Tony
Seba:
“The age of centralized,
command-and-control, extraction-resource-based energy sources (oil,
gas, coal and nuclear) will not end because we run out of petroleum,
natural gas, coal, or uranium. It will end because these energy sources,
the business models they employ, and the products that sustain them
will be disrupted by superior technologies, product architectures, and
business models. Compelling new technologies such as solar, wind, electric
vehicles, and autonomous (self-driving) cars will disrupt and sweep
away the energy industry as we know it.”
Marco
te Brömmelstroet:
"As we shape cities and streets, we are shaped by them. The built
environment has a profound impact on our social relationships, our well-being,
and the rhythm of our lives. When the street is viewed as a rationalized
road for mechanical movement from A to B, we miss out on the rich socio-spatial
potential of public space to foster human interactions. Decades of transportation
engineering and spatial planning have reduced the value of streets as
a social production to roads as an efficient machine in many parts of
the world. A kind of ideological representation of the modern city as
a machine of speed and efficiency maximizing utility."
Nkwi
Flores:
"From across the road, the mythical city of Ingapirca, Cañar,
Cuenca, in southern Ecuador, shapes the landscape of the Andes at about
4000 msl. To this mythical city, which for many has been a center of
Indigenous Systems processes (STEM and Spirituality), we have arrived
to reconcile with the Indigenous technological and engineering development
pre-Inka and its complementation to the Inka expansion northward. ....
"
Lead Article:
Amazon
deforestation cut by 83% in places protected by
Indigenous communities – new research
by Johan
Oldekop, University of Manchester; Bowy den Braber, University of Sheffield,
and Marina Schmoeller, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)
Although deforestation rates in the
Brazilian Amazon have
halved, it is still losing more than 5,000km2
every year. That`s an area three times larger than Greater London.
By combining satellite imagery for
the entire Amazon region with data from the Brazilian national census,
our
new study found that deforestation in areas protected by
Indigenous communities was up to 83% lower compared to unprotected
areas. These results show that Indigenous communities can play an
important environmental stewardship role by helping to prevent deforestation
by people encroaching on their lands.
However, our results also show that
Indigenous communities had the lowest levels of socioeconomic development.
Incomes in Indigenous territories were up to 36% lower compared to
other land uses.
Indigenous people are among the most
disadvantaged groups of people in
the world. Although Indigenous communities in Brazil have
strengthened their political representation in recent years, 33% of
people living below the poverty line are
Indigenous.
Improving the economic wellbeing
of Indigenous people is not only the socially just thing to do but
can also be environmentally effective. Research
in Nepal showed that communities with higher levels of
socioeconomic development are less likely to trade off development
with deforestation. Providing communities with the ability to protect
and conserve their local forests and develop economically can be a
win-win for both people and the environment.
In 2022, governments across the world
agreed to protect
30% of the planet`s surface by 2030. To meet the commitments
of this 30x30 agenda, many countries need to drastically increase
their conservation efforts to reverse deforestation in the Amazon
and beyond.
Governments and philanthropic organisations
pledged unprecedented political and financial support
for forests and Indigenous peoples and local communities at the 2021
COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. These pledges have helped raise the
voices of Indigenous peoples and ushered in a new era of commitments
to return ancestral lands.
Yet, forests and their resources
across the world remain coveted by many different interest groups,
including mining and large agribusiness. The Supreme Court in Brazil
is currently debating the constitutional validity of the controversial
"Marco
Temporal" or time limit framework which could substantially
limit the ability of Indigenous peoples across the country to make
claims for lands. This legal theory states that Indigenous peoples
are only entitled to make claims for lands if they can prove that
they were in possession of them on or before October 5 1988 when the
Brazilian constitution came into effect.
Perhaps surprisingly, our results
show that agricultural business development of the Brazilian Amazon
is unlikely to provide greater socioeconomic benefits for local, non-indigenous
communities than protection-focused alternatives that preserve forest
cover but allow sustainable resource use by rural communities. But
the agribusiness lobby in Brazil, who are often in direct conflict
with Indigenous
people, often argues that agricultural expansion will provide
economic development for the region.
Our results demonstrate that returning
lands to Indigenous communities can be extremely effective at reducing
deforestation and boosting biodiversity to help address climate change.
Yet, forest conservation should not come at an economic cost to people
living in Indigenous-managed lands.
Access to land and opportunity
Indigenous communities need to regain
access to their ancestral lands while also gaining access to development
opportunities. Indigenous people in Brazil are eligible to receive
support from social welfare programmes, such as the family allowance
scheme (or bolsa familia in Portuguese), which is credited
with lifting millions
of Brazilians out of poverty and reducing inequality.
However, many rural and isolated
communities face substantial difficulties accessing support. For example,
fuel costs to take long boat trips from remote communities to urban
centres to collect payments
are high and many communities lack access to technology
to even apply for such schemes.
President Lula Da Silva`s government
is considering developing an Indigenous
family allowance programme to address access problems faced
by Indigenous communities in Brazil. As efforts to return rights to
land ramp up in the wake of the 30x30 agenda, more governments and
nongovernmental organisations should support the many other rights
that Indigenous peoples have and reduce the structural barriers that
prevent rural communities from claiming them.
Shadow
AI and Data Poisoning in Large Language Models:
Implications for Global Security and Mitigation Strategies
by Igor
van Gemert, Expert on Generative AI and CyberResilience
Copyright 2024 CyberResilience
July 18, 2024
1. Introduction: The Emergence of Shadow AI in the Era of Large Language
Models
In recent years, the rapid development and widespread adoption of artificial
intelligence (AI) have brought about a revolution in technological capabilities.
Among the most transformative advancements are Large Language Models
(LLMs), which have ushered in a new era of possibilities. However, alongside
this progress, a significant security concern has emerged, known as
"shadow AI." This phenomenon involves the unauthorized and
uncontrolled use of AI tools and systems within organizations, often
without proper oversight from IT or security departments.
Imagine a scenario where employees, driven by the ease of access to
powerful AI tools like ChatGPT, begin adopting these solutions for their
work without going through official channels. ChatGPT, for instance,
garnered an astounding 100 million weekly users within a year of its
launch, making it simple for individuals to integrate AI into their
workflows. This accessibility distinguishes shadow AI from traditional
shadow IT, making it more pervasive and challenging to detect.
As organizations navigate the complexities of shadow AI, they must
also contend with the growing threat of data poisoning attacks.
These attacks target the training data of AI models, including LLMs,
introducing vulnerabilities, backdoors, or biases that can compromise
the security, effectiveness, and ethical behavior of these models. This
exploration delves into the intricacies of shadow AI and data poisoning,
examining their potential impacts on global security, the challenges
in detection and mitigation, and strategies for addressing these emerging
threats.
2. Understanding Shadow AI: Definitions and Implications
Shadow AI refers to the use of AI tools and technologies within an
organization without the knowledge, approval, or oversight of the IT
department or relevant authorities. Picture an employee using public
AI services like ChatGPT for work-related tasks, deploying AI models
or algorithms without proper vetting, integrating AI capabilities into
existing systems without authorization, or developing AI applications
independently within departments without central coordination.Several
factors contribute to the rise of shadow AI. The accessibility of AI
tools has lowered the barrier to entry for non-technical users, allowing
them to harness the power of AI without requiring specialized knowledge.
The rapid advancement of AI technologies often outpaces organizational
policies and governance structures, creating a gap between innovation
and regulation. Employees, driven by the perceived productivity gains,
may turn to AI tools to enhance their efficiency and output. However,
many users may not fully understand the risks associated with unauthorized
AI use, leading to unintended consequences.The implications of shadow
AI for organizations are far-reaching. Security risks loom large, as
unauthorized AI use can introduce vulnerabilities and expose sensitive
data. Compliance issues arise when shadow AI practices violate regulatory
requirements, leading to legal and financial repercussions. Data privacy
concerns mount, as AI tools may process and store sensitive information
in ways that contravene data protection laws. Uncoordinated AI use can
result in inconsistent outputs and decision-making across an organization,
while resource inefficiencies stem from duplicate efforts and incompatible
systems.
