Devex: UNDP to broaden human development assessment with planetary indicators
“A new method of measuring human progress is underway, taking into account countries’ carbon dioxide emissions and material footprints. Developed by the United Nations Development Programme, the recalibration of the Human Development Index to include planetary pressures will provide a more accurate picture of countries’ development, according to Ahunna Eziakonwa, assistant administrator and regional director for Africa at UNDP…” (Lieberman, 12/15).

Devex: Why loss and damage is the ‘most politically contentious issue’ in climate negotiations
“For climate vulnerable countries, loss and damage will be a key measure of success at COP26. But higher-income governments are reluctant to engage…” (Worley, 12/15).

DW: How curing the planet’s ills protects human health
“In a year that has seen wildfires rage in many parts of the world, mega-storms hit others, and a novel virus spill over from animals to humans affecting people across the planet, scientists are drawing an ever-clearer link between the importance of a healthy environment and humans. A new book, ‘Planetary Health: Protecting Nature to Protect Ourselves’, looks at the environmental problems the planet is facing and tries to envision ways out. Samuel Myers, a medical doctor and research scientist in planetary health at Harvard University, co-edited the book. Also the director of the Planetary Health Alliance, an international network of organizations seeking to address global environmental change and its health impacts, Myers spoke to DW about how human activity is destabilizing the environment. And harming our health in the process…” (Collins, 12/15).