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We offer accreditation to guide the integration of SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION across Higher Ed program content — providing young people with the skills, knowledge and mindset they will need to face the challenges of the future. EDuC Label: www.joineduc.org

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE? HEAT EXHAUSTION — Muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness — Mild headache, dizziness — Cool, pale skin (heavy sweating) — Nausea, vomiting — Rapid weak pulse — Move to a cooler place, lay down and drink fluids (water or sports drinks) — Call a medic if symptoms last longer than one hour HEAT STROKE — Oral body temperature of 40º C and above — Pulsing headache, or altered/loss of consciousness — Hot skin, no sweat — Nausea, vomiting — Rapid strong pulse — Call for medical help NOW. Move the affected person to a cool place — Immerse in cool water or place ice packs on the neck and groin areas
“Entire regions are becoming uninsurable” — Günther Thallinger, Allianz SE board member Some homes are becoming uninsurable due to the rapidly escalating impacts of the climate crisis. — In some areas, commercial insurers are pulling out, leaving the state-backed insurers of last resort (ie. taxpayer backed) carrying the can. — In the UK, earlier this year, a local authority was forced to spend millions buying out the residents of 16 homes that could no longer be defended from flooding. — Insured losses from extreme weather events have increased by as much as 250% in the last 30 years. — Higher frequency extreme weather events, are expected to reduce global economic output by 11–14% by 2050 as crop yields fall, diseases spread, and sea level rise consumes cities. — Yet, companies causing climate change are paying no additional taxes, and in many cases, are using tax avoidance strategies to reduce their contributions.
Are AI-generated summaries suitable for studying and research? Quote: ”hallucinations”, still pose a huge problem. OpenAI admitted last year that getting rid of them is virtually impossible. And a recent research report by Google shows that even the most accurate model, which is (coincidentally or not) their own Gemini 3 Pro, achieves only 68.8% accuracy under stress testing. Other major models, such as ChatGPT 5 and Claude 4.5 Opus, fare even worse, with 61.8% and 51.3% accuracy, respectively. Source: Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) » https://www.tue.nl/en/our-university/library/library-news/24-02-2026-are-ai-generated-summaries-suitable-for-studying-and-research
EU Rules Now Legally Prohibit Fashion Giants From Destroying Unsold Clothes THIS SHIFTS THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF OVERPRODUCTION DIRECTLY ONTO THE BRANDS The EU has formally adopted measures to prohibit the systematic destruction of unsold clothing. By mandating annual reports on discarded volumes and reasons for disposal, the EU aim to effectively end the practice where 4% to 9% of textiles are destroyed before ever reaching a consumer. For years, fashion brands have incinerated millions of garments instead of discounting them to “protect brand value”. Under the new rules, companies must prove that discarded items are technically unusable or dangerous before they can be destroyed. Manufacturers and brands are expected to react by pivoting toward smaller production runs and expanded resale or donation partnerships.
What do Consumers Want from Sustainable Brands? GWI ASKED CONSUMERS IN THE USA: WHICH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FOR INDUSTRIES TO IMPROVE? Reducing emissions/impact (61%) Offering sustainable products/services (60%) Making changes to be more sustainable (60%) Disposing of waste responsibly (50%) Fair treatment/wages for workers (34%)
Sustainable Management 4 PRACTICES TO INTRODUCE THAT WOULD MAKE YOUR COMPANY MORE SUSTAINABLE Energy Transitioning to, or increasing the use of, renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, thermal, and hydro. Environment Creating green spaces within the company and/or urban locations where flora and fauna can thrive Infrastructure Favoring sustainable construction, such as using eco-friendly and recycled materials, and energy-efficient practices. Transport Planning for staff transportation, aiding and encouraging car sharing and/or the use of electric vehicles. Providing amenities for staff wishing to cycle to work.
How to Shop Sustainably SHOPPING TIPS TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY — Educate yourself about sustainable clothing. — Choose quality over quantity and buy less. — Choose natural materials, such as organic cotton, linen, or hemp. — Choose brands that are manufactured locally, which benefit the people who made them and your local economy. — Buy secondhand clothing. — Swap clothes with a clothes swap group or start a swap yourself. — Learn how to repair your clothes. The longer clothes are kept, the lower their emissions footprint.
