Event: Conference： The Privatisation of Biodiversity? (20 Feb 2014)

Conference: The Privatisation of Biodiversity? Dundee Law School, 20 February A conference is being held in Dundee Law School on 20th February 2014 to explore the impact of new approaches to biodiversity conservation, especially biodiversity offsets, conservation covenants and payment for ecosystem services. This is part of the AHRC-funded project “The Privatisation of Biodiversity?” led by Prof. Colin Reid. Information on the project and details of the conference including a draft programme (all speakers are confirmed) are available at the Dundee Law School website.

Location Dundee Law School

Contact Mrs Vikki Watson, v.a.watson@dundee.ac.uk more information: http://www.charteredforesters.org/icf-events/event-calendar/eventdetail/280/-/conference-the-privatisation-of-biodiversity/

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Event: BEC Policy Dialogue Series: 2014 Policy Address with the Secretary for the Environment (28 Jan 2014)

BEC Policy Dialogue Series: 2014 Policy Address with the Secretary for the Environment

Event Date: 28 Jan 2014 Event Time: 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm Venue: BEC Auditorium, G/F, 77 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong Fee: $200.00 Discounts: Discounts for BEC Members: Council Member (30%), Corporate Member (20%), General Member (10%), Associate Member (10%) Contact: Ms Joey Hui Email: joey@bec.org.hk Telephone: 2784 3958

Mr K S Wong, JP, Secretary for the Environment, will meet with BEC members to discuss the environmental components of the 2014 Policy Address on 28 January 2014.

This inaugural session of BEC Policy Dialogue Series provides a unique opportunity for the business community to discuss with the Secretary major environmental affairs pertinent to Hong Kong, to understand more thoroughly the policy direction of the Government, and to express BEC viewpoints and opinions.

In consultation with members, BEC submitted a policy paper to the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government in November 2013. This paper is available for view on the BEC website. This meeting with the Secretary has been especially arranged for our members and the wider business community to actively engage with the Government on various issues relating to the environment and sustainability of Hong Kong.
Details and Registration

Date:	28 January 2014 (Tuesday)
Time:	5:00 – 7:00pm (Registration starts at 4:30pm)
Venue:	BEC Auditorium, G/F, 77 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (location map)
Fee:	$200 per person Discounts for BEC Members:     Council Member (30%) Corporate Member (20%) General Member (10%) Associate Member (10%)

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Seats are limited and are reserved on a first come, first served basis. (Priority will be given to BEC members.) Please register and pay before 24 January 2014 to reserve a seat. Confirmation will be issued upon successful registration. Please click HERE to register.
For enquiry, please contact Ms Joey Hui (T 2784-3958 | E joey@bec.org.hk).

- See more at: http://bec.org.hk/events-current/2014-policy-address-with-the-secretary-for-the-environment#sthash.APNm9do4.dpuf

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World News: Warsaw Conference Adopts Decisions on ADP, REDD+, and Loss and Damage (27 Nov 2013)

Warsaw Conference Adopts Decisions on ADP, REDD+, and Loss and Damage

23 November 2013: Negotiations during the Warsaw Climate Change Conference focused on the implementation of agreements reached at previous meetings, including pursuing the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action.

The conference, which took place from 11-23 November 2013 in Poland, included the 19th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 19) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the ninth session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 9). The conference also included meetings by three subsidiary bodies: the 39th sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 39) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI 39), and the third part of the second session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP 2).

Marking the second time that UN climate change negotiations have taken place in Poland, the conference drew over 8,300 participants, including 4,022 government officials, 3,695 representatives of UN bodies and agencies, intergovernmental organizations and civil society organizations, and 658 members of the media.

Concluding 27 hours after its scheduled closing time, the meeting adopted an ADP decision that invites parties to initiate or intensify domestic preparations for their intended nationally-determined contributions, and resolves to accelerate the full implementation of the Bali Action Plan and pre-2020 ambition. Parties also adopted a decision establishing the Warsaw international mechanism on loss and damage, and the “Warsaw REDD+ framework,” a series of seven decisions on REDD+ finance, institutional arrangements and methodological issues.

read more: http://climate-l.iisd.org/news/warsaw-conference-adopts-decisions-on-adp-redd-and-loss-and-damage/224609/

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Event: 4th Regional Forum-New Territories West on Waste Charging Scheme (30 Nov 2013)

4th Regional Forum - New Territories West

Waste Reduction by Waste Charging-How to Implement?

