I was lucky enough to have a holiday in Australia recently. (I did offset my flights, of course…..). The highlight was a trip to Tasmania, which proved fascinating. Lots of history, beautiful beaches (I will never forget the miles of pristine white sand and turquoise blue sea at Friendly Beaches on the East Coast), and some excellent wild areas for walking. What struck me was the lively discussion around sustainability … Read more »Ecotourism – a growing market?
Looking Forward To The Green Olympics
Yesterday – 18 April – marked 100 days until the opening of the London Olympics. Like most people, I am very excited at the prospect of the Olympics being held again in London – some of my earliest sporting memories are watching Brendan Foster getting a bronze medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, and then Steve Ovett, Seb Coe and Alan Wells winning gold in Moscow four years later. But the sporting angle aside, I am … Read more »Looking Forward To The Green Olympics
Why South East Asia is so vulnerable to climate change….
Studies show that climate change is affecting nearly all of the world. But the region that I work in, South East Asia, is much more vulnerable than average. A new map, produced by the Hadley Centre (part of the UK’s Met Office), highlights this clearly. The map looks at what impacts we can expect if the average global temperature increases by 4 degrees Celsius – which is the least we … Read more »Why South East Asia is so vulnerable to climate change….
How much are our forests worth? (And our lakes, and our beaches, and our rivers….)
Recently I have taken part in some meetings with South East Asian countries to discuss “The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity” – or TEEB. Jointly organised by the British Government and the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, the meetings have highlighted how we need to correctly value natural resources in a country’s economic planning – and that if we don’t do this, it can lead to wrong choices and decisions. That may sound a very technical … Read more »How much are our forests worth? (And our lakes, and our beaches, and our rivers….)
Floods and Migration in Thailand
Guest Blog by Kanyasorn Tansubhapol The recent floods in Thailand have had not only profound impacts on people’s livelihoods, but also caused lots of damage to their houses and properties, affecting over 2.5 million people nationwide. Hundreds of thousands of residents became internally displaced almost overnight. The prolonged floods since late July have ravaged 30 provinces in the North, Northeast and Central regions, including Bangkok – the capital city of … Read more »Floods and Migration in Thailand
E-ideas – innovation and creativity for a sustainable planet
I was in Jakarta recently, and lucky enough to take part in an event to celebrate the “e-ideas” project. Organised by the British Council, and generously supported by LRQA, the programme has challenged young entrepreneurs to design innovative and creative businesses that promote sustainability. I met some of the winners from countries around Asia and the Pacific. The ideas were very impressive. For example, one winner had designed a system … Read more »E-ideas – innovation and creativity for a sustainable planet
Vietnam – Storms, Floods and Food
Guest Blog by Le Bich Vietnam has had severe weather problems recently. Between 12 and 28 September, heavy rain occurred in the country, as well as in north and central Burma, Thailand, and northern Lao PDR. This, combined with high tides, resulted in water levels rising in the Mekong river, reaching critical levels in early October. Between 28 September and 5 October three tropical storms/typhoons hit the coast. Tropical Storm Haitang made landfall in the central provinces of … Read more »Vietnam – Storms, Floods and Food
Typhoon Nesat hits the Philippines – Vulnerability to Climate Hazards
Guest Blog by Ros Arayata On 26 September 2009, the Philippines made international news when Supertyphoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) hit Metro Manila and 16 provinces. Ondoy’s wrath affected over 900,000 families, resulted in 464 deaths and brought damage to infrastructure and agriculture at an estimated cost of £160 million. It was recorded as the worst flooding the metropolis had seen in nearly 40 years. On 27 September 2011, one … Read more »Typhoon Nesat hits the Philippines – Vulnerability to Climate Hazards
The Korean Low Carbon Experience
Guest blog by Yoona Jo, Climate Change Director at the British High Commission, Singapore. So many people write on climate change these days that I was puzzled when John asked me to contribute to his FCO blog. What could I say that might be of interest for readers? But let me first introduce myself; my name is Yoona Jo and I work as Climate Change Director at the British High … Read more »The Korean Low Carbon Experience
Cut Emissions, Make Money
I have been to a number of events recently that have discussed a low carbon economy. Many participants have expressed interest in the idea, but wanted more information. In particular, one recurrent theme was "I would like to take action to reduce my greenhouse gas emissions - but it would cost too much, and I need to remain competitive!". Yet, the view that reducing emissions will always cost money is a false one. A number … Read more »Cut Emissions, Make Money