3. The Mechanics of Data Poisoning in Large Language
Models
Copyright 2024 CyberResilience
Data poisoning is a type of attack that targets the training data of
AI models, including LLMs. By manipulating the training data, attackers
can introduce vulnerabilities, backdoors, or biases that compromise
the security, effectiveness, and ethical behavior of the model. Imagine
a scenario where an attacker injects mislabeled or malicious data into
the training set, causing the model to produce specific outputs when
encountering certain triggers. This type of attack is known as label
poisoning or backdoor poisoning.
Another form of data poisoning involves modifying a significant portion
of the training data to influence the model's learning process. This
can entail injecting biased or false information into the training corpus,
skewing the model's outputs. Model inversion attacks, although not strictly
poisoning attacks, exploit the model's responses to infer sensitive
information about its training data, which can be used in conjunction
with other methods to refine poisoning strategies. Stealth attacks involve
strategically manipulating the training data to create hard-to-detect
vulnerabilities that can be exploited after deployment, preserving the
model's overall performance while introducing specific weaknesses.
The process of poisoning an LLM typically involves several steps. Attackers
first gather or generate a set of malicious training samples. For backdoor
attacks, a trigger (such as a specific phrase or pattern) is crafted
to activate the poisoned behavior. The poisoned samples are then introduced
into the training dataset, either during initial training or fine-tuning.
The LLM is trained or fine-tuned on the contaminated dataset, incorporating
the malicious patterns. Once deployed, the poisoned model can be exploited
by inputting the trigger or leveraging the introduced vulnerabilities.
Detecting data poisoning in LLMs presents several challenges. The scale
of training data for LLMs is massive, making comprehensive inspection
impractical. The complexity of these models adds another layer of difficulty,
as it is challenging to trace the impact of individual training samples.
Advanced poisoning methods can be designed to evade detection by maintaining
overall model performance, while the "black box" nature of
deep learning models complicates efforts to identify anomalous behaviors.
4. Global Security Implications of Shadow AI and Data Poisoning
Copyright 2024 CyberResilience
The combination of shadow AI and data poisoning poses significant risks
to global security across various domains. Imagine a scenario where
poisoned LLMs deployed through shadow AI channels generate vast amounts
of coherent, persuasive misinformation. Research by Zellers et al.
(2019) demonstrated how GPT-2, a precursor to more advanced models,
could generate fake news articles that humans found convincing. Such
capabilities could undermine democratic processes through targeted disinformation,
erode public trust in institutions and media, and exacerbate social
and political divisions.
As AI systems become integrated into critical infrastructure, shadow
AI and data poisoning could lead to subtle manipulations with potentially
catastrophic consequences. A study by Kang et al. (2021) explored the
potential impact of AI-driven attacks on power grids, highlighting the
need for robust security measures. Disruption of energy distribution
systems, compromise of transportation networks, and interference with
financial markets and trading systems are among the potential impacts.
In the realm of national security and intelligence, the use of compromised
LLMs in intelligence analysis could lead to flawed strategic assessments
and policy decisions based on manipulated information. A report by the
RAND Corporation (2020) emphasized the potential for AI to transform
intelligence analysis, underscoring the importance of securing these
systems. Misallocation of defense resources based on false intelligence,
erosion of diplomatic relations due to AI-generated misunderstandings,
and vulnerability of classified information to extraction through poisoned
models are critical concerns.
Shadow AI practices can inadvertently expose sensitive data to unauthorized
AI systems, while data poisoning can create new attack vectors for cybercriminals.
Increased risk of data breaches and intellectual property theft, exploitation
of AI vulnerabilities for network intrusions, and compromise of personal
privacy through model inversion attacks are potential outcomes.
The financial sector's increasing reliance on AI for trading, risk assessment,
and fraud detection makes it particularly vulnerable to shadow AI and
data poisoning threats. Market manipulation through poisoned trading
algorithms, erosion of trust in financial institutions due to AI-driven
errors, and potential for large-scale economic disruptions are significant
risks.
5. Challenges in Detecting and Mitigating Shadow AI and Data Poisoning
Addressing the threats posed by shadow AI and data poisoning presents
numerous challenges. The sheer size and complexity of modern LLMs make
comprehensive security audits computationally intensive and time-consuming.
For instance, GPT-3, one of the largest language models, has 175 billion
parameters, making it extremely challenging to analyze thoroughly. This
difficulty in identifying all potential vulnerabilities, coupled with
high computational costs for security assessments and challenges in
real-time monitoring of model behaviors, underscores the scale of the
problem.
The lack of interpretability in deep neural networks, often referred
to as the "black box" problem, makes it challenging to trace
decision-making processes and identify anomalous behaviors. This difficulty
in distinguishing between legitimate model improvements and malicious
alterations, explaining model decisions for regulatory compliance, and
identifying the source and extent of data poisoning adds another layer
of complexity.
The rapid evolution of AI technologies often outpaces the creation of
governance frameworks and security measures. This constant need to update
security protocols and best practices, coupled with challenges in developing
standardized security measures across different AI architectures and
maintaining up-to-date expertise among security professionals, highlights
the dynamic nature of the threat landscape.The vast amounts of data
used to train LLMs make it challenging to vet and validate all sources,
increasing the risk of incorporating poisoned data. The impracticality
of manual data inspection, difficulty in establishing provenance for
all training data, and challenges in maintaining data quality while
preserving diversity further complicate the situation.Organizations
face the challenge of fostering AI innovation while maintaining robust
security measures, often leading to tensions between development teams
and security departments. The risk of stifling innovation through overly
restrictive security policies, potential for shadow AI adoption as a
workaround to security measures, and the need for cultural shifts to
integrate security into the AI development process are critical considerations.
6. Mitigation Strategies and Best Practices
To address the risks associated with shadow AI and data poisoning, organizations
should consider implementing a comprehensive set of mitigation strategies.
Establishing clear guidelines for AI deployment and usage within the
organization is crucial. This includes creating processes for requesting
and approving AI projects, defining roles and responsibilities for AI
oversight, establishing ethical guidelines for AI development and use,
and implementing regular policy reviews to keep pace with technological
advancements.
Creating a designated team responsible for overseeing AI projects can
help ensure compliance with security and privacy policies. This team
should review and approve AI initiatives across the organization, conduct
risk assessments for proposed AI deployments, monitor ongoing AI projects
for potential security issues, and serve as a central point of expertise
for AI-related questions and concerns.
Implementing robust data validation techniques is essential to mitigate
the risk of data poisoning. This includes conducting statistical analysis
to identify anomalies in training data, implementing anomaly detection
algorithms to flag suspicious data points, using clustering techniques
to identify and isolate potentially malicious samples, and establishing
clear data provenance while maintaining detailed records of data sources.
Performing ongoing evaluations to identify unauthorized AI deployments
and potential vulnerabilities is crucial. This involves conducting network
scans to detect unauthorized AI tools and services, performing penetration
testing on AI systems to identify vulnerabilities, analyzing model outputs
for signs of poisoning or unexpected behaviors, and reviewing access
logs and user activities related to AI systems.
Educating employees about the risks associated with shadow AI and the
importance of following organizational protocols for AI usage is vital.
Training programs should cover the potential risks and consequences
of unauthorized AI use, proper procedures for requesting and implementing
AI solutions, best practices for data handling and privacy protection,
and recognition of potential signs of data poisoning or model compromise.
Using identity and access management solutions to restrict access to
AI tools and platforms based on user roles and responsibilities can
help prevent unauthorized use. This includes implementing multi-factor
authentication for AI system access, using role-based access control
(RBAC) to limit system privileges, monitoring and logging all interactions
with AI systems, and implementing data loss prevention (DLP) tools to
protect sensitive information.