Municipal Waste Charging Scheme- Please send us your comments by 24 Jan 2014

Date: 30 November 2013 (Sat) 9:30AM

Venue: Shek Lei Community Hall

Address: 2 Tai Pak Tin Street, Kwai Chung, New Territories

for registration and more information"

http://www.susdev.org.hk/english/events/events_detail.php?id=4

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Event: 3rd Regional Forum-Hong Kong Island on Waste Charging Scheme (29 Nov 2013)

3rd Regional Forum - Hong Kong Island

Waste Reduction by Waste Charging-How to Implement?

Municipal Waste Charging Scheme- Please send us your comments by 24 Jan 2014

Date: 29 November 2013 (Fri) 9:30AM

Venue: Leighton Hill Community Hall

Address: G/F, 133 Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong

more information and registration :
http://www.susdev.org.hk/english/events/events_detail.php?id=3

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Event: BEC EnviroSeries Conferece 2013 (22 Nov 2013)

BEC EnviroSeries Conference 2013 

Event Date:	22 Nov 2013
Venue:	Level 3, Ballroom, JW Marriott Hong Kong
Fee:	$1500.00
Discounts:	20% discount for BEC Council Members; 15% discount for BEC Corporate Members; 10% discount for BEC General Members and Members of Supporting Organisations; additional 5% discount for any registrations for 3 or more participants
Contact:	Ms Amy Chung
Email:	amyc@bec.org.hk
Telephone:	852-27843942
The Future Energy of Hong Kong: Reliable, Affordable and Low Carbon  The growing demand for energy to support our city’s continuous development, combined with a need to reduce our emissions and sustain the environment, calls for a collective effort and leadership at all levels in Hong Kong for our sustainable energy future. In this Conference, BEC will line up a strong panel of experts and practitioners to share their insights on energy generation, as well as the energy management approach, technologies and practical steps that will help us convert intent into actions and stay ahead of future challenges. Key Topics (Download Programme): Shaping Hong Kong's Sustainable Energy Policy Sustainable Energy Future for East Asia: Getting to 2025 and Beyond Post Fukushima Nuclear Challenge: Threat or Prospect Decarbonising Future Transport Scaling Up Energy Efficiency: Prospects in Plain Sight? Where Do We Go From Here? Electricity Generation for Now and Beyond 2020 Speakers/ Moderators: KEYNOTE - Miss Vivian Lau, JP, Deputy Secretary for the Environment, The HKSAR Government Mr Arthur Bowring, Managing Director, Hong Kong Shipowners Association Ir Cary Chan, BEC Board Director, BEC Energy Advisory Group Chairman/ General Manager, Technical Services and Sustainability, Swire Properties Limited Prof Edwin H W Chan, Professor/ Associate Head (Research), Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr Vincent Cheng, Director, Arup Mr Anthony Dixon, Chief Executive Officer, ASB Biodiesel (Hong Kong) Limited Mr Gailius Draugelis, Lead Energy Specialist, China & Mongolia Sustainable Development Unit, Beijing, East Asia and Pacific Region, The World Bank Mr Simon Lee, Executive Director, Research, Morgan Stanley Dr Vivien Lu, Associate Professor, Renewable Energy Research Group, Department of Building Services Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Mr Christophe Melinette, Vice President, Global Strategy, Schneider Electric Ir Dr Gento Mogi, Associate Professor, Department of Technology Management for Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Mr Manfred Josef Schmidt, Senior Director, Sales and Marketing Hybrid Drives, Siemens AG Dr Thomas Tang, Director of Corporate Sustainability (Asia), AECOM Asia Company Limited Mr Jim Taylor, Head of Strategic Planning & Regulatory Affairs, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Dr C W Tso, Adjunct Professor, School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong Mr Xu Shaohua, Project Manager, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute (China) Ms Yukari Yamashita, Board Member, The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan Mr Charles Yonts, Head of Sustainable Research, CLSA Ms Carolyn Szum, BEC Energy Advisory Group Member/ Lead Managing Consultant, ICF International – China Mr Hendrik Rosenthal, Director - Policy & Research, Business Environment Council   REGISTER NOW Silver Sponsor: CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Bronze Sponsors: AECOM Asia Company Limited Henderson Land Group Nissan Global Company Limited Schneider Electric (Hong Kong) Limited Siemens Limited Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited Swire Properties Limited Towngas Industry Support Sponsor: BMW Concessionaires (Hong Kong) Limited Printing Sponsor: Fuji Xerox (Hong Kong) Limited - Printing Media Partners: Building Journal EcoZine FutureArc MetroBox Reader's Digest RFP Magazine Supporting Organisations: BCI Asia Building Services Operation and Maintenance Executives Society Econet China Federation of Hong Kong Industries French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong Hong Kong Association of Energy Engineers