Tag: 3BL

January 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Four civilians died and 30 were injured Jan. 8 after Russia’s fatal missile attack on Ukraine. The latest barrage, which struck several regions across the country, marks a grim new chapter in a 22-month long war. Daily airstrikes are hitting civilian areas, including housing and shopping malls.

A previous massive attack was less than two weeks earlier on Dec. 29, when Russia launched more than 120 missiles, killing 30 civilians, injuring 130, and leaving many more beneath rubble. Many families were completely cut off from water, heating, and electricity.

Since the start of the conflict in February 2022, 3.6 million Ukrainians have been displaced inside the country and 6.3 million people globally. Casualties continue to rise, with estimates surpassing 10,000. In the coming year, 14.6 million Ukrainians will be in desperate need of humanitarian aid, and worldwide the war may lead to market instability, higher food prices, and an escalation of global hunger.

The recent attacks are a direct violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits any attacks that destroy critical resources and threaten civilian survival. The impacted communities, which had been already struggling with widespread poverty, are now seeing large-scale destruction of critical infrastructure, such water, electricity and gas systems, as well as schools and health facilities.

As Ukrainians struggle in winter weather and subzero temperatures, civilians urgently need heat, electricity, and water to survive. Vulnerable families across the country bear the brunt of the conflict. In the first year of the war, more than 40% of the country saw their energy networks impacted. As the conflict continues, and more infrastructure is destroyed, millions more may be forced to flee or require urgent need in 2024.

When the conflict began, Action Against Hunger launched our emergency response immediately. Coordinated from Kyiv, our teams support displaced people and host communities in hard-hit areas around Chernivtsi in the West and Dnipro, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Sumy in the East. In the coming year, Action Against Hunger plans to extend our emergency work to the South, focusing on Odessa and Mykolaiv, where we will distribute food and basic supplies.

Every day that conflict rages on puts more civilian lives at risk. Continued and indiscriminate attacks also deteriorate living conditions and make distribution of basic supplies challenging, particularly in areas close to the front lines.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 28 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 55 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

In Ukraine, Action Against Hunger teams are setting up mental health services, providing people with cash and necessities, and supporting mobile health clinics.

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Photos by Arthur De Poortere

Safety in Design, though not a new concept, is gaining momentum in the US to improve safety for employees and reduce costly and sometimes ineffective workarounds to control risks in the workplace.

Safety in Design is a proactive and holistic approach to project development that integrates environmental, health, and safety (EHS) considerations into the engineering design and construction phases. This methodology involves the inclusion of professionals with both engineering and EHS expertise throughout the project’s life cycle. By incorporating safety measures from the project’s inception, Safety in Design aims to identify and mitigate potential hazards at their source, fostering a safer working environment and reducing risks for workers and the surrounding community.

This approach goes beyond compliance with regulations by actively seeking opportunities to eliminate or substitute hazards through changes in design, layout, or materials. Notably, it emphasizes foresight in anticipating maintenance and operational challenges, ensuring that safety considerations persist throughout the facility’s lifespan.

Safety in Design interventions encompass a range of strategies, from the installation of physical safeguards like roof parapets and guardrails to the strategic relocation of equipment for easier access and maintenance. Additionally, it involves thoughtful decisions in process design, such as opting for less hazardous chemicals or planning for efficient vehicle movement within the site.

By addressing safety concerns at the genesis of a project, Safety in Design empowers EHS professionals to make impactful changes, influencing the layout of facilities, incorporating engineering controls, and optimizing infrastructure elements. The ultimate goal is to create a safety-conscious culture that not only safeguards workers during construction but also ensures the long-term safety and ease of maintenance during the operational phase of the project.

