Gaia Sustainable Solutions Blog

The circular economy model promotes sustainable production and consumption through closed-loop production which keep resources in play for as long as possible. It can address climate change issues, resource depletion and waste and it can also encourage economic growth and job creation. Maximizing recycling and re-use of materials is an important principle of the circular economy, however, it is not a panacea. The circular economy model can help countries rethink their economic growth, current production and wasteful consumption patterns and existing power structures in private and public sectors. The United Nations also advocates for the circular economy model through its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 12: Sustainable consumption and production is about promoting resource and energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services, green and decent jobs and a better quality of life for all. Sustainable consumption and production aims at “d...

Climathon is a global 24-hour climate change hackathon organised by Climate-KIC , which took place simulataenously in cities around the world on October 27, 2017. This is the third Climathon event and has grown from 19 cities in 2015 to 238 cities in 2017.  Climathon attracts entrepreneurs, students, social innovators, professionals and academics to create innovative solutions to climate change issues faced by cities. Each city determines is own local climate challenge that affects their urban life, which can vary from air quality, water management, waste management, extreme weather events or sustainable land use. Participants have 24 hours to develop their solution to the challenge and they then pitch their ideas to relevant local experts and stakeholders. Climathon serves to drive climate action since these ideas can turn into feasible sustainable solutions and social businesses that address climate change challenges in cities worldwide. Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago is...