Hong Kong Association of Property and Management Companies Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong Green Building Council Hong Kong Productivity Council Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation Hong Kong Trade Development Council Institution of Mechanical Engineers - Hong Kong Office The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong The Canadian Chamber of Commerce The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce The Climate Group The Energy Institute Hong Kong (Branch) The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers Please register online by filing in the form below. For further information and assistance, you may contact Ms Amy Chung at (T. 2784-3942  E. amyc@bec.org.hk). Shaping Hong Kong’s cleaner energy future will require a holistic view in our energy management approach. Continuous effort in deploying advanced technologies, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and switching to cleaner fuels on the supply side will remain as a key to reduce emissions. Equally important is maximising demand-side opportunities through enhancing energy efficiency and conservation practice in both the public and private sectors. It is widely recognised that the potentials in smart grid, fuel efficient transport, waste-to-energy and energy efficiency are massive. Yet, the adoption and progress is far from satisfaction. Economics concerns, misguided perceptions and complexity of consumer behaviour are acting as stumbling blocks to convert intent into actions. It will take a collective effort and leadership at all levels in our society to move things further. - See more at: http://bec.org.hk/events/enviroseries-conference#sthash.IfElY4qn.dpuf The growing demand for energy to support our city’s continuous development, combined with a need to reduce our emissions and sustain the environment, has increased the focus on cleaner energy. High on the sustainability agenda is the formulation of a long-term and environmentally sustainable energy strategy that enables Hong Kong to stay ahead of future challenges. This calls for clear policies, cross-sector collaborations and social innovation. Shaping Hong Kong’s cleaner energy future will require a holistic view in our energy management approach. Continuous effort in deploying advanced technologies, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and switching to cleaner fuels on the supply side will remain as a key to reduce emissions. Equally important is maximising demand-side opportunities through enhancing energy efficiency and conservation practice in both the public and private sectors. It is widely recognised that the potentials in smart grid, fuel efficient transport, waste-to-energy and energy efficiency are massive. Yet, the adoption and progress is far from satisfaction. Economics concerns, misguided perceptions and complexity of consumer behaviour are acting as stumbling blocks to convert intent into actions. It will take a collective effort and leadership at all levels in our society to move things further. Topic Highlights: Shaping Hong Kong's Sustainable Energy Policy Sustainable Energy Future for East Asia: Getting to 2025 and Beyond A Global View on the Reliability of Fossil Fuels: Supply & Price Post Fukushima Nuclear Challenge: Threat or Prospect Electromobility for Megacities: Technology Pathways & Business Opportunities The City Bus of the Future Architecting the Smart Grid for Energy Efficiency and Service Resiliency Cleaner Fuels as Catalyst of Sustainable Growth in Global Cities Where Do We Go From Here? Electricity Generation for Now and Beyond 2020 Speakers (to be updated): Mr Gailius Draugelis, China and Mongolia Sustainable Development Unit, East Asia and Pacific Region, The World Bank Group Ir Dr Gento Mogi, Associate Professor, Department of Technology Management for Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Mr Adi Karev, Global Oil & Gas Leader, China Oil & Gas and Shipping & Ports Leader, Energy & Resources, China, Deloitte Mr Manfred Josef Schmidt, Senior Director Sales and Marketing Hybrid Drives, Siemens AG Dr Thomas Tang, Director of Corporate Sustainability (Asia), AECOM Asia Company Limited Prof Martin Tangney, Director, Biofuel Research Centre, Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland Mr Jim Taylor, Head of Strategic Planning & Regulatory Affairs, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Dr C W Tso, Adjunct Professor, School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong Ms Yukari Yamashita, Board Member, The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan   Silver Sponsor: CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Bronze Sponsors: AECOM Asia Company Limited Henderson Land Group Nissan Global Company Limited Schneider Electric (Hong Kong) Limited Towngas In-kind Sponsors: Fuji Xerox (Hong Kong) Limited - Printing Gold East Trading (Hong Kong) Company Limited - Paper You may download the sponsorship package and tentative programme rundown here. Please feel free to contact the Events and