PAGE CHINA NEWS FOR THE GREEN JOBS WORKING GROUP - MAY 2022
EVENTS
EU-China Labour Dialogue - Social and employment aspects of green transition
2022-05-31, Brussels-Beijing (online)
On 31 May, the tenth EU-China Dialogue on Employment and Social Affairs was held online. Mr TANG Tao, Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Security (MOHRSS), and Mr Joost KORTE, Director General, DG EMPL, European Commission, attended the opening session and delivered speeches. The two sides conducted in-depth exchanges on social and employment impacts of green transition. Social partners from EU and China also participated actively in the exchange. Dr Cristina Martinez, ILO Senior Specialist Environment and Decent Work, Asia Pacific Coordinator – Green Jobs & Just Transition, set the scene by introducing the Climate Action for Jobs Initiative and the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transition.
78th ESCAP Commission - Launching Event: A just energy transition in Southeast Asia: The impact of coal phase-out on jobs
2022-05-24 ILO and UN IBC on Raising Ambitions on Climate Actions – Working Group coal phase-out [ESCAP-UNEP-ILO-UNFCCC-UNOPS]
As part of the 78th ESCAP Commission, the ILO held a Launch Event titled a “Just energy transition in Southeast Asia. The event garnered global participation with over 90 participants on-line and on site, including high level representation from the partner agencies of the UN Issue Based Coalition (IBC) on Raising Ambitions on Climate Actions – Working Group on coal phase-out (ESCAP, UNEP, ILO -UNFCCC, and UNOPS). The Launch Event highlighted the report titled “A Just Energy Transition in Southeast Asia - the impacts of coal phase-out on jobs” that discusses the need to ensure a just transition while phasing out coal examining the cases of Indonesia, the Philippines and Viet Nam. The report sets out a framework of cooperation for a just energy transition in partnership with national, regional and local actors to work to mitigate the negative socio-economic effects of coal phase-out and to maximize its transformative opportunities for mining communities to foster a better future.
LEARNING AND SHARING OPPORTUNITIES
ISF-ILO webinar #1 on ‘Garment sector of the future – themes and implications from the SIDA-ILO
Decent Work in the Garment Supply Chains in Asia project’
7 June 2022, 2pm BKK, 9am CET, Online
Sustainable and responsible production is an ongoing goal for the textile and garment sector. The agenda is rapidly changing, with many industry stakeholders committing to net zero targets, increasing due diligence and transparency requirements. This, combined with the ongoing pressures of resource availability and cost, has led to evolving business models and significant changes in the way the sector
competes and collaborates. This seminar, co-hosted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) – explores the future of the garment sector.
Registration and Zoom link: https://zoom.uts.edu.au/j/84608869757
WHAT WE'RE READING
China
Wide consensus made at Davos on global crises
2022-05-28 Source: China Daily
While the conflict in Ukraine, price inflation, food and energy security, and climate change have dominated the World Economic Forum in Davos, experts say progress has been made on understanding the scale of implications of the crises and its multilayered spillover effects globally.
Discussions at the annual meeting emphasized that international cooperation remains the primary means to address common global risks and to avoid global economic fragmentation. During the annual meeting, China announced to plant and conserve 70 billion trees within 10 years to green the planet, combat climate change and increase forest carbon sinks. Experts also called for greater efforts from all countries to further climate commitments, restore global supply chains, and cope with the ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine crisis on the world economy.
Envoys agree on necessity of climate action
2022-05-26 Source: China Daily
China's special climate envoy, Xie Zhenhua, has said the world "cannot abandon" the Paris Agreement on climate change, and his United States counterpart, John Kerry, has said countries should not use the Russia-Ukraine conflict as an excuse to let up on the climate fight.
Despite some progress, global carbon emissions increased by 6 percent and coal-generated power use went up 9 percent in 2021, according to the International Energy Agency. More recently, the Russia- Ukraine conflict has disrupted gas supplies and prices, prompting several developed nations to explore new domestic fossil fuel projects in order to bolster energy security.
"In Davos, we are facing an even greater challenge than before," Xie said while participating in a panel discussion with Kerry, who is the US special presidential envoy for climate.
Forging solid BRICS foundation for tackling global climate change
2022-05-25 Source: Xinhua
The BRICS countries held multiple high-level environmental conferences recently and have renewed their joint commitment to tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development. These countries,
representing around 42 percent of the world population and one fifth of the global GDP, have laid a solid foundation for the international governance on climate change through concrete actions in carbon reduction and pragmatic cooperation for green growth.
