Here are three things you need to know about the Sustainability Impact Summit
Professor Schwab said at the conference, "We need not only to act quickly, but also to have a clear sense of direction, perseverance and a real spirit of cooperation."
The third Sustainability Impact Summit attracted about 1,000 leaders, including 10 heads of state and government, more than 460 business leaders, including 113 chief executives, and more than 60% of the speakers were women. The focus of the meeting is on deepening public-private partnerships and the widespread application of disruptive technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as well as accelerating progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris climate Agreement.
In the process of global industrialization, complex environmental and governance issues arise. These issues are often transnational, complex and involve many stakeholders. So what are the latest solutions and concerns of multinational companies?
Focus on plastic pollution and the latest solutions
The World Economic Forum report has suggested that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the world's oceans. The World Economic Forum has launched the Global Plastics Action Partnership Initiative.
More and more businesses are recognizing the unbearable cost of plastic pollution to human, environmental health and economic development. Coca-Cola has committed to 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. Marriott International, the world's largest hotel chain, recently announced that it will stop providing plastic toileters to guests by 2020. Amazon has pledged to eliminate single-use plastic packaging from its Indian operations. Google has established Sustainability awards to select and award the most innovative technology solutions each year. Based on the United Nations Green and Sustainable Recruitment mandate, Ali has enlisted engineers to provide innovative solutions for waste separation. The "garbage sorting guide" developed by the engineers has been launched on Alipay and has been used by 4 million people. They plan to equip residential communities with unattended intelligent recycling bins and home version of intelligent garbage cans, and even open up the industrial chain to build an intelligent environmental protection open platform.
In the framework of the new plastic economy, manufacturers will adopt innovative packaging materials with a focus on sustainability. After initial use, consumers will have the right to reuse, recycle or compost plastic products. The number and capacity of waste management facilities, such as recycling plants, will grow exponentially to keep pace with current levels of plastic waste.
Zero hunger and the role of innovative technology
With about 45 per cent of under-five deaths linked to malnutrition, the challenge of zero hunger is only getting worse. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations predicts that agricultural production will need to at least double by 2050 to prevent mass food shortages.
Artificial intelligence, sensors, robotics and synthetic biology in particular show great promise for improving crop productivity and resilience and optimizing food distribution. For example, NRgene is using machine learning and gene sequencing technologies to identify and sequence the best gene profiles based on crop performance, while Phytech is optimizing crop production through its "plant iot," which sends insights and warnings to farmers' smartphones.
Lab-grown meat, insect protein, and microbial communities have also found a strong foothold in food markets that can help meet the demand for protein. For example, Us-Based Beyond Meat, which makes vegan Meat from pea protein isolates, went public in 2019 and was valued at about $3.8 billion.
The summit meets the criteria for a sustainable meeting at the highest level. The vegetarian menu is sourced within 100 miles of the local area. All surplus food is collected and managed in a targeted manner. Guests are encouraged to bring their own canteen and there is a complete waste sorting system.
The role of sustainability standards
In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, the Forum launched a new tool, the Strategic Value Framework, to promote awareness of the impact of potential technological, climate and trade disruptions on global value chains. Bangladesh has taken the lead in committing to the framework.