Communications Team shall you need any further information. - See more at: http://bec.org.hk/events/enviroseries-conference#sthash.IfElY4qn.dpuf The growing demand for energy to support our city’s continuous development, combined with a need to reduce our emissions and sustain the environment, has increased the focus on cleaner energy. High on the sustainability agenda is the formulation of a long-term and environmentally sustainable energy strategy that enables Hong Kong to stay ahead of future challenges. This calls for clear policies, cross-sector collaborations and social innovation. Shaping Hong Kong’s cleaner energy future will require a holistic view in our energy management approach. Continuous effort in deploying advanced technologies, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and switching to cleaner fuels on the supply side will remain as a key to reduce emissions. Equally important is maximising demand-side opportunities through enhancing energy efficiency and conservation practice in both the public and private sectors. It is widely recognised that the potentials in smart grid, fuel efficient transport, waste-to-energy and energy efficiency are massive. Yet, the adoption and progress is far from satisfaction. Economics concerns, misguided perceptions and complexity of consumer behaviour are acting as stumbling blocks to convert intent into actions. It will take a collective effort and leadership at all levels in our society to move things further. Topic Highlights: Shaping Hong Kong's Sustainable Energy Policy Sustainable Energy Future for East Asia: Getting to 2025 and Beyond A Global View on the Reliability of Fossil Fuels: Supply & Price Post Fukushima Nuclear Challenge: Threat or Prospect Electromobility for Megacities: Technology Pathways & Business Opportunities The City Bus of the Future Architecting the Smart Grid for Energy Efficiency and Service Resiliency Cleaner Fuels as Catalyst of Sustainable Growth in Global Cities Where Do We Go From Here? Electricity Generation for Now and Beyond 2020 Speakers (to be updated): Mr Gailius Draugelis, China and Mongolia Sustainable Development Unit, East Asia and Pacific Region, The World Bank Group Ir Dr Gento Mogi, Associate Professor, Department of Technology Management for Innovation, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo Mr Adi Karev, Global Oil & Gas Leader, China Oil & Gas and Shipping & Ports Leader, Energy & Resources, China, Deloitte Mr Manfred Josef Schmidt, Senior Director Sales and Marketing Hybrid Drives, Siemens AG Dr Thomas Tang, Director of Corporate Sustainability (Asia), AECOM Asia Company Limited Prof Martin Tangney, Director, Biofuel Research Centre, Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland Mr Jim Taylor, Head of Strategic Planning & Regulatory Affairs, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Dr C W Tso, Adjunct Professor, School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong Ms Yukari Yamashita, Board Member, The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan   Silver Sponsor: CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Bronze Sponsors: AECOM Asia Company Limited Henderson Land Group Nissan Global Company Limited Schneider Electric (Hong Kong) Limited Towngas In-kind Sponsors: Fuji Xerox (Hong Kong) Limited - Printing Gold East Trading (Hong Kong) Company Limited - Paper You may download the sponsorship package and tentative programme rundown here. Please feel free to contact the Events and Communications Team shall you need any further information. - See more at: http://bec.org.hk/events/enviroseries-conference#sthash.IfElY4qn.dpuf The growing demand for energy to support our city’s continuous development, combined with a need to reduce our emissions and sustain the environment, has increased the focus on cleaner energy. High on the sustainability agenda is the formulation of a long-term and environmentally sustainable energy strategy that enables Hong Kong to stay ahead of future challenges. This calls for clear policies, cross-sector collaborations and social innovation. Shaping Hong Kong’s cleaner energy future will require a holistic view in our energy management approach. Continuous effort in deploying advanced technologies, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and switching to cleaner fuels on the supply side will remain as a key to reduce emissions. Equally important is maximising demand-side opportunities through enhancing energy efficiency and conservation practice in both the public and private sectors. It is widely recognised that the potentials in smart grid, fuel efficient transport, waste-to-energy and energy efficiency are massive. Yet, the adoption and progress is far from satisfaction. Economics concerns, misguided perceptions and complexity of consumer behaviour are acting as stumbling blocks to convert intent into actions. It will take a collective effort and leadership at all levels in our society to move things further. - See more at: http://bec.org.hk/events/enviroseries-conference#sthash.IfElY4qn.dpuf