Practical Examples 

Roof Parapets or Guardrails: By incorporating features like parapets or guardrails during the design phase, the need for active fall protection is reduced. This not only enhances worker safety but also simplifies ongoing maintenance activities.Relocation of Rooftop Equipment: Moving equipment from rooftops to the ground eliminates the need for rooftop access, minimizing the risk associated with working at heights. This decision can have long-term benefits for maintenance and repair activities.Chemical Substitution in Water Treatment: Choosing less hazardous chemicals in the design of water treatment processes is an excellent example of substitution from the hierarchy of controls. This reduces the potential risks associated with handling and storing hazardous substances.Site Layout Changes for Vehicle Safety: Planning for safe and efficient vehicle movement between buildings, such as forklifts and Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), promotes a safer working environment and reduces the likelihood of accidents.Generator Enclosure Design for Maintenance: Considering how generators can be safely removed from enclosures when they fail is a foresighted approach. This kind of planning ensures that maintenance activities are not only effective but also carried out with minimal risk.Safety Equipment Appropriately Placed: Many times, electric forklift charging areas don’t have room for safety equipment like an emergency eyewash/shower or spill kit. Reviewing the plans and making room for required safety equipment ensures that work areas are well thought out and safe.

Where do I Begin? 

While not a new concept, Safety in Design is starting to gain momentum in the US, following the United Kingdom, where is has been required in the construction industry since 1995. But how does one even begin incorporating the process into their work, or get their company involved? What sorts of skills does someone participating in the Safety in Design process need?

Collaborative, Multi-Disciplinary Team 

Implementing a comprehensive Safety in Design strategy is best achieved through the collaborative support of EHS professionals, operations personnel, and building design engineers. EHS professionals bring their regulatory expertise and risk assessment skills, ensuring that safety standards are met, and potential hazards are identified and addressed. Operations personnel contribute frontline insights into the practical aspects of day-to-day work, providing a nuanced understanding of operational intricacies. Building design engineers bring technical expertise to translate safety requirements into the physical design, incorporating protective measures seamlessly. This collaboration fosters an environment where safety is ingrained in every stage of the design process, from initial concept to execution. By combining regulatory compliance, operational practicality, and engineering precision, this holistic approach ensures that safety considerations are not only met but elevated to a core principle in the design ethos.

Review Each Phase of the Project 

An essential part of the process is review of the different phases of the design drawings by the safety professional, just as representatives of each of the other disciplines, such as the electrical engineer and mechanical engineers do. This process requires that the safety professional has the knowledge and skills to read engineering drawings and participate in design and engineering discussions.

Currently, these are not skills that are common for most safety professionals to have, nor are they commonly taught in occupational safety degree programs. Because of this, it may in many cases be best to recruit external help or expertise. Whether this is on the part of the design or construction company, or even on the part of the owner team requesting the design.

Is All the Effort Worth It? 

Applying Safety in Design principles makes business sense for several compelling reasons:

Cost Savings in the Long Run: While incorporating safety measures during the design phase may incur initial costs, it often leads to substantial long-term savings. By proactively addressing safety issues, businesses can reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and associated expenses. This includes costs related to workers’ compensation, medical care, legal fees, and potential regulatory fines. Additionally, a strong safety record and a commitment to safety practices can lead to lower insurance premiums. Insurers often reward companies with proactive safety measures in place, recognizing the reduced risk of accidents and claims.Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency: Safety in Design promotes a work environment where potential hazards are minimized or eliminated, creating a safer and more efficient workspace. When workers feel secure in their environment, productivity tends to increase, and the risk of work stoppages due to accidents or regulatory non-compliance decreases. This positive impact on productivity contributes to overall business success.Improved Reputation and Stakeholder Relations: Companies that prioritize safety by integrating it into their design processes demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of their employees, communities, and the environment. This commitment enhances the company’s reputation, fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and regulatory bodies. A strong safety record can be a valuable asset in competitive markets and should be highlighted in the company’s Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) reports/plans.Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Safety in Design ensures that a project or facility aligns with applicable safety regulations from the outset. This proactive approach reduces the risk of regulatory violations and associated penalties. Compliance with safety standards is not only a legal requirement but also contributes to a company’s overall risk management strategy.Long-Term Sustainability: Safety in Design supports the creation of facilities and processes that are sustainable and resilient. By considering safety throughout the entire life cycle of a project, businesses are better equipped to adapt to changing regulations, technological advancements, and societal expectations. This adaptability enhances the longevity and sustainability of the business.Employee Morale and Retention: Prioritizing safety sends a clear message to employees that their well-being is a top priority. This commitment to safety can boost morale, leading to higher job satisfaction and employee retention. A stable and experienced workforce contributes to overall operational efficiency and expertise.

