cities #Safety #Arctic #Maritime

#UCEEP

#HumanRights

#DRRplanning

#REinsurance

#Implementation

#EWS #EarlyWarningSystems

#Hazards

#Federation Disaster Law Programme

#RedCross #Oilspills #ocean #ships #environment

#Disasterlaw #UrbanDisasterLaw

#law #disaster #risk #reduction

 

Save historic Reading Prison from being sold for housing #ReadingGaol

READING PRISON “THE PRISM” THE URBAN GEM THAT CAN GIVE READING BACK IT’S WELL NEEDED IDENTITY AND SECURE IT’S FUTURE HERITAGE.

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL NEED TO LISTEN TO THE COMMUNITY CONCERNING THE PRISON MATTER ETC. LACK OF IMAGINATION AND INNOVATION REGARDING READING PRISON HAS LEAD TO THE PRESENT SITUATION.

  1. DID YOU KNOW THAT RBC DON’T COVER CLIMATE CHANGE IN THEIR OWN COUNCIL FRAMEWORK? = THERE IS NO CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE, CONGESTION EVERYWHERE, THE LOCK-GRID ONE-WAY SYSTEM. PARK AND RIDE! BUSINESS AS USUAL AND OVER CONSUMPTION WITH NO REGARDS FOR THE FUTURE. CONSUMPTION. WHERE DO WE SEE THE GREEN/SUSTAINABLE LIVING CAMPAIGNS (ZERO EMISSIONS) IN READING!! DIVESTMENT? A COMPREHENSIVE CYCLE NETWORK?? THE DELAYED ELECTRIFICATION OF READING RAILWAYS! IS THIS ACCEPTABLE!!
  2. ALL LIGHTING OF STREETS, ROADS AND OTHER OUTDOOR PUBLIC PLACES SHOULD BE OF A “WARM WHITE” SPECIFICATION, AND IDEALLY HAVE A CCT (CORRELATED COLOUR TEMPERATURE) OF 2700K.

THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS NOT INCLUSIVE AND IS NOT ACCESSIBLE. THIS IS GOING TO CHANGE. THEREFORE,
TODAY WE ARE FORMING A “HUMAN COMPASS” TO BALANCE THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS A SHADOW GOVERNANCE COUNTERWEIGHT.

READING 2016 – THE YEAR OF CULTURE A PLACE OF INNOVATION, IMAGINATION

READING PRISON IS PART OF OUR HERITAGE AND SHOULD BE VALUED AS SUCH.
WE WORK IN TOGETHERNESSSHIP TO FIND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS: FUNDING IS NOT AN ISSUE SO WHAT IS WRONG, WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

READING IS AT TIPPING POINT BY NOT BEING ON-BOARD THE GLOBAL AGENDA! IN THE NEW SOCIETY, WE MAKE INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE DECISIONS TOGETHER – “EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED”

THE LEADERSHIP AND MUCH MORE MUST CHANGE IN 2017, I THINK I CAN SPEAK FOR ALL COMMUNITIES, THE TIME FOR CHANGE HAS COME: WE PROPOSE A “LOCAL RESIDENT GOVERNMENT” IN “THE PRISM” (GRADE II LISTED VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE BUILDING WITH ITS RADIAL COMPASS DESIGN, YES E/W N/S) WE MUST TRY TO “SAVE HISTORIC READING PRISON FROM BEING SOLD FOR HOUSING” WHEN RBC ONCE AGAIN HAS IGNORED THE COMMON INTEREST.

RBC, LISTEN TO HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS WHO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND GENUINE MOTIVATION. RELATE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY OR THERE WILL ALWAYS BE DIFFICULTIES OVER SOLUTIONS – “NOTHING EXISTS IN ISOLATION”

THE ONLY STAKEHOLDER WITH A PLAN IN ITS ABBEY QUARTER VISION, READING PRISON INCLUDED IS THE READING MUSEUM. Kindly see  http://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/get-involved/reading-abbey-quarter

ANYONE OR ANY COMMUNITY GROUP CAN TO THE READING COUNCIL SUBMIT THEIR OWN SOLUTIONS ON HOW TO “SAVE HISTORIC READING PRISON FROM BEING SOLD FOR HOUSING” ALSO HOW TO MAKE BEST USE OF THIS EXTRAORDINARY FACILITY FOR THE COMMUNITY.

http://media1.tvb-climatechallenge.org.uk/2017/01/CCCRdg-Proposal_Letter-Reading_Prison_Framework-2014.pdf

 

Sustainable Urban Opportunities for Dummies 2016

Sustainable Development Goals No. 11 plus No. 5 – #SDG11 + #SDG5
Vision – suggested ECO4CLIM_Rdg Climate, Innovation +Jobs Draft Strategy w/ target: Urban eco-philosophy will, in a few years, develop 50 labs across the world / empower more than 500 urban ecopreneurs / generate 3,000 green jobs and directly avoid hundreds of tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

Urbanisation and industrialisation has gradually led people away from living in natural environment depriving them of the health benefits of nature such as natural light, green views, local biodiversity, and natural landscapes.

