Global Solution Networks Blog
Recent articles and research reports
The Rachel Carson Bridge
The significance of the moment—walking in an urban landscape to attend the annual conference of the Land Trust Alliance [a national land conservation organization of more than 1,000 member land trusts], and being buzzed by a migrating flock drawn into flight by the seasonal change in the weather while crossing a city bridge named for the pioneer of the environmental movement—was inescapable.
Cities, Urbanization and Blockchain Solutions
While it’s the undisputed business hub of the Middle East, Dubai has set an ambitious goal in this era of urbanization: To be the first blockchain-powered government in the world by 2020. Not as sci-fi as it sounds.
Problem Solving Epidemics and Creating Health Solutions with Blockchain.
The tracking of epidemics and creating global health solutions is a problem made for blockchain to solve.
Blockchain Fighting Poverty
Blockchain could well be the tool for fighting global poverty in the way that vaccines fight disease, especially in developing economies.
Blockchain Tackles Climate Change
Blockchain technology is a leading breakthrough to tackle climate change. The UNFCCC Secretariat has helped create the Climate Chain Coalition to encourage use of distributed ledger technology (DLT).
Drought or Floods; Cities Confront Water Risks
Engineering firm Arup will collaborate with five cities this year to develop a set of practical tools that will help urban areas deal with too little or too much water crisis.
Forced Displacement is an Urban Crisis
The shift from refugee camps to forced displacement to cities and towns creates new challenges for meeting the needs of displaced populations and an urban crisis.
Wildfires, Hurricanes, Rising Emissions—Climate Change out of control
Hurricanes, and wildfires are more frequent, more devastating, or both while emissions increase. The phenomenon are more clearly interlinked yet we have yet to address the problem in a meaningful way and the climate change resources on the EPA website have gone missing.
Regenerative Agriculture for food security and public health
Last September, experts from 21 countries with experience in soil, water and land management and agriculture met to work on solutions for the scaling up of organic and regenerative agriculture, land management and livestock grazing. The solutions will address global warming, global food insecurity and public health.
Blockchain Combatting Illegal Fishing
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is exploring blockchain technology to combat illegal fishing and slave labor in the tuna fishing industry. The technology is currently being piloted in Fiji.
Stateless Rohingya get digital IDs with blockchain
Stateless Rohingya who fled Myanmar are set to receive digital ID cards using blockchain technology in a pilot project seeking to help them access services like banking and education.
Fossil Fuel Free Streets
As a commitment to green and healthy city streets, C40 Cities has launched the Fossil-Fuel-Free Streets initiative; an effort from 12 mayors from across the C40 network to initiate a global shift to truly livable streets.
Girls HIV Numbers Remain High in Sub-saharan Africa
In 2015, 100,000 girls ages 15-24 were infected with HIV in South Africa, compared with 42,000 boys. Soul City Institute for Social Justice created RISE Young Women’s Clubs to help shrink these catastrophic numbers.
Mobile Credit Creates Financial Inclusion
As a financial inclusion tool, mobile credit can create access for consumers with no formal financial footprint.
Smart Cities Apply Mobility Technology
Smart cities are preparing for autonomous vehicles with mobility technology.
Bonn Climate Talks—Little Progress
Two weeks of climate talks in Bonn this month made little progress on the disputes that have been lingering since the Paris Agreement of 2015.
Peru’s Rainforest Timber Scandal
Companies caught up in Peru’s biggest timber scandal likely knew that their exports from the Amazon rainforest were illegal, according to undercover footage captured by the watchdog GSN working in the area, Global Witness.
Migration Challenges World’s Cities
The World Economic Forum has released its new report on migration and the world’s cities covering the different types and causes of migration, with a particular focus on its impact on cities around the world and how they can be better prepared.