Nicole T Garofano, PhD, AAIP

How can local climate action drive economic development? In this blog with the OECD - OCDE I explore insights from our experience with the Melbourne Climate Network. This has involved bringing together hundreds of people from across the city’s business, academic, and government sectors to tackle the climate crisis. 👇 #ClimateAction #EconomicDevelopment #golocal OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions & Cities

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Supporting local & global communities from NZ EHF Fellows are driving transformative projects from NZ that uplift communities worldwide - from new financial models to fund community-led climate projects, to amplifying the rights of nature, to supporting eco-village models, and digital tools for community empowerment. The 2023/24 Hillary Institute & EHF Annual Report highlights some examples, including petr lom and Corinne van Egeraat’s documentary ‘Ko au te Awa, ko te Awa ko au – I Am the River, the River Is Me’, which highlights the significance of the Whanganui river's legal recognition and its role in sparking the global rights of nature movement. The result of a four-year collaboration with the Māori community in Whanganui, the film emphasises the urgent need to protect the planet for future generations and is resonating with communities in NZ and around the world. Satya Kumar DV, Vishal Chaddha, Siddharth Sthalekar and Andrew Hewitt along with a number of other Fellows are developing a new initiative to unlock capital for communities in the Asia-Pacific Islands region to address urgent climate challenges. The Climate Impact Fund for Asia Pacific Islands (CLIMAP) is designed to support community-led climate projects, and explore innovative finance models to address barriers to climate finance. CLIMAP’s focus is on investing in projects related to climate mitigation, adaptation, regenerative agriculture, and ocean conservation to support local and global communities. Siddharth Sthalekar’s Neighbourhoods Foundation, based in Aotearoa NZ, uses Web3 tools to boost community coordination and cultural data recording, assisting ground-up responses to global crises. Neighbourhoods partnered with CLIMAP to bridge the gap between global capital and local communities through Neighbourhoods' data-driven approach, while ensuring data sovereignty and community ownership throughout the process. Simone Woodland progressed the development of the Tākaka Co-Housing Project, a sustainable eco-village in Golden Bay designed to cultivate deeper connections with both neighbours and the whenua (land). Since its inception, the project has received financial support from several Fellows, with five Fellows currently living in the first neighbourhood, and others interested in joining the next phase. For more examples of how EHF Fellows are creating value and impact across Aotearoa NZ, view the 2023/24 Annual Report on our website: https://lnkd.in/gaNm6nUs

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In the push to net zero, it gets easy to forget the workers, communities and traditional land owners in the spaces where the transitions to net zero are so important. It is imperative that we take care of those who are hit hardest in this transition. Learn more about a just and equitable transition from our fantastic programmes coordinator Farah Dirgantoro — and come check out our incredible panel at #UNitingBusinessLive #sdg13

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As we approach the anniversary date of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adoption, it’s an appropriate time to reflect on how we’re tracking. In fact, every year a report is put together by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network - This organisation takes publicly available information and ranks how each state is making action towards the goals. It’s been a busy old time for Bead and Proceed (we’ve been trying to practice more yohaku - a beautiful Japanese concept that we’ve unpacked in a previous Proceed Peptalk… but anyway)! Now we are finally getting on to sharing the latest results and sadly… the stats are not great. Currently, Aotearoa has 6 SDGs that face major challenges, which include: 🔴 Zero Hunger 🔴 Responsible Consumption and Production 🔴 Climate Action 🔴 Life Below Water 🔴 Life on Land 🔴 Partnerships For the Goals 🔙We’re going backwards on Life Below Water And we’re currently sitting at #26 on the SDG Global Rank. Last year, we were at #27, before 23, before that #16 and before that, we were sitting at #11. This doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going backwards as some states have moved ahead and if you had to guess who are in the top three positions…it’s a typical Scandinavian Success Story with Finland at #1, Sweden in #2 and Denmark in #3. However, this isn’t the Olympics. What’s important is actually achieving the goals (rather than where states are ranked) and sadly no state is on track to achieving all 17 by 2030… which is why I left my law job to paint beads for a living. But seriously… I truly am on a mission to educate, engage and inspire action towards the SDGs from school students to business leaders to city councillors to charities. We all have the power to BEAD the change we want to see in the world and to be agents of this positive change. With the anniversary date approaching, ask yourself: how are you, your business, your team, your community making traction towards the SDGs? And don’t forget, it’s okay to ask for help or reach out if you’re not sure where to begin. #sdgs #sustainabledevelopmentgoals #sustainability #creativity #sustainabilityreporting