- See more at: http://bec.org.hk/events-current/bec-enviroseries-conference-nov2013#sthash.U5vLalIn.dpuf

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Event: Innovation in Urban Development: Incremental Housing Approaches and Big Data for Smarter Cities (12 Nov 2013)

Innovation in Urban Development: Incremental Housing Approaches and Big Data for Smarter Cities

Date: November 14, 2013 // 1:30pm — 4:00pm

LOCATION: 5th Floor, Woodrow Wilson Center

Over the next two decades the number of city dwellers will soar to nearly five billion, 60 percent of the world’s population. Virtually all of this urban growth will occur in cities of the developing world, overwhelming ecosystems and placing tremendous pressure on the capacity of local governments to provide necessary infrastructure and services. The profound demographic and economic transformations brought by urbanization are reshaping the world and how it works, demanding research, policies and practice that reflect a new urban reality.
Recognizing the need to strengthen the ties between urban policymaking and new scholarly work on urban development, and to disseminate evidence-based research on urban programming, the Wilson Center’s Comparative Urban Studies Project, USAID, the International Housing Coalition, the World Bank and Cities Alliance have teamed together to cosponsor the fourth annual “Reducing Urban Poverty” paper competition for advanced graduate students.  Winning authors of the 2013 paper competition will present their solutions-oriented research, with commentary offered by experienced professionals working in the urban sector.  

More information: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/innovation-urban-development-incremental-housing-approaches-and-big-data-for-smarter-cities

DIRECTIONS TO THE WILSON CENTER

 

Event Speakers List: 

• Ellen Hamilton //
  Lead Urban Specialist, Land and Housing, Urban Development and Resilience Unit, The World Bank
• Caleb Harper //
  Masters of Architecture candidate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Vasco Portugal //
  PhD candidate, Sustainable Energy Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Layla Shaikley //
  Master of Science in Architecture Studies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Fernanda Magalhaes //
  Senior Specialist in Urban Development, Inter-American Development Bank
• Laure Criqui //
  PhD candidate, LATTS, Université Paris-Est, and Research Associate, Instituto Francés de Estudios Andinos, Lima
• Namesh Killemsetty //
  Master of Technology in Infrastructure Engineering and Management, Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University, Ahmedabad
• Timothy Docking //
  Lead, Emerging Markets Funding (EMF) Group, IBM Public Sector

  
  

  
  

  
  

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Event: Climate Co-benefits in Urban Areas (18 Nov 2013)

Climate Co-benefits in Urban Areas

Monday, 18 November 2013, 10:30 – 11:30

UNFCCC COP-19

Climate Co-benefits in Urban Areas

Venue: UNFCCC COP19 in Warsaw

Organized by: UNU-IAS Operating Unit Ishikawa/Kanazawa (OUIK)

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Event Description 

UNU-IAS will organize an event during UNFCCC COP19, looking at how we can generate urban co-benefits (i.e., positive impacts for integrating climate change with local sustainable development goals in cities) in the energy, waste, land-use and transportation sectors based on empirical studies conducted in Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and Japan.

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Programme

10:30 - 10:35	Opening Remarks: Jakob Rhyner (Vice-Rector of UNU and Director of UNU Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS)) (TBC) (5min)
10:35 - 10:50	Urban Development with Co-benefits Approach: Results from Conceptual and Empirical Research Jose A. Puppim de Oliveira (Assistant Director and Senior Research Fellow, UNU-IAS)
10:50 - 11:05	Tools for Planning for Co-benefits in Urban Areas in the Energy, Transportation and Waste Sectors Christopher Doll (Research Fellow, UNU-IAS) Hooman Farzaneh (UNU-JSPS Postdoctoral Fellows, UNU-IAS)
11:05 - 11:10	Comments: Commentator: Akio Takemoto (Director, Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN)
11:10 - 11:30	Discussions and Q&A

for more information: http://www.ias.unu.edu/sub_page.aspx?catID=8&ddlID=2829

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Philippines News: PHILIPPINES HOSTS INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON OZONE AND CLIMATE-FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES (08 Nov 2013)