Anyone can, contribute to a sustainable and resilient city structure as long they stay within to the city’s territorial boundaries and do not trespass it’s surrounding greenbelt. If new land is taken for development the case is lost.

The magic “Glocal” urban safe formula has formed from the perspective less is more, such as “back to the basics concept” or just “keep it simple”;

  • A healthy environment is based on healthy (100% clean) quality levels in soil, water and air, this is ecology.
  • A healthy social environment (society) is based on fundamental humane values (all living beings included) wholesome eating, living and interaction.

There are about 1000 #urban videos circulating the web
The following eight videos will explain most of it, what you are missing you can Google.

     

    

    

     

Why not support our next generation and share the hashtag #COY12
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23COY12&f=videos&src=tyah

This three minute video explains all you need to know about the 2015 Paris Agreement and how it will help to address climate change and promote the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016, creating binding commitments. The video highlights the need for further ambition by governments and businesses.Track 0 is releasing an animated video - The  in a Nutshell - Inspiring decisive action on climate change, to get on track for a zero emissions future compatible with the Paris Agreement and 1.5°C limit

Over a hundred advanced Conventions, Treaties, Agreements and Frameworks have been globally agreed and put in place during 2016. We decided to take a look at a handful of simpler declarations, of thousands of papers, policies, guidelines and text documents.

In writing Climate Change Centre Reading (CCCRdg) has added 7 current general Declarations on sustainability and protection, women leaders and the global transformation, to deeply consider for local government implementation;

Basque Declarationhttp://conferences.sustainablecities.eu/basquecountry2016/declaration

10 EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE AT EE GLOBAL 2016! – http://eeglobalforum.org/latest-news/10-exciting-announcements-made-at-ee-global-2016

UNEP – Principle 10 and the Bali Guideline – http://www.unep.org/civil-society/Implementation/Principle10/tabid/105013/Default.aspx

Nantes Declaration of climate actors –http://www.climatechance2016.com/uploads/media/5800c65beb61c.pdf

UNACLA Quito Declaration – http://unhabitat.org/unacla-quito-declaration

Global Climate Action Agenda – The “feminization of urbanisation” Roadmap – http://newsroom.unfccc.int/climate-action/global-climate-action-agenda

Belt and Road- New Path to Regional Development –http://www.cn.undp.org/content/china/en/home/operations/projects/south-south-cooperation/global-governance–.html

The Marrakech Vision –
http://www.thecvf.org/marrakech-vision

How can resilient cities buy us time to secure and safeguard our habitats against coming superstorms?

Based on the fact that everything is connected, how do we know which pathways to follow?

The way forward is lasting habitats CO2lutions* enhancing Garden or Wildlife Cities, car free with underground density functions where all of us take on a purpose driven keepers role. These spatial urban aerial habitats are disaster response ready of course.

43 urban innovations that could be applied to the #Reading2050 vision,
https://www2.habitat3.org/bitcache/f1afbb98fec1c3fb8c775ee7b88e4e1334ccd3c9?vid=586936&disposition=inline&op=view

END

* We also need to undertake a work programme under the CP21/New Urban Agenda framework for SDG11 + SDG5 approaches to sustainable safe development with the objective of considering how to enhance linkages and create synergy between, inter alia, mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology transfer and capacity-building, and how to facilitate the implementation and coordination of SDG11 + SDG5 approaches.

 

#WTPD2016 #climatechance #COP22 #innovation #cities #Climathon #CWNYC #Innovationmonth #InnoTrans2016 #Business #RE100 #IoE #Sustainability #ParisAgreement #AccordDeParis #SDG11 #Changemaker #villes #regions #smartcities #startup #energy #entrepreneur #climat #climate #renewable #economy #NetZero #EnergyStorage #sharing #BatteryStorage #Photosyntesis #SBI45 #SBSTA45 #CMA 1 #APA

Reading_ECO4CLIM – Ecopreneurs for the Climate 2016 – 28 Oct 2016 -Global

Reading_ECO4CLIM – Ecopreneurs for the Climate 2016 – 28 Oct 2016 -Global

PressRelease_Reading_ECO4CLIM – Climate Innovation +Jobs Draft Strategy Outcome Document 1 November 2016

The “Ecopreneurs for the Climate” gathered last week in 14 different countries to leverage sustainable businesses tackling climate change – Please see #ECO4CLIM_Rdg

Enclosed our initial, #ECO4CLIM_Rdg “draft strategy outcome document 31 October 2016” from the first Ecopreneurs meeting in Reading. We hope that Reading and its stakeholders will commit to a zero emissions vision together with “green” companies acting as an economic engine for the region.

