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Environment and climate change

The Commonwealth at COP28

30 November 2023 to 12 December 2023
(GMT)
Event
The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – or the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 – will take place from 30 November to 12 December 2023, at Expo City Dubai, UAE.

Commonwealth Secretariat and UK Government Collaborate on Training Ahead of Key Plastics Treaty Negotiations

In a move to bolster treaty negotiations for an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the UK Government through the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have convened a training programme for Commonwealth government officials.
Read news - Commonwealth Secretariat and UK Government Collaborate on Training Ahead of Key Plastics Treaty Negotiations

Improving Energy Literacy

This report identifies a path to improving energy literacy across the Commonwealth, with a particular perspective on the needs of small states and developing countries. The objective is to identify a path to improve overall awareness and literacy that will underpin a transition to diminished climate impacts from energy production and use supported by decision-makers and consumers. ‘Energy literacy’ in this report reflects not only improved understanding of the role and operation of energy ‘systems’, but support for public and private investment in the long-term transition to climate friendly technology that continues to support consumer demand and economic growth.
Read publication - Improving Energy Literacy

Commonwealth environment and climate ministers meet for first time to chart a course towards stronger climate action

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York yesterday the Commonwealth marked a historic moment as the inaugural Commonwealth Environment and Climate Ministers Meeting (CECMM) convened, uniting ministers, distinguished speakers, and representatives from Commonwealth member states, partner organisations and stakeholders.
Read news - Commonwealth environment and climate ministers meet for first time to chart a course towards stronger climate action

Op-ed: The fierce urgency of now

In 1967, American civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King said in a speech, "we are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as being too late." For far too many in the world today affected by our changing climate, this statement is an urgent truth.
Read news - Op-ed: The fierce urgency of now

Blog: Integrating human rights into renewable energy transition

At the 2023 Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Forum, Dr Shavana Haythornthwaite, Head of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Human Rights Unit, highlighted the importance of integrating human rights into the transition to renewable energy. In this blog, she delves into the challenges and opportunities associated with this integration, shedding light on its significance.
Read news - Blog: Integrating human rights into renewable energy transition

Ask the Expert: Labanya Prakash Jena, Commonwealth Regional Climate Finance Adviser Indo-Pacific

Labanya Prakash Jena served as the Commonwealth Regional Climate Finance Adviser, Indo-Pacific Region at the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH) from 2021 to 2023. To date, more than US$8 million in climate finance has been mobilised for the region, with the support of CCFAH. Nearing the end of his tenure, Labanya shares some insights about the region and his work.
Read news - Ask the Expert: Labanya Prakash Jena, Commonwealth Regional Climate Finance Adviser Indo-Pacific