Creating sophisticated tools to analyze internal representations
and decision processes of LLMs is crucial for detecting potential compromises.
This involves leveraging techniques from explainable AI research to
improve model interpretability, developing methods for visualizing and
analyzing neural network activations, creating tools for comparing model
behaviors across different versions and training runs, and implementing
continuous monitoring systems to detect anomalous model outputs.
Developing global standards for AI development and deployment, including
certification processes for AI systems used in critical applications,
is essential for addressing the global nature of AI threats. Participating
in international forums and working groups on AI security, collaborating
with academic institutions and research organizations, sharing threat
intelligence and best practices across borders, and advocating for harmonized
regulatory frameworks for AI governance are key steps.
7. Ethical and Legal Considerations
The rise of shadow AI and the threat of data poisoning raise complex
ethical and legal questions that organizations must address. Determining
responsibility for the actions of AI systems with hidden capabilities
is challenging, particularly when the line between developer intent
and emergent behavior is blurred. Establishing clear lines of responsibility
for AI system outputs, developing frameworks for assessing liability
in cases of AI-related harm, and considering the role of insurance in
mitigating risks associated with AI deployment are critical considerations.
Balancing the need for transparency in AI development with concerns
about data privacy and intellectual property protection is crucial.
Compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR and CCPA, ethical
use of personal data in AI training and deployment, and protecting proprietary
algorithms and model architectures while ensuring transparency are key
aspects to consider.
Evolving ethical guidelines for AI research and development to address
the unique challenges posed by potential shadow capabilities is necessary.
Developing codes of conduct for AI researchers and developers, implementing
ethics review boards for AI projects, and considering the long-term
societal impacts of AI technologies are essential steps.
8. Future Horizons: Emerging Technologies and Long-term Implications
As we look to the future, several emerging technologies and trends will
shape the landscape of AI security. Exploring the potential of quantum
algorithms for more robust AI security testing and potentially quantum-resistant
AI architectures is an active area of research. Quantum-enhanced encryption
for AI model protection, quantum algorithms for faster and more comprehensive
security audits, and the development of quantum-resistant AI architectures
are potential developments.
Investigating brain-inspired computing architectures that might offer
inherent protections against certain types of attacks or provide new
insights into creating more interpretable AI systems is promising. AI
systems with improved resilience to adversarial attacks, more efficient
and interpretable AI models inspired by biological neural networks,
and novel approaches to anomaly detection based on neuromorphic principles
are potential developments.
Considering how current security challenges might evolve in the context
of more advanced AI systems approaching artificial general intelligence
is crucial. The work of Bostrom (2014) on superintelligence provides
a framework for considering long-term AI safety. Increased complexity
in securing systems with human-level or superhuman capabilities, ethical
considerations surrounding the rights and responsibilities of AGI systems,
and the potential for rapid and unpredictable advancements in AI capabilities
are significant implications.
Conclusion:
Navigating the Perils of Shadow AI and Data Poisoning in a Hyper-Connected
WorldThe advent of shadow AI and the insidious threat of data poisoning
in Large Language Models (LLMs) represent more than just technical challenges—they
signify profound risks to global security, economic stability, and societal
trust. In a world increasingly reliant on AI-driven decisions, the unchecked
proliferation of shadow AI can undermine the very foundations of organizational
integrity and operational security. Meanwhile, the specter of data poisoning
looms large, threatening to compromise not just individual models but
the ecosystems that depend on their reliability.
Consider the ramifications: poisoned LLMs could generate sophisticated
misinformation campaigns, destabilize critical infrastructure, and corrupt
national security intelligence. These aren't abstract risks — they
are present and escalating dangers that require immediate and concerted
action. The impact on democratic processes, public trust, and economic
stability could be devastating, with consequences reverberating across
the globe.
Organizations must recognize that the fight against shadow AI and data
poisoning is not just an IT issue — it is a strategic imperative
that demands attention at the highest levels of leadership. Implementing
robust AI governance policies, investing in advanced detection and mitigation
technologies, and fostering a culture of security and compliance are
essential steps. The need for centralized oversight, rigorous data validation,
and continuous monitoring cannot be overstated.
Moreover, the ethical and legal dimensions of AI usage must be addressed
head-on. Establishing clear accountability for AI systems, ensuring
compliance with data protection regulations, and developing ethical
guidelines for AI development are crucial for maintaining public trust
and safeguarding privacy.
The path forward requires a global effort. International cooperation
in developing and enforcing AI security standards, sharing best practices,
and collaborating on threat intelligence is vital. The stakes are too
high for a fragmented approach; a unified, proactive stance is necessary
to mitigate these risks effectively.
As we look to the future, emerging technologies such as quantum computing
and neuromorphic architectures offer promising avenues for enhancing
AI security. However, these advancements must be pursued with a vigilant
eye toward potential new vulnerabilities. The journey towards artificial
general intelligence (AGI) will only amplify these challenges, making
it imperative to embed security and ethical considerations into the
very fabric of AI research and development.
In conclusion, navigating the perils of shadow AI and data poisoning
requires a multifaceted strategy that blends technological innovation
with rigorous governance, ethical stewardship, and international collaboration.
The time to act is now — before the unseen threats of shadow AI
and data poisoning erode the pillars of our interconnected world. By
taking decisive steps today, we can safeguard the promise of AI and
ensure it remains a force for good in our society.
Here is a list of the academic sources referenced in the article:
Zellers, R., Holtzman, A., Bisk, Y.,
Farhadi, A., & Choi, Y. (2019). HellaSwag: Can a Machine Really
Finish Your Sentence?. Proceedings of the 57th Annual Meeting of the
Association for Computational Linguistics, 4791-4800.
Kang, D., et al. (2021). The Characterization
of Natural Emissions in CMAQ.
Gu, S., Kelly, B., & Xiu, D. (2019).
Empirical Asset Pricing via Machine Learning. The Review of Financial
Studies, 33(5), 2223-2273.
Gilpin, L. H., Bau, D., Yuan, B. Z.,
Bajwa, A., Specter, M., & Kagal, L. (2018). Explaining Explanations:
An Overview of Interpretability of Machine Learning. arXiv preprint
arXiv:1806.00069.
Liu, Y., et al. (2021). [Title not provided].
Journal of Geophysical Research.
Doshi-Velez, F., & Kim, B. (2017).
Towards A Rigorous Science of Interpretable Machine Learning. arXiv
preprint arXiv:1702.08608.
Wiebe, N., et al. (2020). Schuman, C.
D., et al. (2017)
Bostrom, N. (2014). Superintelligence:
Paths, Dangers, Strategies. Oxford University Press.
Zellers, R., Holtzman, A., Rashkin,
H., Bisk, Y., Farhadi, A., Roesner, F., & Choi, Y. (2019). Defending
Against Neural Fake News. arXiv preprint arXiv:1905.12616.
Kelly, B., Pruitt, S., & Su, Y.
(2019).
About the Author
Igor van Gemert is a prominent figure in
the field of cybersecurity and disruptive technologies, with over 15
years of experience in IT and OT security domains. As a Singularity
University alumnus, he is well-versed in the latest developments in
emerging technologies and has a keen interest in their practical applications.Apart
from his expertise in cybersecurity, van Gemert is also known for his
experience in building start-ups and advising board members on innovation
management and cybersecurity resilience. His ability to combine technical
knowledge with business acumen has made him a sought-after speaker,
writer, and teacher in his field.Overall, van Gemert's multidisciplinary
background and extensive experience in the field of cybersecurity and
disruptive technologies make him a valuable asset to the industry, providing
insights and guidance on navigating the rapidly evolving technological
landscape.