Climate Change Centre Reading focus on how to reduce cities emissions as quickly as possible. More and more cities set net zero targets between 2040 and 2050. The question is no more when or how much, only how.

It has been a remarkable year with all treaties and agreements, conventions and declarations coming in place being agreed globally. With a staggering incredible development of daily new energy CO2lutions and Climate Innovations, with ongoing new climate preparedness worldwide, we believe local emissions reductions could happen much faster aided by leaders that are committed to taking the crucial right decisions. It is the local government and its stakeholder responsibility to implement zero targets decisions.

As the planet is warming and more and more refugees of food shortage are seeking urban shelter for protection, demanding right to protection, cities need not only adequate housing but adequate climate housing. The cradle of life is ecology, climate innovation for urban growth is where one can have most impact to improve soil, water and air quality for all (Permaculture principles and the unnecessary principle). What is needed is reservation, sustainable use and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity, with the dual objective of mitigating climate change and adapting Reading region to its effects. It is essential to reduce the human footprint whilst the planet’s population is growing.

Target: Thanks to partnerships and companies’ generous contributions this eco-campaign will, in a few years, develop 50 labs across the world / empower more than 500 ecopreneurs / generate 3,000 green jobs and directly avoid hundreds of tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

Please see suggested ECO4CLIM_Rdg Climate Innovation +Jobs Draft Strategy Outcome Document 31 October 2016,
http://media1.tvb-climatechallenge.org.uk/2016/11/ECO4CLIM_Rdg-Climate-Innovation-Jobs-Draft-Strategy-Outcome-Document-31-October-2016.pdf

As the Ecopreneurs of Reading we would like to connect new climate innovation with green business. In the name of Ecopreneurs” green entrepreneurs” US are forming a British Wing (Bat) Flap for climate CO2lutions with the aim to reduce release of carbon dioxide CO2 and other toxic Greenhouse gases and prevent 100’ tonnage from leaking out in to the Greenhouse gas area causing further warming.

We address these direct implications to one day hit the Greater Reading Area as food shortages, hurricanes, disaster relief, flooding, home insurance, wildfires, water scarcity, heat waves, national security, droughts, lost wages and air conditioning #BeforetheFlood

The Global Context; Cities today occupy approximately only 2% of the total land, however:

  • 70% of the Economy (GDP)
  • 60% of Global Energy Consumption (more than)
  • 70% of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  • 70% Global Waste

Zero vision CO2lutions are urgently needed in cities morph into Green business resource Eco systems

Suggested Innovation: Shadow Local Government to voice the people’s sustainable initiatives and create a balance between general stakeholders like business, organisations and academia. “Bridge the gap” to achieve the best possible democratic outcome for the benefit of sustainability, quality of life and long term health indicators.

“Ecopreneurs for the Climate” is rooted on the leadership of its climate organisers, working at the intersection of business and civil society in their communities; the extensive support provided by its sustainable business networks; and the wide reach of its global partners, including Impact Hub, SwitchMed, Green Shift Africa, Ecopreneur.eu, GreenEcoNet, and the NESI Forum.

 

For more information:

For further information, contact ECO4CLIM_Rdg’s Climate Organisers in Reading: Carl Emerson- eco4clim @cccrdg .org .uk alt. Tanja Rebel – tanjarebel @ hotmail .com

Download: PressRelease_Reading_ECO4CLIM – Climate Innovation +Jobs Draft Strategy Outcome Document 1 November 2016

Laboratory of Climate Innovation
Assessment
Objectives:
• Identify challenges arising from the changing climate: mitigation and adaptation / resilience
• Co-create enterprise solutions at the heart of the ecosystems of the green economy

3 challenges of importance to reduce CO2 emissions for Berks region as soon as possible:
• 1 urgent need 2020 is a CO2lution that can be trialled and implemented within 6 months
• 1 medium term need 2030 is a CO2lution that exist but needs to be implemented
• 1 long term need 2050 is a CO2lution that needs innovation

ECO4CLIM_Rdg draft strategy outcome document 31 October 2016 #WorldCitiesDay

#ECO4CLIM_Rdg Climate Innovation +Jobs Draft Strategy Outcome Document 31 October 2016

Ecopreneurs for the Climate in Reading Climate LAB
28 October 2016

Suggested #ECO4CLIM_Rdg Climate Innovation +Jobs Strategy

By 2020:
Empower the local government to create an inclusive accessible city (social inclusion and access to water, sanitation or electricity in high-risk areas) and shared development in accordance with the New Urban Agenda, the UN Habitat III framework. Implement new strategies to meet the sustainable development goals.

