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PEDRR Shoutout: Chair Summary of the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction, 22-26 May, Cancun, Mexico
The Chair summary of the 2017 Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction acknowledges the need for agricultural systems that protect land and water resources, and the need for investment decision-making processes to integrate disaster risk reduction criteria. Access the summary here.
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Scientific Corner
Plant diversity against landslides: new report
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Last June's tragic landslides in Sichuan, China, put a spotlight on landslide risk reduction. This new report describes how soil stability can be improved in the long-term with relatively little input. Building on the example of Switzerland, the study, by the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research and ETH Zurich, explores how modified forest management practices and diversified vegetation can play a significant and cost-effective role in reducing risks of landslides. Learn more here.
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News
Trees as the solution to heat island effects?
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Trees have gained the reputation as the “green lungs” of a city—pulling pollutants out of the air and returning oxygen. But a new study complicates that picture. Research from the metropolis of Berlin shows that green spaces, from forests to public parks, can intensify ozone pollution in cities, an effect that is pronounced during heat waves. Learn more here.
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Ethical investing and the insurance industry
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Reinsurance giant Swiss Re is integrating Environment, Social and Governance criteria into its USD130bn investment portfolio. The company has already started the transition process to new, ethically-based indices and is due to complete it later this year. Learn more here.
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Near-East and North Africa: Sustainable land management against water scarcity
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A new FAO-Arab League initiative to reduce vulnerability to drought in water-scarce countries in the near-east and North Africa will encourage governments to promote incentive frameworks that re-position farmers at the center of the sustainable management of land and water resources. Learn more here.
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Opinion
Socio-ecological resilience building
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Photo credit: Dorian Fougères
A new blog, "The Promise and Practice of Resilient Landscapes", by IUCN Resilience Thematic Group vice-chair Dorian Fougères, proposes to discuss socio-ecological resilience building at the landscape level. Visit the blog here.
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Call for Abstracts
The role of climate change in disaster risk reduction
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The International Sociological Association's World Congress of Sociology Toronto, Canada, to be held on 15-21 July 2018, is looking for abstracts on how to better integrate climate change and disaster research. More information here.
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Nature-based solutions: From innovation to common-use
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The Government of Estonia is hosting an international conference on “Nature-based Solutions: From Innovation to Common-use” together with the University of Tallinn. Scientists, policymakers and entrepreneurs are invited to submit their abstracts on Nature-Based Solutions until 14 July. More information here.
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Upcoming Events
"Supporting the EU response to environmental emergencies"
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The EMNET project group will organise a workshop to be held on 3-4 October 2017 in Utrecht, the Netherlands on supporting the EU's response to environmental emergencies. Discussions will include characterising disaster impacts, assessing risks in the light of previous emergencies, and expert support. Registration is free and funding may be available to travel to the event. Learn more and register here.
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Learning Specialist (DRR and Resilience learning hub)
Organisation: UNITAR
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Closing date: 24 July 2017
WWF-DCPO Regional Policy Coordinator (Ecosystem services)
Organisation: WWF
Location: flexible, Eastern Europe
Closing date: 24 July 2017
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Programme Officer, Water and Wetlands
Organisation: IUCN
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Closing date: 23 July 2017
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