Issue LXXVIII | July 2024 | |
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GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
ISSUE #78
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Global Development Update is a monthly bulletin that informs readers about the events, ideas, and people that are shaping an emerging world community. It is produced by The Global Citizens' Initiative- a non-profit working to help develop a sustainable world community for all. Click below to sign up for a free Global Development Update subscription. | |
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Dear Global Global Development Update Subscriber,
Attached is the latest issue of Global Development Update (GDU)--a monthly bulletin intended to keep you up to date with the policies, events, and people that affect our planet as a whole. The publication of GDU for the last 5 years has depended entirely on small and medium-size contributions from readers like you. We take no government or corporate funding. We need your support. We would greatly appreciate your clicking the DONATE button and making a small contribution that can help sustain the work we do.
Best Regards -- The Global Development Update Team.
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Record-Breaking Heat in June Sets 2024 on Path to Hottest Year Ever
Reuters
June 2024 was the hottest month on record, marking 13 consecutive months of unprecedented global temperatures, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. Driven by climate change and El Niño, 2024 is on track to surpass 2023 as the warmest year ever recorded. Extreme heat events have caused widespread fatalities and disruptions, underscoring the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Read on.
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Iceland Leads as Global Gender Gap Progress Remains Slow
World Economic Forum
The 2024 Global Gender Gap Report assesses gender parity across 146 economies. Currently, 68.5% of the global gender gap has been closed, but progress remains slow, with full parity projected to take 134 years. Iceland leads the way, having closed over 90% of its gender gap. Read on.
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Wind and Solar Energy Make History in 2023
Other News
In 2023, wind and solar energy outpaced all other energy sources, adding a record 4.9 exajoules to the global mix. Despite this, global energy demand hit new highs, driving record coal and oil use, and pushing CO2 emissions to unprecedented levels. Read on.
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BP Predicts Peak Oil Demand in 2025 Amid Renewable Surge
The Guardian
BP forecasts global oil demand will peak at 102 million barrels per day in 2025. While oil is expected to play a significant role for the next 10-15 years, renewable energy expansion will drive further cost reductions and support more projects despite potential setbacks in meeting climate targets. Read on.
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POVERTY REDUCTION & INCOME INEQUALITY | |
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New Study Reveals COVID-19's Severe Toll on Global Well-Being
World Bank
A new study analyzes COVID-19's profound impact on mortality, poverty, and education using a common metric—years of human life lost or spent in poverty. The findings show significant well-being losses worldwide, disproportionately affecting lower- and middle-income countries. Read on.
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2023 Report Highlights U.S. Shortcomings in SDG Progress
IISD
The CVSA's "2023 U.S. People's Report" critiques U.S. SDG implementation, spotlighting major gaps in poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, water, energy, and work. Key issues include high poverty rates, lack of universal health care, and gender pay gaps, with calls for stronger U.S. commitment and international cooperation. Read on.
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TECHNOLOGY & CONNECTIVITY | | |
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Global AI Governance Framework Proposal
CIGI
A new discussion paper proposes a Framework Convention on Global AI Challenges to harness AI's transformative potential. The framework aims to set global objectives for equitable AI benefits, risk mitigation, and legitimate decision-making. Read on.
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Global Anti-Corruption Conference 2023: Tackling Corruption Amidst Crises
IPS
The 21st International Anti-Corruption Conference in Vilnius brought together 1,500 participants to confront corruption amid global crises. Key discussions focused on strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and ensuring accountability to combat corruption and restore trust in governance. Read on.
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Urgent Push for UN Security Council Reform
Global Policy Watch
UN Member States have intensified their focus on Security Council reform. President Dennis Francis stressed the need for coordinated action between the Security Council and General Assembly to address inefficacies. Read on.
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New Reports Highlight Rising Nuclear Threats
WPR
Recent SIPRI and ICAN reports reveal rising nuclear threats: operational warheads increase and spending on them grows, despite the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Read on.
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International Law vs. Hegemony in the Wake of the Ukraine War
IDN
The Ukraine war intensifies the debate on maintaining global peace: Is it achievable through international law alone, or does it necessitate a dominant power? The conflict underscores the challenges of enforcing international norms and reveals the limitations of hegemony in establishing lasting order. Read on.
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July 2024 Global Citizen Blog | |
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In this issue, we analyze the evolving debate on state power and climate justice.
Addressing climate urgency requires a "two-step" strategy: first, dismantle fossil capital; second, reshape global systems. This approach acknowledges the complex interplay between state politics and climate justice, highlighting the need for a coordinated effort against entrenched fossil fuel powers to drive meaningful change. Read on.
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The Global Citizens' Initiative | | | | |
