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Exclusive: Campaigners say proposed cut from £11.9bn over past five years to £9bn over next five years will cost lives and livelihoods

UK to cut climate finance to poor countries by a fifth despite promising more help

Campaigners say proposed cut from £11.9bn over past five years to £9bn over next five years will cost lives and livelihoods

The UK government plans to sharply reduce climate aid to poorer countries most affected by the climate crisis, cutting funding from £11.6bn over the past five years to £9bn over the next five. In real terms, this amounts to a loss of around 40% in spending power since 2021. The reductions, imposed by the Treasury, come despite warnings that the collapse of critical ecosystems such as the Amazon or the Congo could pose serious risks to UK national security, and despite recent international commitments to scale up global climate finance.

The cuts are being negotiated as part of the next round of international climate finance, known as ICF4 within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the fourth such funding cycle since 2010. This funding is drawn from the overseas aid budget, which was reduced last year to just 0.3% of gross national income. Previously, the UK had committed 0.7% of GDP to foreign aid, a level that was first cut to 0.5% in 2021 under Boris Johnson and has since been reduced further.

Campaigners warn that the decision will cost lives and livelihoods, weaken the UK’s credibility on climate leadership, and make it harder to meet global climate finance targets. There are also concerns that existing aid programmes may be relabelled as climate finance without delivering real climate benefits, while funding for nature conservation and flagship initiatives is likely to face further cuts.

Source: The Guardian

#economy #climatechange #climate change #climate #climateaction #climate justice #problems #vulnerability #biodiversity

Ecosystem destruction will increase food shortages, disorder and mass migration, with effects already being felt

Biodiversity collapse threatens UK security, intelligence chiefs warn

Nature as a national security risk: UK intelligence chiefs warn that accelerating ecosystem collapse could drive food shortages, price rises, mass migration and global instability, directly threatening UK security and prosperity.

Food security at risk: The UK’s heavy reliance on food imports leaves it unable to compete for scarce resources without “significant increases” in resilience.

Imminent tipping points: Some critical ecosystems could begin to collapse within 5 years, with several—including coral reefs and boreal forests—at risk from 2030, and others by 2050.

High-risk ecosystems identified: Amazon and Congo rainforests, boreal forests, the Himalayas, and south-east Asia’s coral reefs and mangroves.

Worsening impacts already visible: Crop failures, extreme weather and disease outbreaks are intensifying, increasing risks of geopolitical instability, conflict and migration.

Funding under debate: Ministers are debating future support for vulnerable countries as the UK’s current £11.6bn climate and nature finance pledge (2021–2026) comes to an end, with concerns it could be reduced.

Key warning: Further cuts to international nature and climate finance would undermine UK security, food resilience and long-term prosperity.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/20/biodiversity-collapse-threatens-uk-security-intelligence-chiefs-warn

The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/26/the-government-must-act-now-on-biodiversity-loss-and-ecosystem-collapse

BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9y1e09j72o

#economy #climatechange #biodiveristy #problems #vulnerability

For every US$1 the world invests in protecting nature, it spends US$30 on destroying it. This stark imbalance is the central finding of a ne

For every US$1 the world invests in protecting nature, it spends US$30 on destroying it.

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report released 22/01/26: The State of Finance for Nature 2026: Nature in the Red: Powering the Trillion Dollar Nature Transition Economy (based on 2023 data) calls for a major shift in global finance towards Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and away from nature-negative investments.

Nature-negative finance remains dominant:

US$7.3 trillion in total nature-negative finance flows globally.

US$4.9 trillion comes from private finance, highly concentrated in utilities, industrials, energy and basic materials.

US$2.4 trillion in public environmentally harmful subsidies, mainly to fossil fuels, agriculture, water, transport and construction.

NbS finance remains limited:

US$220 billion invested in Nature-based Solutions globally.

Nearly 90% of NbS finance comes from public sources, showing rising domestic and international support.

Private investment in NbS totals just US$23.4 billion, around 10% of total NbS finance.

Large investment gap:

NbS investment needs to increase 2.5 times to reach US$571 billion per year by 2030.

This would represent only 0.5% of global GDP (2024).

Redirecting finance away from harmful subsidies and towards NbS would deliver high returns, reduce risk exposure and strengthen climate and economic resilience.

#climatechange #economy #nature finance #problems #solutions

Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security

This strategic assessment explores how global biodiversity loss and the collapse of critical ecosystems could affect the UK’s resilience, security and prosperity. From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Published 20 January 2026

#problems #economy #climatechange #biodiversity #vulnerability

High Seas Treaty & Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)

The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), ratified by over 60 nations and entering into force on January 17, 2026, is a historic international law designed to protect marine biodiversity in international waters.