China steps up efforts to control new pollutants
2022-05-25 Source: Xinhua
China has announced moves to intensify its battle against new pollutants to improve environmental protection. Generated in the production or use of hazardous chemicals such as pesticides, these new pollutants include persistent organic pollutants, endocrine disruptors, and antibiotics. Such pollution poses risks to the environment and human health but is not currently effectively treated in the country. The State Council has recently released an action plan to strengthen the control of new pollutants. It vowed to improve the country's treatment capacity significantly by 2025.
China to improve national wildlife protection
2022-05-24 Source: China Daily
China will have 75 percent of its wild animals and 80 percent of its wild plants on land under the national key protection system by 2025, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration said. Its announcement took place on Sunday to coincide with the International Day for Biological Diversity, the theme of which this year was "Building a shared future for all life".
Lower energy consumption intensity reflects China’s commitment to green shift
2022-05-20 Source: Xinhua
As part of its efforts to foster a greener and more sustainable economy, China, the world's largest energy producer and consumer, is rapidly reducing the intensity of its energy consumption. In 2021, the country's energy intensity -- energy consumption per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) -- decreased by 2.7 percent from the previous year, and the decline came as the energy intensity fell by 28.7 percent from 2011 to 2020, one of the fastest reductions in the world.
China speeds up green, low-carbon transformation of data centers
2022-05-20 Source: People’s Daily
The rapid proliferation of green data centers in China may be attributed to the rapid development of the country's digital economy, which is driving a wave of green transformation among traditional data centers and resulting in the continual expansion of newly developed ones. The number of data centers, known as the cornerstone of digital economy, has increased exponentially in China in recent years. However, their escalating energy consumption is causing growing worry, despite their impressive computer capacity.
China to highlight green, low-carbon development philosophy in school education
2022-05-07 Source: Xinhua
China is looking to highlight the green and low-carbon development philosophy in school education to increase public awareness in this regard. According to a work plan released by the country's Ministry of Education, educational institutions are to integrate the development philosophy in their curricula and hold relevant educational activities extensively.
India
Energy transition to renewable energy must be just, equitable and ecologically responsible: Experts
2022-05-31 Source: Economic Times
As India races to increase its share of renewable energy as part of its ambitious climate action plan, experts underscored the need for the entire renewable energy spectrum to ensure energy equity, ecological responsibility and livelihood protection of the vulnerable communities during the energy transition from fossil fuels. It is part of the Vision and Principles released by the Responsible Energy India (REI) that seeks a socially just, ecologically safe, and rights respecting renewable energy sector as the country aims to achieve 500GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Germany, India sign $10.5b clean energy accord
2022-05-24 Source: China Daily
Germany and India signed on Monday a series of bilateral agreements focused on sustainable development that will see the latter receive 10 billion euros ($10.5 billion) in aid by 2030 to boost the use of clean energy.
Wheat export ban: India’s extreme heat wave having ripple effects on world’s food supply
2022-05-16 Source: Times of India
In a surprise move, the government banned export of wheat, thereby pushing up prices to new record highs. At least 10-15% of the wheat crop was destroyed in the north, the country’s most productive region, due to extreme heat conditions which overtaxed the plant and prevented it from forming any grain.
State-owned Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) to set up green hydrogen plant in Madhya Pradesh
2022-05-12 Source: Economic Times
State-owned GAIL (India) Ltd will build one of India's largest proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer at Guna in Madhya Pradesh to produce green hydrogen by the end of 2023, as it looks to supplement its natural gas business with carbon-free fuel. In a statement, GAIL said it has awarded the contract to set up the PEM-based project that will produce 4.3 tonnes of green hydrogen per day (about 10 MW capacity) - one of the largest so far in the country.
Indonesia
Ministry develops innovative instruments for environmental protection
2022-05-31 Source: Antara News
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry is developing innovative financing instruments such as green sukuk or sharia-based bonds for environmental protection and management. The initiative is also accompanied by the establishment of the Environmental Fund Management Agency (BPDLH). However, the strategies need to be combined not only by the government but also by all stakeholders, including from the business via its CSR (corporate social responsibility).
