U.S. wetlands, vital ecosystems like marshes and swamps, face an urgent crisis. Half of these critical habitats in the lower 48 states have vanished since the 1780s. A 2023 Supreme Court decision

U.S. wetlands, vital ecosystems like marshes and swamps, face an urgent crisis. Half of these critical habitats in the lower 48 states have vanished since the 1780s. A 2023 Supreme Court decision further stripped federal protections, leaving remaining wetlands vulnerable to destruction.

This loss devastates biodiversity; nearly 50% of threatened and endangered species rely on wetlands, with over a third living exclusively there. Wetlands also protect water quality and mitigate flood risks. Act now: Tell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect more critical habitat for wetland-dependent species. Learn more at www.saveourfreshwater.org.

On September 18, 2024, two sessions will explore the critical impact of digital transformation on jobs and skills. The first, "Digital skills for jobs," will address global challenges and

On September 18, 2024, two sessions will explore the critical impact of digital transformation on jobs and skills. The first, "Digital skills for jobs," will address global challenges and opportunities, focusing on strategies to enhance workforce skills for diverse demographics. Experts from the International Labour Organization (ILO), Stanford, and other organizations will discuss best practices for digital skills development.

The second session, "Industry perspective on skills needs," will feature leaders from companies like Microsoft, Huawei, and SAP. They will discuss core skills for digital transformation, identify growth sectors, and share how companies adapt through skilling programs and talent acquisition. This aims to inform policymakers and training institutions on market demands.

Thaalavattam is a collaborative music project founded by environmentalist and musician Montry Manuel. Based in Austria, Montry crafts unique instruments from discarded materials like industrial

Thaalavattam is a collaborative music project founded by environmentalist and musician Montry Manuel. Based in Austria, Montry crafts unique instruments from discarded materials like industrial waste, paint cans, and bicycle parts. Its motto, "Reduce Reuse Retune," embodies the vision to "CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH MUSIC," drawing inspiration from nature, everyday life, and found objects.

Montry, a former art director and founding member of the Indian band Swarathma, launched Thaalavattam ("A Circle of Rhythm") in 2011, creating music from found objects. Thaalavattam gained international recognition as the first live act from India at Hungary's O.Z.O.R.A. Music Festival (2014-2016). They have since performed at TEDx Vienna and numerous European festivals, blending innovative sound with environmental advocacy. Learn more about TEDx events here.

Environmental justice addresses critical global concerns: communities worldwide disproportionately face environmental hazards, and the benefits and costs of environmental policies are often

Environmental justice addresses critical global concerns: communities worldwide disproportionately face environmental hazards, and the benefits and costs of environmental policies are often unequally distributed. Learn more about OECD's work on this topic: OECD Environmental Justice.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international body established in 1960. It collaborates to build better policies for prosperity, equality, and well-being. The OECD works with governments to establish evidence-based international standards and find solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges, serving as a unique forum for data, analysis, and best practices. A related Vidéo en français is also available. For more about the OECD: About the OECD.

On August 17, 2020, the Trump administration opened the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's 1.5 million-acre Coastal Plain to oil and gas lease sales, possibly by December. This decision, amidst an

On August 17, 2020, the Trump administration opened the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge's 1.5 million-acre Coastal Plain to oil and gas lease sales, possibly by December. This decision, amidst an oil glut and climate change concerns, targets the last 5% of America's previously protected Arctic Coastal Plain. It threatens to transform these wild lands into an industrial complex, jeopardizing the Gwich'in Nation's food security, spiritual, and cultural heritage—they call it "the sacred place where life begins." This move also endangers polar bears, the Porcupine Caribou herd, and migratory birds, marking a critical environmental and social justice conflict.

A video features Gwich'in community members from the 2016 Gwich'in Gathering, testifying against this development.

On January 28, 2010, the World Economic Forum (weforum.org) addressed increasing energy security concerns. Despite a significant decline in energy prices from

On January 28, 2010, the World Economic Forum (weforum.org) addressed increasing energy security concerns. Despite a significant decline in energy prices from their 2008 peak, major producing and consuming economies diverge on developing a more secure and stable energy system.

A central question was: How can producers and consumers develop mutually beneficial approaches to energy security?

Key participants included Ilham Aliyev (President of Azerbaijan), Thierry Desmarest (Chairman, Total), Khalid A. Al Falih (President & CEO, Saudi Aramco), Tony Hayward (Group Chief Executive, BP), Andrew N. Liveris (Chairman & CEO, Dow Chemical Company), and Peter Voser (Chief Executive Officer, Royal Dutch Shell).

Four visionaries—Kevin Kelly, Peter Schwartz, Ari Wallach, and Tyler Cowen—share insights on the future, urging consideration for coming generations. They emphasize optimism and proactive

Four visionaries—Kevin Kelly, Peter Schwartz, Ari Wallach, and Tyler Cowen—share insights on the future, urging consideration for coming generations. They emphasize optimism and proactive engagement as essential for overcoming challenges, advocating for long-term thinking ("Longpath"), gradual progress ("Protopia"), scenario planning, and urgency.

Their collective message stresses empathy, transgenerational thinking, and diverse futures, highlighting that the future is a continuous creation requiring proactive, collective action.

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Read the video transcript: Video Transcript

Three applied economists present on overcoming current sustainability challenges in agricultural and urban systems. This international session features 15-minute talks, each followed by a Q&A

Three applied economists present on overcoming current sustainability challenges in agricultural and urban systems. This international session features 15-minute talks, each followed by a Q&A segment.

Hope Michelson discusses "Low Fertilizer in Sub-Saharan Africa: New Insights Into an Old Problem." Peter Christensen explores "What Can Ride-hailing Experiments Tell Us about Sustainable Transportation Challenges in Developing Countries." Catalina Herrera-Almanza examines "Natural Disasters, Mitigation and Human Capital Outcomes in Developing Countries."

This session is sponsored by the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Treaties between tribes and the federal government, particularly concerning resource use and environmental conservation, have long been a source of legal contention. Their exact status and

Treaties between tribes and the federal government, particularly concerning resource use and environmental conservation, have long been a source of legal contention. Their exact status and attendant rights generate significant tension, especially regarding state obligations.

Recently, an equally divided Supreme Court affirmed states' duty to manage resources consistent with tribal treaty rights. This ruling impacts states like Washington, which has resisted requirements from the Stevens' treaties, affirming tribal salmon fishing rights. The critical question remains: what additional state obligations ensure resource sustainability, especially amidst climate disruption? Consistent enforcement benefits all, illuminating the state's trust duties to its people.

In 2024, the Klamath River dam removal marked a historic, Indigenous-led victory, achieving the largest river restoration ever. Blending Indigenous knowledge and modern science, the project shows

In 2024, the Klamath River dam removal marked a historic, Indigenous-led victory, achieving the largest river restoration ever. Blending Indigenous knowledge and modern science, the project shows remarkable early results: salmon are returning abundantly to spawning grounds inaccessible for a century.

Amy Bowers Cordalis of Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Group emphasizes Indigenous values and nature-based solutions from the Klamath. This approach heals land, water, and people while boosting the economy. Restoring the river as a living relative offers a vital path forward for all.

Learn more about Amy Bowers Cordalis' work: https://www.ridgestoriffles.org/