Redefining
Indigenous Roles in Climate Action
with
Nkwi Flores &
Reto Brosi
Nkwi and Reto discuss
the effects of industrialization on non-industrialized societies,
particularly in developing countries. Nkwi argues that these societies
have contributed little to global pollution and emissions but have
provided resources for industrialization in other parts of the world.
He highlights the challenges faced by these societies in achieving
developmental goals, such as the lack of infrastructure for electric
vehicles and technical service providers. Nkwi also expresses concerns
about industrialized agriculture dismantling traditional farming practices
and the environmental impact of using banned pesticides and fertilizers
in non-industrialized countries to grow crops for export, which could
lead to issues like hunger and poverty. - AI summary by Zoom
Digital Art credited to Nkwi Flores
Moderator
Credits
Nkwi Flores Indigenous-led R&D | Trustee
of Ancestral Territories |
Carbon Farming Planner | Food Systems Transformation |
Indigenous Ekonomy & Business Brooklyn, New York, United
States
Kinray Hub
Founder/Principal R&D Consultant
Indigenous-led Klimate Research & Resiliency Development www.kinrayhub.org
Northeast SARE Fellow
Southern SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) Program
www.southernsare.org
Organizational
Silos and
how the "Go-To-Gemba" helps to overcome them
by
Peter van Gorsel
Peter van Gorsel
We all know the picture of large cornfields with high grain silos.They
stand alone and are seemingly unconnected to anything else in their
neighborhood. It is a good way to visualize what we mean by silos.
The word silo originally referred to storage containers for grain or
missiles, but it is also often used as a metaphor for separate entities
within organizations that are supposed to work together. A commonly
made observation is that, although management thinks in terms of shared
goals, the organization operates in silos.
In management terms, "silos" refer to organizational structures
or systems that operate in isolation from one another, often resulting
in limited communication, collaboration, and synergy across departments
or teams.
A division of an organization seems to live a life of its own. The classic
fork picture of an organization’s structure is a good indication
for the possibilities of a siloed organization
Silos and mentality
What do we really mean by a siloed organization? What we want
to express is that there are internal barriers that stop the sharing
of information, hindering collaboration and innovation. Organizations
create silos when they don't share valuable information with the rest
of the company. In short, silos are the opposite of collaboration. Silos
breed a kind of mentality with teams working within the same business,
withholding information from others, which amounts to information hoarding.
This can impact workflows throughout the business, stop projects in
their tracks and cause issues with consistency between the work produced
by different teams.
Functional and hierarchical
Silos will hinder the flow of information, stockpile information
and effectively seal it in, impede decision-making processes, and ultimately
lead to inefficiencies within an organization. The two most common silos
are:
Functional Silos: In many organizations, different functions
such as marketing, sales, operations, and finance operate as separate
entities with minimal interaction. For example, the marketing department
might develop a campaign without consulting the sales team about their
customer feedback, leading to a mismatch between customer expectations
and the product being offered. This lack of collaboration can result
in wasted resources and missed opportunities.
Hierarchical Silos: Hierarchical structures can also create
silos within an organization. For instance, in a traditional top-down
management style, information flows primarily from upper management
to lower-level employees, with limited upward communication. This can
lead to a disconnect between leadership and frontline workers, where
valuable insights and feedback from employees on the ground are not
adequately communicated or considered in decision-making processes.
As a result, initiatives may not be effectively implemented, and morale
and productivity can suffer.
In large organizations separate departments can take on the character
of such structures. Silos are the invisible separations between different
types of employees and teams and create barriers between different
departments of an organization failing to share information or collaborate
effectively, which leads to diminished collaboration. Knowledge becomes
locked away in the silo, thus amplifying the ‘implicit knowledge
effect’ that exists in any organization and is a threat to knowledge
management and taxonomy of that knowledge.
How to spot a silo?
Spotting silos within an organization requires an understanding of their
characteristics and manifestations. There are eight common indicators
to watch for:
Lack of Communication: Silos often result in limited communication
between departments or teams. If you notice that different parts of
the organization rarely interact or share information, it could be a
sign of siloed structures.
Duplication of Effort: When different departments or teams within
an organization duplicate work because they are unaware of what others
are doing, it suggests the presence of silos. For example, multiple
teams might independently develop similar solutions to the same problem
because they are not aware of each other's efforts.
Resistance to Change: Silos can foster a mindset of "us
versus them," where departments prioritize their own interests
over those of the organization as a whole. This can lead to resistance
when changes or initiatives require collaboration across different parts
of the organization.
Blame Games: In a siloed environment, departments may engage
in finger-pointing and blame games when problems arise instead of working
together to find solutions. This can create a culture of defensiveness
and hinder problem-solving efforts.
Slow Decision-Making: Decision-making processes may become slow
and bureaucratic in siloed organizations due to the lack of collaboration
and information sharing. Decisions may get stuck at certain levels or
within specific departments, delaying progress.
Customer Dissatisfaction: Silos can also impact customer
experience if different departments fail to coordinate effectively to
meet customer needs. For example, customers may receive conflicting
information or experience disjointed interactions across different touchpoints.
Low Employee Morale: When employees feel disconnected
from other parts of the organization and perceive that their contributions
are undervalued, it can lead to low morale and disengagement.
Barriers to career development: Silos can create barriers
to career development and opportunities for employees to collaborate
and learn from others.
By paying attention to these signs and actively fostering a culture
of collaboration and communication, organizations can work to break
down silos and improve overall effectiveness and efficiency.
Organizational threats
Obviously no organization wants this to happen. It doesn't take a lot
of explaining or understanding that this situation can lead to inefficiencies,
leading to increases in costs, leading to loss of revenue and loss of
market share. Organizational silos can and usually do pose a threat
to organizations. The three most common threats are:
Biased Behavior:
We often look for information that confirms our existing views. The
lack of interdepartmental communication reinforces that tendency to
fall into the trap of Confirmation Bias & Availability Heuristic.
Hindered Innovation:
Innovation requires the integration & recombination of both distant
& narrow knowledge. Adopting different perspectives and incorporating
them in your own area is therefore an important building block for an
organization's aspirations for innovation.
Overcomplicated Processes & Delayed Responses:
The lack of shared understanding can slow down the organization's ability
to respond quickly to relevant changes, technological advancements,
or internal challenges.
Experts and silos
There isn't a single expert who exclusively writes about silos, as the
concept of silos and their effects on organizations is studied and discussed
by various experts in fields such as organizational behavior, management,
and leadership. However, several well-known management and organizational
behavior experts have written extensively on topics related to silos,
organizational structure, and collaboration.
Some of these experts include:
Peter Senge: Senge is a renowned management thinker and
author of the book "The Fifth Discipline," which explores
systems thinking and organizational learning. He discusses the concept
of "mental models" that can create silos within organizations
and hinder learning and collaboration.
Patrick Lencioni: Lencioni is known for his work on teamwork
and organizational health. His book "Silos, Politics and Turf Wars"
specifically addresses the issue of silos within organizations and provides
strategies for breaking them down to foster greater collaboration.
Stephen M.R. Covey: Covey, the son of Stephen Covey of
"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" fame, wrote "The
Speed of Trust," which emphasizes the importance of trust in breaking
down organizational silos and improving collaboration and effectiveness.
Edgar H. Schein: Schein is a notable organizational psychologist
who has written extensively on organizational culture and leadership.
His work on organizational culture sheds light on how cultural norms
and values can contribute to the formation of silos within organizations.
Beirem ben Barrah and Philip Jordanov: The dynamics of
Business Behavior; the Go-To-Gemba is part of Chapter 10 of this recent
book published by Wiley, in which you an lean into a behavioral and
evidence-based approach for Learning & Development.
These experts, especially
Barrah and Jordanov, among others, offer valuable insights and strategies
for understanding and addressing silos within organizations, helping
leaders and managers foster a more collaborative and cohesive working
environment.