‘We Have to Make Peace with Nature’: UN Deputy Chief meets inspiring young climate leaders in Indonesia
A portable solar generator in a black case, and an eggplant grown in organic soil, were among the diverse items that a group of young climate leaders in Jakarta shared with the UN Deputy Secretary- General Amina Mohammed this weekend, embodying their own personal inspiration, and efforts to advance the fight against climate change.
She was in the Indonesian capital ahead of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, taking place this week on the island of Bali.
Indonesia wants to bag EV riches, but locals are split over what it means for them
2022-05-15 Source: Chanel News Asia
In 2021, Indonesia was the biggest nickel producer in the world. About 22 per cent of the world’s known nickel reserves are in the archipelago. This motivates Indonesia to be a global player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. While the economic case may appear to be clear cut, not all locals are convinced. Environmental analysts also believe the path Indonesia is taking to fulfil its objective may come at a huge cost, unless regulations are adhered to closely. With EVs being the trend for the future and the country ambition to capitalize it, what Indonesia needs to do is minimize all possible environmental risks to ensure that the economic activity, including the mining, will not hurt the people and their land.
Banks bet big on coal in Indonesia, bucking global shift away from fossil fuel
A surge in coal prices is driving a wave of bank loans to miners in Indonesia. By continuing to finance the fossil fuel industry, banks like Citigroup, BNP Paribas and Standard Chartered are making it harder for Indonesia to transition to clean, renewable energy.
The increase in lending to coal miners in Indonesia bucks a global trend that has seen financial institutions and investors increasingly avoid coal and other fossil fuel industries because of their environmental and
climate impacts. Energy policy experts say that besides risking reputational damage, the banks financing Indonesia’s current coal boom could be left holding a lot of bad debt once the cycle inevitably turns into a bust.
Indonesia’s green taxonomy walks a tightrope in balancing industries of the past and the future
In January 2022, Indonesia launched the country’s first green taxonomy. Unlike other taxonomies, Indonesia’s green taxonomy applies the traffic light system to represent the types of activities from a sustainability lens: green for activities that “protect or improve the environment”, yellow for activities “not significantly harmful to the environment”, and red for activities “harmful to the environment”.
The concept is interesting. Using road rules as interpretation, investments in Indonesia’s green activities could then be deemed as “proceed as is”, yellow as “prepare to stop”, and red as “stop immediately”.
However, anyone familiar with Indonesian traffic rules would know that, in practice, the meaning of the yellow light is subjective and varies in application. It can mean “accelerate (and slip through…)” or “slow down to a complete stop”. Frankly, it’s usually the former.
Mongolia
EU, NGOs speak about sustainable consumption and production in the agri-food and beverage sector
2022-05-31 Source: Montsame
The EU Delegation, NGOs, students, and concerned citizens gathered to discuss issues and solutions around the environmental impact of the agri-food and beverage sector during the launch of the Switching On the Green Economy Project. According to the latest IPCC reporting, across nearly all sectors, GHG emissions have continued to grow at high absolute rates – causing climate scientists and activists to raise alarm once again.
Thailand
Microsoft joins forces with EGAT to boost operations with digital transformation and create energy innovations that drive Thailand towards green economy and zero-carbon society
2022-05-22 Source: EGAT
Mr. Dhanawat Suthumpun, Managing Director of Microsoft Thailand, and Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit, Governor of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a collaboration between EGAT and Microsoft Thailand under the joint goal of value creation for EGAT through digital transformation. The ceremony – which was held at Meeting Room 1, 19th floor, EGAT 50th Anniversary Building, Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province – was also witnessed by ML Chayotid Kridakon, Thai Trade Representative and Advisor to Prime Minister together with other C-suite executives from both parties.
UN NEWS
5 things you should know about the UN Ocean Conference, a chance to save the planet’s largest ecosystem
2022-05-27 Source: UN News
The Ocean is the planet’s largest ecosystem, regulating the climate, and providing livelihoods for billions. But its health is in danger. The second UN Ocean Conference, due to take place in June, will be an important opportunity to redress the damage that mankind continues to inflict on marine life and livelihoods.
‘Think resilience’ to protect against climate and other catastrophes
2022-05-27 Source: UN News
More countries must “think resilience”, and urgently adopt and improve early warning systems to reduce
risks from an increasing number of disasters across the world, a UN disaster forum concluded on Friday.
Delegates from some 184 countries gathered in Bali for the 2022 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction where they reviewed efforts to protect communities against a rising number of climate hazards and other catastrophes globally.