Safety in Design is an investment that yields returns in terms of cost savings, operational efficiency, reputation, compliance, sustainability, and employee well-being. By integrating safety considerations into the design and construction phases, businesses set the foundation for a secure, productive, and resilient future.

Questions on how to implement Safety in Design in your workplace? We’re here to help!

Originally published by Minnesota Chamber of Commerce on mnchamber.com

Whitney Harvey: Shane, as the CDO for Baker Tilly, why did you embark on this effort and why was it important to have business leaders be the face of this next phase?

Shane Lloyd: We launched our first diversity, inclusion, belonging and societal impact (DIBS) strategy back in 2018 and it took us through to 2021 and we made notable progress in the number of people of color at our firm, the number of women at the senior manager and partner levels, and we also increased the number of opportunities our team members had to plug into DEI efforts. Additionally, we started receiving growing visibility for our efforts externally. It was amazing!

Continue reading here

Learn more about Shane Lloyd.

According to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), the future of medicine is the ability to remotely monitor patients in a simple and accurate way. The new sensor that they’ve developed does just that. It allows thousands of different patients, particularly babies, to be monitored at once in an easy, effective way, and they’re doing so with the help of Cadence tools.

When babies are under medical care, they may appear healthy on the outside, but sometimes their oxygen or carbon dioxide levels are lower than they appear. Those are important variables to determine their response to therapy and if the support they’re being given is adequate. To provide the best care to those babies, doctors need easy access to those variables frequently and in a non-invasive manner.

WPI is building monitors that provide more accessible data, give all the variables more accurately, and are more family-friendly. With WPI’s monitors, babies don’t need to remain tethered to a machine to determine whether the support they’re being given is adequate.

Since WPI’s monitor is a variable device, they have limited power and area resources available. The first thing the team had to do was study the signal characteristics since the hardware would be tailored to the needs of the signal. They used Cadence’s Virtuoso Studio, Spectre technology, and PSpice and PVS tools to characterize the electrical design, lay out the physical design, and verify the electrical and physical design in every step.

Ulkuhan Guler, an associate professor at WPI, said, “Cadence helps us to design the next generation of biomedical devices, which are miniaturized, smart, wireless, and can measure from inside and outside of the body. This will reduce the burden on healthcare, and also, this will help doctors to monitor their patients from the comfort of their home.” Learn more about how WPI is enabling accurate, non-invasive, and remote patient monitoring with Cadence.

“Designed with Cadence” is a series of videos that showcases creative products and technologies that are accelerating industry innovation using Cadence tools and solutions. For more Designed with Cadence videos, check out the Cadence website and YouTube channel.

Originally published in Northern Trust’s 2022 Sustainability Report

The Sustainability Network

The Sustainability Network, Northern Trust’s global employee environmental engagement program, aims to increase awareness of sustainability issues, promoting best practices and unifying environmentally focused business operations. This program conducts celebrations around Earth Hour and Earth Day, and facilitates volunteering in local communities. In 2022 the network participated in activities such as taking a carbon pledge to reduce their emission over the next 12 months, and hosted webinars to educate the enterprise on our journey to net zero.