  1. Comprehensive Cycle Network
  2. Monthly Car-Free Work-Day, instigated by the Council
  3. 25% Energy Self-Sufficiency from Berkshire renewables (PV roofs rather than panels) and Energy Storage
  4. 25% Food Vegan Self-Sufficiency
  5. Complete pesticides, monsanto and shale gas extraction ban
  6. 25% of new homes Passive House or better
  7. One city area dedicated to a Net Zero district, a green city showcase area.
  8. Hydro-electric Dam up and running
  9. All street lights maximum 3000K CCT + switched off/dimmed after midnight (BLACK NETWORK)
  10. Waste collection system based on same county rules
  11. Planning for disaster response. Prepare an urban climatic emergency evacuation plan, should be preceded by skilled and realistic capacity building effectiveness drills due to post-evacuation considerations and evaluation
  12. Make sure pollution from city growth activities does not increase
    “Improve our understanding of climate risks and opportunities for innovation.
    Continue ongoing work into innovative phosphorus treatment trials for treating
    sewage effluent 2016 – 2020. Assess innovation opportunities that prevent, detect or improve our response to incidents, and build these into existing improvement projects or new research projects 2016 – 2017. Input into a review on innovative construction materials to assess whether they can improve the performance of assets, extend design life and reduce on-going maintenance costs 2016 – 2020. Update our sustainable procurement guidance and tools to incorporate the consideration of those category purchases which have a high vulnerability to climate related risks that may affect the goods, services and works we buy, seeking alternatives through innovation and market development where relevant. 2016 – 2017~EA UK”
  13. Address how existing armed forces and military reserves (civil) can become an urban stakeholder resource and partnership with the civil society and local authorities
  14. Green public institutions that have divested/invested
  15. Organic farming, Char grow, Hemp cultivation and biological corridors (BROWN NETWORK)
  16. Diverse Eco-friendly building materials and pillar construction

By 2030:
Connect regional and local city grids and networks to fulfil Agenda 2030 Global Goals. Fully developed partnership governance

  1. Car Free Town Centre
  2. Comprehensive Tram/Podcar/Monorail Network “Garden Ring”
  3. 50% Energy Self-Sufficiency from Berkshire renewables
  4. 50% Food Self-Sufficiency
  5. 50% of all new homes Passive House or better (25% of old stock)
  6. Air Quality up to WHO standards.
  7. Reading Dark Sky Status
  8. Shaded and underground open spaces
  9. Network of fire corridors, also for wildlife (GREEN NETWORK)
  10. Fully developed decrease plan in place to prevent further urban sprawl
  11. Sharing economy in full bloom
  12. Cradle to cradle “second life” product cycles
  13. Replace pipes with sponge districts to manage rain and flooding risks
  14. Existing armed forces and military reserves become a stakeholder in joint partnership with the civil society and local authorities.
  15. Landmark green vegetation cultural buildings to tackle clean soil, water and air
  16. Implementation of designed layers for restoration and safeguarding of ecosystems and biodiversity
  17. Natural urban rivers and riverbank for flood control (BLUE NETWORK)

By 2050:
Reading City – Clean soil, clean water and clean air to slow global warming

  1. 100% Fossil Free Reading
  2. Reading Garden City with Green Roofs, Shaded Biodiversity Zones, Wildlife Corridors, Incredible Edibles and the right to an allotment for every household.
  3. Comprehensive air-ship docking connectors to Tram/Podcar/Monorail Network “Garden Balloon” for regional transport, heavy duty and tourism.
  4. Covered “Walkable Urbanism” protecting against acid rains
  5. 100% Energy Self-Sufficiency from Berkshire’s renewables
  6. 70% Food Self-Sufficiency
  7. 100% of new homes Passive House or better
  8. Fully developed Climatic Emergency Evacuation Response Programme with specifically designed multi-functional usage protection zones against floods and superstorms, with capacity for 50-100:000 people.
  9. Reading a net producer to Berkshire’s energy grid
  10. Landmark green vegetation infrastructure to tackle clean soil, water, air and wildlife

Ecopreneurs for the climate” was held on 28 October in the Oakwood Centre. With the celebration of this event, Reading joined “the Global Week Green Economy and Climate Movement” which was held in 24 cities around the world, from Barcelona to Tokyo to Santiago de Chile.

In Climate Change Reading Centre’s opinion, the involvement of Reading in this global event “puts the city on the map of the carbon free economy, not only based on numbers but on people, economy and environmental sustainability” and demonstrates “Reading becoming involved in the global city agenda.” When looking at small exclusive groups like Reading 2050 it becomes clear that one cannot work in isolation. Legal frameworks and guidelines for urban sustainable opportunities are essential for a city’s prosperity.”