Slow Fashion, Better Habits SHOPPING TIPS TO REDUCE IMPULSE BUYING — Wait at least 24 hours before purchasing non-essential items — Consider the cost per wear rather than sale price — Shop with a specific list instead of browsing aimlessly Ask yourself : — Does the item work with at least three outfits you already own? — Would this item be worn within the next two weeks? — Does it fit your current lifestyle needs? — Do you already own something similar that you rarely wear?
Fast Fashion Waste On average, a garment is worn 7–10 times before it is discarded.1 Clothing production has doubled since 2000. The average person today buys 60% more items of clothing than they did 15 years ago. The world produces over 92 million tons of textile waste annually, equivalent to a truckload dumped every second. Synthetic materials like polyester can take from 20 to 200 years to break down. 1. According to a study by UK charity Barnardo's (2000) Sources: https://www.fashiontimes.com/hidden-cost-fashion-impulse-buying-smart-shopping-tips-fix-wardrobe-mistakes-13508, https://www.forbes.com/sites/dianneplummer/2025/04/18/the-secret-world-of-fashion-waste-trash-dumps-and-global-inequity/
PRIORITY LINES OF TRANSFORMATION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS Within both institutions and academic programs there is a need to update and expand the focus from... and to... 1. FROM...Outdated workforce planning models... TO... Dynamic engagement with labor markets, innovation incubation and entrepreneurial opportunity. 2. FROM...Disciplinary silos and Listen-and-repeat methods... TO... Connected and holistic study and inquiry, and Active, problem- and project-based learning. 3. FROM...Traditional, terminal degree programs TO... Life-long learning orientation through the recognition of prior learning, of learning in different settings and of flexible learning pathways.
In the last ten years, climate change accounted for over 30% of insured natural-catastrophe losses incurred worldwide. The Los Angeles wildfires of January 2025 killed at least thirty-one people and destroyed over 16,000 structures. Estimates put the economic losses as high as $250 billion. Insurance companies are expected to pay $40 billion in claims — the largest insured loss from a wildfire anywhere, ever. Research indicates that climate change made this disaster 35% more likely to occur. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of natural-catastrophe events. Global insurance losses from extreme weather events keep rising. In response to losses, property-insurance companies have significantly raised their rates and are even refusing to write or renew insurance for high-risk homes and businesses. If insurance is the climate crisis’s “canary in the coal mine,” the canary is dying.
Global Higher Education Universities can provide the critical understanding, scientific expertise and creative imagination needed to tackle the complex, multi-layered issues facing us 269 MILLION STUDENTS Global enrollment in higher education reached 269 M students in 2024. 42% ENROLLED GLOBALLY A global average of 42% of the early-adult cohort is enrolled in higher education. 7 MILLION MOBILE More than 7 M students are internationally mobile, studying outside their home countries. 22,000 ACCREDITED INSTITUTIONS Higher Ed is growing and diversifying, with over 22,000 accredited and quality assured institutions.
Weather vs. Climate THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WEATHER AND CLIMATE IS A MEASURE OF TIME. THE TERM “CLIMATE CHANGE” REFERS TO CHANGES IN LONG-TERM AVERAGES OF DAILY WEATHER. Weather is the conditions of the atmosphere over a short period of time. Weather consists of the short- term (minutes to months) changes in the atmosphere. Most people think of weather in terms of temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, brightness, visibility, wind, and atmospheric pressure (as in high and low pressure). Weather can change from minute- to-minute, hour-to-hour, day-to- day, and season-to-season. Climate is how the atmosphere "behaves" over long periods of time. Climate is long-term patterns of weather in a particular area, i.e.: the average weather for a particular region, usually taken over 30-years. Climate scientists look at averages of precipitation, temperature, humidity, sunshine, wind velocity, phenomena such as fog, frost, and hail storms, and other measures of the weather that occur over a long period in a particular place.