With the use of our Yammer page and our monthly article series, Spotlight on Sustainability, in 2022 we covered a wide variety of topics from the impacts of business travel on our corporate emissions and alternatives that help reduce our emissions to how to use water more efficiently in the office and home.

Local Communities

Northern Trust functions as a global citizen whose commitment to building a healthy, sustainable environment involves deep regard for our surrounding communities. We understand our footprint affects the larger ecological system and the lives of community members, and we believe in the power of communitybased actions to effect positive change for the good of our planet.

Read the full report here

Toting green sacks, Regions’ market executives and associates delivered thousands of fidget toys this month to 21 different children’s hospitals.

Regions called the 2023 holiday donations of the pyramid-shaped toys “Miles of Smiles.”

Kevin Crateau of Regions Corporate Marketing said the toy gifts were another way for local associates to support communities where the bank opened new branches.

Regions associates delivered the toys Dec. 4-12 – donating 7,700 to children at hospitals in 10 states across the Southeast and Midwest.

“We were looking for a way to be part of the season of giving and thought these ‘Miles of Smiles’ donations of fidget toys aligned well with Regions’ mission to make life better and our values of putting people first and helping people enjoy life,” Crateau said. “Working with incredible healthcare partners, we sought to lift spirits and bring smiles.”

For Courtney Lyon, a child life specialist at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, the Regions gifts she distributed arrived on the perfect day.

It was Lyon’s birthday and discharge day for one of her longtime patients, Baylee Green. Her Regions guests (Indianapolis Commercial Banking Leader and Market Executive Erik Miner, Schiela Pena of Community Relations and Kim Borges of Corporate Communications) got to meet Baylee too.

“I love getting to see how our community is supporting our hospital, our patients, and our staff,” Lyon said. “We are so lucky to have such amazing donors who really go above and beyond for our patients and families every day!

“My favorite part was how amazing the team at Regions was with our patient up in the unit. They were personable, funny, and Baylee felt so valued and appreciated!”

In addition to the fun factor of the toys and surprise visits that can make hospital stays feel more normal, Lyon said fidget toys have many therapeutic benefits.

“When patients need to keep their hands occupied or are feeling a little overwhelmed or stressed, we can give them one of these toys,” she said. “That helps keep their mind and hands busy while our nurses and care team can focus on the task at hand, which could be a blood draw, placing an IV, or other procedure.”

Kelsey Lee, an occupational therapist at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, agreed and said the donated fidget toys are a great complement to its mission of helping patients recover from spinal cord and brain injuries.

“We are always looking for more fine-motor and hand-strengthening activities for our patients who have goals for strengthening their hands,” Lee said.  “They will also be a great tool for our adolescent team to use with patients who have full function in their hands to be able to fidget with while we are talking about spinal cord injury education or learning new skills.”

For the Regions associates who participated, delivering the toys and ‘miles of smiles’ was a grounding and meaningful holiday experience.

“Participating in events dedicated to giving back and donating toys for children in hospitals is a testament to the boundless capacity of human kindness,” said Consumer Banking Manager Teresa Diaz who visited Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami with four other associates.

“It’s an investment in hope, joy and the promise of brighter tomorrows for those who need it most.”

Regions’ toy delivery to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis had a particularly special meaning for Kurt Matlock, who manages the bank’s branch in nearby Manchester.

When he heard about the upcoming Miles of Smiles donation, Matlock put in a special request to join St. Louis Commercial Banking Leader and Market Executive Scott Hartwig for the donation dropoff. “My first son had open heart surgery at Cardinal Glennon when he was seven days old,” Matlock said. “It was great to get the chance to be part of the effort helping children just like him and a healthcare team and hospital that means so much to our family.”

Watch the reel on Regions Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

January 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Anthony Imafidon, the visionary force behind Motivated Express, is reshaping the fashion landscape by empowering the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities to embrace their dreams. In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of equality and empowerment, Anthony’s brand is dedicated to instilling motivation and self-expression among individuals facing hearing impairment challenges.