Organizational Silos
and the "Go-To-Gemba"
"Go to Gemba" is a principle derived from the Japanese management
philosophy of "Gemba Kaizen," which emphasizes the importance
of going to the actual place, the shopfloor, where work is done
to observe, understand, and improve processes. The origin of Kaizen
can be traced back to Japan, particularly to the aftermath of World
War II when the country was in a state of devastation and needed to
rebuild its economy rapidly. The term "Kaizen" combines two
Japanese words: "kai" (?), which means "change,"
and "zen" (?), which means "good" or "for the
better." Together, "Kaizen" translates roughly to "change
for the better" or "continuous improvement."The concept
of Kaizen was popularized by Japanese industrial engineers and management
thinkers such as Taiichi Ohno, Shigeo Shingo, and Masaaki Imai, particularly
in the context of the Toyota Production System (TPS) or Lean Manufacturing.
In the world of business, Gemba refers to the physical location
where value is created. This can vary depending on the industry:
In manufacturing, Gemba would be the factory floor.
In healthcare, it could be the operating room or a patient's room.
In construction, it would be the job site.
In software development, it could be the programmers' workstations.
Involvement of all employees
Kaizen emphasizes the involvement of all employees, from top management
to frontline workers, in continuously improving processes, products,
and services. It focuses on making incremental, small-scale changes
that lead to cumulative improvements over time. This philosophy was
integral to Japan's post-war economic recovery and contributed to the
country's emergence as a global economic powerhouse.
The Go-To-Gemba approach can be highly effective in breaking down silos
within organizations for several reasons:
Promotes Cross-Functional Understanding: By encouraging individuals
from different departments or teams to visit each other's work areas,
"Go to Gemba" facilitates cross-functional understanding.
This firsthand experience allows employees to gain insights into how
other parts of the organization operate, the challenges they face, and
the contributions they make. It breaks down barriers and fosters empathy
and appreciation for the work done by colleagues in different areas.
Encourages Collaboration and Problem-Solving: When employees from different
parts of the organization come together to observe processes and identify
opportunities for improvement, it promotes collaboration and problem-solving.
Silos often emerge due to a lack of communication and collaboration
between departments. By engaging in joint problem-solving activities
at the Gemba (the place where work is done), employees can address issues
collectively and develop solutions that benefit the entire organization.
Facilitates Continuous Improvement: "Go to Gemba" is central
to the Kaizen philosophy, which emphasizes continuous improvement. By
regularly visiting the Gemba and observing processes, employees can
identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement. This
continuous cycle of observation, experimentation, and iteration helps
organizations streamline operations, eliminate waste, and optimize performance
across departments, thereby breaking down silos that hinder efficiency
and effectiveness.
Builds Trust and Communication: Direct interaction between employees
from different parts of the organization fosters trust and open communication.
When individuals collaborate on improvement initiatives at the Gemba,
they develop a shared understanding of goals, challenges, and priorities.
This shared understanding lays the foundation for stronger relationships
and communication channels, reducing the likelihood of siloed behavior
and promoting a culture of transparency and collaboration.
Tailored intervention
Overall, "Go to Gemba" serves as a powerful tool and a strategic
approach to actively promote:
Breaking down silos by promoting cross-functional understanding, empathy,
collaboration, integration of new knowledge, diverse insights, continuous
improvement, and communication within organizations. It encourages employees
to work together towards common goals and fosters a culture of mutual
respect and cooperation across departments and teams, in the setting
of organizational Learning & Development.
Here are some reasons why leaders should "go to Gemba":
To see firsthand how
work is done
To identify areas for
improvement
To show respect to employees
by understanding their challenges
Wikipedia: The
Wikipedia page on "Gemba" provides a general overview of
the concept, including its origin in Lean management and its association
with Gemba walks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemba.
Ideas and innovations for your success
in the mobility of the future
Mobility is one of the most important prerequisites
for well-functioning economies and societies in our time. In the future,
the question of effective mobility will not only assume unprecedented
dimensions in terms of numbers, but will also undergo significant and
fundamental change. The key words here are digitalization, the share
economy, autonomous and connected driving, and electromobility, as well
as the intelligent management of traffic flows (smart mobility). Ultimately,
all efforts to ensure mobility are about continuing to be able to meet
both people and goods with all the needs and demands that everyday life
places on them.
However, the individual areas covered by
the topic cannot be considered separately from one another, but must
be viewed integratively. In Germany alone, there are well over 40 million
motor vehicles on the road, and the number is increasing rather than
decreasing. These considerations about individual transportation must
also include topics such as public transportation (ÖPNV), car sharing,
or innovative vehicle technologies such as autonomous driving, to name
just a few examples. Moreover, mobility cannot be seen in isolation
from issues of sustainability, environmental protection, resource conservation
and the safety of each individual.
In metropolitan areas in particular, rapidly
increasing urbanization and demographic change are making structures
ever more complex and difficult to manage. Concepts that integrate all
the details are needed here. Innovative concepts must be developed that
take into account both the technology of the vehicles and the infrastructure
of the associated IT and traffic routes in large and small cities, in
municipalities and in rural areas, so that the system does not collapse.
FutureWater is a global
research and consulting organization dedicated to combining scientific
research with practical solutions for water management. Our work spans
across global, national, and local levels, partnering on projects that
address crucial issues such as water for food, irrigation, water excess
and shortage, climate change impacts, and comprehensive river basin
management.
At the heart of FutureWater lies our key
expertise in quantitative methods. We specialize in advanced simulation
models, geographic information systems, and satellite observations,
providing insights into complex water management challenges. Our diverse
range of clients and collaborators includes the World Bank, Asian Development
Bank (ADB), various national and local governments, river basin organizations,
science foundations, universities, and research organizations.
Beyond client-driven research and consultancy,
FutureWater is committed to initiating and leading state-of-the-art
scientific and applied research projects. Our proactive approach leverages
sophisticated modeling techniques to explore and address a myriad of
water management issues, always with an eye on future possibilities
and advancements.
With our main offices located in Wageningen,
The Netherlands, and Cartagena, Spain, FutureWater maintains a strong
international presence. To support our substantial activities in specific
regions, we have established satellite offices in London (UK), Maputo
(Mozambique), Meru (Kenya), and Phnom Penh (Cambodia). This global network
enables us to effectively address local water management needs while
drawing on international expertise and experience.
We are working to create sustainable and
effective solutions for water management around the world!
‘Knowledge
keeps the fires burning’:
how ancient Indigenous wisdom can transform our battle against climate change
by Nina Lansbury,
The University of Queensland; Bradley J. Moggridge, University of Technology
Sydney; Geoff Evans, The University of Queensland; Lillian Ireland,
The University of Queensland, and Tom Munro-Harrison, Indigenous Knowledge
Nina Lansbury
Bradley J. Moggridge
Geoff Evans
Lillian Ireland
Tom Munro-Harrison
The theme
of this year`s NAIDOC
Week is "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud".
The organisers are calling for "a society where the wisdom and
contributions of Indigenous peoples are fully valued and respected".
Australia`s Indigenous
peoples have gained intimate Knowledges of this continent through
long-term observations and holistic thinking. They have connections
to their traditional estate, known as Country, spanning thousands
of generations. As climate change worsens, Indigenous peoples can
offer valuable insights into sustainability
and resilience.
Governments and others
increasingly
recognise how Indigenous Knowledges can helps us better
monitor and adapt to a warmer world. This can lead to better understanding
and decision-making.
When it comes to climate
change in Australia, the fires of Knowledge are burning bright. It`s
time Indigenous Knowledges are heard - and it`s time for action.
What are Indigenous
Knowledges?
Indigenous
Knowledges refer to the "understandings, skills and
philosophies developed by societies with long histories of interaction
with their natural surroundings". These Knowledges emphasise
the inextricable
connections between mind, body and Country, as well as
humans and non-humans.