Responses to Climate Change CLIMATE MITIGATION VS. CLIMATE ADAPTATION Mitigation initiatives aim to reduce the human impacts which are contributing to climate change Mitigation and adaptation approaches are often used together to reduce the risk of disaster in at-risk communities and ecosystems Adaptation initiatives aim to reduce the vulnerability of individuals, communities and eco-systems to changing climatic conditions by building adaptive capacity Both approaches focus on: • reducing the impact of human activity on the climate • reducing the negative impact of climate change on our systems, both human and environmental
Transformative Learning ESD ACHIEVES ITS PURPOSE BY TRANSFORMING SOCIETY [circular graphic showing how each section leads into the next...] LEARNING OUTCOMES Empower people to take responsibility for present and future generations and actively contribute to societal transformation LEARNING CONTENT Integrate sustainability issues, in particular those enshrined in the 17 SDGs, such as climate change, into all kinds of learning LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Employ interactive, project- based, learner-centered pedagogy. Enable learners to live what they learn and learn what they live SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION Enable our society to achieve the SDGs and move towards building a more equitable and sustainable world
ESD is Problem-Solving EDUCATION AS A TOOL FOR SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT [Graphic showing the connections between: Systems-thinking: Analyze complex problem in current state and its history which feeds into... Values-thinking: Develop strategies for the transition Strategic thinking: Specify, reconcile and negotiate sustainability values Futures-thinking: • Create future non-intervention scenarios • Craft visions of sustainable futures resulting in: Implementation: Solution, action, implementation Collaboration: Collaboration is required for each step of the process
ESD Research DISCIPLINES ASSOCIATED WITH PUBLICATIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION RESEARCH [Graph showing that >70% of publications are associated with STEM, followed by Environmental and Sustainability Education (60%) and Resource Management (38%). Only a small number (<15%) were associated with Teacher Education, Behavioral Sciences, Social Sciences, (<10%) Arts and Humanities, or Digital Media.] Research has found that the majority of publications on climate change education were associated with STEM. Furthermore, a large number of studies in the STEM category focused on the misconceptions and ‘alternative conceptions’ about climate change held by students, teachers and even scientific textbooks.
GHG Emissions and Food Ruminant animal protein is the most GHG–intensive food to produce Cows and sheep are almost ten times more carbon intensive than alternative animal protein and more than 30 times more carbon intensive than vegetable protein.
according to a new study from Leiden University, Every year, 18 billion animals raised and killed for food end up as trash. Chickens make up the largest share of discarded animals, at 16.8 billion. The vast majority of the approximately 70 billion chickens killed for food each year spend their short lives on factory farms. Most animals on factory farms live in appalling conditions.
92.2 billion land animals were slaughtered for food in 2024, according to the un Food and Agriculture Organization [graphic showing] Unsustainable food production and consumption habits are responsible for about a third of all our GHG emissions... and the production of animal-based foods is responsible for 57% of these emissions Shifting to plant-based eating habits can... • reduce food’s land use by 76% • reduce food’s freshwater use by 19% • reduce the GHG emissions of our food system by 49%
Skills shortage in Renewables TO MEET CLIMATE GOALS, RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR EMPLOYMENT WILL NEED TO TRIPLE BY 2030 The sector is short of... • Professionals in technology, science and engineering • Electricians and technicians specialized in green energy • Leaders and consultants who understand the green transition • Installation technicians and grid engineers
EU Energy Targets A June 2025 survey indicated strong support for renewable energy rollout among EU citizens, finding that 88% supported increased renewable energy 2020 The EU overachieved its 2020 target, with a 22% share of gross final energy consumption from renewable sources. 2030 TARGET: Cut Greenhouse Gas emissions by at least 55%* by 2030. *compared to 1990 2030 TARGET: Increase the share of renewable energy to a minimum of 42.5% (but aiming for 45%). 2050 TARGET Become a CLIMATE NEUTRAL continent by 2050.
Fossil Fuel Subsidies FOSSIL FUELS RECEIVED $7 TRILLION IN SUBSIDIES(1) IN 2022, ACCORDING TO THE IMF. HOW THESE SUBSIDIES BREAK DOWN: [Graphic showing...] $1.5 trillion (18%) of explicit subsidies [breaks down into...] • Production subsidies (4%): To fossil fuel producers to reduce costs • Consumption subsidies (14%): Support to reduce the cost of fuel for consumers • Foregone VAT (5%) $5.7 trillion (77%) in the form of implicit subsidies(2) [breaks down into...] • Air pollution (30%): Environmental and social damages from air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels • Climate change (30%): Environmental and social damages from climate change caused by burning fossil fuels • Road use (17%): Damages from road accidents and congestion 1 $7 trillion is equivalent to around 7% of global GDP, a vast amount of money. 2 Economists usually refer to these indirect costs, which aren’t reflected in market prices, as “externalities” rather than “subsidies”.