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What is a Theory of Change and why does it matter so much? A Theory of Change paves the road toward delivering positive impacts. As credible standard setting organisation and inspired by the ISEAL Code of Good Practice, Sustainable Biomass Program has mapped out how we aim at making a difference in the biomass sector. We need your views and comments to make sure we get it right! To learn more about it, click the link below and follow the path toward our impact!

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Calls for discussing #degrowth at the New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference began in 2022. While it's not an explicit agenda item in #CCBC2024, I will bring degrowth into a panel discussion on the new economics of climate change. Degrowth remains a challenging topic for many in business, finance and consulting. As someone originating from this community, I've looked at the evidence and the ideas with a sceptical eye and I honestly find degrowth to be credible and compelling. It's not perfect—it's an emerging concept—but then, what is perfect? Certainly not the current economy, which many would agree is deeply flawed. 🌍 🌍 How can we take the best of both worlds and move forward? That demands a more open-minded look at both degrowth and growth. If you want to know a little bit more about degrowth, alongside indigenomics with Jewelz Petley (Nga Puhi/Te Rarawa) and operationalising planetary boundaries with Kate Meyer, please join us for our panel conversation led by Gareth Hughes of Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa NZ on 9 Sep 2024 at the conference or online. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gCgYGmAC Sustainable Business Council NZ, Environmental Defence Society (EDS), Climate Leaders Coalition

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Right now, only 15 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goals are on track to be delivered by 2030 — 30 per cent have stalled or gone into reverse. To achieve the SDGs, we must take more ambitious action. We need forward thinkers and doers. Those who see the SDGs as a driver of growth, not reputation. Who are busy making progress, not just pledges. Who know sustainability is the future, not a trend. GPM has supported these important initiatives for 14 years and ask you join us in making bigger, faster impact for 2030 by committing to Forward Faster at: https://lnkd.in/eHZ5ypZd #ForwardFaster2030 #GPM #DrivingSustainability https://lnkd.in/e49vXhk3

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THE EXTROADINARY POWER OF A CIRCULAR ECONOMY The reuse sector is a dynamic system that rehomes millions of second-hand items each year. In a groundbreaking move for Australia, a National Reuse Measurement Guidelines has been implemented. This work has been five years in the making involving Charitable Reuse Australia, the NSW Environment Protection Authority, Monash University and funded via an Australian Research Council grant. Here are some amazing findings from the research. Although the research was based on NSW statistics it has national relevance across the reuse sector. • Reuse versus recycling per tonne creates an amazing employment dynamic producing *25 times more jobs in NSW. Placement statistics- *1535 full-time equivalent including *348 opportunities for those facing employment barriers and *3306 volunteer opportunities. • The outcomes for economic value, cost of living relief and social and environmental impact are truly astonishing. *$432 million is saved by the total reuse and resale of items every year. A massive *107.7 million second-hand items were reused. Contributions raised approximately *$51 million for reinvestment in social and community programs and initiatives. Last year, second-hand goods sold or donated for reuse were valued at *$243 million. • The positive environmental impact of reuse in NSW saves a staggering *321,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually representing the equivalent removal of *134,000 passenger vehicles from the road. *49,900 tonnes of products were diverted from landfill to reuse and avoided the direct consumption of *29,900 tonnes of virgin materials. For the sporting minded, water savings were equivalent to the volume of *21,000 Olympic sized swimming pools and land use saved the equivalent of *75,000 soccer pitches. As Ambassador for Link Vision, a Not-for-profit that funds its initiatives through their chain of op-shops, I spoke with Terry O’Neill, our CEO who is also Chair of Charitable Reuse Australia (CRA). Terry attended the release of the research in Sydney held at the Reverse Garbage premises and had the following to say. “These statistics are absolutely phenomenal. Everyone who attended the conference was blown away. The reuse sector plays a crucial role in sustainable development by adding economic value, creating jobs, and helping the environment. It’s easy to see what the national application of research such as this would add to Australia’s fiscal and social growth. The CRA are currently speaking to the Victorian, QLD, and WA governments with a view to blueprinting the NSW’s research model. The intent is to produce a true national number over the next period of time. We really need to get behind and grow reuse programs to boost their benefits for both people and the planet. This support can also help shape future reuse policies, making it easier to shift towards a circular economy.” https://lnkd.in/gbzBNy33