PHILIPPINES HOSTS INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON OZONE AND CLIMATE-FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES

A high-level discussion on the promotion and development of ozone and climate-friendly technologies and energy efficient alternatives to hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) sector and foam industries is slated tomorrow (November 7) at the 4th Ozone2Climate Technology Roadshow and Industry Roundtable at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay, Manila.

Industry representatives and participants including government stakeholders, non-government offices, associations and the academe are expected to attend the event

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje is expected to deliver the keynote address during the opening ceremony on Thursday.

 The 4th Ozone2Climate Technology Roadshow which runs from November 6 to 9, 2013, is organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), DENR– Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the Philippine Society of Ventilating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers, Inc. (PSVARE).

 “Under the Montreal Protocol, developing countries such as the Philippines must reduce HCFC consumption by 10% by January 1, 2015 and gradually reduce imports until total phase-out by January 1, 2040. As our industry moves away from HCFCs, our aim is to phase-in alternatives that are environmentally-friendly and sustainable and at the same time, affordable and safe to use,” said Secretary Paje.

HCFCs are man-made chemicals which are being phased-out under the Montreal Protocol Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. It is used as cooling agent for commercial/industrial and domestic RAC, as blowing agent for foam, as fire extinguishing agent and solvent. HCFCs are ozone-depleting substances that also have high global warming potential (GWP).

“Even though there are many available alternatives to HCFCs in the market, most are only short- to medium-term solutions given a growing international pressure to move away from refrigerants with high GWP, such as HFCs for example,” UNEP OzonAction Senior Regional Coordinator Atul Bagai.

“We are very honored to collaborate with DENR and PSVARE in engaging industry decision makers in Asia to discuss the availability, affordability and need for environmentally-friendly alternatives as developing countries transition from HCFCs,” he added.

According to a 2011 UNEP report, global consumption of HCFCs has doubled in the last ten years, and is growing at 10 per cent a year. By 2050, it is projected that HCFCs could account for up to 20 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to the current emissions from the global transport sector.

HFCs are included in the list of short lived climate pollutants being addressed under the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC), of which UNEP is one of the founding partners.

Early this year, the Philippine government has frozen the import of HCFCs at the 2010 base level of 162 ozone-depleting potential tons. The level would then be reduced by 10 percent in 2015; 35 percent in 2020; 67 percent in 2025; 97.5 percent in 2030; and altogether banned in 2040.

Currently, the Philippines, like most developing countries, has started implementation of the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) to achieve these phase-out targets. HPMPs are funded by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.

Click here for program details

for more details: http://www.denr.gov.ph/

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Conferences and Workshops: Disaster Governance: The Urban Transition in Asia organized by NUS from 7 to 8 Nov 2013

Conferences and Workshops
Disaster Governance: The Urban Transition in Asia

Date:	07 Nov 2013 - 08 Nov 2013
Venue:	Seminar Rooms A, B and C
	AS7, Shaw Foundation Building, NUS @ Kent Ridge
	Level 1, 5 Arts Link, Singapore 117570
Organisers:	Prof DOUGLASS Michael  Dr MILLER Michelle

