Imagine If We All Cared More - It's A Stretch, I Know

Imagine, OK yes, I know this is asking a lot! But just take a deep breath and go on a mental journey with me for a few precious minutes. If I asked you now,  just for a little sliver of your time to shed every bias of humanity you have developed; wittingly or unwittingly. I would be the first to proclaim “I am not biased. We are all human”. But I want you to dig deeper – just for a few minutes – shed the guardrails – and drill down, we all harbor biased thoughts, even the best of us, one way or another. Whether it’s from our upbringing, rumors, news reports, propaganda, or hushed whispers across rooms; it is every present.

Throughout history, man has plundered, murdered, decimated, conquered, humiliated, and destroyed humans in the name of power, fame, color, country, and a host of validations. A species so intelligent yet we have shed so much human blood on this planet.  And I know, the unanswered question is “What can I do? Those who buck the norm are usually banished, locked away,  killed, or silenced”.  But just for a moment, walk with me…

Imagine a world where kindness is universal, where generosity and equality are a fundamental truth rather than an anomaly. Earth where people would treat one another with respect, irrespective of race, nationality, politics, religion, or any man-made difference, carving a path to real human connection, appreciation, and understanding.

Our children would grow up seeing diversity as a strength, learning from each other's cultures and experiences without fear or prejudice. What if Nations would collaborate, pooling resources and knowledge for the betterment of humanity, rather than hatred, fighting, and muscling their way to power, wealth, and nuclear arsenal?

In this new world, society would prioritize the well-being of all its people. How about we look out for one another, driven by compassion rather than misplaced competition? (Don’t misunderstand, competition is awesome, but misplaced it is not!) Governments would focus on creating policies that ensure equal access to healthcare, education, and opportunities. Violence born of hatred and misunderstanding, would fade away, replaced by dialogue, empathy, and peacebuilding.

The spirit of unity would extend not just to humanity but to all living creatures, fostering a planet where harmony and sustainability thrive, Environmental care would not be a hoax but a strong sense of protecting  Earth, it’s our shared home.

In this world, the barriers we create between ourselves—whether through borders, skin color, or beliefs—would eventually crumble, upholding leaders who make decisions based on the shared goal of human flourishing. Just imagine… OK, the moment has passed, and you are back to the real Earth!

About the Author: Ms. Nadira Haniff is an Entrepreneur, Consultant, and Business Strategist with a keen focus on Finance & Capital Development for Projects and Initiatives that improve Humanity's quality of life. With a relentless passion for Social equality, eradicating Food Insecurity, and overall Socio-Economic upliftment of communities, Ms. Haniff bears the torch, collaborating with the movers and shakers of the World to solve the pressing challenges of Climate Change, and other major global crises.

The Price Of Climate Change Is High - Who Pays?

In 2024 it is no secret that climate change is heightening existing humanitarian crises globally and generating new ones in already vulnerable communities.

Experts warn that substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions—such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—stemming from activities like fossil fuel use and deforestation are crucial to halt the rise in global temperatures and its catastrophic impacts.

Extreme weather events associated with global warming affect countries regardless of their GDP or wealth, as evidenced by recent deadly floods in Europe, unprecedented floods in China, and a mix of hurricanes and severe winter temperatures in the United States.

However, wealthier nations generally have more resources to cope with the impacts of climate change, whereas lower-income countries often lack such resources.

COUNTRIES MOST AT RISK OF CLIMATE CHANGE:

• Chad: Floods and increasing military conflict affecting the entire nation.

• Somalia: Severe drought and extreme food insecurity.

• Syria: Drought and earthquakes.

• Yemen: Drought and food insecurity.

• Democratic Republic of Congo: Floods and escalating food insecurity.

• Afghanistan: Experiencing both drought and flooding.

• South Sudan: Ranked 7th most vulnerable - Floods in late 2022 impacted over 900,000 people.

• Central African Republic: Cholera and other waterborne diseases.

• Nigeria: Flooding and food insecurity.

• Ethiopia: Severe drought

The stark and shocking reality is that 50% of all countries receive less than $4 per person per year in climate finance for both mitigation and adaptation efforts. How does 65 cents per person per year sound?

