Technology

Building stronger, more climate-resilient communities

Published

7 months ago

June 3, 2024

The Government of Canada provides $530 million to municipalities through the Green Municipal Fund to help communities adapt to climate change

OTTAWA, ON, June 3, 2024 /CNW/ – Communities across Canada need new infrastructure that is built for healthy, affordable living, economic sustainability and ensures the safety of homes and businesses in the 21st century. Making our communities more liveable in a world impacted by climate-related events including floods, storms, and wildfires means planning ahead and building more resilient roads, bridges, water treatment facilities, telecommunication, networks evacuation routes and much more.

To provide fairness for every generation, create new opportunities and launch Canadian Environment Week, the Government of Canada is accelerating adaptation support for resilient municipal infrastructure.

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, along with the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, and Tim Tierney, Third Vice-President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), on behalf of FCM President Scott Pearce, announced the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation (LLCA) initiative, through the Green Municipal Fund.

This $530-million initiative represents one of the largest ever investments in building liveable and resilient communities in preparation for climate change in Canadian history and is a key initiative under Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy.

Through collaboration with local governments, the initiative will support adaptation planning, capacity building, implementation, and financing, to help municipalities and their partners build long-term, resilient infrastructure. By 2031, the initiative will have funded more than 1,400 municipal activities.

As part of today’s announcement, the federally funded Green Municipal Fund is accepting applications through its website under the Adaptation in Action funding stream of LLCA. In all, there are three funding streams that will provide substantial support for municipalities to carry out climate adaptation projects. In addition to support for climate adaptation planning, municipalities can apply for up to $1 million for implementation projects and up to $70,000 for feasibility studies. Municipalities that have completed climate adaptation plans and/or risk assessments are eligible to apply. The deadline for applications is August 14, 2024.

The Green Municipal Fund is also introducing funding for partner-led initiatives that will enable skills development and training to help local governments build more resilient communities. Eligible partners will receive funding and support to design and deliver training programs that equip municipalities with the tools they need for proactive and equitable climate resilience planning.

While all people in Canada are at risk of climate change impacts, these risks are not shared equally. Those already facing inequities in our society, including marginalized groups, the elderly, and the people living with disabilities, are among those most likely to be impacted by severe weather events. The new climate adaptation initiative announced today will focus on advancing meaningful equity and inclusion outcomes through projects to help build stronger, more liveable, and more resilient communities all across Canada.

Quotes

“Municipalities are on the front lines of climate change, and they know best what local challenges—and solutions—are affecting local neighbourhoods, transportation, and businesses. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Government of Canada partnership is helping build stronger, more liveable communities, providing safety and security in the face of a changing climate. With smart investments, forward planning, and active collaboration, we can support communities that are already feeling the impacts of climate change and help make them more sustainable and prosperous for generations to come.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in empowering local governments to address climate change head-on. By funding climate adaptation initiatives, we are not only supporting communities in their efforts to become more resilient, but also contributing to building stronger, more robust infrastructure. This program ensures a sustainable future and stronger, safer communities for all Canadians.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity. We are committed to helping communities build resilience to these hazards. The new LLCA initiative is a great example of the improvements in adaptation and disaster resilience we can achieve through collaboration across all levels of government.”
– The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness, and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

“The Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund and the federal government are stepping up to meet the challenges of a changing climate with innovative and community-focused solutions. With the launch of the LLCA initiative, we can bring real, tangible benefits to municipalities. Imagine a new green space in your community that also serves as a flood barrier, or a local training program that empowers residents to tackle climate change head-on. From projects that support storm-resistant coastal barriers and water conservation practices, to slope stabilization for fire-impacted and permafrost-degraded areas, this initiative is a national declaration with locally felt impacts. LLCA will build resilient communities that not only anticipate future climate challenges but actively adapt to them.”
– Scott Pearce, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Quick facts

Since 1971, Canada has celebrated Canadian Environment Week in alignment with the United Nations World Environment Day, observed on June 5. This year’s theme for World Environment Day is “Generation Restoration”, focused on land restoration, halting desertification, and building drought resilience. Canadian Environment Week expands upon this theme by celebrating all of the actions that we are taking, at home and globally, to achieve a greener future.Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy lays out goals, objectives, and targets to reduce the risks associated with climate-related disasters, improve health outcomes, protect nature and biodiversity, build and maintain resilient infrastructure, and support a strong economy and workers.To support the Strategy, the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan outlines what the federal government is doing to prepare for climate change. It highlights over 70 actions across 22 departments and agencies to help meet Canada’s adaptation goals and address climate change risks facing Canadians.The Government of Canada has invested more than $6.6 billion in adaptation since 2015. This includes $2.1 billion in commitments since fall 2022 to implement the National Adaptation Strategy and support other adaptation-related activities.The Green Municipal Fund manages approximately $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada to support municipal environmental priorities, including the new $530 million investment in community-based adaptation initiatives.This $530-million investment was first announced on November 24, 2022, as part of over $2 billion in new federal funding commitments to help protect communities from coast to coast to coast to prepare for climate change under the National Adaptation Strategy.