Download Files: AS7 MAP

Description:
The transition to an increasingly urban world in the twenty-first century is accompanied by growing vulnerabilities for cities and urban residents. In Asia, around 1.5 billion people currently reside in urban areas and account for more than half of the global urban population, even though Asia remains one of the world’s least urbanized regions. Aging populations, rapid urban growth and ‘shrinking’ cities, infrastructural obstacles and health issues related to poor public service delivery have presented specific problems for urban spaces and residents. Disasters linked directly or indirectly to global warming and climate change have also become far more costly and prevalent worldwide, especially in Asia, where the urban transition has been marked by a coastal orientation that has left urban populations more exposed to floods, tsunamis and cyclones. The increasing frequency of these global disasters with cascading impacts has heightened awareness of the need for a more comprehensive approach to disaster governance, including a stronger emphasis on integrative risk management and financial preparedness for disaster. How cities adapt and respond to these events has import for the role of urban governance at the forefront of disaster response initiatives in an increasingly interconnected and urban planet. This conference focuses on how Asia’s urban populations deal with disaster and its threat from a governance perspective, with governance understood as a process of social decision-making involving government, civil society and private enterprise. Remaining mindful of the blurred boundaries and frequent areas of overlap between ‘anthropogenic’ and ‘natural’ disasters in urban contexts, we take ‘disaster’ to denote any event that causes widespread destruction. Our central concern is with how the structures and processes of urban governance are working to develop more effective and inclusive initiatives to manage and prevent these large-scale destructive events. We invite submission of papers from young and established scholars, policymakers, planners and development practitioners on the role of disaster governance in urban settlements and populations in Asia. In this, we encourage applicants to consider empirical case studies and theories within comparative Asian contexts, and what lessons might be learned from Asia for disaster governance in other urban areas in the world. Questions that will guide the conference proceedings to speak to related themes across disciplinary and geographical boundaries include: • In what ways does Asia's urban transition change issues for governance in disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance and/or resilience. • What factors assist and impede the capacities of cities to prepare for disasters to make urban populations safer? • What roles can neighbourhoods, communities and/or non-government organizations play in disaster governance? • What kinds of cultural or social institutions contribute to disaster governance in urban contexts? • What priorities are shaping disaster governance programs (e.g., cultural heritage, protection of vulnerable sections of society such as the urban poor and elderly)? • How do vulnerabilities vary among cities, and urban populations more broadly, in disaster governance? • How can urban heritage be more actively brought into disaster governance? • What initiatives are successful in overcoming problems of coordination and collaboration among different state and societal actors? • What good practices are emerging in the governance of disaster response initiatives in urban populations? • To what extent are best practices in disaster governance travelling for emulation or replication by other cities? • What networks of cooperation and collaboration are emerging within and between cities through disaster governance? CONTACT DETAILS OrganizersProf Mike DOUGLASSAsia Research Institute, and Department of Sociology, National University of Singapore arimike@nus.edu.sg Dr Michelle MILLERAsia Research Institute, National University of Singapore arimam@nus.edu.sg SecretariatMr Jonathan LEEAsia Research Institute, National University of Singapore #10-01 Tower Block, 469A Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259770 Email: jonathan.lee@nus.edu.sg
Contact Person: Mr LEE Ming Yao, Jonathan
Email: arimike@nus.edu.sg, arimam@nus.edu.sg, arilmyj@nus.edu.sg

For more information: 
http://www.ari.nus.edu.sg/events_categorydetails.asp?categoryid=6&eventid=1421

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Events: First International Conference on Global Food Security 29 Sep - 2 Oct 2013

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Event

First International Conference on Global Food Security

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The First International Conference on Global Food Security aims to explore the economic, social, biophysical, technological and institutional drivers of current and future global food security. The topics list includes, inter alia: enabling trade and market policies for local and global food security; sustainable intensification of food production systems; novel ways of feeding 9 billion; land sparing, land sharing and trade-offs; agricultural production as feedstock for renewables; lost harvest and wasted food; nutritional security; and labelling, certifying and striving for quality and sustainability of food production. 

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dates: 29 September - 2 October 2013   

location: Noordwijk, Netherlands   

www: http://www.globalfoodsecurityconference.com/index.html

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For more information: http://uncsd.iisd.org/events/first-international-conference-on-global-food-security/

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ICF National Conference 2014: Trees, People and the Built Environment from 2-4 Apr 2014

ICF National Conference 2014

Location : University of Birmingham, Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, Birmingham

Call for Papers now open (July 2013)

Conference Papers are welcomed that address any topic involving trees and the built environment, in both the social and natural sciences. Dowload the Call for Papers flyer for information on how to submit your abstract. (Deadline: 21 Oct 2013)

Trees, People and the Built Environment is back!

Following on from the highly successful event in 2011, the international urban trees research conference Trees, People and the Built Environment returns to Birmingham in 2014.

Again hosted by the ICF as its National Conference 2014, Trees, People and the Built Environment II continues its influential pan-industry partnership initiative between over 20 organisations representing professionals within the greenspace and built environment sectors. A Conference Steering Group, drawn from this partnership, will guide the programme content and format. 

