This year has already been a momentous year for global development, bringing with it a new set of global goals and the requisite financing to drive it onwards towards 2030; we are about to enter a pivotal month on finding a global consensus to combat climate change and mitigate — and adapt to — its consequences.
The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference that starts today in Paris, comes hot on the heels of July’s third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and September’s United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York.
These three landmark moments are, of course, interlinked. The final piece of the 2015 puzzle has the potential to reshape the way the world confronts emerging challenges and to leverage innovation to take advantage of opportunities to build better, more resilient urban and rural communities, economies and livelihoods.
What’s our #PlanetWorth?
Recognizing that the impact of climate change on livelihoods and ecosystems is felt across all sectors — from the migration of people, through water and food security, to urban planning — Devex and its partners will unveil a new online conversation titled Planet Worth.
Throughout December, Planet Worth will shine a light on these crosscutting issues and the people most affected by and engaged in building a more sustainable future. It will explore leading solutions in the fight against climate change, while highlighting the champions of climate adaptation amid emerging global challenges.
Along with our partners we will focus on three main themes throughout the campaign:
Week 1: Resilient livelihoods
Launching Dec. 1, we’ll explore how rural communities are adapting to extreme weather as it continues to affect economies, natural resources and crop yields.
Resilient livelihood strategies in the face of climate change: What works and what doesn't
“Resilience” has become a buzzword in international development circles. But how do we translate the theory of “resilient livelihoods” into practical strategies that actually work on the ground? Climate change experts give us the inside track in the first of three #PlanetWorth features.
What are some of the main rural climate change challenges and how can the global development community overcome them? How is extreme weather affecting rural communities and economies, natural resources, crop yields and more? And what adaptive strategies are proving most successful?
Throughout the week we’ll explore climate-smart agriculture as an integrated approach to achieving food security in the face of climate change, while also mitigating climate change and contributing to broader development goals.
Week 2: Smart cities
Launching Dec. 8, we’ll explore how cities are changing to curb their own emissions and flourish under a new climate normal, as urban growth and climate change become inextricably linked.
What are the biggest urban challenges being faced in developing country contexts? And how will urban growth and climate change interact?
Throughout the week, we’ll look at how cities are working to protect their residents against the impact of climate change.
Week 3: Breakthrough innovations
Launching Dec. 15, we’ll explore how development practitioners and programs are tapping science and technology to deliver game-changing solutions.
What key trends are emerging in the fields of energy, agriculture, finance and more?
Throughout the week we’ll explore the role the private sector in implementing the new development agenda through financial assistance, technological innovations, breakthrough methods or investments in partnership with public entities.
Leading climate change actors — from development practitioners to policy experts and analysts — will contribute their voices to this important and evolving conversation in a series of guest columns. Together with insightful articles, luminary profiles, engaging online events and video interviews, check back often for a live-blog from Devex’s correspondents on-the-ground covering negotiations in the Paris climate change conference — or COP21.
Throughout December, Planet Worth will bring you the latest news, views and opinions from this wide range of key voices on issues impacting the climate change discussion.
So what is our #PlanetWorth? Join the conversation.
Planet Worth is a global conversation in partnership with Abt Associates, Chemonics, Helvetas, Tetra Tech, the U.N. Development Programme and Zurich, exploring leading solutions in the fight against climate change, while highlighting the champions of climate adaptation amid emerging global challenges. Visit the campaign site and join the conversation using #PlanetWorth.
About the author
Richard Jones@richard_devex
In his role as Editorial Director Richard oversees content for digital series, reports and events, leading a talented team of writers and editors, conducting high-level video interviews and moderating panels at events. Previously partnerships editor and an associate editor at Devex, Richard brings to bear 15 years of experience as an editor in institutional communications, public affairs and international development. Based in Barcelona, his development experience includes stints in the Dominican Republic, Argentina and Ecuador, as well as extensive work travel in Africa and Asia.