Covering two-thirds of the ocean, it establishes a framework for creating marine protected areas (MPAs), conducting environmental impact assessments, and sharing benefits from marine genetic resources.

Key Aspects of the High Seas Treaty

Protection Area: The treaty focuses on areas beyond national jurisdiction, which are international waters not owned by any single nation.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): It provides the first legal mechanism to establish protected areas in the high seas, essential for achieving the "30x30" goal (protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030).

Environmental Impact Assessments: Activities that may impact the high seas must now undergo rigorous environmental assessment standards.

Genetic Resources: The treaty outlines the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from marine genetic resources, which are important for scientific and commercial research (e.g., pharmaceuticals).

Capacity Strengthening: It aims to assist developing nations with technology transfer, financial resources, and scientific knowledge to participate in ocean conservation.

Treaty: here

#climatechange #solutions #biodiversity #ideas #iplc #Youtube

World Water Week: Gender inequality and environmental challenges related to water resources and sanitation

UN Women provided recommendations with focus on addressing various aspects of gender inequality and environmental challenges related to water resources and sanitation. These recommendations include:

Enact Gender-Responsive Legal Frameworks and Institutions for Water Protection:

Implement strong legal frameworks recognizing water resources as entities with independent rights.

Incorporate the "rights of Nature" approach into law to promote harmony with the environment.

Ensure inclusive participation of women, Indigenous groups, and local leaders in natural resource management.

Reverse Unsustainable Consumption Patterns:

Shift consumption patterns, particularly among high consumers, to protect the environment.

Use education, public awareness, policy changes, and global collaboration to promote equitable livelihoods.

Prioritize Women in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation:

Include women and vulnerable populations in climate change action plans.

Create gender-responsive activities to address water-related disasters.

Enhance women's capacity for disaster risk reduction.

Address Gender Inequality for Safe Water Access:

Ensure equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation services.

Reduce the water-collecting burden on women and girls.

Improve access for underserved and marginalized groups.

Promote Women's Participation in Water Governance:

Encourage women's leadership roles in water governance for better management and accessibility.

Prioritize gender-sensitive water infrastructure.

Implement measures like quotas to address gender disparities in leadership.

Include Marginalized Women Activists in Decision-Making:

Integrate perspectives of women activists, especially from marginalized communities, in policies and programs.

Collaborate with citizens, local leaders, and youth for sustainable solutions.

Prioritize Safe Water and Sanitation in Communities:

Ensure safe drinking water, hygiene facilities, and sanitation services in schools and health centers.

Support adolescent girls' needs and maternal health.

Strengthen Partnerships and Funding:

Collaborate across countries and provide financial support to address the water crisis.

Foster cooperation and ecosystem protection.

Invest in Gender-Disaggregated Water Data:

Collect gender-disaggregated data to inform water and sanitation policies.

Monitor progress, reach, and effectiveness of programs, considering marginalized groups.

These recommendations highlight the importance of recognizing water resources as essential and interconnected elements of our ecosystems, and the critical role that gender equality plays in achieving sustainable water management and accessibility.

Read more: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/from-commodity-to-common-good-a-feminist-agenda-to-tackle-the-worlds-water-crisis-en.pdf

#ecofeminism #water #climate #sdg6 #climate change #vulneravility

Ecuador referendum halts oil extraction in Yasuní National Park

Yesterday, Ecuador voted to halt all future oil drilling in a sensitive protected area known for its fragile rainforest ecosystem and isolat

Yesterday, Ecuador voted to halt all future oil drilling in a sensitive protected area known for its fragile rainforest ecosystem and isolated Indigenous communities.

Millions of people participated in a nationwide referendum to determine whether crude oil should remain in the ground indefinitely at a site inside Yasuní National Park in Ecuador’s eastern Amazon.

More than 5.2 million people voted in favor compared with 3.6 million against, solidifying protections for Indigenous communities living in voluntary isolation.

The referendum took place alongside presidential and legislative elections as well as a referendum on halting mining in the Chocó Andino de Pichincha. That referendum received nearly 70% support from voters.

Read full article here: https://news.mongabay.com/2023/08/ecuador-referendum-halts-oil-extraction-in-yasuni-national-park/

#iplc #biodiveristy

INTRODUCTION TO DEGROWTH

Erin Remblance is committed to re-establishing the connection between business and Earth through (re)Biz. Take a moment to explore Erin's presentation on degrowth below and let us know what you think.