Shifting to a Circular Economy... • Could reduce virgin plastic production by 55% • Save governments US$70 billion by 2040 • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% • Create 700,000 additional jobs [Graphic showing...] LINEAR ECONOMY: Take (Natural Resources) » Make (Production/Manufacturing) » Use (Consumers) » Waste (Pollutants/Landfill) CIRCULAR ECONOMY: Take » Make » Use » Repair / Refurbish / Parts Harvesting Collection » Recycle / Materials Recycling » Residual Waste
Affordable, Clean Energy for All REDIRECTING GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES (AND INVESTORS) WOULD ENSURE A PROFITABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY MARKET [Graphic showing how...] GOVERNMENT: REDEPLOYMENT OF FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES Could be used to fund INVESTMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS Leading to GRADUATES WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY SKILLS While PRIVATE SECTOR: REDIRECTION OF PROFITS AND INVESTMENT Could be used to fund GOVT AND PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN CLEAN ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE Leading to the CREATION OF NEW JOBS IN RENEWABLES And PROFITABLE, AFFORDABLE, CLEAN ENERGY FOR ALL
Approaches to ESD THE “TOP-DOWN” APPROACH IS DOMINATING THE FIELD, BUT A MORE PARTICIPATORY APPROACH COULD BE MORE PRODUCTIVE [Graphic showing...] TOP-DOWN • Governance and legislation • Mitigation and adaptation • Scientific knowledge and curriculum • Behavior change Bottom-up • Participatory research and programs where learners design their own climate change projects and modes of engagement • Approaches which provoke emotional and somatic responses to climate issues • Transformative, creative, and affect-driven forms of sustainability education Sources: Rousell, D and Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles, A (2020) A systematic review of climate change education. Children’s Geographies, 18 (2). pp. 191-208. ISSN 1473-3277 | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652624036862
The Role of Trees in Urban Stormwater Management HOW TREES INTERACT WITH THE URBAN WATER CYCLE [Graphic showing how trees intercept precipitation, allowing the water to reach the soil. Tree Roots absorb moisture, increasing runoff storage, allowing the water table to recharge. Tree Roots stabilize soil preventing erosion. Meanwhile water leaves trees via transpiration abd evaporation.]
Biodiversity is... an Inseparable interaction Complex graphic showing the various elements and how they interact... sorry, I am not sure how to describe this adequately, but there's good info here: www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership
Humans have cleared nearly half of Earth’s forests. Currently, we are removing 15 billion trees every year.
What if nature was a legal person? FOR EXAMPLE: LEGAL ACTION TO ADDRESS A POLLUTED WATER STREAM AND THE ECOSYSTEM WITHIN IT [Graphic showing...] AS A RESOURCE: A PLAINTIFF, such as the riverbank's owner, can take legal action* *If the plaintiff has an interest and the means Compensation is assessed based on the damages inflicted to the plaintiff The plaintiff is compensated. Neither the stream, its inhabitants, nor the ecosystem benefit AS A LEGAL PERSON: The STREAM can defend its interests and rights, and take legal action in its own name Compensation is assessed based on the damage inflicted to the ecosystem The stream is compensated. These funds can be used to restore the ecosystem
The cost of healthy biodiversity The World Bank estimates the deterioration of natural processes like wild pollination and resources like marine fisheries could see global GDP come in $2.7 trillion a year lower than projected levels by 2030. Research suggests it would cost around $1 trillion annually to reverse the biodiversity crisis across all sectors. $1 trillion represents 0.009% of annual Global GDP.
The Evidence for Climate Change 1. Temperature readings are collected by weather stations on land, on ships and by satellites... 2. Data is analyzed by independent teams of scientists, worldwide. 97% have reached the same result. 3. Greenhouse gases provide the link between temperature rise and human activities. 4. The carbon produced by burning fossil fuels has a distinctive chemical signature. 5. Polar ice and tree rings record changes in atmospheric chemistry, which show carbon from fossil sources, has risen since 1850. Source: Adapted from multiple sources, demonstrating a scientific consensus.