Technology

2025 Chinese economy: robust capacity in coping with pressure and risks

Published

4 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

BEIJING, Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China.org.cn on China’s annual Central Economic Work Conference:

From China’s annual Central Economic Work Conference held last week, one can see clear targets and detect the continuity in the rationale behind the country’s economic roadmap for 2025. The tasks listed at the conference are in line with China’s development needs in the current phase, and can to a degree respond to the external risks.

Firstly, the meeting urged efforts to vigorously boost consumption, a top-of-agenda task. Expanding domestic demand is not only a long-term priority for China, but also a coping strategy for the tougher challenges faced in exports. China’s efforts to stimulate consumption mainly fall into two categories. For one, enabling its citizens to have more to spend, by means of increasing income and alleviating burdens of low- and middle-income groups, and enabling more to enter the middle-income bracket; meanwhile, China will continue to diversify consumption scenarios, such as the debut economy, ice and snow economy and silver economy, for consumers to spend their disposable income.

Secondly, China is determined to let scientific and technological innovation drive the building of a modern industrial system, serving as a compass for China’s industrial economy development. In 2025, China is going to invest more in technological innovation, and strengthen studies in basic sciences and key core technologies, to drive industrial innovation, and furthermore achieve high standards in sci-tech self-reliance and strength.

Thirdly, China will maintain its high-level opening-up, and keep foreign trade and foreign investment stable. The size, quality and good reputation of China’s business with the world have been ever-growing, and that’s because the goal of China is to “make the cake bigger,” not “steal others’ shares of cake,” let alone “seize the whole cake.” To that end, China has improved the quality of its exports, explored new investment models, and made more countries stakeholders along the global value chain; meanwhile, it has also been ameliorating its market-access policies, and bettering the treatment of foreign-invested companies, so that more countries can benefit from the Chinese market. By November, China has removed all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector, and service sectors including telecommunication and medical care are also opening their doors wider at a stable pace.

China shows great willingness to open up to the world, and boasts a good many partners; at the same time, the country’s economy has a solid foundation with many advantages, strong resilience and great potential, which means it possesses robust capacity in coping with pressure and risks.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2025-chinese-economy-robust-capacity-in-coping-with-pressure-and-risks-302338092.html

SOURCE China.org.cn

Technology

India-born Avaada Group Commits $12bn to Transform Rajasthan into a Global Renewable Energy Hub

Published

4 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

MUMBAI, India, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Avaada Group, a leading name in the renewable energy sector, has announced an unprecedented investment of $12bn in Rajasthan, India, for accelerating green energy transition, thereby establishing the region as a global renewable energy powerhouse. This landmark announcement was made during the prestigious Rising Rajasthan 2024 Summit, attended by India’s Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rajasthan’s Hon’ble Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma.

Highlighting Rajasthan’s strategic importance, Avaada Group’s Chairman Vineet Mittal, Guest of Honour at the event, stated, “Rajasthan’s vast solar and wind resources, coupled with the visionary leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Chief Minister, present an unparalleled opportunity to redefine the global renewable energy landscape. Avaada’s commitment of $12bn while driving green industrial manufacturing will also create millions of jobs, shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.”

Rajasthan stands out as a global hub for renewable energy, with over 142 GW of unmatched solar potential, supported by 325+ sunny days annually. The state’s pro-business policies, including the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024 and the Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2024, have attracted investments worth $78bn.

Avaada Group’s journey in Rajasthan began with a modest 150 MW solar project and has since evolved into multiple ventures, including one of the world’s largest single location renewable energy projects by an IPP. Key investments announced at the summit include:

1,200 MW Pumped Storage Project (PSP): A $700mn initiative to enhance energy storage and grid stability.Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Projects: Investments aimed at driving global decarbonization goals.Utility-Scale Solar and Wind Projects: Across Jhalawar, Kota, Barmer, and Bikaner, contributing significantly to India’s renewable energy targets.

With its strategic alignment to international sustainability frameworks like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Rajasthan offers a unique advantage for zero-carbon manufacturing and green industrial growth, positioning itself as a magnet for industries seeking sustainable operations while creating over 1mn green jobs.

“As a global renewable energy leader, Avaada is proud to participate in Rajasthan’s vision of becoming a green hub of industrial growth,” Mr. Mittal remarked. “Our investments aim to double the region’s economy by 2030, aligned with global efforts to combat climate change.”