Conference Aims

Urban trees and woodlands are essential elements of our green infrastructure and play a vital role in promoting liveable and sustainable towns and cities. The urban forest can have numerous environmental, economic and social benefits, contributing enormously to the health and welfare of everyone who lives and works in urban areas.

 For reference, you can download the Trees, People and the Built Environment Proceedings 2011.

Attend

Booking for Trees, People and the Built Environment II will open in the Autumn. To ensure that you receive notification of when bookings can me made join the TPBE LinkedIn Group (see below) or sign up for ICF's monthly free e-news.

Keep Up To Date

Join the TPBE LinkedIn Group and discussion forum to keep up to date with conference news, discuss urban tree issues and share information with this global network of 850+ tree professionals with an interest in the urban sector.

Conference Partners

The Arboricultural Association, Ancient Tree Forum, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories, Forest Research, Forestry Commission, Institute of Chartered Foresters, Institution of Civil Engineers, International Society of Arboriculture (UK & I Chapter), Landscape Institute, London Tree Officers Association, Municipal Tree Officers Association, Myerscough College, National Association of Tree Officers, Natural England, Royal Institute of British Architects, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Trees and Design Action Group, University of Birmingham, University of Manchester, Utility Arboriculture Group.

Consultative supporters: English Heritage, Green Infrastructure Partnership, Royal Town Planning Institute

Contact Us

For more information on TPBEII please contact Allison Lock, ICF Communication and Events Manager by email or call +44 (0) 131 240 1425

ICF National Conference 2013

The ICF 2013 Conference: Woodlands and the Green Economy took place in April - visit the 2013 conference web page for more information.

For more information: http://www.charteredforesters.org/icf-events/icf-national-conference/

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Call for papers: 2014 4th International Conference on Environment and Industrial Innovation (ICEII 2014) (deadline: 20 Oct 2013)

Welcome to ICEII 2014

Welcome to the official website of the 2014 4th International Conference on Environment and Industrial Innovation (ICEII 2014). ICEII 2014 will be held during March 12-14, 2014 in Penang, Malaysia. ICEII 2014, is to bring together innovative academics and industrial experts in the field of Environment and Industrial Innovation to a common forum. The primary goal of the conference is to promote research and developmental activities in Environment and Industrial Innovation. Another goal is to promote scientific information interchange between researchers, developers, engineers, students, and practitioners working in Malaysia and abroad. The conference will be held every year to make it an ideal platform for people to share views and experiences in Environment and Industrial Innovation and related areas. ICEII 2014 papers will be published in the International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology (IJIMT, ISSN: 2010-0248), and all papers will be included in the Engineering & Technology Digital Library, and indexed by   Google Scholar,Cross ref, ProQuest and sent to be reviewed by Ei Compendex and ISI Proceedings. Publication Ethics - Penalty against Plagiarism We firmly believe that ethical conduct is the most essential virtual of any academic. Hence any act of plagiarism is a totally unacceptable academic misconduct and cannot be tolerated. English is the official language of the conference. We welcome paper submissions. Prospective authors are invited to submit full (and original research) papers (which is NOT submitted or published or under consideration anywhere in other conferences/journal) in electronic (DOC or PDF) format through the easy chair conferences management system website or via email iceii@cbees.org » Call for Papers » One Excellent Paper will be selected from each oral session. The Certificate for Excellent Papers will be awarded in the Welcome Banquet on March 13, 2013. Important Date Paper Submission (Full Paper)                                                              Before October 20, 2013 Notification of Acceptance                                                                       On November 10, 2013 Final Paper Submission                                                                     Before November 30, 2013 Authors' Registration                                                                          Before November 30, 2013 ICEII 2014 Conference Dates                                                                         March 12-13, 2014 Academic Official Visit (Half Day)                                                                       March 14, 2014 Disclaimer: The content of the website is subject to change. The information on hyper linked or referred to web sites is neither investigated nor analyzed by the conference organizers. No warranty or representation, express or implied, is given as to the accuracy or completeness of that information. In no event will the conference organizers accept any liability with regard to the information contained in this web site or any other hyper linked or referred to web sites.

For more information: http://www.iceii.org/

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