From Oil Dependence to Energy Resilience HOW RENEWABLES STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY Reducing oil dependence is usually framed as climate policy, but it is crucial for national security. Cutting oil use can: • Increase resilience to supply chain shocks • Reduce the geopolitical leverage of oil-producing states • Strengthen domestic energy security Renewable energy systems are structurally different: • Power generation is decentralized, spread across many smaller sites • Solar and wind power are generated locally, rather than traded through centralized global markets • They do not rely on vulnerable maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz
Asia’s Economic Powerhouse Runs on Middle Eastern Oil THE IMPORTANCE OF HORMUZ FOR GLOBAL OIL FLOW Crude oil transported through the Strait of Hormuz, 2023 (million barrels per day) [Graph showing] Origin: Saudi Arabia 6.2 UAE 2.0 Iraq 3.2 Kuwait 1.5 Qatar 0.6 Iran 1.3 Destination: China 5.0 India 1.9 Japan 1.7 S. Korea 1.7 Other Asia 2.2 Europe 1.0 Other 1.0 In the center of the graphic is the Strait of Hormuz, where 14.9 million barrels pass each day
The Hidden Costs of Oil Dependency NATIONAL BUDGETS, ECONOMIES, AND FOREIGN POLICY Around 72% of global oil reserves are controlled by members of OPEC. According to the US Dept of Energy, oil price shocks and market manipulation by OPEC cost the US economy roughly $2 trillion between 2004 and 2008. Within OPEC states, revenues from oil exports have significantly shaped political systems, allowing governments to finance state operations and consolidate power. Authoritarian regimes rely on oil income to fund security forces and suppress dissent. As the global shift toward renewable energy accelerates, countries heavily dependent on oil, and oil revenues, face growing risks of economic and political instability. [Photo of an oil tanker, docked at a busy industrial port.]
Climate Change & Agriculture Climate Change causes extreme weather events and a greater risk to harvests... ... while unsustainable food systems drive a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. [Graphic showing:] Unpredictable rainfall, drought or water scarcity, flooding, extreme weather events such as storms & fires = Impacts food systems CLIMATE CHANGE HAS A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE Pollution (fertilizers, pesticides), deforestation & biodiversity decline, soil erosion, nitrogen run-off & resource depletion = Impacts Climate Change UNSUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS CONTRIBUTE TO CLIMATE CHANGE Adapted from: The Guardian » https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/29/sustainable-food-production-economic-benefits-study
What is a Flexitarian diet? EATING A PLANT-BASED DIET HELPS TO REDUCE GLOBAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS 1. 500g* per day of fruits and vegetables of different colors and groups *At least! 2. 100g per day of plant-based protein, such as legumes, nuts, and soybeans 3. Modest amounts of animal-based proteins, such as poultry, fish, milk and eggs 4. No more than one portion/week of red meat Limited refined sugar, saturated fat, and starchy foods with a high glycaemic index Source: World Economic Forum https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/11/want-to-save-the-world-become-a-flexitarian
What Makes a Sustainable Diet? HEALTHY FOR YOU AND SUSTAINABLE FOR THE PLANET Venn disgram showing 4 segments: 1. Nutritionally adequate, healthy and safe 2. Respectful of biodiversity and ecosystems 3. Economically affordable, accessible and fair 4. Reduced water use, processing and waste and at the intersection of the four segments: PLANT-BASED (flexitarian, vegetarian or vegan) Adapted from: MDPI » https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/22/4723
What Makes a Sustainable Diet? HEALTHY FOR YOU AND SUSTAINABLE FOR THE PLANET Venn disgram showing 4 segments: 1. Nutritionally adequate, healthy and safe 2. Respectful of biodiversity and ecosystems 3. Economically affordable, accessible and fair 4. Reduced water use, processing and waste and at the intersection of the four segments: PLANT-BASED (flexitarian, vegetarian or vegan) Adapted from: MDPI » https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/22/4723
The EU’s climate advisory board has urged countries to prepare for +3 ºC of global warming. How will our world change as it gets hotter? [Photos dipicting flooding, extreme heat and drought] Sources include the IPCC, WWF and UN research. Editors’ note: Predicting the future is not an exact science, and there is naturally some disparity in climate modeling. I have used conservative estimates, and erred on the side of optimism.
