Accelerating energy transition, strengthening climate resilience and boosting sustainable development goals are the priorities that the SIDS (Small Island Developing States) set for themselves  with the initiative Lighthouse 2.0.

In 2017 a record-high $300 billion was invested in renewable energy sources worldwide (compared to $700 billion for oil and gas). Energy production is gradually but steadily shifting to more renewable sources. The report by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) investigated the mid- and long-term implications of what is considered to be a systemic shift - in many realms and of global proportions.

For the first time on October 16th the UN Secretary-General António Guterres devoted a full speech in the UNSC on the necessity for states to cooperate over natural resources and to use them as sources of development to strengthen peace.

Among critical issues arising from climate change, three crucial moments came under the spotlight for climate security: SIDS push for greater action against climate change effects, the Netherlands at the Group of Friends on Climate and Security and a ministerial discussion on climate security as a root cause of conflicts.

Under the umbrella of PSI, the Clingendael Institute and The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the Netherlands hold the closed-door meeting ‘Building a Stable and Prosperous Democracy in Iraq: Food Security, Climate Change and Sustainable Development’ on 1st of November 2018.

A recent study published with Science shows how large-scale deployment of wind turbines and solar panels can affect local climate. Large-scale implementation of wind and solar energy in the Sahara region could have major implications not only in terms of clean and renewable energy production but also in an increase of fertile land.