Todas las entradas de : Santiago Sainz Caparroso

Las tierras raras son componentes esenciales para la fabricación de muchos dispositivos tecnológicos, desde teléfonos móviles hasta turbinas eólicas. Sin embargo, su extracción y producción están causando graves impactos ambientales y violaciones de derechos humanos en los países donde se extraen.

Un nuevo informe destaca la urgente necesidad de transitar a una economía circular, en la que se priorice el reciclaje y la reutilización de estos metales, para evitar estos problemas. De acuerdo con el informe, la extracción de tierras raras ha ocasionado daños irreparables en los ecosistemas y la salud humana.

Además, el informe menciona que, aunque el reciclaje de tierras raras es aún incipiente, ya existen tecnologías y procesos para recuperar estos materiales de dispositivos obsoletos o en desuso. La recuperación de tierras raras a partir de residuos electrónicos puede ser rentable y sustentable, al mismo tiempo que reduce la dependencia de la extracción minera.

Expertos señalan que el reciclaje de tierras raras puede ser una solución efectiva para reducir el impacto ambiental y social de su producción. Como afirma Mauro Hernández, experto en materiales para energía renovable, “el reciclaje es clave para evitar la extracción de nuevas tierras raras y reducir la presión sobre el medio ambiente y las comunidades”.

En este sentido, el reciclaje de tierras raras no sólo es una alternativa sostenible, sino también una oportunidad para reducir la dependencia de la extracción minera y promover la justicia social y ambiental. De acuerdo con el informe de Eurometaux, la demanda de tierras raras seguirá creciendo en las próximas décadas, por lo que es fundamental implementar estrategias de reciclaje y reutilización para asegurar la disponibilidad de estos materiales en el futuro.

Por otro lado, el reciclaje de tierras raras también tiene el potencial de generar oportunidades económicas y de innovación. La recuperación de estos materiales a partir de residuos electrónicos puede generar nuevos empleos y promover la creación de una industria de reciclaje de metales valiosos. Además, al fomentar la investigación y el desarrollo de tecnologías de reciclaje, se pueden encontrar soluciones innovadoras para abordar los desafíos ambientales, la optimización de los materiales empleados y combatir los problemas sociales asociados con la extracción de tierras raras.

Referencias:

• Informe “Tierras raras 2021: una crisis global” de la Asociación Europea de Recursos y Reciclaje de Metales (Eurometaux)
• Estudio “Recuperación de metales de tierras raras de residuos electrónicos” de la Universidad de Pensilvania

Enlaces:

• https://www.eurometaux.org/rare-earths-2021/
• https://www.pnas.org/content/118/19/e2101564118

El modelo ferroviario planteado en España está ya en el punto de mira, pero las tendencias globales sobre el transporte de masas no solo llevan la contraria al modelo impulsado en nuestra nación, si no que sacan los colores a una red que prioriza la alta velocidad y el populismo político.

A pesar de las inversiones millonarias realizadas en las últimas décadas, la mayoría de las estaciones de tren de alta velocidad se encuentran situadas fuera de las ciudades, lo que dificulta su accesibilidad y reduce su utilidad para los ciudadanos. Este enfoque, centrado en la alta velocidad y el transporte de larga distancia, ha dejado de lado la integración ferroviaria en las urbes, algo que se ha convertido en una necesidad cada vez más evidente y que los planes ambientales buscan impulsar.

Mientras España ha apostado por un modelo de estaciones alejadas de los núcleos urbanos, otros países están haciendo justo lo contrario. En París, la estación de Saint-Lazare se ha convertido en un espacio multifuncional que incluye tiendas, restaurantes y espacios culturales. En Berlín, la estación central se ha convertido en una puerta de entrada emblemática a la ciudad, con conexiones con el transporte público y la bicicleta. En España, la mayoría de las estaciones creadas en las últimas décadas carecen de estas posibilidades. Sants, Atocha, Delicias o Abando jamás hubieran estado en sus localizaciones si el modelo actual hubiera existido cuando se plantearon.