The Big Oil is Evolving... it’s Becoming Big Plastic • Credible projections expect 70–90% of global electricity to be renewable by 2050. • Many countries plan to end new gasoline and diesel car sales in the 2030s–2040s. SO WHAT’S NEXT FOR FOSSIL FUEL PRODUCERS? Across the industry, they are betting that petrochemicals (and plastics-related production) can help offset declining fuel demand. Independent industry data has found that hundreds of billions of dollars have been invested globally in plastics and chemical projects since the 2010s, driven largely by fossil fuel and petrochemical companies collectively — though precise breakdowns per company and project often aren’t publicly disclosed. Sources: YALE ENVIRONMENT 360 » https://e360.yale.edu/features/the-plastics-pipeline-a-surge-of-new-production-is-on-the-way?.com, SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN » https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-fossil-fuel-companies-are-driving-plastic-production-and-pollution/
Sustainable Business Strategy A successful sustainable business strategy creates long-term value for the business, its stakeholders, and society as a whole. KEY STEPS FOR BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL STRATEGY: 1. Engage and prioritize Discuss with, and engage stakeholders before submitting your proposal to ensure support. 2. Assess and collaborate Prioritize your focus based on your market and value chain. Build the right partnerships with key stakeholders. 3. Measure and report Find the right metrics to evaluate the success of your strategy. Be transparent with your customers about your progress.
Sustainability in Marketing AKA, GIVING CONSUMERS WHAT THEY WANT! • 64% of respondents think corporations have the most responsibility to act sustainably • 49% of respondents say that they feel better about buying things if they are sustainable • 59% of respondents say brands should do more to make their products sustainable • 28% say that they’re willing to pay more for sustainable products and services
What is Sustainability? GWI asked US consumers, when you hear the term “sustainability” which of the following things do you think of? [Chart] % OF RESPONDENTS WHO DEFINE SUSTAINABILITY AS... Recycling 63% Preserving natural resources and wildlife 62% Using less harmful materials/substances/products 59% Reducing the impact of pollution 59% Reducing the impact of pollution 57% Reducing the impact of Climate Change 53% Data Source: GWI » https://www.gwi.com/blog/sustainable-brands
The Human Cost of Water Scarcity BY 2030, WATER DEMAND MAY EXCEED SUPPLY BY 40%, WHILE CLIMATE CHANGE IS EXACERBATING THE SITUATION HEALTH IMPACTS The consumption of dirty water causes cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. Over 53,000 deaths annually are linked to water-borne diseases. ECONOMIC IMPACTS In developing countries, women and children walk hours daily to fetch water. This time could be used for education, income-generating work, or care-giving. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Rivers and lakes are drying up, and wetland ecosystems are being lost, reducing biodiversity. SOCIAL IMPACTS Water scarcity causes the large movement of people from countryside to cities. Potentially, it could cause, or increase, conflict between communities or nations.
The Human Cost of Water Scarcity BY 2030, WATER DEMAND MAY EXCEED SUPPLY BY 40%, WHILE CLIMATE CHANGE IS EXACERBATING THE SITUATION HEALTH IMPACTS The consumption of dirty water causes cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. Over 53,000 deaths annually are linked to water-borne diseases. ECONOMIC IMPACTS In developing countries, women and children walk hours daily to fetch water. This time could be used for education, income-generating work, or care-giving. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Rivers and lakes are drying up, and wetland ecosystems are being lost, reducing biodiversity. SOCIAL IMPACTS Water scarcity causes the large movement of people from countryside to cities. Potentially, it could cause, or increase, conflict between communities or nations.
Causes of the Global Water Crisis WATER SCARCITY IS DRIVEN BY A MIX OF ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC, AND SOCIAL FACTORS. THE KEY CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDE: 1. Climate Change Global warming is changing weather patterns, bringing longer droughts and more severe floods. Melting glaciers and shrinking rivers are reducing freshwater supplies. For example, Lake Chad has shrunk by about 90% due to drought — destabilizing crops and livelihoods across multiple countries — and Himalayan glaciers are retreating rapidly, threatening water for nearly two billion people downstream. 2. Poor Water Infrastructure Many low-income and rural communities lack basic water infrastructure for storage and treatment. In Pakistan, some villages still depend on open ponds shared with animals. Each year, about four trillion cubic meters of freshwater are wasted due to evaporation, leaks, and inefficient irrigation.
