Whose responsibility is it to drive climate action? A debate almost as divisive as the chicken and the egg, still it remains unanswered: is it up to the consumer or the company to put an end to climate change? The short answer is both (in the developed world). The longer one? Find below.
As the historic COP26 begins, many are calling for more drastic measures to be taken by countries to become carbon neutral, preserve ecosystems and improve environmental sustainability. The oil, meat, and textiles industries are often targeted when pushing for this drive towards net zero. However, one industry is often overlooked in this drive for sustainability – crystals. While many have heard the term “blood diamonds”, coined to describe diamonds sourced from areas of conflict these gems are often not linked to the word “crystals”, despite the various impacts of crystal mining and transportation. Indeed, despite increased drive on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to become more eco-friendly, crystal purchasing has gone through the roof since the pandemic.
“The danger of global warming is now well and truly evident, so we must hurry to make changes and sacrifices. We have been living too long at the expense of future generations” – Margaret Thatcher. In 1992, during a United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro, nations all across the world agreed to officially take action on the issue of climate change. This agreement was called the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (more commonly known as UNFCCC) and was charged with organising an annual conference for all nations to tackle the issue of climate change. Thus, the concept of climate diplomacy was born.
Have a flick through this week’s top stories, curated by Cara Hene
This week’s topical cartoon, illustrated by Rachel Beazley