Anthony’s personal journey, shaped by the challenges of hearing loss, forms the cornerstone of Motivated Express’s philosophy. His commitment to empowering others to chase their aspirations, irrespective of disabilities, resonates deeply with the ethos of Dr. King’s vision.

“Growing up with hearing loss was a difficult journey for me. Facing challenges, different barriers, having self-doubt, disappointments, and setbacks going into the hearing world. I knew that I would use that as motivation to better myself by becoming stronger and wiser,” said Anthony.

Driven by his mission to empower others, Anthony sought guidance from Sky’s the Limit mentors from Accenture, Tuesday Hagiwara, Marketer & Content Strategist and Bill Rydz, Digital Solution Architecture Senior Principal. Their mentorship in marketing and digital strategies equipped Anthony with crucial skills to secure funding and develop unique, marketable products.

“Every week, Tuesday and I would do a video call to figure out ways to optimize my social media content strategy to bring my target audience to my social platforms,” said Anthony.

Read more about his story here.

Sky’s the Limit offers opportunities for founders like Anthony, those who are traditionally marginalized – typically those who identify as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, women, veterans, disabled people, and people from low-income backgrounds – to connect with mentors to continue to work towards realizing Dr. King’s vision for a better future for all. To date, Sky’s the Limit has facilitated over $500,000 in startup grants and supported tens of thousands of diverse entrepreneurs.

For more information about partnerships and how to get involved, please visit skysthelimit.org/partnerships.

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About SkysTheLimit.org: SkysTheLimit.org is a digital platform that connects young, historically excluded entrepreneurs with one-on-one support from experienced business advisors and mentors, entrepreneurship training, and community-voted startup grants. SkysTheLimit.org is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

Looking back on COP28 in Dubai, it’s clear that this conference generated its fair share of controversy and raised concerns about the perceived lack of action. However, amid the debates and discussions, significant outcomes and progress did emerge. The prevailing sentiment in the headlines is that incremental changes and small steps are not an option; the global climate crisis demands more substantial actions.

It’s important to recognize the intricacies involved in convening such a global event. COP28 brought together an array of stakeholders, including government officials and diplomats, to grapple with exceptionally intricate, technical, and politically sensitive issues. These challenges transcend geographical and political boundaries, making consensus-building a formidable task.

Record attendance and participation was noted, underscoring the gravity of the climate challenge and the acknowledgement from different stakeholder groups. Youth delegates played a significant role in amplifying the urgency of climate action, injecting fresh perspectives and energy into the discussions. Additionally, the private sector demonstrated a heightened commitment to climate initiatives, signaling a growing recognition of the shift from voluntary to required business opportunities inherent in sustainability.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the outcomes and insights from this crucial event, let’s explore some external news and perspectives on the topic as well as insights from our team that was on the ground at COP28 for the first time as Inogen Alliance with a side event coordinated with our Associate Sustainera from Azerbaijan with presenters including Antea Brasil, Integral, Egypt; and Tonkin + Taylor New Zealand.

The Biggest Actions from COP28

More than $57bn was mobilized to counteract climate change, including energy, nature, finance, food and healthCountries agree to transition away from fossil fuels – the beginning of the endOil & Gas Decarbonization Charter was launched with 40% of global oil companies signingOver 120 countries backed the COP28 UAE Climate and Health Declaration118 countries have pledged to triple the world’s global renewable energy capacity within the next seven yearsA reduction in cooling related emissions was agreedThe Loss and Damage Fund was formalised, and contributions commencedAgreement on the Global Goal on Adaptation and frameworkFAO develops roadmap to combat hunger, with 120 key actions and milestones identified

High-Level Insights on COP28:

Youth-Led Initiatives: Young climate activists played a prominent role at COP28, demanding ambitious climate targets and holding leaders accountable. This COP also saw the institutionalization of a Youth Climate Champion role into future COP presidencies.