• Sudan receives only about $1 per person per year in total climate finance – that’s for both mitigation and adaptation.

• Two billion people lack water services that can endure climate-related challenges – that’s 25% of the World’s population. And we know, without doubt, that access to a reliable water supply is crucial for mitigating both immediate and future climate change impact

• 77 cents per person per year. In countries where more than 10% of the population does not have access to nearby water, climate finance for water service adaptation averages less than 77 cents per year

• 65 cents per person per year. The ten countries with the lowest levels of access to nearby water receive an average of just 65 cents per person per year in climate finance for water service adaptation.

We still have a very long way to go, and much work ahead to be able to recalibrate and address these very significant global challenges.

About the Author: Ms. Nadira Haniff has over the years focused keenly on Finance & Capital Development for Projects that improve the quality of life of Humanity. With a relentless passion for Social equality, eradicating Food Insecurity, and overall socio-economic upliftment of communities, Ms. Haniff bears the torch and collaborates with the movers and shakers of the World to solve the pressing challenges of Climate Change and other major crises.

CAN 198 NATIONS MEET THE MOST URGENT DEMANDS AT COP28?

COP28 in Dubai (Conference of the Parties) has kicked off with much anticipation and a plethora of hopeful, sustainable solutions to combat climate change. 2023 is most likely to go down in the books as the hottest year on record. World leaders from 197 countries and the European Union gathered to work together, striving to keep the global temperature increase no more than 1.5 Celsius above the pre-industrial level and pushing for net-zero emissions by 2050. Our World is currently at 1.2C above this level.

At this year’s COP28 Summit, each of these Nations' report cards will be assessed since the commitment of each at the 2015 Paris Agreement. To get even close to the 1.5C target, it means we must collectively cut emissions in half by 2030, that’s only seven years from today! As COP28 participants regroup, refocus, and reenergize their solutions, policies, financial commitments, and actions it is clear that heavy emphasis is on the following:

Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency can significantly reduce emissions in transportation, buildings, manufacturing, and other major industries. This involves adopting energy-saving technologies, better insulation, efficient appliances, and optimizing manufacturing processes. There is a new, showstopping, game-changing technology, which multiplies output by 7 times the input and significantly reduces the use and cost of energy. Governments and Agencies need to implement policies to accelerate and streamline the process of renewable energy permits, modernize grids, solve supply chain bottlenecks, and ensure secure integration of variable renewables.

Renewable Energy: Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power) significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and requires investment in renewable energy infrastructure. While there have been big innovative strides in this direction, we still have a long way to go. Demand for fossil fuels needs to be reduced by 25% minimum by 2030 and by some 80% by 2050 if we are to get close to net zero.

Transportation/Electrification: Transitioning from gasoline and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and investing in charging infrastructure have the potential to reduce emissions by nearly 20% by 2030. Electrification not only reduces emissions but also quantifiable enhances air quality. Cost and affordability are also significant factors in this rollout.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Innovative methods & systems of developing and deploying carbon capture technologies can reduce CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. Captured carbon can be stored or utilized.

Nature-Based Solutions: Protection and restoration of forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems can work collectively in naturally absorbing carbon dioxide. Practices like afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable land management contribute to carbon sequestration.

Circular Economy and Sustainable Practices: Embracing a circular economy model and adopting sustainable practices in production and consumption is imperative in significantly minimizing emissions. By reducing waste and promoting recycling, we can make a significant impact in preserving the environment.

By continuously innovating, providing policy support, collaborating globally, and taking corporate and individual actions, we can collectively make significant progress toward achieving net-zero emissions. It is only by working together that we can ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. A successful COP28 hinges on major emitting nations agreeing to more ambitious emission reductions and moving with great speed of execution.

About the Author: Ms. Nadira Haniff has over the years focused keenly on Finance & Capital Development for Projects that improve the quality of life of Humanity. With a relentless passion for Social equality, eradicating Food Insecurity, and overall socio-economic upliftment of communities, Ms. Haniff bears the torch and collaborates with the movers and shakers of the World to solve the pressing challenges of Climate Change.