Carl Emerson-Dam and Tanja Rebel, organisers of the conference, explained the details of the next Conference which will be divided into two parts:

The first part a “LABoratory of Innovation Climate”, will be dedicated to the diagnosis and analysis of climate problems facing Reading, connecting the dots. The second part will consist of the delivery of the “Climate Champions Awards” at the next Climate LAB of end of March singling out sustainable projects. The awards will be divided into two categories: one for established companies and a second, for entrepreneurs with projects still undeveloped. A jury and the public attending the conference will facilitate the prizes.

To participate in the conference, you need to register on the below website and select city www.ecopreneurs4climate.org

Please note that RBC have for three years neglected to apply for the European Green Capital award, a process where you go through and assess 16 development areas to become a green city, giving access to much needed funding. Due to Brexit, there is only one window of opportunity left. European Green Capital is open until 2019

Climate Organiser – Climate Change Center Reading / ECO4CLIM_16
Contact info – eco4clim @ cccrdg .org .uk
On Twitter – @ECO4CLIM_Rdg @ClimateMovement

#climatechance #COP22 #innovation #cities #Climathon #CWNYC #innovationmonth #InnoTrans2016 #Business #RE100 #Sustainability #ParisAgreement #AccordDeParis #SDG11 #Changemaker #villes #regions #smartcities #startup #energy #entrepreneur #climat #climate #renewable #economy #netzero #energystorage #BatteryStorage #Photosyntesis

Get involved and become a sponsor for Ecopreneurs for the Climate in Reading

@ECO4CLIM_Rdg Join the Ecopreneurs for the Climate in Reading “Glocal Week of Green Business for #Climate, #Innovation + #Jobs OCT 24-30”


This is going live in the U.K. in October 28th!

Whether you are a student or an Ecopreneur, whether you are a free-lancer or work in an SME, or even in a large company, as long as you believe change is possible; our contribution makes a true difference for the people and the planet. This is your movement – Inclusive, diverse, fun and transformative. Your generous contribution to this campaign will, in a few years, develop 50 labs across the world / empower more than 500 ecopreneurs / generate 3,000 green jobs and directly avoid hundreds of tons of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

How can you join?

The 2016 edition “ECO4CLIM_Rdg” will take place on October 24-30, 2016. It will comprise of multi-stakeholder eco-innovation workshops and the Climate Champion Awards. **Save the Date28 Oct** ECO4CLIM_Rdg’s coordinators, climate-champion ecopreneurs and global partners participate in prestigious international forums the likes of CLIMATE CHANCE WORLD SUMMIT in France, the Women Leaders and the Global Transformation Summit, the #COP22 Climate Summit in Morocco, or SwitchMed Connect 2016 in Barcelona. Now is the time, participate, add your city or join our ecosystem of partners:

Looking to unlock Reading’s green potential. We will, in three weeks, seek to locate and highlight eight local climate innovations (Eco-preneurs)! Do not hesitate to put forward to us yours or any local low-carbon Innovation that can reduce Reading’s Greenhouse gas emissions footprint!

!Green entrepreneurs for the #Climate, the Global Week of Green Business and the Climate Movement – October 24-30, 2016 #ECO4CLIM16 Climate organiser for #ECO4CLIM_Rdg Please let us know if you like to be trans-boundary involved. We are looking for – Space partner, – Media partners, – Sponsors and – Enablers for Reading Climate Champion Awards 2016 – Email eco4clim @ cccrdg .org .uk

We warmly welcome you to participate in the ECO4CLIM_Rdg Event – Climate, Innovation +Jobs “Glocal Week of Green Business and the #ClimateMovement” Friday 28th October.

eco4clim16

 

Feel free to pledge-as-you-feel to get UK’s first Climate LAB started 🙂

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/join-the-ecopreneurs-for-the-climate-in-reading

 

Planners – White LED Blue Light and its effect on Humans and Wildlife Habitat

WORLDWIDE LED RESPONSIBILITY

Light affects our health and well-being in many ways. White LED’s with blue-rich spectra are being rolled out over the country at an alarming pace, often without proper health or environmental impact assessments. These white LED’s are detrimental to human and wildlife circadian rhythms as well as the view of our night sky. 1,2,3 , Urgent action is needed to ensure installation of LED lights use a warm-white Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) ideally 2700K for the benefit of Public Health, Ecology, Road Safety, and Sky Glow.