Private Sector Pledges: Many major corporations and businesses made substantial pledges and commitments to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to more sustainable practices.

Global Climate Financing: Discussions on climate finance were a central theme at COP28. Many nations and organizations pledged funds to support developing countries in their climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. The Green Climate Fund received a boost, with total pledges currently standing at US$12.8 billion and expected to increase. These funds play a crucial role in financing climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Adaptation and Resilience: The urgency of addressing adaptation and building climate resilience gained prominence at this conference. Experts and leaders stressed the need to not only reduce emissions but also prepare for the inevitable impacts of a changing climate. Agreements were reached on targets for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and its framework, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the need for financial, technological, and capacity-building support.

Technological Innovations: COP28 showcased various technological advancements and innovations aimed at combating climate change. These solutions range from renewable energy technologies to carbon capture and storage initiatives.

Summary of Negotiations Outcomes

1. Loss and Damage:

COP28 operationalized the loss and damage funding which was established in COP 27 in Sharm El Sheikh. The fund will be hosted in the World Bank and pledges of around $730million has been secured in Dubai. The fund will aid nations facing severe climate change impacts. The allocated pledges so far are much lower than the value needed to address the loss and damage.

2. Climate Finance Target:

COP28 sets the floor to finalize the agreement of the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) on climate finance at COP29. The agreement will include drafting a post-2025 finance target, in order to replace the $100 billion previously pledged by developed countries to finance mitigation and adaptation actions in developing countries. However, the language for the NCQG to consider the needs for NDC and NAPs implementation was weakened in the final version of the text and was criticized by developing countries.

3. Global Goal on Adaptation:

COP28 sets 2030 as a date for targets on water security, food security, ecosystem restoration, infrastructure, cultural heritage, and health. In addition, the need to significantly scale up adaptation finance beyond doubling was included in the final text. The final text was criticized for having weak language regarding the targets without quantification, timelines, scaling up of the adaptation finance, and closing the adaptation gap.

4. Global Stocktake

COP28 witnessed the first-ever “global stocktake” under the Paris Agreement, and for the first time in a COP history there was a decision that explicitly calls for “transitioning away from fossil fuels”. The text was criticized for not including “phasing out” of fossil fuels, for having weak text regarding the phasing down of unabated coal, and for not including near-term targets for fossil fuels other than the net zero goal by 2050. The text also included global targets for tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030. Moreover, accelerating other zero and low emission technologies such as nuclear and carbon capture and storage/utilization were included as global targets but without time frame.

5. Carbon Markets:

COP28 leaves critical questions on carbon markets unanswered. This includes delaying decisions on how the various types of carbon credits (especially the ones away from the UN-governed carbon market) will be supervised; hence, impacting the credibility of emission-reducing projects.

6. Just Transition:

COP28 adopted a decision to operationalize the just transition work program, which was established in COP 27 in Sharm El Sheikh. The work program will focus on just and equitable transition pathways that include energy, socioeconomic, workforce and other dimensions in addition to approaches to enhancing adaptation and climate resilience. However, the text was criticized by developing countries since it did not include strong language on support for just transition.

7. Nature-Based Solutions:

COP28 integrates nature-based solutions into climate goals, setting a promising 2030 deforestation goal and recognizing the vital role of ecosystems in climate adaptation and noting the need for enhanced support to achieve such goal.

Inogen Alliance COP28 insights:

Brett Ogilvie, Tonkin + Taylor

COP28 witnessed a significant increase in attendance, with 90,000-100,000 registered participants in the Blue Zone. This exclusive zone was reserved for invitees representing governments that signed the UNFCCC or registered NGOs, and a limited number of private sector representatives. The private sector had a significant presence in the Green Zone, resembling a trade show dedicated to climate change-related products and services.

The surge in attendance, doubling since COP26, can be attributed to heightened private sector engagement. Businesses are recognizing both the urgency of climate action and the opportunities it presents. COP serves as a platform for collaboration and problem-solving among diverse stakeholders.