Global Water Distribution AVAILABLE FRESHWATER IS LIMITED AND UNEQUALLY DISTRIBUTED [Charts showing] EARTH’S WATER Saline (Oceans) 97% Freshwater 3% FRESHWATER Icecaps and Glaciers 68.7% Groundwater 30,1% Surface water 0,3% Other 0,9% FRESH, LIQUID SURFACE WATER Lakes 87% Swamps 11% Rivers 2%
Global Water Scarcity A GRAVE THREAT TO HUMAN SURVIVAL, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL STABILITY Over two billion people worldwide cannot access clean water. Almost two thirds of the global population (4 B people) find water scarce for at least one month per year. 4.5 billion people have inadequate water sanitation, exposing them to diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever, and other water-borne illnesses. Agriculture uses 70% of the world’s accessible freshwater, but some 60% of this is wasted due to leaky irrigation systems, inefficient application methods as well as the cultivation of unsuitable crops. About 50% of the world’s wetlands have been destroyed since 1900. Wetlands support the cultivation of rice, a staple in the diet of half the world’s population; as well as providing water filtration, flood control, and storm protection.
We Have Entered “an Era of Global Water Bankruptcy” UNITED NATIONS REPORT WARNS OF IRREVERSIBLE CONSEQUENCES What is “Water Bankruptcy”? Nature provides water income in the form of rain and snow, but the world is spending more than it receives — extracting from its rivers, lakes, wetlands and underground aquifers at a much faster rate than they are replenished, putting us in debt. Climate change-fueled heat and drought are compounding the problem. • 50% of the planet’s large lakes have lost water since 1990 • 70% of major aquifers are in long-term decline • An area of wetlands almost the size of the EU has been erased over the past 50 years • Glaciers have shrunk 30% since 1970 • Even in places where water systems are less strained, pollution is reducing the amount of clean drinking water
Stop the Grindadráp Slaughter CALL TO ACTION: NOW IS THE MOMENT TO CONTACT YOUR MEP! MEPs are currently intensifying pressure on the EU Commission to take action against the annual Faroese whale slaughter, due to record-breaking kill numbers. The Faroe Islands enjoy preferen- tial trade arrangements with the EU, as well as access to EU pro- grammes, and security guarantees. However, they are not subject to EU law. MEPs have called for: • Country-of-origin labeling to enable consumer boycotts of Faroese fish products; • Revisions to fisheries agreements to include suspension clauses if the killing continues; • Increased pressure on Denmark, and an investigation into reports that Danish police and military have supported hunt activities and restricted NGO monitoring.
Warming Oceans Mean... THE AVERAGE DAILY GLOBAL SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE HAS REACHED 20.98º C. THE IMPACTS OF THIS INCLUDE: MORE CO2 Warmer waters have less ability to absorb carbon dioxide, meaning more planet- warming gas will stay in the atmosphere. MELTING GLACIERS Warmer waters will accelerate the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, which flow into the ocean, leading to sea level rise. FORCED MIGRATION Hotter oceans and heat- waves disturb marine species, causing them to move in search of cooler waters, destabilizing ecosystems and coastal economies. CORAL BLEACHING Between 2014–2017 around 75% of the world’s tropical coral reefs experienced heat-stress. For 30% of the world’s reefs, that heat-stress was enough to kill coral.
The North Atlantic Current is Slowing Down RESEARCH ON OCEAN VENTILATION SHOWS “AGING” WATER MASS Ocean ventilation occurs when surface water sinks, transporting oxygen and carbon to greater depths. (Simultaneously, colder water wells-up bringing nutrients to the surface.) The efficiency of this process can be tested by “water age” — ie. the time elapsed since a water mass was last in contact with the atmosphere. A new study has found that North Atlantic waters are aging overall. The process of renewal, and circulation, has significantly slowed over the last 30 years. [Graphic showing Atlantic currents]
What is a Seasonal Upwelling? COLD WATER BRINGING NUTRIENTS UP FROM THE DEEP An upwelling occurs when wind pushes warmer surface water away, leading to the colder, deep water being drawn up into its place. An upwelling brings nutrient rich water to the surface — this process is vital for sustaining fisheries and cooling coral reefs. The Gulf of Panama usually has a seasonal upwelling from January to April which fuels productivity across the food chain, but it has failed.