"For my mind degrowth is our best chance at avoiding climate tipping points, and I'd love for everyone to get on board." Erin Remblance

Presentation: Introduction to Degrowth

Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva

#economy #climatechange #solutions #ideas

Strengthening public finance management systems for gender equality and women’s empowerment: Promising practices and remaining gaps

This technical brief evaluates data from 105 countries between 2018 and 2021 regarding SDG Indicator 5.c.1, which tracks countries with systems for transparent gender equality fund allocation. It identifies successes, gaps, and strategies for better gender integration in policy, budgeting, execution, and data transparency. The brief aims to help governments enhance their public finance management to effectively implement gender equality policies.

CONCLUSIONS

While only 26% of countries have comprehensive systems to track budgets for Gender Equality, the conclusions drawn from the technical brief underscore the importance of Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) systems. By analyzing data and country practices, the brief highlights key aspects of effective GRB implementation, demonstrating how governments integrate gender considerations across policies, budgets, execution, and transparency. This fosters improved resource allocation for gender equality, aligning with SDG Indicator 5.c.1 and building public trust.

To enhance GRB practices, the brief offers recommendations aligned with indicator criteria:

Policy Framework & Adequacy of Resources for Gender Equality:

Propose legislative mandates and guidelines for GRB implementation, including tools like sex-disaggregated data and gender impact assesments.

Use gender analysis to advocate for better resource allocation, leveraging budget execution monitoring for accountability.

Gender Analysis & GRB in Public Finance Management System:

Provide clear guidance based on gender gap analysis to improve gender responsiveness in plans and budgets.

Strengthen mechanisms for assessing the impact of gender budget allocations, and offer instructions for comprehensive reporting.

Transparency for Accountability:

Enhance publicly available data on gender budget allocations and spending.

Generate regular, transparent expenditure reports accessible to stakeholders for accountability and improvement.

By following these recommendations, governments can strengthen GRB systems, ensuring more effective implementation of gender-responsive policies, efficient resource allocation, and enhanced transparency to benefit gender equality and women's empowerment.

This technical brief analyses SDG Indicator 5.c.1 (proportion of countries with systems to track and make public allocations for gender equa

#ecofeminism #economy

Indigenous Women Uniting to Fight for their Rights and the Earth

Indigenous women from rainforests around the world are uniting to fight for the health of the planet in their unique and powerful ways. Whether as activists, politicians, or mothers, they are bringing back ancestral knowledge and are determined to fight for their communities and the Earth. Despite their differences, they share a common goal and a united front.

Indigenous women in tropical rainforests play a critical role in rainforest protection and face diverse challenges that have historically ex

Indigenous women in tropical rainforests play a critical role in rainforest protection as evidenced by higher levels of biodiversity, increased carbon storage capacity, and greater resilience to climate change in the rainforests they manage. And they face complex and diverse challenges, including struggling to secure land rights and having limited access to education and healthcare. They also suffer from high levels of discrimination and violence, including gender-based and sexual violence, as well as racism.

Indigenous women in tropical rainforests have become increasingly visible, politically engaged, and recognized for their roles in mitigating climate change and protecting biodiversity. They unite through Indigenous-led efforts at local, national, and global levels. And at all levels, they have demonstrated the strength of solidarity by working together to affect change in their communities and beyond.

Some examples are:

GLOBAL LEVEL: Women leaders of the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (GATC) and the Coordinator of Mesoamerican Women Territorial Leaders (CMLT) of the Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests (AMPB).

NATIONAL LEVEL: In Brazil, the National Articulation of Indigenous Women Ancestrality Warriors (ANMIGA),

LOCAL LEVEL: In Guyana Surujani Williams’ Kato Village women’s group in the North Pakaraimas District Council, and Wapichan Wiizi Women’s Movement (WWWM) in the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) and in Mesoamerica, local associations of Indigenous women are focused on ancestral knowledge, such as Kábata Könana and Guna Women’s Network Bundorgan.

Read more: https://rainforestfoundation.org/indigenous-women-uniting-to-fight-for-their-rights-and-the-earth/

#ecofeminism #iplc #indigenous women #indigenous people #indigenous rights

Leaders of Amazon nations gather in Brazil for summit on rainforest’s future

Conclave represents handbrake turn in Brazilian government policy since Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took power

#iplc

‘I want Lula to see this’: Indigenous chief continues fight for Amazon

Raoni Metuktire Kayapó has battled against deforestation all his life and is inviting Brazil’s president to see the damage to his land

#iplc

"We have done more than any government"

Despite only making up about 6% of the global population, Indigenous people protect 80% of biodiversity left in the world. We speak to six young Indigenous climate activists from the Ecuadorian Amazon, Chad, Alaska, Sweden, Indonesia and Australia about their people and culture – and what we can learn from them about protecting our planet.