“El modelo español de estaciones de tren se ha centrado demasiado en la alta velocidad y el transporte de larga distancia, en detrimento de la integración ferroviaria en las ciudades”. “Esto ha generado problemas de accesibilidad, congestión y contaminación en las zonas urbanas, que podrían haberse evitado con una planificación más adecuada”.

José María Menéndez, experto en transporte y profesor de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

El modelo de integración ferroviaria en las ciudades tiene numerosas ventajas, tanto en términos de movilidad como de sostenibilidad. No solo hablamos de soterrar vías, si no de incluir las mismas en los planes urbanos y minimizar su impacto con zonas arboladas, barreras y normalizando su presencia. La cercanía de las estaciones de tren a los lugares de trabajo y estudio reduce el uso del coche y, por tanto, las emisiones de gases contaminantes. Además, la integración de las estaciones con el transporte público y la bicicleta mejora la eficiencia y la comodidad de los desplazamientos.

Este modelo también está en línea con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) de la ONU, que promueven el desarrollo de ciudades más inclusivas, seguras, resilientes y sostenibles. Creando redes de transporte limpio capaces de lidiar con flujos de viajeros muy grandes para crear una alternativa mucho más eficiente frente al transporte individual. En este sentido, la integración ferroviaria en las urbes contribuye a la mejora de la calidad de vida de los ciudadanos y a su vez convierte las ciudades en espacios dinámicos, accesibles, limpios y amigables.

Es necesario repensar el modelo ferroviario español, y apostar por una planificación más integrada y sostenible, que no solo priorice fanáticamente la alta velocidad, si no que entienda las demandas reales de la ciudadanía y no deje de basar su funcionamiento y supervivencia en el “pelotazo del AVE”, si no que reivindique su papel promoviendo la movilidad limpia, cómoda, asequible y eficiente.

La integración ferroviaria en las ciudades es una pieza clave de este modelo, que puede contribuir a la construcción de ciudades más habitables, justas y sostenibles. Nuestros políticos deberían haber seguido el ejemplo de sus homólogos europeos y haber expuesto a la ciudadanía que es mejor vivir con vías y zonas ajardinadas que con contaminación, tráfico y restricciones. Claro está, educar a la ciudadanía y preparar redes de transporte para sostener grandes flujos de pasajeros, es mucho más costoso y menos rentable que hacer inauguraciones y caer en el populismo barato.

International humanitarian law (IHL) plays a critical role in times of armed conflict by providing a framework for protecting the lives and dignity of civilians. However, the effectiveness of IHL is often limited by the failure of states and non-state armed groups to comply with its provisions, resulting in widespread violations and atrocities. One of the key aspects of IHL is the protection of humanitarian personnel, who play a vital role in providing assistance and protection to vulnerable populations. In this article, we will explore the importance of IHL and the respect for humanitarian staff in conflict areas, resolutions, ideas to improve the work of humanitarian personnel in safer ways, and the importance of protecting civilians.

I. The Importance of IHL in Times of War

International humanitarian law, also known as the law of war or the law of armed conflict, is a set of rules and principles that regulate the conduct of armed conflicts. The aim of IHL is to limit the effects of armed conflicts and protect people who are not or are no longer taking part in hostilities, such as civilians, medical personnel, and aid workers. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are the main legal instruments of IHL, and are widely recognized as the cornerstone of the protection of individuals in armed conflicts.

The provisions of IHL apply equally to all parties to an armed conflict, whether they are state armed forces or non-state armed groups. IHL requires parties to respect and protect civilians and civilian objects, and to distinguish between civilian and military targets. It also requires parties to take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to civilians and to ensure that the wounded and sick are cared for. In addition, IHL prohibits acts that cause unnecessary suffering, such as torture, and requires that prisoners of war be treated humanely.