BLUE_LIGHT

“Lighting planners and policymakers in local government nowadays need to be very careful in choosing the light class as low as possible, in order to avoid unnecessary over sizing, in using Constant Light Output for luminaires, avoiding cold temperature of LEDs and, above all, seizing the importance of using lighting control systems. The good thing about LEDs is that you can dim and switch on/off easily, and this raises the importance of sensors.”~#Alan2016

There are currently very few solutions that successfully combine an understanding of the physiological effects of light with efficiency and aesthetics. Recently, a number of governmental and non-governmental organisations have provided interesting publications which should be taken into consideration to help ensure benign, safe, and pleasant lighting in our outdoor environment. 4,5,6

The American Planning Association (APA) recommends outdoor LED lighting exclude wavelengths below 500 nanometers. The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) recommends a CCT of maximum 3000K to minimise sky glow and the American Medical Association (AMA) has issued guidelines recommending that blue-rich light is reduced as far as possible in order to protect Public Health.

The American Planning Association (APA) recommends outdoor LED lighting exclude wavelengths below 500 nanometers. 5 The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) recommends a CCT of maximum 3000K to minimise sky glow and the American Medical Association (AMA) has issued guidelines recommending that blue-rich light is reduced as far as possible in order to protect Public Health. 7,8,9,10 In the UK, Public Health England are recommending that councils use a warm colour temperature for street lights to miminise glare and discomfort. 4 Unfortunately, street lighting is currently exempt from the UK nuisance regulations which limit the effects of light and noise on people. Due to a lack of clear guidelines from Central Government, notably the Department for Transport, councils often opt for blue-rich white LED street lights, thus increasing light pollution.

An example may be taken from the situation on the Isle of Wight, where high CCT LED outdoor lighting has been installed, and there was little or no public consultation nor any trials prior to implementation. 11 Reading Borough Council is currently planning to install streetlights with a CCT of 4000K, which is above the recommended level of 2700K, despite awareness of Public Health England having advised otherwise. 12 In contrast, best practice of lighting implementation can be found in Cardiff and Westminster Council. In 2014, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) sent out a survey which collected responses from over 80 local authorities. CPRE has published a document which provides 9 key recommendations based on this evidence and other evidence directly collected by CPRE. 6

The scientific understanding on the visual and non-visual effects of light forms a strong basis of the recommendations to minimise glare and to minimise spectral intensity below 500nm from artificial night time light.1,2,3,13,14,15,16

In 2014, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) sent out a survey which collected responses from over 80 local authorities. CPRE has published a document which provides key recommendations based on this evidence and other evidence directly collected by CPRE:

“It should be clear to planners that outdoor lighting has a multitude of often detrimental effects on the built and natural environments as well as on our health. If existing standards are not adjusted to account for the spectral characteristics of the LED lighting being created and promoted by the lighting industry today, we could, ironically, be faced with higher levels of light pollution, glare, and overlighting…The choice is clear: we can use responsible standards to guide lighting design, or we can continue to allow uncontrolled lighting to degrade our quality of life and negatively impact human health and ecology. Planners have important roles to play in making the former scenario a reality in their communities.” – Bob Parks, APA 5

“Local authorities should give careful consideration to the type of LED lighting they use and consider the potential impacts that higher temperature blue rich lighting has on ecology and on human health… New street lighting should be tested ‘in situ’ before a lighting scheme is rolled out across a wider area to ensure that it is the minimum required for the task and does not cause a nuisance to residents.” – Emma Marington, CPRE 6

The scientific understanding on the visual and non-visual effects of light forms a strong basis of the recommendations to minimise glare and to minimise spectral intensity below 500nm from artificial night time light.

“A National Policy to curb blue-rich light pollution is urgently required”~

 

– Ms Tanja Rebel and Mr Enrico Petrucco, Reading UK

 

All references have been provided as free, full access, internet-accessible sources wherever possible.

  1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0067798
  2. http://www.dynamics.org/~altenber/PROJECTS/MAUI/STARRY_NIGHTS/ARTICLES/Falchi+Cinzano++Haim_limiting.2011.pdf
  3. http://www.johanneroby.net/uploads/3/0/8/8/30887717/lptmm2015-manage-roby.pdf
  4. Public Health England, http://www.lightmare.org/docs/PHE-CIBSE-SLL_LED_report_May2016HRLBL-b.pdf
  5. APA, http://volt.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PAS-Memo_MayJune2014_cr.pdf
  6. CPRE,  http://www.cpre.org.uk/resources/countryside/dark-skies/item/download/3497
  7. IDA, http://bit.ly/28L65Us
  8. IDA guide, http://darksky.org/lighting/led-practical-guide
  9. AMA, http://bit.ly/1XZzsz3
  10. AMA statement, http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/news/news/2016/2016-06-14-community-guidance-street-lighting.page
  11. https://isleofwight.greenparty.org.uk/files/IsleOfWight/Street-lighting-are-we-in-the-dark.pdf
  12. http://www.reading.gov.uk/media/5523/Item-1A/pdf/Item01A.pdf
  13. http://www.sps.ch/en/articles/various-articles/ueber-den-einfluss-des-lichtes-auf-den-menschen/lighting-application-for-non-visual-effects-of-light
  14. http://m.pnas.org/content/112/4/1232.full
  15. http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/2/6/e1600377.full
  16. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022407313004792