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US Lawmakers Arrive in Copenhagen to Counter Trump’s Greenland Threats
In a high-stakes diplomatic maneuver, a delegation of U.S. lawmakers recently arrived in Copenhagen to discuss Greenland’s future, aiming to counteract the aggressive rhetoric and territorial ambitions expressed by former President Donald Trump. The visit comes amid rising concerns over Greenland’s strategic importance in the Arctic and the implications of any unilateral moves by the United States. For Denmark, Greenland’s autonomous territory, the presence of U.S. lawmakers underscores both Washington’s interest in Arctic security and the need to maintain strong transatlantic ties. For the United States, the visit signals a delicate recalibration of policy following Trump’s controversial proposals regarding Greenland, including his infamous attempt to buy the island outright during his presidency. Why Greenland Matters Geopolitically Greenland is more than a frozen expanse of ice; it is a geopolitical prize. Strategically located between North America and Europe, Greenland is key to: Arctic shipping routes that are becoming increasingly navigable due to melting ice Natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and gas reserves Military and surveillance installations, notably the Thule Air Base, which is critical to U.S. missile warning systems and space surveillance The Arctic region is warming faster than any other part of the planet, making Greenland both a resource hub and a potential flashpoint for international competition. Trump’s proposals had alarmed Denmark and other NATO allies, raising questions about the United States’ long-term commitment to respecting international norms and allied sovereignty. The Lawmakers’ Mission The delegation, composed of senators and representatives from both political parties, is tasked with: Reassuring Denmark that the U.S. government respects Greenland’s autonomy Discussing security cooperation, particularly regarding Arctic defense and NATO commitments Exploring economic partnerships that benefit Greenland while maintaining regional stability Officials emphasize that this visit is not about reversing Trump’s statements retroactively, but about ensuring that future U.S. policy reflects diplomatic consensus rather than unilateral ambition. Denmark’s Response Denmark has maintained a firm stance on Greenland’s sovereignty, consistently stating that the island is not for sale. Danish leaders have welcomed the U.S. delegation as a positive step toward strengthening trust and clarifying intentions. Copenhagen also hopes to use the opportunity to reinforce cooperative approaches to Arctic security, particularly in light of growing Russian and Chinese interest in the region. For Denmark, maintaining strong relations with the United States — while safeguarding Greenland’s autonomy — is a balancing act that requires careful diplomacy. Greenland’s Perspective Greenlanders themselves are increasingly vocal in the debate over their future. Many support greater economic independence and political autonomy, and local leaders insist that Greenlanders should have the final say over any decisions affecting their land and resources. The U.S. delegation’s visit highlights the need to consult Greenlandic authorities directly, rather than negotiating solely with Denmark. This approach is seen as a step toward more inclusive, respectful diplomacy, which acknowledges Greenland’s status as more than just a strategic asset. The Role of NATO and Transatlantic Relations Trump’s proposals regarding Greenland strained transatlantic relations, raising concerns among NATO members about the reliability of U.S. commitments. The arrival of bipartisan lawmakers in Copenhagen aims to reaffirm NATO solidarity and demonstrate that U.S. policy is consistent with alliance obligations. By engaging Denmark directly, Congress seeks to prevent miscommunication and maintain stability in a region that is increasingly vital for global security. Analysts note that Greenland’s location provides the United States with a critical vantage point for Arctic monitoring and missile defense, making cooperative relations essential. Global Implications The Greenland issue has broader consequences for international geopolitics and Arctic governance. Key points include: Resource security: Greenland’s rare earth minerals are essential for electronics, renewable energy, and defense technologies, making control and access highly strategic. Climate change and navigation: Melting ice is opening new shipping lanes, which could shift global trade patterns and increase competition for influence. Power dynamics in the Arctic: Russia and China have also shown growing interest in the Arctic, prompting the United States and Europe to strengthen alliances and prevent unilateral exploitation. The lawmakers’ visit signals to the international community that the U.S. is committed to diplomatic solutions rather than transactional or coercive strategies. Challenges Ahead Despite the visit’s diplomatic intent, challenges remain: Political polarization in the U.S.: Future administrations may have different approaches to Greenland, raising uncertainty about long-term commitments. Geopolitical competition: Russia and China continue to advance their presence in the Arctic, complicating cooperative efforts. Local autonomy: Greenlandic voices must be prioritized, or any policy may face resistance at the local level. Successfully navigating these challenges will require transparent dialogue, careful planning, and sustained international cooperation. The Path Forward The visit of U.S. lawmakers to Copenhagen is a cautionary and corrective measure. It signals that while Greenland is strategically important, it is not a bargaining chip. Future cooperation will likely focus on: Strengthening Arctic security frameworks Promoting economic development for Greenlanders Maintaining stability in U.S.-European relations Ensuring that Greenlandic voices remain central to decision-making This proactive approach reflects a broader understanding that diplomacy, not unilateral action, is essential in regions of high strategic value. Final Thoughts Greenland has moved from the margins of global attention to the forefront of geopolitical strategy and climate concern. The arrival of U.S. lawmakers in Copenhagen underscores the importance of measured, inclusive diplomacy in the Arctic, contrasting sharply with the impulsive rhetoric that characterized Trump’s Greenland proposals. As nations navigate the Arctic’s emerging opportunities and challenges, Greenland’s sovereignty and the voices of its people will remain central to regional stability, global security, and international cooperation. The lawmakers’ visit represents a step toward rebuilding trust, reinforcing alliances, and charting a sustainable path forward for one of the planet’s most strategically vital territories.
By Muhammad Hassan4 days ago in Earth
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