The 2014 World Day to Combat Desertification global observance event focused on the theme of ecosystem-based adaptation, with a rallying call “Land Belongs to the Future – Let’s Climate Proof It.” Approximately 400 representatives from government, intergovernmental and civil society organizations (CSOs) registered for the event, which took place on Tuesday, 17 June 2014, at World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC, US. The event was also webcast, and speakers responded to questions from a global audience. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) organized the event, which was hosted by the World Bank in partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), TerrAfrica and Connect4Climate.

On the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the UNCCD, speakers at the global observance event considered the requirements for ecosystem-based adaptation to address issues related to desertification, land degradation and drought as well as shared successful cases of combating desertification in drylands. Keynote speakers discussed national efforts, and panelists presented research and lessons learned to address land degradation and foster adaptation and resilience. Two short films were screened, demonstrating additional projects and lessons learned. The Land for Life award winners were also announced. This briefing note summarizes the event’s proceedings.

Climate Week NYC continues in New York and Rachel Kyte, World Bank's Vice President of Sustainable Development, just posted a blog outlining the main themes surrounding all the action in the Big Apple. With so many high level dignitaries decending on one city to discuss the world's sustainable future, it is not hard to guess that there are complex array of themes to address:

Tuesday, hosted by Bloomberg L.P., I was in conversation with Commissioner Connie Hedegaard and Cristiana Figueres. The discussion covered the role of the UNFCCC past, present and future in what has happened and needs to happen to arrest climate change. From the need to change the narrative, accounting systems, risk appetites and ambition, to whether the convention is an umbrella for action, or should encourage actions outside its framework, to where will the funding come from for adaptation and resilience as climate change bears its teeth, it was a great conversation showing sensible hope.

Maximizing the agility of the private sector as key partners in the fight against climate change seemed to be an underlying theme of the conference. The marriage of policy, public funding and private sector "smart" investments could prove to be a game-changing climate strategy. We are also thrilled to see London-based Climate Group, a Connect4Climate partner, get a mention for their campaign efforts.

Unlocking private sector investment is key.

Smart companies, many of them in the room at Climate Week, are not waiting for an international agreement. We can see market leaders in almost all sectors storming ahead in the way in which they think about operating in a world where we need more mitigation action, but also increasingly thinking through the risks of adaptation to their business models in every sector of the economy

Going forward, it’s important that we find the best examples of regulation and legislation that really support risk taking and innovation in the private sector, celebrate it, and reward it, in real time, here and now, with access to long term affordable capital.

This is where I believe the ideas and alliances formed by the Climate Group’s Clean Revolution campaign can really help.

The whole blog post is worth a read. Check it out here on the World Bank Blog.

COP 21, in December 2015, will be a unique opportunity to bring climate change to the main stage. Driven by EcoAct, one of the global leaders in climate change economy, Cap COP21 is an open and proactive initiative for the climate.

Cap COP21 aims at fostering the emergence of concrete, innovative and collaborative solutions for climate by implementing:

1. Professional and collaborative events to imagine realistic actions for the XXI century

2. A Europe-wide Survey on the perception of climate change issues among European citizens

Relive the launch of Cap COP21 here and discover all the videos available so far on our YouTube Channel!

Willing to join us and contribute concretely to COP21? Book in for our next event, June 23rd in Paris:

Climate Innovation Day: Tuesday, June, 23rd 2015 - 9 am to 6 pm at the Pan Piper (Paris)

Attend the Climate Talks to discover innovations for the climate and take part in the Workshops to reflect on practical solutions!

Climate Talks will bring researchers, innovators and project leaders to the main stage, and give evidence of present and future innovations for the climate. Dynamic, creative and hopeful, these Climate Talks will offer an opportunity to discover and discuss pioneering approaches which disrupt climate status quo.

To discover each speaker’s intervention, register to attend the event (registration is free but mandatory)!

Afternoon Workshops will gather attendees together in various working groups, in which they will draft practical solutions for the climate. Around a table, participants will work as a team on a precise topic, and intend to bring forth realistic answers to face climate challenges. These conclusions will contribute to a Proposals Document, which will be revealed at the Grand Palais during COP21. You too, experience what innovation can offer for the climate!

The topics will address main contemporary issues, such as Energy Transition, Climate Risk orBusiness-Local government cooperation, as well as tools to fight climate change, such as domestic offsets, green investments or carbon market.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Where? At the PAN PIPER (2-4 Impasse Lamier - 75011 PARIS)
More info: www.cap-cop21.com | communication@cap-cop21.com | + 33 (0) 6 09 72 53 44

Recognised as one of the world’s leading experts in this area, EcoAct provides consulting services and support to climate change economy pioneers to reinforce their competitiveness. EcoAct works with multinationals, small and medium businesses, and local governments with setting up carbon strategies, CSR policies and eco-innovation approaches.