The summit concluded with an outcome document entitled the Bali Agenda for Resilience, which aims to prevent the world from facing 1.5 disasters a day by 2030, as cited last month in the Global Assessment Report.
‘Don’t work for climate wreckers’ UN chief tells graduates, in push to a renewable energy future
2022-05-24 Source: UN News
Today’s college graduates can become the generation to succeed “where my generation has failed” the UN chief said on Tuesday, urging the class of 2022, not to work for “climate wreckers” in industries that continue to profit from fossil fuels.
UN action plan for clean, affordable energy by 2030 announced
2022-05-24 Source: China Daily
The United Nations launched its Energy Plan of Action on Wednesday to gain clean, affordable energy for all by 2030, a UN spokesman said. The plan sets out steps for collective action by 30 entities of the world body and international organizations to achieve the massive pledge they made at the High-level Dialogue on Energy last September, said Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
'Build a shared future for all life', urges UN chief on Biodiversity Day
2022-05-22 Source: UN News
Three-quarters of the land-based environment and about 66% of the marine environment have been
significantly altered by human actions. On the International Day for Biological Diversity, the UN Secretary-
General urged to end the ‘senseless and destructive war against nature’.
Climate change threatening access to water and sanitation
2022-05-20 Source: UN News
Climate change is set to increase pressure significantly on people’s access to water and sanitation unless governments do more to prepare key infrastructure now, the UN warned on Friday.
‘Lifeline’ of renewable energy can steer world out of climate crisis: UN chief
2022-05-18 Source: UN News
Greenhouse gas concentrations, sea level rises, ocean heat levels and acidification, all set new records during 2021, while some glaciers reached the point of no return, according to the latest flagship report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), published on Wednesday.
The State of the Climate 2021 indicates that extreme weather – the day-to-day face of climate change – wreaked a heavy toll of human lives, triggered shocks for food and water security, and led to hundreds of billions of dollars in economic losses last year
Calling the report, a “dismal litany of humanity’s failure to tackle climate disruption”, UN Secretary- General António Guterres said that while time is running out to prevent the worst impacts of the climate crisis, there is a ‘lifeline’ right in front of us.
“We must end fossil fuel pollution and accelerate the renewable energy transition before we incinerate
our only home… Transforming energy systems is low-hanging fruit”, he emphasized in a video message.
Highlighting that renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar are readily available and in most cases, cheaper than coal and other fossil fuels, the UN chief proposed five critical actions to jump-start the energy transition, which he called the “peace project of the 21st century”.
World ‘at a crossroads’ as droughts increase nearly a third in a generation
2022-05-12 Source: UN News
Humanity is “at a crossroads” when it comes to managing drought and accelerating ways of slowing it down must happen “urgently, using every tool we can”, said the head of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on Thursday, calling for a global commitment to support drought preparedness and resilience.
Climate: World getting ‘measurably closer’ to 1.5-degree threshold
2022-05-09 Source: UN News
There is a 50:50 chance of average global temperature reaching 1.5 degrees Celcius above pre-industrial levels in the next five years, and the likelihood is increasing with time, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), published on Tuesday in Geneva. The Global Annual to
Decadal Climate Update also reveals a 93 per cent likelihood of at least one year between 2022 to 2026 becoming the warmest on record, thus knocking 2016 from the top spot.
Natural resources must be ‘part of the solution’ in fight against deforestation
2022-05-03 Source: UN News
Between 2010 and 2018, the rate of deforestation worldwide slowed by nearly 30 per cent compared to the previous ten years, according to a key report launched on Tuesday by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The Global Forest Resources Assessment Remote Sensing Survey warned however, that from livestock grazing in South America to the expansion of croplands in Asia, the earth’s tropical rainforests still face a tremendous threat.
ILO welcomes G7 call to make a just transition to a green economy happen
2022-05-24 Source: ILO
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has welcomed the G7 Labour and Employment Ministers commitment to take concrete action in support of a just transition and the creation of decent work for a green economy, as outlined in the Ministerial Declaration issued at the end of their meeting in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Tourism has potential to play a major role in global pandemic recovery
2022-05-06 Source: ILO
With the right policies the tourism sector can play a major role in the global COVID-19 recovery, provided that an enabling environment for sustainable enterprises is established and the jobs created are decent and support social and economic progress.
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