Nina Gualinga, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Charitie Ropati, Sara-Elvira Kuhmunen, Emmanuela Shinta and Amelia Telford also tell us about what they want to see from world leaders at the Cop26 summit and what makes them hopeful about the future

READ FULL ARTICLE BELOW:

Despite only making up about 6% of the global population, Indigenous people protect 80% of biodiversity left in the world. We speak to six y

#ecofeminism #iplc

Forest Tenure Funders Group

Recognizing a critical need to increase support for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC), a historic announcement was made at COP26 by 22 bilateral and philanthropic donors pledging $1.7 billion between 2021-2025 to advance forest tenure rights in tropical forest countries.

The IPLC Forest Tenure Pledge is a commitment to mobilize greater and more effective donor support for forest communities. The Funders Group is committed to ongoing dialogue with both IPLC leaders and wider stakeholders to facilitate exchanges of information, feedback on Pledge progress, and increase opportunities for collaboration.

Who are the pledge donors?

A. GOVERMENTS

(1) United States of America - the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

(2) United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

(3) Kingdom of Norway

(4) Federal Republic of Germany - Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

(5) Kingdom of the Netherlands

B. PRIVATE DONORS

(1) Ford Foundation

(2) The Christensen Fund

(3) The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

(4) Children's Investment Fund Foundation CIFF

(5) Sobrato Philantropies

(6) Good Energies Foundation by Porticus

(7) Oak Foundation

(8) The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

(9) Wellspring Philantropic Fund

C. PROTECTING OUR PLANET CHALLENGE

(10) Arcadia

(11) The Bezos Earth Fund

(12) Bloomberg Philanthropies

(13) The Bobolink Foundation

(14) Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

(15) International Conservation Fund of Canada

(16) Nia Tero

(17) Rainforest Trust

(18) Re:wild

(19) Wyss Foundation

(20) Rob and Melani Walton Foundation

The Indigenous World 2023: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

After four years of difficult negotiations, a global biodiversity strategy to guide global action to 2050 was approved in the early morning

After four years of difficult negotiations, a global biodiversity strategy to guide global action to 2050 was approved in the early morning of 20 December 2022. The agreement is called the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Earlier in the year, three meetings of the Open-ended Working Group on the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (OEWG) took place – in March, June and December, held in Geneva, Nairobi and Montreal, respectively –, finally culminating in the 15th Conference of Parties (COP 15) of the CBD in Montreal. Decisions were also adopted on the Planning, Monitoring, Reporting and Review of the KMGBF, the Monitoring Framework and Indicators to track its implementation as well as the development of a new programme of work and institutional arrangements on Article 8 and other provisions of the Convention related to Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Read more: https://www.iwgia.org/en/convention-on-biological-diversity-cbd/5147-iw-2023-cbd.html

Source: IWGIA

#iplc #biodiversity

Linking Climate Action and Gender Equality: Interplay Between SDG 13 and SDG 5

SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 5: Gender Equality are two distinct Sustainable Development Goals within the United Nations' 2030 Agenda. While they address different aspects of global challenges, they are interconnected in various ways. Let's explore how SDG 13 and SDG 5 relate to each other and to the broader context of the SDGs:

SDG 13: Climate Action SDG 13 focuses on urgent actions to combat climate change and its impacts. It seeks to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity, as well as promote climate-related education, awareness, and international cooperation. The goal is aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, which pose a significant threat to sustainable development, poverty eradication, and overall well-being.

SDG 5: Gender Equality SDG 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. It addresses issues of discrimination, violence, and unequal opportunities that women and girls face. The goal emphasizes women's participation in decision-making, access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and the elimination of harmful practices.

Interconnections between SDG 13 and SDG 5:

Climate Vulnerability: Women are often disproportionately affected by climate change due to existing gender inequalities and social roles. They are more likely to experience negative impacts, such as displacement, loss of livelihoods, and increased burdens related to caregiving and resource management. Achieving gender equality (SDG 5) can enhance the resilience of women and their communities to climate change (SDG 13).

Women as Agents of Change: SDG 5 recognizes the important role of women as agents of change. Women's involvement in climate action, including decision-making processes related to mitigation and adaptation, can lead to more effective and equitable solutions (SDG 13).

Gender-Responsive Climate Policies: Integrating gender considerations into climate policies and initiatives (SDG 13) ensures that the unique vulnerabilities and capacities of women and men are addressed, leading to more sustainable and inclusive outcomes.

Education and Awareness: Both goals emphasize the importance of education and awareness. Empowering women through education (SDG 4) and gender-responsive climate education (SDG 13) can lead to better-informed decision-making and actions to tackle climate change.