Regional Government of Andalusia [PDF]
DECLARATION ON THE USE OF BLUE-RICH WHITE LIGHT SOURCES FOR NIGHTTIME LIGHTING

 

Additional Internet Links and Public Opinion:

https://fluxometer.com/rainbow/#!id=iPad%20Pro/6500K-iPad%20Pro<https://fluxometer.com/rainbow/#%21id=iPad%20Pro/6500K-iPad%20Pro

http://bizled.co.in/bright-bluish-white-leds-disrupt-sleep-says-us-medical-body

http://www.iac.es/adjuntos/otpc/International_Declaration_on_Blue-Rich_Light.pdf

http://www.concordmonitor.com/s-2985214

http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/opposition-calls-for-suspension-of-montreals-led-streetlights-project<http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/opposition-calls-for-suspension-of-montreals-led-streetlights-project

http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/montreals-push-for-outdoor-led-lights-isnt-just-a-night-sky-problem-its-unhealthy-scientists-warn

http://spie.org/newsroom/technical-articles/1015-led-light-pollution

http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/tilehurst-dog-walker-says-new-11220460

http://www.flagstaffdarkskies.org/for-wonks/lamp-spectrum-light-pollution

http://www.ledsmagazine.com/articles/print/volume-12/issue-10/features/street-lights/light-pollution-depends-on-the-light-source-cct.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/streetlights-disrupt-sleep_us_56d51092e4b03260bf780136?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000067

http://uk.businessinsider.com/astronaut-photos-light-polution-led-nasa-esa-2015-8

#Goal13 City Levels Green, Amber or even Red

#Goal13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

The highly developed industrialized nations’ responsibility to combat climate change is obvious and cannot be overestimated. Similar to the issue of sustainable consumption and production patterns, the rich countries need to become leading examples if the goal of combating climate change and its consequences is not to remain mere lip service. Effectively reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions is imperative in this regard. The data displayed in figures 13.1 and 13.2 show how far many OECD countries are still lagging behind compared to the respective benchmark countries of the sample.

13_1

Click on the picture to enlarge

Figure 13.1 provides information on production-based CO2 emissions per capita. “Production-based” means that emissions refer to gross direct CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion, emitted within the national territory excluding bunkers, sinks, and indirect effects. In the fi ve leading countries, Mexico, Turkey, Sweden, Portugal, and Hungary, as well as in sixth-ranked Chile, production based CO2 emissions are below 5 tons per capita. These countries’ performances stand in stark contrast to the respective emission levels of countries placed at the bottom of the list, such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and Luxembourg. Here, CO2 emissions range from 15.3 (Canada) to 19.47 tons per capita (Luxembourg).

13_2

Click on the picture to enlarge

The second snapshot indicator links emission levels to the size of a country’s economy, and refers to total greenhouse gas emissions per GDP. Greenhouse gas emissions include land use, land-use change, and forestry, and are measured in CO2 equivalents as a percentage of GDP (tons per million constant 2005 int. USD PPP). The findings are remarkable: While Sweden is by far the top-performing country with an amount of 66.75 tons, Estonia comes in last place with 680 tons – more than ten times as much as in the case of the leading country. Moreover, Sweden is the only country ranked among the top five on both indicators chosen here.

With regard to greenhouse gas emissions per GDP, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, and France follow in places two to five. In fifth-ranked France, however, emissions are already nearly four times as high as in Sweden. At the negative end of the spectrum, Canada and Australia again find themselves in the bottom group. Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions per GDP amount to 641 tons, which means that the country ranks second to last on both indicators of goal 13.

Source: SDG Index and Dashboards – Global Report

Prague to host the United Nations’ European Habitat Conference #habitat3

Prague

Climate Change Centre Reading, is honored to participate at the UN regional meeting European Habitat Conference as a climate advocate for natural weather shelter / protection of #urbanthinkers. The conference will take place in the Prague Congress Centre, Prague, Czech Republic between March 16 to 18, 2016

Habitat III Europe Regional Meeting “European Habitat” will involve a wide range of participants, that will debate regional priorities for the New Urban Agenda, and policy recommendations in the form of a final regional participants’ declaration. The “European Habitat”, is an international regional conference organised within the framework of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). It is one of five regional commissions of the United Nations, bringing together 56 member countries from Europe, the Balkans, North America and a part of Asia. The event is an official part of preparations for the third global UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development “Habitat III”. Based on a decision of the UN General Assembly adopted in December 2014, this conference should be held in Ecuador in October 2016. The event is being prepared by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). UNO regional conferences are organised by individual regional economic commissions – and it is UNECE that covers the 56 above mentioned member countries (UNECE Member States).

