Climate and environment

Factum Perspective: The Ecological Implications of the California Wildfires

Climate and environment, International DevelopmentJanuary 27, 2025217Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Erik Solheim The recent devastating wildfires in California offer a stark and tragic illustration of the escalating climate crisis. These fires, which have claimed several lives and displaced thousands, are among the most destructive in history. They are leaving behind heartbreaking images of destroyed homes and shattered lives. The disaster is not an isolated…

Factum Perspective: The ICJ climate change case and the politics of climate justice

Climate and environment, International Development, Peace and ConflictJanuary 12, 2025336Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Ramindu Perera In December 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concluded the oral hearings of a historic case on international obligations of states to combat the climate crisis. The case originated with the request submitted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to provide an advisory opinion clarifying obligations international law imposes on…

Factum Perspective: Forging Digital and Maritime Futures

Climate and environment, Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Maritime Security, Science and TechnologyJune 9, 2024279Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Flavia Gunarathna In a series of diplomatic and technological engagements, Sri Lanka seems to be taking strides towards enhancing its digital and maritime infrastructure. During his official visit to Indonesia, President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with Indonesian officials and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. These meetings, occurring amidst the backdrop of the…

Factum Perspective: The Environmental Implications of Adani’s Entry

Climate and environment, Health and Economic Cooperation, International DevelopmentMarch 31, 2024629Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Amantha Gunarathna Adani Group's recent announcement of a USD 750 million investment in Sri Lanka's power sector seemingly marks a significant stride towards bolstering the country's energy infrastructure. This investment underscores the growing recognition of the importance of transitioning towards sustainable energy sources globally. However, amidst the optimism, scrutiny arises concerning Adani's track record…

Factum Perspective: Combating Nitrogen Pollution in South Asia – Cooperation as a Tool

Climate and environment, Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Science and TechnologyDecember 23, 2023684Views 1Like 0Comments

By Amanda Gunarathna Nitrogen pollution, a growing concern in environmental science, refers to the excessive release of nitrogen compounds into ecosystems, predominantly originating from human activities such as industrial processes, agriculture, and fossil fuel combustion. While Nitrogen is an essential element for life, an excess of it can lead to detrimental consequences for ecosystems…

Factum Perspective: US and China Forge Agreement to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

Climate and environment, Health and Economic Cooperation, Science and TechnologyDecember 2, 2023508Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Flavia Gunarathna In a landmark development, the United States and China have reached a pivotal agreement aimed at intensifying efforts to curb the export of chemicals vital in the production of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for a staggering number of fatalities in the United States. The accord, anticipated to be formalized during the…

Factum Perspective: Climate Change Diplomacy in Sri Lanka

Climate and environment, Health and Economic Cooperation, International DevelopmentNovember 25, 20231KViews 0Likes 0Comments

By Minoli Gunarathna Climate change refers to long-term, major changes in the global climate. Given the increasingly dire global climate situation, international cooperation must be prioritised. Climate diplomacy is a strategy approach that highlights the need of incorporating climate goals and addressing climate-related concerns at the highest level of diplomatic interaction and across multiple policy…

Factum Perspective: Reflecting on the X-Press Pearl Case

Climate and environment, Health and Economic Cooperation, Maritime SecurityJune 11, 2023962Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Britney Martil The X-Press Pearl disaster, which unfolded on May 20, 2021, near the coast of Sri Lanka, stands as a harrowing event with profound consequences that have reverberated across multiple fronts. This maritime catastrophe has sparked significant developments in recent times, drawing attention to the gravity of the incident and emphasizing the pressing…

Factum Perspective: IORA and Climate Change

Climate and environment, Health and Economic CooperationNovember 22, 2022951Views 0Likes 0Comments

By P. K. Balachandran Set up in 1997, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an inter-governmental organization aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It is also meant to help member countries meet the many challenges posed by climate change. The IORA has 23 Member States and…