Latest content: Environment and climate change

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Starting this week, a series of high-level ministerial meetings will bring together representatives from across the Commonwealth to engage in vital discussions ahead of next month's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). These strategic conversations, taking place in the margins the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, are crucial for preparing for CHOGM, scheduled for 21-26 October in Samoa. 
Read news - ​​​​​​​Commonwealth ministers to meet in New York for strategic discussions ahead of CHOGM 2024
The importance of the world’s ocean for human societies and environmental health can hardly be overstated. Approximately 3 billion people across the world rely on a healthy ocean for their food security and livelihoods. The goods and services coastal and oceanic environments provide are conservatively worth US$3 trillion to the global economy per year, equivalent to the fifth-largest economy by gross domestic product in 2015. However, the health of the ocean is under significant threat, facing simultaneous, serious and growing threats from climate change, over-exploitation, pollution and biodiversity loss.

Yet funding thus far has been insufficient. Despite the critical need to protect the ocean and the many mutually beneficial reasons for greater action on ocean issues, Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life under water, is the least funded of all the SDGs by a significant margin. The magnitude of blue finance flows (i.e., finance directed towards sustainable ocean-related activities) is currently too small to meet the scale of the problem.
Read publication - A Commonwealth Guide to Availability and Opportunities in Sustainable Blue Finance
The Kingdom of Tonga has received grant funding from the Global Climate Fund (GCF) to fight the impact of extreme climate events. Tonga was supported in this initiative by the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), and successive Climate Finance Advisers contributed to the project document that secured these vital funds.
Read news - The Kingdom of Tonga secures US$23m in grant funding to reduce climate risks and improve coastal resilience
Today at the 14th Annual Gulf Research Meeting, Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC delivered a keynote address highlighting the critical need for robust climate action and finance to support countries vulnerable to climate disasters.
Read news - In wake of Hurricane Beryl, Commonwealth advocates for global cooperation and climate finance at Gulf Research Meeting
Last week, insurance stakeholders, climate resilience experts, and representatives from the public and private sectors, gathered at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters to share ideas on an integrated approach to combatting losses from drought. In particular, buffering the effect of drought on farmers was discussed.
Read news - The Commonwealth Secretariat and UNCCD propose climate protection mechanism for farmers
We need energy that doesn't harm the environment and won't run out! That's what we call 'sustainable energy'. By the year 2030, we want to make sure everyone has affordable, reliable, clean and sustainable energy. This means we need to work together and make big changes in how we make and use energy.

The Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Youth Action Group (CSET Youth) is a youth-led action-oriented working group that represents youth and young professionals from across the 56 Commonwealth countries to accelerate the sustainable energy transition.
Terrestrial ecosystems and the services they provide are fundamental to human well-being. However, they face an increasing triple threat from climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss.

On current trends, 95 per cent of the Earth’s land areas could become degraded by 2050. Similarly, despite ongoing efforts, biodiversity is deteriorating at a global scale, and this decline is projected to continue or worsen. Further, climate change puts the well-being of billions of Commonwealth citizens at risk, especially those residing in small island developing states (SIDS) and other vulnerable states. Collectively, these challenges will impede the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout the Commonwealth.
Read publication - The Commonwealth Living Lands Charter: Implementation Framework
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, will be in Antigua and Barbuda next week for the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). The conference, taking place from 27-30 May 2024, aims to establish a bold new programme of action to support the sustainability and resilience of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) over the next decade.
Read news - Commonwealth Secretary-General to Advocate for Small States at UN SIDS4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda
9 May 2024 to 9 May 2024
(BST (UK time))
Event
The Commonwealth Secretariat and PATH are hosting an event titled "One Health Approach: Moving from Siloed Thinking to Smart and Systemic Action" on Thursday, 9 May 2024, at Marlborough House in London, UK. This event will gather esteemed global leaders, policymakers, and experts to address the critical intersection of human and planetary health.
Last month, the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH), in partnership with the Government of Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, conducted a Climate Finance Write-shop in Suva, Fiji. Among the professionals gathered for the learning event were key stakeholders from the governments of Fiji, Tuvalu, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia
Read news - 44 Pacific climate stakeholders benefit from practical capacity-building training in Fiji
This toolkit offers practical guidance on how to implement gender-responsive practices in marine conservation, fisheries, maritime transportation and tourism, in order to empower women and gender minorities and unlock the full potential of sustainable blue economies. Based on research and stakeholder consultations, and designed to provide clear guidance on meaningfully integrating gender perspectives into ocean policies and practices through practical guidance and best practices, the toolkit should serve as a valuable resource for it is an invaluable resource for policymakers, organisations and individuals dedicated to advancing gender equity in ocean sectors.
Read publication - Turning the Tides of Inclusion: A Toolkit for Gender Equality in Ocean Sectors
The Disaster Resilience Hub aims to enhance climate resilience and disaster preparedness in Commonwealth communities by providing a holistic solution and point of reference to assist member countries in implementing mitigation and adaptation measures, establishing effective early warning systems, promoting community engagement, and building capacity at the local and national levels.