In this regard, “European Habitat” will gather recommendations reflecting the consensus reached at the regional level on sustainable housing and other topics from the spectrum of a proposed New #UrbanAgenda.

Join us at this exciting opportunity to discuss the challenges of Sustainable “Housing in Liveable Cities”.

In the process towards a New Urban Agenda, Habitat III Europe Regional Meeting “European Habitat” will discuss how to ensure access to decent, adequate, affordable and healthy housing for all, with due attention to reducing the impact of the housing sector on the environment. Final declaration from “European Habitat” will be considered official inputs to the Habitat III process. Join us at this exciting opportunity to discuss the challenges of Sustainable Housing in Liveable Cities.

The official outcome of the European Habitat conference will be the Prague Declaration whose draft was discussed in December 2015 at the plenary session of the UNECE Committee on Housing and Land Management, the UNECE executive body for housing and urban development. In October 2014, the Committee discussed and adopted the Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing, which was then approved by UNECE’s Plenary in April 2015 as the official contribution of the relevant region to the Habitat III conference. The Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing is an essential strategic document which the Prague Declaration develops further. The European Habitat is one of the first UN implementing conferences reflecting the goals of UN post-2015 Development Agenda.

Final “Prague Declaration” from “European Habitat” will be considered official inputs to the Habitat III process.

The #UN European Habitat Conference, is part of the roadmap to #Habitat3 in QUITO – OCTOBER 2016.

#TheWorldWeWant #TheCityWeNeed #Futureofplaces #Placemaking #SDG13 #SDGs #FutureofPlaces #COP21 #COP22 #Habitat3 #NewUrbanAgenda #PublicSpace #WUC #TheFutureWeWant #TheCityWeNeed #UrbanSDG #UrbanAction #UrbanThinkers #Youngplacemakers #ClimateAction #OpenSpace

Background

Based on a decision of the UN General Assembly, the city of Quito, Ecuador, will host the third global UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (the “Habitat III conference”) from 17 to 20 October, 2016. These summits take place every twenty years; the first one was organised in June 1976 in Vancouver, Canada, the second summit “Habitat II” took place in June 1996 in Istanbul, Turkey.

The official outcome of the Habitat III summit will be the adoption of the discussed document (New Urban Agenda), responding to development in urban areas, with respect to the ever increasing share of the world’s population living in towns and cities (by 2050 the share will be 70%).

Preparations for the Habitat III summit are carried out according to the procedure approved by UN General Assembly; the process is managed by the Steering Committee of Habitat III.

(UN–Habitat) is the United Nations agency for human settlements and sustainable urban development. It was established in 1978 as an outcome of the First UN Conference on Human Settlements and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat I) held in Vancouver, Canada in 1976. UN-Habitat maintains its headquarters at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Kenya. It is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group. The mandate of UN-Habitat derives from the Habitat Agenda, adopted by the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1996. The twin goals of the Habitat Agenda are adequate shelter for all and the development of sustainable human settlements in an urbanizing world.

Swedish New #Sustainability Act

#RE100

The Swedish government wants to introduce a law that primarily affects 2,000 major Swedish companies to implement a sustainability report. If it goes through it shall enter into force on 1 July 2016. The Act is based on an EU directive in September 2014.

Many believe that the current voluntary sustainability reports deemed to be superficial reports designed to keep the company’s stakeholders in a good mood for sustainability. Some representatives believe that the new law can serve as a decision-making model and thus an effective management tool.

What we know about the law are among others companies to explain how they work with a range of sustainability issues. Current areas to be considered are environmental issues, social issues, issues regarding employment such as work environment, respect for human rights, anti-corruption and bribery.

Description of the diversity policy apply to the company’s board. The goal of the policy and how the policy has been applied and the result of the policy’s implementation. If the company does not apply any diversity policy, the reasons for it noted. Applies only company in the last 2 years, met more than one of the conditions for “big business”.

This bill defines “large companies” of companies that meet at least two of the following conditions. The average number of employees in the company amounts to more than 250 pieces. Total assets will amount to more than 175 million (20 million) or net sales amounted to more than 350 million (40 million euros).

Enterprises of “public interest” is likely to include listed companies, insurance companies and credit institutions Even companies with “social-bearing activity” can be covered and can be comprised of electric utility or other activities in infrastructure and in health care.

Advantages of a sustainability may be that the company has an in-depth dialogue with all stakeholders and understanding of the challenges. Good survey of sustainability activities and the risks and opportunities. More benefits are to involve management in sustainability efforts.

Auditor should verify that the non-financial report has been submitted. No claim today that the report must be certified.

Last but not least, your brand is affected positively by sustainable business. Maybe we dare say that a sustainable business gives your business even more good years on the market.

#RE100