Connections to the Rest of the SDGs:

SDG 1 (No Poverty): Gender inequality can exacerbate poverty, and climate change can disproportionately affect the poorest. Integrating gender-responsive approaches into climate action can contribute to poverty reduction (SDG 1).

SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): Climate change can impact health and well-being. Integrating gender considerations into climate adaptation strategies can help ensure the health and safety of women and girls (SDG 3).

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Gender equality can contribute to broader energy access and transitions to clean energy, aligning with SDG 7.

SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality): Both goals aim to reduce inequalities. Climate action that considers gender inequalities contributes to achieving SDG 10.

SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Collaborative efforts between gender equality advocates and climate change stakeholders can lead to more effective partnerships and holistic solutions (SDG 17).

In summary, SDG 13 and SDG 5 are intertwined in their pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future. Acknowledging the gender dimensions of climate change and integrating gender-responsive strategies into climate action is crucial for achieving both goals and advancing overall sustainable development.

#ecofeminism #climatechange #vulnerability #sustainability

KEY INTERMEDIARY FUNDING MECHANISMS for IP & LC

What are the key intermediary funding mechanisms for IP & LC?

(1) The Amazon Fund has received approximately $1.4 billion in contributions from Norway, Germany, and Petrobras for REDD+ results achieved by Brazil between 2006-2015, to be reinvested in the National REDD+ strategy.

(2) The CBD Voluntary Fund was established in 2004 to facilitate the participation of indigenous and local communities in meetings under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

(3) The Community Land Rights and Conservation Finance Initiative (CLARIFI) was established by Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) and the Campaign for Nature (C4N) in January 2022.

(4) The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) is managed by the World Bank.

(5) The FCPF capacity-building program provides information,

(6) Forest for Life - The Forest for Life (FFL) is a partnership between Wildlife Conservation Society, Rainforest Foundation Norway, World Resources Institute, and Re:Wild.

(7) The Forest Investment Program (FIP) is assisting developing countries

(8) The FIP Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (DGM), is a $80 million program designed and led by representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities in FIP countries

(9) The Forested Landscapes for Equity programme was funded by the Dutch government from 2016-2020.

(10) The Fund for the Development of indigenous Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean (FILAC) is an international organism, with equal participation of governments and indigenous peoples, established by heads of states at the II Ibero-American Summit in 1992.

(11) The Global Environment Facility (GEF) was established in 1991, and serves as a financial mechanism for several environmental conventions.

(12) The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), was established in 1992 to provide financial and technical support to projects that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people’s well-being and livelihoods. SGP abides by the UNDRIP, as well as UNDP’s Policy of Engagement with Indigenous Peoples, GEF Principles and Guidelines for Engagement with indigenous peoples, and Environmental and Social Safeguards.

(13) The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the world’s largest climate funds, mandated to support developing countries to realise their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)towards low-emissions, climate-resilient pathways.

(14) The Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) is a GEF project, which is implemented in partnership with Conservation International (CI) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which serve as joint GEF Implementing Agencies and provide supervision and technical guidance.

(15) The Indigenous Peoples Assistance Facility (IPAF) established by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an innovative funding instrument that aims to strengthen indigenous peoples’ communities and their organizations within the framework of the UNDRIP.

(16) The International Land and Forest Tenure Facility (the Tenure Facility) The Tenure Facility is funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) along with a number of other donors, including some of the signatories to the Pledge: Ford Foundation, NICFI (Norway), Oak Foundation, Bezos Earth Fund, The Christensen Fund and Nia Tero.

(17) The Path to Scale (P2S) is an informal network of donors, financial mechanisms and their intermediaries that aims to scale-up global ambition to legally recognize the land and resource rights of Indigenous Peoples, local communities and Afro-descendant Peoples, particularly women, at least to a level necessary to achieve the 2030 global climate and biodiversity targets.

(18) The Peoples Forest Partnership is convened by Forest Trends, Alianza Mesoamericana de Pueblos y Bosques (AMPB), the Colombian indigenous organisation Organización Nacional de los Pueblos Indígenas de la Amazonia Colombiana (OPIAC), and others. It was launched at COP 26 and established with an Interim Executive Committee and decision-making structure and guidelines in June 2022.

(19) The United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples was established in 1985. The Fund is instrumental in ensuring that voices of indigenous peoples are heard within the UN system and, as per 2022, has supported the participation of over 3,000 indigenous peoples’ representatives in UN processes.

#iplc #climate finance #economy #indigenous peoples #local communities #ip&lc #ip and lc

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