Despite the importance of IHL, its effectiveness in times of armed conflict is often limited by the failure of states and non-state armed groups to comply with its provisions. This has resulted in widespread violations of IHL, including the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian objects, attacks on medical facilities and personnel, and the use of prohibited weapons, such as landmines and cluster munitions.

II. The Protection of Humanitarian Personnel in Conflict Areas

Humanitarian personnel play a crucial role in providing assistance and protection to civilians in conflict areas. They provide essential services such as medical care, food, water, and shelter to people affected by conflict, and often operate in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions. However, they are also at risk of attack and harassment by armed groups, which can disrupt their ability to deliver aid and endanger their lives.

International law provides specific protections for humanitarian personnel in conflict areas. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols require parties to an armed conflict to respect and protect humanitarian personnel, and to ensure that they are able to carry out their duties safely and without obstruction. In addition, the UN General Assembly has adopted several resolutions that specifically call for the protection of humanitarian personnel, including Resolution 46/182, which affirms the right of humanitarian personnel to carry out their work in safety and without interference.

Despite these legal protections, attacks on humanitarian personnel and facilities in conflict areas are on the rise. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), attacks on humanitarian personnel increased by 30% between 2017 and 2018 (ICRC, 2019). These attacks not only endanger the lives of humanitarian staff, but also disrupt the delivery of life-saving aid to those in need.

III. Resolutions and Ideas to Improve the Work of Humanitarian Personnel

The international community has taken several steps to protect humanitarian personnel and improve their safety and security. One such initiative is the Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE) program, which provides training and resources to aid workers to help them manage security.

In addition to the SSAFE program, there are several other resolutions and ideas that could further improve the work of humanitarian personnel. These include:

1. Strengthening legal frameworks: Governments could implement stronger legal frameworks to protect humanitarian personnel and hold perpetrators accountable for attacks on aid workers. This could include measures such as creating specific laws to address attacks on humanitarian workers, ensuring that those responsible for attacks are brought to justice, and increasing penalties for such crimes.
2. Enhancing coordination: Improved coordination among humanitarian organizations, governments, and other stakeholders could help to enhance the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. This could include sharing information about security risks and best practices, collaborating on security planning and risk assessments, and conducting joint training exercises.
3. Increasing resources: Adequate funding is critical to improving the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. Governments, international organizations, and private donors could increase funding for programs such as SSAFE and for the provision of security personnel, equipment, and training.
4. Providing psychological support: Humanitarian personnel often work in challenging and traumatic environments that can have a significant impact on their mental health. Providing access to psychological support services can help aid workers to cope with stress and trauma and improve their overall well-being.

By implementing these and other measures, we can work to create a safer and more secure environment for humanitarian personnel, enabling them to provide critical aid to those in need without fear of harm

In conclusion, the importance of IHL and the respect for humanitarian staff cannot be overstated in times of war and conflict. The protection of civilians is paramount, and efforts must be made to ensure that they are not caught in the crossfire. Despite the challenges that humanitarian staff face in conflict zones, they continue to risk their lives to provide essential aid to those who need it the most. The international community must do more to support and protect these brave men and women.

Through the implementation of effective measures such as better training, increased awareness, and stronger legal frameworks, progress can be made towards improving the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. With the continued commitment of all actors, including states, non-state armed groups, and humanitarian organizations, the vision of a world where the protection of civilians and the respect for humanitarian staff are universal norms can be realized.

References:

1. International Committee of the Red Cross. (2019). International Humanitarian Law and the Challenges of Contemporary Armed Conflicts. https://www.icrc.org/en/document/international-humanitarian-law-and-challenges-contemporary-armed-conflicts
2. International Committee of the Red Cross. (2018). Respect for International Humanitarian Law: An Essential Condition for Humanitarian Action. https://www.icrc.org/en/document/respect-international-humanitarian-law-essential-condition-humanitarian-action
3. International Committee of the Red Cross. (2017). Attacks against Health Care: The Humanitarian Response. https://www.icrc.org/en/document/attacks-against-health-care-humanitarian-response
4. International Committee of the Red Cross. (2017). The Geneva Conventions: Key Information. https://www.icrc.org/en/document/geneva-conventions-key-information
5. International Committee of the Red Cross. (2018). International Humanitarian Law and Non-State Armed Groups. https://www.icrc.org/en/document/international-humanitarian-law-and-non-state-armed-groups
6. United Nations. (2020). The Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict. https://www.un.org/en/observances/protection-of-civilians-day
7. United Nations. (2019). Improving Security for Humanitarian Workers. https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/ga12128.doc.htm
8. United Nations. (2019). UN Security Council Resolution 2461 on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict. https://undocs.org/S/RES/2461(2019)
9. United Nations. (2019). UN Security Council Resolution 2475 on the Protection of Civilians from Conflict-Induced Hunger. https://undocs.org/S/RES/2475(2019)
10. Médecins Sans Frontières. (2019). Living in Fear: Attacks on Health Care in 23 Countries in Conflict. https://www.msf.org/living-fear-attacks-health-care-23-countries-conflict
11. The Guardian. (2018). Why Are Humanitarian Workers Being Attacked? https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/mar/23/why-are-humanitarian-workers-being-attacked
12. TEDx Talks. (2018). How to Protect Civilians in Conflict | Jérémie Labbé | TEDxLausanne. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EGAGKzEZ6I
13. International Committee of the Red Cross. (2017). International Humanitarian Law: What You Need to Know. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz3q1RDfNgg
14. International Committee of the Red Cross. (2018). IHL in Action: Attacks on Health Care. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYJZ4

Investment financial activities and products have been criticized for their negative impact on the environment and society. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to reform investment financial activities and products to push for sustainable development. This has led to the emergence of green financial products and the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approach on financial products.

Why SDGs are Not Contrary to Profits:

The idea that sustainable development and profits are incompatible is a common misconception. In fact, businesses that prioritize sustainable development are more likely to be successful in the long run. Companies that adopt sustainable practices are more likely to attract and retain customers, employees, and investors who prioritize sustainability. In addition, sustainable practices can lead to cost savings and efficiency gains, which can increase profitability. Therefore, adopting the SDGs approach on financial products can be a profitable business strategy.

The Natura Case: Natura is a Brazilian cosmetics company that has adopted a sustainable business model based on the principles of the circular economy. The company has developed a range of sustainable products made from natural and organic ingredients, and has implemented sustainable production and supply chain practices. Natura’s commitment to sustainability has helped to improve the company’s reputation and brand value, and has helped it to attract and retain customers who prioritize sustainability. In addition, Natura’s focus on the circular economy has helped to reduce its costs and increase its efficiency.

Negative Impact of Investment Financial Activities and Products:

Investment financial activities and products have been blamed for financing activities that harm the environment and society. For example, the fossil fuel industry has been accused of causing climate change, and the arms industry has been accused of contributing to violence and conflict. Investment financial products such as derivatives have also been blamed for contributing to the 2008 financial crisis.

Necessity of Reforming Investment Financial Activities and Products:

Reforming investment financial activities and products is necessary to align them with sustainable development goals. The goals cover a wide range of issues such as poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, renewable energy, responsible consumption, and climate action.

The necessity of reforming financial products to align with the SDGs can be demonstrated through mathematical facts. According to the United Nations, achieving the SDGs will require an estimated $5-7 trillion of annual investment between now and 2030 (UN, 2019). However, current levels of investment are not sufficient to achieve these goals. The gap between the funding needed and the funding available is estimated to be around $2.5 trillion per year (UN, 2019).

To bridge this gap, financial products and investment activities must be reformed to prioritize sustainable development. One approach is to develop green financial products, such as green bonds, which are specifically designed to finance sustainable projects (Mertens et al., 2018). Green bonds have grown rapidly in recent years, with issuance totaling $269.5 billion in 2020, a 9% increase from the previous year (Climate Bonds Initiative, 2021). By investing in green bonds, investors can support sustainable projects and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

Another approach is to integrate SDG criteria into investment decision-making processes. This can be done through the development of SDG-aligned investment products, such as impact funds, which are designed to achieve specific SDG targets (Von Schnurbein et al., 2018). By investing in impact funds, investors can align their financial goals with the SDGs and support sustainable development.

