Change. There is nothing more intrinsic to the existence of humanity and the planet we live on as change. Yet, such a short word conveys not only that strange and unsettling mixture of emotions one feels when hearing it but is also used to translate into language the way time interacts with human society and the natural world. Today, we face change on an unprecedented scale, but this change is not one we can afford to be fearful of, nor can we afford ourselves the time to become accustomed to such rapid changes. Instead, we must be bold, we must take action and we must embrace changes in every facet of our lives, from the food on our plates, to the way that we travel, and to the items we pick off the shelves. In governance and policy, the changes will need to be yet more extensive with restructuring required at every level and in every sector to ensure that our planet has a future.

For centuries cobalt ore was not usually mined for the cobalt content, rather, it was often recovered as a by-product of mining for various other ores such as silver, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, manganese and arsenic. Due to the complex processing required to concentrate and extract the cobalt from these oars this metal has been considered precious throughout history, from being used for jewellery in ancient Persia, to porcelain in Ming dynasty China, humanity has long admired this malleable and at times beautiful substance. However, during the 20th and 21st centuries its uses have expanded to areas such as cancer therapy, radioactive tracers, magnetic alloys and battery materials for electric cars (Gregersen, 2022) making it one of the most in demand metals around the world. Unfortunately, as is so often the case when certain resources come to be considered as valuable, exploitation and destruction is never far behind…

We would like to dedicate this Newsletter to all those women across the world who are involved in the climate and environmental sectors. From scientists, politicians, policy makers, NGO workers and CEOs to climate activists, eco-friendly shoppers, recycle plant workers and farmers. Every one of you makes a valued contribution to the fight against climate change and we cannot hope to beat this crisis without your knowledge, strength, tenacity and most importantly numbers.

Global population is increasing and the latest data shows that it could grow up to around 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion by 2050. At the rate consumption is growing, the equivalent to almost three planets could be required to provide the natural recourses needed to sustain current lifestyles. SDG 12 was created to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Over the past several decades, population growth, inequalities and diversification of diets have, naturally, increased the demand for food. The current food crisis is an immense challenge, and it will require global commitment to be dealt with successfully. The second SDG focuses on this problem, and it aims to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Over the past week, the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), has come together to follow up with the results achieved and finding new ways to work towards the UN’s global targets that we know as the Sustainable Development Goals.

SDG #3 is being closely monitored during the current times and countries are struggling to keep their health care systems up and running as they should. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how important it is for countries and nations to be united and work together.

SDG #1 - No Poverty is at the centre of the Sustainable Development Goals and currently projections are bleak for the impact of COVID-19 on global extreme poverty levels. In essence, to eradicate absolute poverty, and to do so sustainably, would demonstrate the successful achievement of all the SDGs.

SDG 17 is a specific goal that works to strengthen the means of implementation of the SDGs, as well as revitalising the global partnerships for sustainable development. In this article we discuss the importance of global cooperation to tackle the SDGs and recent initiatives including the latest G7 agreement and looking forward to COP26.

The United Kingdom is an outperformer when considering global sustainability standards, since the implementation of the SDGs in 2016. This article seeks to evaluate the UK’s approach to the successful achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, across both the public and private sphere.

According to the United Nations… 18% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced some type of physical and/ or sexual abuse and in 30 countries globally, genital mutilation is happening to 1 in 3 girls aged 15 to 19. This is not only a women’s issue, this is an issue for humanity. SDG #5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Over half the world’s population is living in cities, and this number is expected rise significantly over the coming decades. Cities are hubs for new ideas, culture, science, human and economic development and they play a big role in the fight against climate change.