The first Global Stocktake (GST) underscored the pressing need to cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, to limit global warming to 1.5°C. However, it also highlighted that Parties are falling short of their Paris Agreement commitments. The GST calls for a global-scale increase in renewable energy capacity and energy efficiency improvements, along with phasing out coal power and fossil fuel subsidies, emphasizing an equitable transition.

At COP there are hundreds of events and side meetings between the Green and Blue Zones. One that stood out to me, to give an example of one specific topic and event, was the Global Renewables Alliance (GRA)/International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA) joint event: Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA) Ministerial event, Charting the Course of Offshore Wind Energy. The purpose of this event was to reaffirm collective commitment to tripling offshore wind. The newest members to GOWA include the European Commission and Brazil.

The government of Denmark spoke about how Denmark had the planet’s first offshore windfarm. They didn’t listen to the voices who said it was impossible. Romania is looking to be the first country with offshore wind in the Black Sea.

The Netherlands is Chair of North Sea Co-operation, and together they want to launch the North Sea as an energy powerhouse for NW Europe. They emphasized the need to look at whole value chain for wind energy and the importance of biodiversity.

Brazil was excited to join GOWA, with 90 offshore wind projects under permitting at the moment and 700 GW of offshore wind potential off their coast.

Ocean Conservancy is the first non-profit member of GOWA, supporting rapid, responsible and just deployment of offshore wind. They called for concessionary finance for the developing world to address climate and biodiversity crises hand in hand.

Other events delivered by IRENA/GRA included a focus on transmission networks as an enabler for energy transition, and the ability of private sector finance and expertise to support their development. “Without transmission, there’s no transition” was a theme that resonated with me.

Bringing it back to the overall themes and actions of COP 28, parties are urged to set ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets aligned with the 1.5°C limit in their upcoming climate action plans by 2025. While there was no firm commitment to phase out fossil fuels, the conference marked a significant turning point, signaling the “beginning of the end” for fossil fuels and a lot of discussion around renewable energy sources.

In summary, while COP 28 faced its share of challenges and criticisms, it marked a critical milestone in the global effort to combat climate change. The need for more substantial actions, the active participation of youth and the private sector, and the focus on adaptation and resilience all underscore the evolving nature of the climate conversation. While challenges remain, the conference marked a significant step forward in the global effort to combat climate change.

Michelle Meaclem, Tonkin + Taylor

There is still a lack of meaningful inclusion of marginalized communities, including young people, at decision- and policy-making tables, despite their critical role in climate action. However, it was encouraging to see and hear about the different initiatives being driven by young people at local, national, regional and international levels at various youth-led events at COP28. Furthermore, the Youth Climate Champion role was institutionalized at COP28, ensuring that future COP presidencies facilitate participation of youth.

Infrastructure and cities at COP

For the first time, there was a thematic day on multi-level action and urbanization (as well as health/relief, recovery, and peace). Cities drive 70% of global emissions and currently, approximately 55% of the world’s population live in urban areas. It is projected that by 2050, the figure will increase to 70%. Engineers have a critical role to play, in collaboration with other sectors, to shape sustainable urban environments that align with our global climate goals.

The importance of multi-level climate action was highlighted in the initiative launched by the COP28 Presidency and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP). On the thematic day of Multilevel action, Urbanization and the Built environment, and Transportation, the Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change reinforced the importance of multi-level climate action to achieve the Paris Agreement targets and also discussed how local climate finance could be accelerated to facilitate a multi-disciplinary and integrated approach for climate action. As part of this event, there were ‘2+2’ interventions, where a subnational and a national representative gave joint interventions to showcase examples of multilevel climate partnerships.