The Knowledges held by
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are highly relevant
to the process of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
- the United Nations body whose reports inform government responses
to the climate threat, including policies and funding.
But only in the past
two years have the vast Knowledges of Indigenous peoples around the
world been meaningfully
included in IPCC reports - largely because such data were
not widely documented in peer-reviewed academic literature.
`Respectful inclusion`
A report the authors prepared for
the federal government.Tom
Munro-Harrison
The authors of this article
were on a team commissioned by the federal government to advise on
ways to enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples` voices
in the IPCC process.
Our team included three
Aboriginal and one Torres Strait Islander scholars and three non-Indigenous
allies. Three were authors on the sixth IPCC
assessment report.
respectful inclusion
in IPCC reports of Indigenous scientific data alongside Western
scientific data
information in IPCC
reports from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
that considers wellbeing in a holistic way, that is connected
to Country, involves historical truth-telling and is Indigenous-led
set and engage a
minimum number of Indigenous IPCC authors from Australia
provide climate change
information to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through
appropriate channels.
Our research involved
a survey and an associated "extended
yarning" method, which recognises Indigenous peoples`
preference for, and skills in, oral communication. The yarns involved
conversations up to 90-minutes with Elders, Indigenous scholars and
community leaders.
The report
yielded many insights into how Indigenous Knowledges can help Australia
track and cope with climate change. In the spirit of this year`s NAIDOC
Week theme, we outline these below.
Identifying climate
changes
We documented how Indigenous
communities monitor climate changes. For example, a Melukerdee respondent
from Lutruwita/Tasmania identified the effects on biodiversity:
I have seen changes
in the patterns of seasons all around. Flowers bloom too early,
crops are lost from summers that are too warm and too long, uncontrollable
fires that are too hot ravage Country and leave animals homeless,
the abundance of special cultural species reduces and diseases take
out many key species of different ecological areas which have previously
long stood resistant.
In fact, the IPCC`s sixth
assessment report
noted the value of engaging Indigenous knowledge holders in fauna
field surveys and the benefits for conservation planning.
Adapting to a warmer
world
The long-standing "relational
thinking" of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples is an important resource in the stewardship of Country.
The term refers to a
worldview that humans are in a relationship with everything else on
Earth. This thinking enables an understanding of how ecosystems respond
to, adapt to, and recover from human-driven climate change.
One Aboriginal respondent
told us:
There is limited recognition
regarding First Nation peoples other than relegating us to `vulnerable
communities` in context of climate change. This disregards our over
65,000 years of sustainable practices and customary knowledge of
the natural environment and thus our significant contribution to
policy.
The IPCC`s sixth assessment
report identified Indigenous Knowledges relevant to climate adaptation,
including:
Indigenous fire management
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Indigenous Ranger
land management, including carbon abatement, weed management and
recovery of threatened species
"cultural flows"
in waterways that define when and where water is to be delivered,
particularly in a changing climate.
Sharing climate information
with all
Our report
has been shared in written, verbal and animated formats to research
participants and government decision-makers.
We engaged Wiradjuri
artist Dr
Tom Munro-Harrison to create both the report`s cover art,
and an animation
we are launching today. Munro-Harrison`s art seeks to promote Indigenous
voices and perspectives on key issues, including climate change.
He says:
My graphic art practice
acts as the site of this self-determining activity and process,
where meaning-making and identity can be explored in ways that demonstrate
the ongoing survivance,
resurgence and modernity of my Wiradjuri culture.
Indigenous self-representation
was crucial to our work. Munro-Harrison reflects this in the animation
by using direct quotes from Indigenous cultural practitioners who
informed the report. This legitimises primary sources of cultural
practice in the form of Indigenous oral story.
Planning for the seventh
IPCC assessment report is underway. The federal government has already
shared key aspects of our advice with the IPCC international secretariat.
The IPCC has come far
in recognising Indigenous Knowledges. For example, it is now seeking
authors with expertise in how to integrate "different
forms of climate-related knowledge and data, including Indigenous
Knowledge".
There is more work to
do, and the task is urgent. Accelerating climate change means the
value of these Knowledges is more pertinent than ever.
The authors would
like to acknowledge the contributions of our report co-authors: Adjunct
Professor Sandra Creamer AM (Waanyi Kalkadoon), Dr Vinnitta Mosby
(Meriam Nation), and Professor Gretta Pecl (IPCC AR6 Lead Author).
We take it for granted
that the streets outside out homes are designed for movement from A
to B, nothing more. But what happens if we radically rethink how we
use these public spaces? Could we change our lives for the better?
Our dependence on cars
is damaging our health — and the planet’s. The Dutch seem
to have the right idea, with thousands of bike highways, but even then,
what happens to pedestrians or people who want to cycle at a more leisurely
pace? What about children playing outside their homes? Or wildlife,
which enriches our local areas? Why do we prioritise traffic above all
else?
Making our communities
safer, cleaner, and greener starts with asking the fundamental questions:
who do our streets belong to, what do we use them for, and who gets
to decide?
Join journalist Thalia
Verkade and urban mobility expert Marco te Brömmelstroet as they
confront their own underlying beliefs and challenge us to rethink our
way of life to put people at the centre of urban design. But be warned:
you will never look at the street outside your front door in the same
way again.
Thalia Verkade
Thalia Verkade is the author of, among other things, the award-winning
book The Right of the Fastest . She was previously a correspondent
in Moscow for NRC and wrote about change and mobility for De
Correspondent. She cannot tell her next story, about the power of
language itself, in an informative form alone, so she is now developing
freer narrative forms. She lives in Rotterdam.
Marco te Brömmelstroet
Marco te Brömmelstroet holds the Chair
on Urban Mobility Futures. The chair is sponsored by BAM Infra and supervised
by an independent curatorium. His teaching focuses on courses around
land use and mobility in the Bachelor and Master programs on Urban Planning.
Marco is Chairman of the Board of the Urban
Cycling Institute that is a part of the Centre for Urban
Studies. The Institute leads research into the reciprocal relations
between cycling, society and cities and is also actively involved in
international dissemination of Dutch cycling knowledge. Examples of
the latter are the Summer
School on Planning the Cycling City, the MOOC Unraveling
the Cycling City and the Why
We Cycle documentary.
Natura 2000 is an ecological
network of protected areas, set up to ensure the survival of Europe's
most valuable species and habitats. Natura 2000 is based on the 1979
Birds Directive and the 1992 Habitats Directive. Natura 2000 is the
key instrument to protect biodiversity in the European Union. The European
database of Natura 2000 sites consists of a compilation of the data
submitted by the Member States of the European Union and is generally
updated once a year.
In parallel, the ETC BE assists in the
evaluation of the sufficiency of sites proposed by Member States. This
ensures that all Annex I habitat types and Annex II species occurring
in a Member State are adequately represented and protected by the network.
The ETC BE also provides support to the
implementation of the directives, e.g. by editing the Interpretation
manual of European Union habitats and maintaining the Natura 2000 reference
portal.
A partnership between the EEA, the ETC
BE and DG Environment has developed a European set of biodiversity indicators:
the Pan-European 'Streamlined European Biodiversity Indicators' (SEBI).
Among the set of 26 SEBI indicators,
SEBI
008 Sites designated under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives
deals with Natura 2000.
An aerial photography of
the Omenainen island, Natura 2000 site in Finland.
Ortho image of Omenainen (or Ominainen) island. Image
is cropped from larger National Land Survey of Finland's ortho image.
Image source is Ortoilmakuva / väriorto / karttalehtitunnus.
Author: National Land Survey of Finland
Natura 2000 locality in Police, Poland (estuary
of Oder and Szczecin Lagoon)
Author: Mateusz War.