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A most practical guide for everyone with a garden…

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Here is a summary of the NSW Biodiversity Outlook Report 2024, along with the implications for our work at Landcare in NSW, where we work with many private land owners and managers. Threatened Species and Ecological Communities: Listed threatened species expected to survive in 100 years declined from 52% in 2012 to 50% in 2022. About 43% of these species may be lost if current threats persist without effective management. Conservation Management: Areas permanently managed for conservation have increased to 11.2% of NSW as of June 2023. Also, community appreciation of biodiversity shows cognitive and affective understanding around 66-68%, but actual engagement in biodiversity-supportive activities is low at 38%. The report also highlights the significant role of private land in improving biodiversity through conservation efforts. Here are some key points from the report regarding private land. Private Land Conservation Agreements: The report emphasises the importance of private land conservation agreements, which are crucial for protecting biodiversity on private properties. These agreements allow private landowners to engage in conservation activities that contribute to the overall ecological health and biodiversity of the region. Ecological Monitoring for Private Conservation: The Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) manages private land conservation programs and uses the Ecological Monitoring Module to assess and monitor the ecological outcomes of these programs. This module is designed to gather data on biodiversity and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts on private lands. The report mentions that approximately 1,400 permanent survey plots are distributed across various vegetation types on private conservation sites, providing valuable data for understanding the condition and conservation outcomes of these areas. Contribution to Biodiversity: Private land plays a critical role in the broader conservation landscape by providing habitats that support a variety of plant and animal species. The conservation measures implemented on private lands are integral to maintaining biodiversity and ecological connectivity across New South Wales. Support and Incentives for Landowners: The report suggests that support and incentives for landowners to participate in conservation programs are vital. These programs not only help conserve biodiversity but also promote sustainable land management practices that benefit both the environment and the landowners. See the report and more details of the program here: https://bit.ly/4buzZAW NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Biodiversity Conservation Trust Landcare NSW Local Land Services Parliament of NSW

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Our ability to grow from a static, locked-in, one-scenario society in the face of an increasingly changing climate may hinge on our willingness to demand change, to listen to those demans, and to accept that it will come with a price—not always monetary. Great article Robert

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The Climate Change Commission's latest report is out today, looking at whether we're doing enough as a country to adapt to a changing climate. You can find the whole report on our website - https://lnkd.in/gkpizJAG - but here's my quick overview 👇   The impacts of climate change are getting worse and are affecting people's lives and livelihoods around the motu: floods, fires, droughts – things that pose risks to our homes, our communities, our businesses, our farms, and our infrastructure like roads and water supplies.   But we've also found that there are opportunities and things Aotearoa New Zealand can do now to respond. We've made nine recommendations to government, identifying the most urgent action and highlighting the value of a proactive approach.   The bottom line for us all: if we pick up the pace and move to be more proactive, we will save money and avoid unnecessary heartache.   You can find our report and supporting info on the Commission's website: https://lnkd.in/gkpizJAG   #ClimateChange #ClimateAdaptation #ClimateAction

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Are you a small or medium-sized business (SME) with experience in managing the impacts of climate events or in adaptation planning? 🌦️ We want to hear from you! Climate Connect Aotearoa is developing a platform for SME adaptation planning - an online hub of easy-to-use tools, templates and videos to help businesses identify risks and develop practical adaptation plans. SMEs tell us that the best way to learn is from each other. Share your story and be featured as a case study on the platform to inspire others. 👉Find out more and get in touch: https://ow.ly/gnen50TkFOP #ClimateAdaptation #BusinessResilience #SMEs #ClimateChange #Sustainability