I also had the opportunity to provide opening remarks in the COP28 Presidency High Level event on “Accelerating Urban Water Resilience: Innovative Finance for Urban Water Utilities”, along with H.E Jochen Flasbarth and H.E. Saeed Mohammed Ahmad Al Tayer on the thematic day of Food, Agriculture and Water. Water utilities are underinvested – only 3.16% of climate finance goes to water. There are significant challenges which the public and private sectors need to overcome rapidly to deliver safe and climate resilient water utilities. This event showcased some partnerships that have driven innovation and investment in urban water resilience.

Although the outcomes of COP may not have been as ambitious as what was hoped for, it was good to see agreements for the Loss and Damage Fund, the Global Goal on Adaptation, and a transition away from fossil fuels as a start. I was also encouraged by the work of civil society, youth, cities, and the private sector in raising climate ambition that was shown at COP28.

Read more about the Inogen Alliance side event at COP28 here, and watch for more to come in 2024 with COP29 being hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn.

PHILADELPHIA, January 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Comcast announced a $500,000 grant to Elevate215 to accelerate student learning outcomes and build a diverse teacher workforce in Philadelphia.

The investment in Philadelphia education will provide support for a number of Elevate 215’s core initiatives, which aim to improve schools in Philadelphia that primarily serve Black and Hispanic/Latinx students and students from low-income backgrounds.

“Elevating teaching and learning across schools in our city is possible if we work together in pursuit of this collective goal,” said Dr. Stacy E. Holland, Executive Director of Elevate 215. “Our partnership with Comcast was made possible by our shared belief that accelerating student achievement and advancing solutions to recruit, retain, and develop effective teachers will lead to a brighter future for Philadelphia.”

Specifically, Comcast’s one-year, $500,000 investment will help fund Elevate 215’s Beat the Odds (BTO) K-8 School Investments strategy, the African American Charter School Coalition program that provides Black and Hispanic/Latinx middle school students access to advanced math courses, and support ongoing collaborative efforts with the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition.

“Our partnership with Elevate 215 furthers and underscores our support for Philadelphia students and families to have access to high-quality schools and teachers,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation & President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. “Moving education forward in Philadelphia requires not only enhancing our schools, but ensuring they have the conditions for achieving success.”

We’re proud to invest in Elevate 215 as they seek to improve school practices and create the interconnected education system that is needed to positively impact student learning and propel economic mobility.

DALILA WILSON-SCOTT
Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation & President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation

Comcast’s grant is a part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

PHILADELPHIA, January 11, 2024 /3BL/ – Comcast announced a $500,000 grant to Elevate215 to accelerate student learning outcomes and build a diverse teacher workforce in Philadelphia.

The investment in Philadelphia education will provide support for a number of Elevate 215’s core initiatives, which aim to improve schools in Philadelphia that primarily serve Black and Hispanic/Latinx students and students from low-income backgrounds.

“Elevating teaching and learning across schools in our city is possible if we work together in pursuit of this collective goal,” said Dr. Stacy E. Holland, Executive Director of Elevate 215. “Our partnership with Comcast was made possible by our shared belief that accelerating student achievement and advancing solutions to recruit, retain, and develop effective teachers will lead to a brighter future for Philadelphia.”

Specifically, Comcast’s one-year, $500,000 investment will help fund Elevate 215’s Beat the Odds (BTO) K-8 School Investments strategy, the African American Charter School Coalition program that provides Black and Hispanic/Latinx middle school students access to advanced math courses, and support ongoing collaborative efforts with the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition.

“Our partnership with Elevate 215 furthers and underscores our support for Philadelphia students and families to have access to high-quality schools and teachers,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation & President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. “Moving education forward in Philadelphia requires not only enhancing our schools, but ensuring they have the conditions for achieving success.”

We’re proud to invest in Elevate 215 as they seek to improve school practices and create the interconnected education system that is needed to positively impact student learning and propel economic mobility.

DALILA WILSON-SCOTT
Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation & President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation

Comcast’s grant is a part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.