Nature-based climate change solutions (NbCS) leverage natural
processes and ecosystems to address climate change impacts and contribute
to mitigation and adaptation strategies. These solutions provide multiple
benefits, including biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration,
and enhanced resilience to climate impacts. Here are some key nature-based
solutions:
Reforestation and Afforestation
- Reforestation: Planting trees in deforested areas to restore ecosystems,
sequester carbon, and improve biodiversity.
- Afforestation: Establishing forests in areas that have not been
forested for a long time, contributing to carbon sequestration and
habitat creation.
Conservation
of Existing Forests
- Protecting existing forests from deforestation and degradation to
maintain their role as carbon sinks and preserve biodiversity.
Agroforestry
- Integrating trees into agricultural landscapes to enhance carbon
sequestration, improve soil health, and increase agricultural productivity.
Wetland
Restoration
- Restoring wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and peatlands, which
are effective carbon sinks and provide flood protection, water purification,
and habitat for wildlife.
Coastal
and Marine Ecosystem Restoration
- Mangrove Restoration: Rehabilitating mangrove forests to enhance
coastal protection, sequester carbon, and support marine biodiversity.
- Seagrass and Coral Reef Restoration: Restoring seagrass beds and
coral reefs to protect shorelines, sequester carbon, and support marine
life.
Sustainable
Agriculture and Soil Management
- Implementing sustainable agricultural practices such as cover cropping,
crop rotation, and reduced tillage to enhance soil carbon storage
and improve resilience to climate change.
Urban
Green Infrastructure
- Developing green spaces, green roofs, and urban forests to reduce
urban heat island effects, sequester carbon, improve air quality,
and enhance urban biodiversity.
Watershed
Management
- Protecting and restoring watersheds to improve water quality, enhance
water availability, and increase resilience to climate-related impacts
like droughts and floods.
Grassland
and Rangeland Management
- Managing grasslands and rangelands sustainably to increase carbon
sequestration, improve soil health, and maintain habitat for wildlife.
Benefits
of Nature-Based Solutions
Carbon Sequestration:
Natural ecosystems can capture and store significant amounts
of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change.
What is Carbon Sequestration?
by CLEAR Center at UC Davis
The main source of carbon
dioxide is from the burning of fossil fuels. It can also be released
through land use changes, biologically through oceans, decomposition
of organic matter and forest fires. To help fight climate change,
there are a few ways we can capture and store carbon, keeping it
from reaching our atmosphere and warming the planet. Researchers
are looking into leveraging carbon sequestration, the process or
capturing and storing carbon from the atmosphere in the ground.
Biodiversity
Conservation: NbCS support diverse plant and animal species,
promoting ecosystem health and resilience.
GIZ develops biodiversity economy in selected areas
by NBC Digital News
Almost
70 percent of the Namibian population depends on biodiversity and
natural resources to earn a living. Through the GIZ Biodiversity
Economy Project, GIZ has been at the forefront of biodiversity protection
by supporting campsites that are developed in an environmentally
friendly way.
GIZ (Deutsche
Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit)
We work to shape a future worth
living around the world. This is GIZ’s vision and long-term
goal. GIZ provides tailor-made,
cost-efficient and effective services for sustainable development.
Water Regulation:
Healthy ecosystems regulate water cycles, improving water
quality and availability.
Melting
wetlands - How can nature slow down climate change?
by DW Documentary
Bogs and swamps contain more carbon than all other ground vegetation.
As the permafrost melts, greenhouse gases are released, which in
turn accelerate global warming.
Peatlands and wetlands
play an important role in global warming because they influence
the greenhouse gas cycle. But not all bogs are the same. Some bind
carbon, while others release it into the atmosphere in the form
of carbon dioxide and methane emissions.
The film follows the work
of two research teams investigating the influence of moors and swamps
on the climate. Greenhouse gases escape when permafrost moors melt.
But swamp and mire areas that have been thrown out of balance, for
example by plantation farming for the production of palm oil, can
actually accelerate climate change.
The documentary explains
what happens when carbon escapes from swamp and moorland areas into
the atmosphere and how nature's potential can be used to slow down
climate change. "European peatlands contain five times more
carbon than European forests. It is therefore very important that
the carbon remains in the peatland,” says Dr. Minna Väliranta
from the Environmental Research Centre at the University of Helsinki.
The researcher and her
team are conducting field research to collect data on the effects
of global warming on Arctic permafrost peatlands. Until now, there
has been little data from the far north of Europe; many research
findings from other regions have simply been generalized.
Disaster Risk
Reduction: Natural barriers like mangroves and wetlands
protect against extreme weather events, such as storms and floods.
Windhoek
takes lead on disaster risk reduction
by NBC Digital News
In a bid to enhance urban resilience and mitigate disaster risks,
the City of Windhoek and global partners convened a workshop aimed
at addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change and
urban expansion.
Livelihood
Support: NbCS can provide sustainable livelihoods for local
communities through eco-friendly agriculture, forestry, and
tourism.
FAO’s integrated
livelihood support to communities around Lake Victoria
by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
The video highlights the work of FAO Uganda’s Technical Cooperation
Project with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
(MAAIF). The TCP; The integrated livelihood support to communities
around Lake Victoria aimed to address inadequate diversification
of livelihood options among the rural poor fishing communities especially
women and youth to improve resilience to threats and crises arising
from fisheries management measures to check the high frequency of
fishing, coupled with unchecked harmful methods used by some fisherfolk,
instigating the need by the Government of Uganda to intervene, in
the form of enforced regulations. Enforcement of the government
regulations left many people, especially women youth around the
L. Victoria jobless hence the need for the TCP to pilot alternative
interventions such as aquaculture, cage fish farming, provision
of high quality fishing equipment, among others.
Human Health
and Well-being: Green spaces improve air quality, provide
recreational opportunities, and enhance mental and physical
health.
How does the diversity
of forests affect human health and well-being?
by Science Animated
Although Europe contains
many human-dominated landscapes, it also is home to biodiverse forests
that provide services to humans. Forests, however, can also harbour
threats and pathogens that can be transmitted to humans. Dr. FOREST
has set out to quantify the ways that forest biodiversity can increase
the benefits and decrease the risks to human health, to better combine
biodiversity conservation with ecosystem management that supports
human health and well-being.
Dr.
FOREST
To better combine biodiversity conservation with ecosystem management
that supports human health and well-being, a group of researchers
has set out to quantify the impacts of forest diversity on human
health.
Challenges
and Considerations
Land
Use Conflicts: Balancing NbCS with other land uses, such as agriculture
and urban development, can be challenging.
Long-Term Commitment: Nature-based solutions often require long-term
management and monitoring to ensure their effectiveness.
Funding and Resources: Adequate financial and technical resources
are necessary to implement and maintain NbCS.
Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in planning
and implementation is crucial for the success and sustainability of
NbCS.
Conclusion
Nature-based
climate change solutions are essential for creating a resilient and
sustainable future. By harnessing the power of natural ecosystems,
these solutions offer a holistic approach to addressing climate change,
benefiting both the environment and human societies. Implementing
NbCS at scale requires collaborative efforts from governments, communities,
and the private sector to overcome challenges and maximize their potential.
Nature-Based Solutions
Sustainable Solutions
CNBC International TV
Sustainable Energy returns! In 2020 we’ll be taking a look at
how Nature-Based Solutions can help various industries become more
sustainable. This first show though takes a look at what Nature-Based
Solutions are and how they can help.
Nature-based Solutions
to Climate Change: Unpacking the Potential and Pitfalls
by UN Climate Change
Streamed live on 14 Jun 2022
THEME:
This session will take stock of the role of Nature-based Solutions
(NbS) in addressing the interlinked climate and biodiversity crises.
It will critically evaluate their contribution to date towards both
decarbonisation and adaptation, and identify and address barriers
for implementation at scale.