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All businesses should get prepared for mandatory climate reporting! Whether you meet the threshold or not, you probably have a client that is reporting, so you will get asked for information. Climate data requests are already travelling up and down supply chains... I published an article in The Fifth Estate with more info - you can read it here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gU7sKnQC Thanks John Solvander and Media Stable 🙏 #RaisingAwareness #ClimateAction #ClimateReporting #JustGetStarted

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Here is a summary of the NSW Biodiversity Outlook Report 2024, along with the implications for our work at Landcare in NSW, where we work with many private land owners and managers. Threatened Species and Ecological Communities: Listed threatened species expected to survive in 100 years declined from 52% in 2012 to 50% in 2022. About 43% of these species may be lost if current threats persist without effective management. Conservation Management: Areas permanently managed for conservation have increased to 11.2% of NSW as of June 2023. Also, community appreciation of biodiversity shows cognitive and affective understanding around 66-68%, but actual engagement in biodiversity-supportive activities is low at 38%. The report also highlights the significant role of private land in improving biodiversity through conservation efforts. Here are some key points from the report regarding private land. Private Land Conservation Agreements: The report emphasises the importance of private land conservation agreements, which are crucial for protecting biodiversity on private properties. These agreements allow private landowners to engage in conservation activities that contribute to the overall ecological health and biodiversity of the region. Ecological Monitoring for Private Conservation: The Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) manages private land conservation programs and uses the Ecological Monitoring Module to assess and monitor the ecological outcomes of these programs. This module is designed to gather data on biodiversity and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts on private lands. The report mentions that approximately 1,400 permanent survey plots are distributed across various vegetation types on private conservation sites, providing valuable data for understanding the condition and conservation outcomes of these areas. Contribution to Biodiversity: Private land plays a critical role in the broader conservation landscape by providing habitats that support a variety of plant and animal species. The conservation measures implemented on private lands are integral to maintaining biodiversity and ecological connectivity across New South Wales. Support and Incentives for Landowners: The report suggests that support and incentives for landowners to participate in conservation programs are vital. These programs not only help conserve biodiversity but also promote sustainable land management practices that benefit both the environment and the landowners. See the report and more details of the program here: https://bit.ly/4buzZAW NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Biodiversity Conservation Trust Landcare NSW Local Land Services Parliament of NSW

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Here is a summary of the NSW Biodiversity Outlook Report 2024, along with the implications for our work at Landcare in NSW, where we work with many private land owners and managers. Threatened Species and Ecological Communities: Listed threatened species expected to survive in 100 years declined from 52% in 2012 to 50% in 2022. About 43% of these species may be lost if current threats persist without effective management. Conservation Management: Areas permanently managed for conservation have increased to 11.2% of NSW as of June 2023. Also, community appreciation of biodiversity shows cognitive and affective understanding around 66-68%, but actual engagement in biodiversity-supportive activities is low at 38%. The report also highlights the significant role of private land in improving biodiversity through conservation efforts. Here are some key points from the report regarding private land. Private Land Conservation Agreements: The report emphasises the importance of private land conservation agreements, which are crucial for protecting biodiversity on private properties. These agreements allow private landowners to engage in conservation activities that contribute to the overall ecological health and biodiversity of the region. Ecological Monitoring for Private Conservation: The Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) manages private land conservation programs and uses the Ecological Monitoring Module to assess and monitor the ecological outcomes of these programs. This module is designed to gather data on biodiversity and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts on private lands. The report mentions that approximately 1,400 permanent survey plots are distributed across various vegetation types on private conservation sites, providing valuable data for understanding the condition and conservation outcomes of these areas. Contribution to Biodiversity: Private land plays a critical role in the broader conservation landscape by providing habitats that support a variety of plant and animal species. The conservation measures implemented on private lands are integral to maintaining biodiversity and ecological connectivity across New South Wales. Support and Incentives for Landowners: The report suggests that support and incentives for landowners to participate in conservation programs are vital. These programs not only help conserve biodiversity but also promote sustainable land management practices that benefit both the environment and the landowners. See the report and more details of the program here: https://bit.ly/4buzZAW NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Biodiversity Conservation Trust Landcare NSW Local Land Services Parliament of NSW