The Renewable Energy Boom WHAT ARE THE SECTOR DRIVERS? Solar PV The cheapest and fastest-deploying renewable, leading to the biggest employment growth. Wind New jobs in turbine manufacturing, installation, and maintenance — particularly offshore. Hydropower Both large plants and small-scale hydro require long-term operation & maintenance. Bioenergy/Biofuels Steadily increasing supply chains and processing roles. Emerging technologies Geothermal, concentrated solar power, ocean energy and heat pumps add jobs as deployment scales. Chain effects New jobs in supply chain & logistics, component manufacturing, and engineering, installation and trade services.
The Renewable Energy Boom THERE’S A SURGE IN DEMAND FOR TECHNICIANS AND INSTALLERS THAT FAR OUTPACES NEARLY EVERY OTHER OCCUPATION Graph showing increase in Jobs from 2023 to 2030 (predicted). 2023 Solar 7.2 m Bioenergy 2.7 m Hydropower 2.3 m Wind 1.5 m Other (Geothermal, heats pumps, etc) 1 m 2030 (Predicted) Solar 18–20 m Bioenergy 12–14 m Hydropower 3–4 m Wind 5–6 m Other (Geothermal, heats pumps, etc) 2–3 m Sources: IRENA.ORG » https://www.irena.org/News/pressreleases/2024/Oct/Highest-Annual-Growth-of-Renewables-Jobs-in-2023-Reaching-16-point-2-Million-ES | UNITED NATIONS
Green vs. Greenwashed HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE REAL GREEN PRODUCTS FROM THE GREENWASHED — CLAIMS SHOULD BE: Evidence-based: If a product claims an environmental benefit, compared with the competition, then the claim should be substantiated. Explained clearly: Packaging and advertising should explain the product’s green claims in plain language and readable type in close proximity to the claim. Accurate: A product’s marketing claim should not overstate, directly or by implication, an environmental attribute or benefit. Specific: An environmental marketing claim should specify whether it refers to the product, the packaging, or just a portion of the product or package.
How AI Will Revolutionize the Energy Grid: Energy Storage Long-duration energy storage is reaching an important turning point. In 2025 China had several breakthroughs, including activating what is reported to be the world’s first gigawatt-hour vanadium flow battery system, and connecting a hybrid energy storage project combining lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. ZH Energy launched the first commercial sulfur-iron flow battery, offering long-duration storage at dramatically lower cost — around 85% less than vanadium-based systems. In 2026, solutions like flow batteries, thermal storage, and next-gen solar cells will become viable at scale. Together, they address one of renewable energy’s biggest challenges: covering the long gaps between periods of generation. This added flexibility will be critical to achieving reliable, round-the-clock Carbon-Free Energy.
How AI Will Revolutionize the Energy Grid: AI Autonomy Artificial intelligence is on track to become the “brain” of the power grid. In 2026, autonomous AI systems are expected to continuously adjust how electricity is produced and delivered to support cleaner energy use. These systems will coordinate devices such as EV chargers and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), responding in real time to grid conditions. When needed, they can temporarily reduce or shift energy use, keeping supply and demand in balance. AI will also improve grid reliability by using advanced analytics to spot early warning signs in equipment like transformers and power lines — often weeks before something breaks. Problems will be fixed in advance, reducing outages and moving the grid closer to the end-goal: a self-repairing system.
How AI Will Revolutionize the Energy Grid: Hourly Matching Generating renewable energy is just the first step — the bigger challenge is matching clean power with demand, in real time. In 2026, renewable offsets will be replaced with a more ambitious goal: 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy (CFE). With AI-based monitoring, organizations can align electricity use with clean energy generation on an hourly basis. This means a data center running overnight is powered by actual wind or stored renewable energy, rather than being “offset” by solar credits produced during the day. This shift will drive the adoption of “granular certificates,” which track electricity generation and consumption at fine time intervals (hourly or even sub-hourly) instead of annually. These certificates will make it possible to verify carbon-free energy use and improve the accuracy and credibility of energy and emissions accounting.