‘Double Dividends’ from Better Urban Management in the Pacific
A new report by Asian Development Bank (ADB), Moving from Risk to Resilience: Sustainable Urban Development in the Pacific, argues that efforts to improve urban management in the Pacific can improve both the quality of life in the region’s cities and towns and, at the same time, build greater resilience to natural hazards and climate change-induced events.
With Intelligent Transport Systems, Asia Can Beat Traffic and Boost Growth
Adopting these technologies and incorporating them into the urban fabric is crucial to make Asian urban transport sustainable.
Window of Opportunity Still Open on Climate Action
A set of reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the last of which was released on November 2, 2014, sets the scene for governments to renew their efforts on the issue through ambitious commitments for a comprehensive climate agreement in Paris in December 2015.
Will the Green Climate Fund Pledges Create a Momentum for Ongoing Climate Negotiations?
The recent formal pledging session for the Green Climate Fund (GCF)—more than $9 billion in just 5 months—is by far the most successful resource mobilization ever seen for a multilateral climate fund. The US has pledged $3 billion, followed by Japan ($1.5 billion), UK ($1.13 billion), and Germany and France (with $1 billion each). Four developing countries—Indonesia, Mexico, Mongolia, and Panama—have made pledges, breaking the traditional donor boundaries.
Why Should People’s Republic of China Unlock Services?
It is up to policy makers to unlock the enormous potential of services in the People’s Republic of China.
Why Preserving Urban Heritage Makes Economic Sense
Preserving urban heritage helps local industries develop, and provides income opportunities for citizens.
Why Don’t We Act on the Facts of Climate Change?
Immediate action is needed on climate change and we must overcome skepticism.
What Makes New Cities Successful?
The right blend of public and private sector support, along with long-term transport strategies and anchor institutions such as schools and hospitals, are some of the basic ingredients needed for a successful new city.
What Makes a City Livable?
Total asset management brings together all aspects of what it takes to make a city vibrant and livable.
We are All Advocates
About twenty years ago I was working for a well-known nongovernment organization (NGO), campaigning on many issues from access to affordable drugs for HIV/AIDS patients, to advocating for fair trade for small farmers. When asked what I did I explained about my advocacy for social justice. “Oh so, you’re promoting communism?” was the response.