The benefits of investing in sustainable financial products are not just limited to supporting the achievement of the SDGs. Studies have shown that sustainable investments can generate competitive financial returns. For example, a report by the Global Impact Investing Network found that the median net internal rate of return for private impact funds was 8.9%, compared to 8.1% for conventional funds (GIIN, 2019).

In conclusion, the necessity of reforming financial products to align with the SDGs is clear. The gap between the funding needed and the funding available to achieve the SDGs is substantial, and sustainable financial products can help to bridge this gap. In addition, investing in sustainable financial products can generate competitive financial returns, demonstrating that prioritizing sustainable development is not contrary to profits.

What are Green Financial Products?:

Green financial products are investment products that finance projects with environmental benefits. These products have been growing in popularity in recent years. Examples of green financial products include green bonds, green loans, and green insurance. According to the Climate Bonds Initiative, the global green bond market reached a record $269.5 billion in 2020, up from $165.5 billion in 2019.

Sustainable Development Goals Approach on Financial Products:

The Sustainable Development Goals approach on financial products involves incorporating the SDGs into investment decision-making processes. This approach requires investors to assess the impact of their investments on the SDGs and to adjust their investment strategies accordingly. A study by the Principles for Responsible Investment found that companies that align their strategies with the SDGs tend to outperform their peers in terms of financial performance and risk management.

Possible Solutions to Reform Investment Financial Activities and Products:

1. Regulation and Standards: The regulatory environment can be strengthened to ensure that investment financial activities and products align with sustainable development goals. Governments and regulators can introduce standards for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in investment decisions. The European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation and the UK’s Green Finance Strategy are examples of regulatory frameworks that promote sustainable finance.
2. Investor Engagement: Investors can engage with companies to promote sustainable practices and influence their investment decisions. Shareholder activism can be used to influence corporate behavior and drive change towards sustainable practices. Investors can also use their proxy voting rights to influence corporate decision-making and hold companies accountable.
3. Impact Investing: Impact investing is an investment strategy that aims to generate social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. It involves investing in companies or projects that have a positive impact on society or the environment. Impact investing can drive investment towards sustainable development goals and incentivize companies to adopt sustainable practices.
4. Education and Awareness: Education and awareness-raising campaigns can promote the importance of sustainable finance and the benefits of green financial products. Financial institutions can develop educational programs to train investors and financial advisors on sustainable finance. Public awareness campaigns can also be used to encourage individuals and institutions to adopt sustainable finance practices.
5. Independent expert supervision of activities: Supervision of activities in line with the SDGs can be a powerful solution for making companies and governments more conscious and active in the work for sustainable development. Independent experts can provide objective and impartial analysis of the impact of activities on the SDGs, and can help to identify areas where improvements can be made. The presence of independent expert supervision can also create a competitive advantage for companies that prioritize sustainable development.

Conclusion:

The need to reform investment financial activities and products to promote sustainable development is critical in the face of environmental and social challenges. The adoption of green financial products and the implementation of the SDGs approach on financial products can be a profitable business strategy that aligns with sustainable development goals. To achieve this, regulatory frameworks, investor engagement, impact investing, and education and awareness-raising campaigns can be used to incentivize sustainable finance practices.

References:

• Eccles, R. G., & Serafeim, G. (2013). The Performance Frontier: Innovating for a Sustainable Strategy. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2013/05/the-performance-frontier-innovating-for-a-sustainable-strategy
• European Commission. (2021). Sustainable finance. https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/sustainable-finance_en
• Principles for Responsible Investment. (2019). Investing in the Sustainable Development Goals: The SDG investment case. https://www.unpri.org/download?ac=7182
• United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/transformingourworld