SPEAKERS:
Speakers will include senior representatives from IUCN’s State
and NGO members and partners and other experts on NbS and climate
change
CO-ORGANIZERS:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Nature-based Solutions:
The State of Play in Asia by Eco-Business
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are broadly defined as the use of nature
and ecological functions to address societal challenges like climate
change, disaster risk reduction, food and water security, and planetary
health. These solutions are underpinned by benefits generated from
healthy ecosystems and can deliver significant outcomes for economic
development and resilience.
Globally, successful examples
include New York City saving US$1.5 billion by investing in the protection
of the upstream Catskills Mountains watershed to secure clean water
downstream for the city. Indonesia’s Rimba Raya is the largest
REDD+ project in the world in terms of avoided emissions delivered
to date, at more than 130 million tonnes of carbon emissions. The
world’s largest mangrove reforestation project in Senegal generated
half a million tonnes of carbon offsets over its 30-year lifetime
and replenished fish stocks by up to 18,000 additional tonnes annually.
With varying scales of NbS
deployed worldwide, what is the current state of play for NbS in Asia?
Join us for our Lunch &
Learn virtual session where we will host a sharing by experts and
practitioners on understanding the current state of play when it comes
to Nature-based Solutions. These experts will map the state of play
for NbS in cities and countries across Asia.
While the majority of nature's
responses to climate change are concerning, there are some positive
responses that have been observed. Here are a few:
Expansion of Habitats
- New Habitats: As some regions warm, new habitats can become available
for certain species. For example, areas that were previously too cold
for certain plants or animals may now support their growth and expansion.
- Reforestation in Northern Latitudes: Warmer temperatures in previously
cold regions can lead to the expansion of forests into tundra areas,
increasing forest cover.
Increased Primary Productivity
- Longer Growing Seasons: In some regions, longer growing seasons due
to milder temperatures can lead to increased plant growth and primary
productivity.
- Enhanced Photosynthesis: Higher levels of CO2 can enhance photosynthesis
in some plants, leading to faster growth rates and increased biomass
in certain ecosystems.
Range Expansion of Beneficial Species
- Pollinators: Some pollinator species, like bees and butterflies, may
expand their ranges into new areas, potentially benefiting agriculture
and natural ecosystems through improved pollination services.
- Marine Species: Certain fish and other marine species may find new
suitable habitats as ocean temperatures change, potentially supporting
new fisheries in previously uninhabitable areas.
Evolutionary Adaptations
- Rapid Adaptation: Some species have shown remarkable capacity for
rapid evolutionary adaptation to changing conditions. For instance,
certain populations of plants and animals are developing traits that
help them cope better with new climatic conditions.
- Increased Genetic Diversity: In some cases, climate change can drive
increased genetic diversity within species as different populations
adapt to varying conditions, potentially enhancing resilience.
Restoration of Wetlands and Coastal Areas
- Mangrove Expansion: In some regions, warmer temperatures and changes
in sea levels have facilitated the expansion of mangrove forests, which
provide critical ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, storm
protection, and habitat for marine life.
- Salt Marshes: Rising sea levels can lead to the expansion of salt
marshes in certain areas, which can enhance coastal protection and provide
important habitats for wildlife.
Enhanced Ecosystem Resilience
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Some areas, particularly those that are less
affected by extreme changes, may serve as refuges for biodiversity,
supporting a wide range of species and maintaining ecological functions.
- New Species Interactions: Changes in species distributions can lead
to the formation of new ecological interactions and relationships, potentially
leading to novel ecosystems that
can function in unique ways.
Positive Human-Nature Interactions
- Conservation Awareness: The visible impacts of climate change have
increased awareness and action towards conservation efforts. More resources
and attention are being dedicated to protecting and restoring natural
ecosystems.
- Sustainable Practices: Climate change has spurred innovation in sustainable
land management and agricultural actices, such as agroforestry and permaculture,
which can benefit both people and the environment.
Examples - Increased Tree Growth: In some northern
forests, longer growing seasons and higher CO2 levels have led to increased
tree growth and forest density.
Planting trees for Carbon
Sequestration - do the numbers add up? by Wood for the Trees
Series Two of Wood for the Trees takes a closer look at the issues
raised in our short films about the future of UK forests. Can we plant
enough trees to save us from a warming planet?
Determined to understand
the future of English woodlands, Tom and Charly continue their quest
to ask awkward questions and share their learning. This film asks
if it's possible to plant enough trees in the UK to sequester our
carbon emissions.With animations from Robin Lane Roberts that make
the maths look beautiful.
- Migration of Marine Species: Certain commercially
valuable fish species, such as cod and haddock, are migrating to cooler
northern waters, potentially supporting new fisheries in those regions.
OCEAN - Is a European
"eel deal" the only way to save this endangered species?
by EU Ocean & Fisheries
For millions of years, eels have been migrating from the Atlantic
ocean into European rivers. Today the eel population has fallen to
a historic low. But scientists, industry, NGOs and regulators are
working together to restore stocks.
These positive responses should not overshadow the significant
challenges posed by climate change, but they do offer some hope and
highlight the resilience and adaptability of natural systems. Understanding
and supporting these positive responses can be an important part of
conservation and climate adaptation strategies.
RethinkX is an independent, not-for-profit research organization that
analyzes and forecasts the speed and scale of technology-driven disruption
and its implications across society. We produce impartial, data-driven
analyses that identify pivotal choices to be made by investors, business,
policy and civic leaders.
Tony Seba is a executive
leader with 20+ years of solid experience in fast-growth clean and high-tech
companies. Broad functional experience, proven track record in winning
strategy and P&L results, high integrity, strong public presence,
ability to build organizations, recruit and motivate world-class executives,
vision, strategic and execution skills. tonyseba.com/biography
Tony Seba is a world-renowned thought leader,
Silicon Valley entrepreneur, educator, and the author of the Amazon
#1 best-selling book Clean Disruption of Energy and Transportation:
How Silicon Valley Will Make Oil, Nuclear, Natural Gas, Coal, Electric
Utilities and Conventional Cars Obsolete by 2030. Tony’s work focuses
on the convergence of technologies, business models and product innovations
that disrupt the world’s major industries. He was an early employee
of disruptive companies including Cisco Systems and RSA Data Security.
As a speaker he has delivered keynotes for major companies and at global
events including Google, J.P. Morgan, CLSA Investors Forum, Intersolar,
Davos, COP21 World Climate Summit and the Global Leaders Forum. Tony
has taught thousands of entrepreneurs and corporate leaders at Stanford
University Continuing Studies. Tony earned a Stanford MBA and a computer
science and engineering degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Rethinking Humanity
a Film by RethinkX
Humanity is on the brink of existential
transformation, but we’re blind to the deeper processes of change.
To recognize the mind-blowing possibility space of the next decade,
as well as its catastrophic risks, we must grasp the patterns of history
to understand how they can illuminate today.
Rethinking Humanity takes viewers on a
whirlwind tour of the rise and fall of civilizations through a powerful
lens that makes sense of the past, so that we can step into the present
and create our future. During the 2020s, key technologies will converge
to completely disrupt the five foundational sectors that underpin civilization,
and with them every major industry in the world today. In information,
energy, food, transportation, and materials, costs will fall by 10x
or more, while production processes an order of magnitude more efficient
will use 90% fewer natural resources with 10x-100x less waste.
The knock-on effects for society will be
as profound as the extraordinary possibilities that emerge. For the
first time in history, we could overcome poverty easily. Access to all
our basic needs could become a fundamental human right. But this is
just one future outcome. The alternative could see our civilization
collapse into a new dark age. Which path we take depends on the choices
we make, starting today. The stakes could not be higher.
Rethinking Humanity is based on the book
authored by James Arbib and Tony Seba (co-founders of RethinkX), available
for free download from www.rethinkx.com
Johan Oldekop
Bowy den Braber
Marina Schmoeller
Peter van Gorsel 
Nina Lansbury
Bradley J. Moggridge
Geoff Evans
Lillian Ireland
Tom Munro-Harrison