With its strategic initiatives, Avaada Group is poised to attract international collaborations, setting a benchmark for renewable energy innovation and sustainable industrial development.

About Avaada Group

Avaada Group is a leader in the global energy transition, specializing in solar module manufacturing, renewable power generation, and the development of green hydrogen, green methanol, green ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuel projects. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Vineet Mittal, Avaada has become a significant global player in clean energy. Avaada Energy, the group’s renewable power generation arm, aims to achieve a capacity of 11 GWp by 2026. The group’s strong execution capabilities have attracted substantial international investment, including a $1.3bn commitment in early 2023, with $1bn from Brookfield’s Energy Transition Fund and $300mn from GPSC, a subsidiary of Thailand’s PTT Group.

Contact

Kiren Srivastav
kiren.srivastav@avaada.com

Charu Sehgal
charu.sehgal@avaada.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/india-born-avaada-group-commits-12bn-to-transform-rajasthan-into-a-global-renewable-energy-hub-302337340.html

Technology

The Shining Achievements of Busan MICE in 2024

Published

4 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

BUSAN, South Korea, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Amid intensifying competition among MICE host cities to attract large events, 2024 saw Busan take bold steps that led to impressive results, proving its potential as a prime MICE destination. The efforts made by Busan in 2024 in attracting major international conferences, promoting ESG management, enhancing networking, and strengthening city identity are outlined below.

International Conferences Held in the Global MICE City of Busan

Busan hosted several significant international conferences in 2024. In July, it welcomed the 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR 2024), drawing around 2,700 space scientists from 60 countries to Korea. This was the first time the event was held in the country. In August, after eight years of preparation, the city hosted the 37th International Geological Congress (IGC 2024), a prestigious event with a 146-year history, at BEXCO. In November, Busan hosted the 5th Session of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5). With participation from 193 institutions and countries, INC-5 was the final dialogue in a series of international discussions on controlling plastic pollution, making it a crucial conference on the future health of Earth’s marine environment and placing Busan at the forefront of global attention.

Wide-ranging ESG Activities for the Sustainability of MICE

Busan’s selection to host INC-5 was made possible by its strong track record of ESG initiatives within the MICE industry. The Busan Tourism Organization (BTO) CVB’s exhibition hall was decorated using recyclable wood, and with the assistance of eco-friendly suppliers, recycling stations were set up to facilitate the collection of waste generated during the event. Aiming for a paperless conference, digital materials and multifunctional electronic platforms were also used. Continuous efforts in various ESG initiatives were made through collaborations with Busan MICE Alliance (BMA) members. Environmental reports were made, containing carbon reduction amounts for all products used at event venues and greenhouse gas reduction indicators for transportation during each event, to create more eco-friendly events.

Improvement of Busan’s MICE Network Through Communication

The Busan MICE Alliance and the Busan MICE industry, in general, grew in solidarity through strong networking this year. The BTO CVB worked to fundamentally enhance Busan’s MICE industry by increasing local demand for MICE events and maintaining an efficient collaboration network. Regular meetings of the BMA focused on the concerns of its members to improve communication. Additionally, Busan MICE Alliance Day was held to strengthen ties among members of Busan’s MICE industry, fostering discussions on industry developments both locally and internationally, and exploring joint marketing opportunities. New members were recruited into the BMA in both the first and second halves of the year, enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors for the success of Busan’s MICE industry. The Busan MICE Business Innovation Platform, which provides users with access to news and information about Busan’s MICE industry, was launched and well-received.

Unique Venues That Capture Busan’s Local Identity

Participants in MICE events now expect more than just the exchange of knowledge. They seek a special experience, and MICE destinations should leverage their local identity to provide experiences that can only be found in their cities or regions. Recognizing this industry trend, Busan has identified a variety of unique venues that highlight the history, culture, and distinctiveness of the city. Venues such as Domoheon, the former residence of Busan’s mayor; Space OneZ, a renovated old warehouse; and Holi Lounge, offering a surfing workation, exemplify this approach. The MICE events held at these unique venues are also organized in a way that showcases the best of Busan’s local identity.

As another busy year draws to a close, Busan, as a MICE city, is looking forward to making even greater strides next year. The 18th World Congress on Computational Mechanics (WCCM) in 2028, along with many other international MICE events, are set to take place in Busan, and the BTO CVB is actively working toward this goal.

With aspirations of reaching the pinnacle of the MICE industry, Busan will continue its efforts to be a sustainable, cooperative, and unique MICE city that is globally recognized.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/the-shining-achievements-of-busan-mice-in-2024-302338095.html

SOURCE Busan Tourism Organization