A shift in the cost of renewable energy has Khadija Holder, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Trinidad and Tobago, taking a new look at the viability of electric vehicles. She argues the innovative vehicles now making gains in developed countries can be equally beneficial in developing nations. Years ago, a debate with me on the winning energy strategy …

"Electric vehicles: for developed and developing nations" Read More »

Small island developing states are especially vulnerable to external economic and environmental shocks. At the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Samoa, 1-4 September, the Commonwealth is partnering with the United Nations, governments and international organisations to help build the resilience of these countries. The unique natural life on small islands plays a …

SIDS 2014: "Oceans, seas, and valuable biodiversity" Read More »

The Niger Delta is a a major source of revenue for Nigeria, but as Elijah Elaigwu, 25, a Correspondent from Nigeria writes, the wealth does not benefit residents of the region. He looks at the problems and solutions.  The Niger-Delta is one of the most investment-attractive regions in Nigeria, full of life and natural endowment with …

"Environmental degradation in the Niger Delta" Read More »

Current standards for measuring economic growth do not consider the environmental cost of that growth, writes Indooshan Shanthakumaran, 25, a Correspondent from Colombo in Sri Lanka, who reports on efforts by some economists to devise “green” accounting systems. I recently had a chance to attend the academic session of the Sri Lanka Economic association, the most …

"Accounting for the environment in the GDP" Read More »

Environmental protection can start with a campaign against littering, writes Harnoor Gill, 17, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Georgetown in Canada, who targets the problem of cigarettes butts. “There aren’t many things that are universally cool, and it’s cool not to litter. I’d never do it.” – Matthew McConaughey. Matthew McConaughey is an American actor who has inspired others to campaign about …

"Awareness can help end cigarette littering" Read More »

Speaking before schoolchildren, sharing experiences at a community meeting and presenting to scientists and PhD students in New Caledonia has been all in a day’s work for Brianna Fruean, Pacific Region Commonwealth Youth Award winner 2015. Brianna is attending the Oceania 21 Summit in New Caledonia engaging with young people on a Regional Resilience to …

Brianna tackles climate change at Oceania 21 Summit Read More »

Oceans are vital to the environment and economy of Small Island Developing States, writes Angelique Pouponneau, 25, a Correspondent from Victoria in the Seychelles, who says oceans need their own Sustainable Development Goals. With 75 per cent of the Earth’s surface covered in water, the oceans should be given their own place in the post 2015 Sustainable …

"SIDS youth need a voice on oceans’ sustainability” Read More »

Severe weather is hurting the Caribbean economy and environment, writes Advira Shand, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Manchester in Jamaica, as she urges leaders to take action on education and policies that will mitigate the impact of climate change. It was Ralph Gonzales, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who boldly posited …

“Caribbean leaders must focus on climate change” Read More »

Frequent floods are a deadly fact of life, writes Fariya Abubakari, 25, a Correspondent from Bawku, Ghana, who argues that better solid waste management could mitigate disaster. It was on Wednesday evening in June, 2015, that a heavy downpour of rain killed Mr. Boamah’s wife and children and displaced his property. His house gushed fire …

“Are residents to blame for floods in Ghana?” Read More »

Human activity has been blamed for contributing to environmental disaster in the oceans, but as Ariela St. Pierre-Collins, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados writes, the sea occasionally fights back. Picture this: a peaceful looking soybean plantation in the Amazon where trees used to be. Look closer, and you’ll see a stream of water running through …

“Environmental devastation on our doorstep” Read More »