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Here is a summary of the NSW Biodiversity Outlook Report 2024, along with the implications for our work at Landcare in NSW, where we work with many private land owners and managers. Threatened Species and Ecological Communities: Listed threatened species expected to survive in 100 years declined from 52% in 2012 to 50% in 2022. About 43% of these species may be lost if current threats persist without effective management. Conservation Management: Areas permanently managed for conservation have increased to 11.2% of NSW as of June 2023. Also, community appreciation of biodiversity shows cognitive and affective understanding around 66-68%, but actual engagement in biodiversity-supportive activities is low at 38%. The report also highlights the significant role of private land in improving biodiversity through conservation efforts. Here are some key points from the report regarding private land. Private Land Conservation Agreements: The report emphasises the importance of private land conservation agreements, which are crucial for protecting biodiversity on private properties. These agreements allow private landowners to engage in conservation activities that contribute to the overall ecological health and biodiversity of the region. Ecological Monitoring for Private Conservation: The Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) manages private land conservation programs and uses the Ecological Monitoring Module to assess and monitor the ecological outcomes of these programs. This module is designed to gather data on biodiversity and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts on private lands. The report mentions that approximately 1,400 permanent survey plots are distributed across various vegetation types on private conservation sites, providing valuable data for understanding the condition and conservation outcomes of these areas. Contribution to Biodiversity: Private land plays a critical role in the broader conservation landscape by providing habitats that support a variety of plant and animal species. The conservation measures implemented on private lands are integral to maintaining biodiversity and ecological connectivity across New South Wales. Support and Incentives for Landowners: The report suggests that support and incentives for landowners to participate in conservation programs are vital. These programs not only help conserve biodiversity but also promote sustainable land management practices that benefit both the environment and the landowners. See the report and more details of the program here: https://bit.ly/4buzZAW NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Biodiversity Conservation Trust Landcare NSW Local Land Services Parliament of NSW

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Here is a summary of the NSW Biodiversity Outlook Report 2024, along with the implications for our work at Landcare in NSW, where we work with many private land owners and managers. Threatened Species and Ecological Communities: Listed threatened species expected to survive in 100 years declined from 52% in 2012 to 50% in 2022. About 43% of these species may be lost if current threats persist without effective management. Conservation Management: Areas permanently managed for conservation have increased to 11.2% of NSW as of June 2023. Also, community appreciation of biodiversity shows cognitive and affective understanding around 66-68%, but actual engagement in biodiversity-supportive activities is low at 38%. The report also highlights the significant role of private land in improving biodiversity through conservation efforts. Here are some key points from the report regarding private land. Private Land Conservation Agreements: The report emphasises the importance of private land conservation agreements, which are crucial for protecting biodiversity on private properties. These agreements allow private landowners to engage in conservation activities that contribute to the overall ecological health and biodiversity of the region. Ecological Monitoring for Private Conservation: The Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) manages private land conservation programs and uses the Ecological Monitoring Module to assess and monitor the ecological outcomes of these programs. This module is designed to gather data on biodiversity and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation efforts on private lands. The report mentions that approximately 1,400 permanent survey plots are distributed across various vegetation types on private conservation sites, providing valuable data for understanding the condition and conservation outcomes of these areas. Contribution to Biodiversity: Private land plays a critical role in the broader conservation landscape by providing habitats that support a variety of plant and animal species. The conservation measures implemented on private lands are integral to maintaining biodiversity and ecological connectivity across New South Wales. Support and Incentives for Landowners: The report suggests that support and incentives for landowners to participate in conservation programs are vital. These programs not only help conserve biodiversity but also promote sustainable land management practices that benefit both the environment and the landowners. See the report and more details of the program here: https://bit.ly/4buzZAW NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Biodiversity Conservation Trust Landcare NSW Local Land Services Parliament of NSW

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