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Through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), Indonesia will host the Twenty-Seventh ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry (ASOF27). This discussion forum will address forest management at the ASEAN level. ASOF27 and its series of five working groups will be held over a week from July 15-19, 2024, at Vimala Hills, Bogor. "We have a series of events for ASOF27 starting from July 15-19, and Indonesia can host this series of activities. We have five working groups, one of which is the ASEAN Working Group on Forest Products Development (AWG-FDP)," said Director General of Sustainable Forest Management KLHK, Dida Migfar Ridha, after opening the AWG-FDP on Monday (15/7/2024). The ASEAN Working Group on Forest Products Development (AWG-FDP) will be held for two days, followed by the 22nd ASOF International Seminar on mangroves the next day. The highlight will be the ASOF27 event on Thursday-Friday, July 18-19, 2024, where representatives from ASEAN countries will present their ideas on forestry. "We will meet with representatives from ASEAN countries for a week, including inviting international forest-related organizations," said Dida. Dida explained that ASEAN countries regularly hold ASOF. This time, ASOF will discuss commitments made the previous year and plans for the coming year. "ASOF is held annually. First, we will follow up on our commitments from last year, the previous ASOF. And now we will approve several plans for forestry activities in the ASEAN scope for the coming year," he said. One of the initiatives proposed by Indonesia at this ASOF is the standardization of forest monitoring methods. Dida stated that this will be proposed because Indonesia already has more advanced methods in forest monitoring. "There are several agendas that will be discussed related to ASOF on Thursday and Friday, including some results we will present, including Indonesia's proposal to bring our forest monitoring methodology to the ASEAN level, because we already have more advanced methods and systems" said Dida. The Indonesian government, through KLHK, will propose standardizing forest monitoring for ASEAN countries. This will be presented at ASOF27, held in Bogor on Thursday and Friday, July 18-19, 2024. Dida explained that Indonesia already has advanced methods in forest monitoring. "We have results from the working group related to forest products and sustainable product management from forests, producing several criteria related to forest assessment, which will be further discussed at this meeting, including Indonesia's initiative to bring our forest monitoring methodology. This is very important because we are advanced in this issue," he said. According to Dida, there needs to be a common view among ASEAN countries regarding forest monitoring. This commonality will allow for comparisons over the years and between ASEAN countries. "Not just for ASEAN, we want to bring this to the global level regarding global forests. We have an advanced monitoring system method, and we bring it to ASEAN and international," he added. Dida hopes that the results of ASOF27 from ASEAN countries can contribute to commitments in forest management, including increasing the conservation of the world's biodiversity. "We want ASEAN to have the same view on how we sustainably manage these forests. We want to contribute to global commitments on how to increase biodiversity conservation," he said. "On the other hand, we want ASEAN countries to contribute to the Paris Agreement targets from the forestry sector, where forestry still holds a very important key in achieving those targets," he concluded.

Google's GHG Emissions Increase Due to AI In its efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its core products, Google faces a significant challenge related to the increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. AI systems require extensive computing resources, and the data centres running these systems — essentially warehouses full of powerful computing equipment — consume substantial energy to process data and manage the heat produced by these computers. Google’s 2023 Environmental Report: Surge in GHG Emissions According to Google's annual environmental report, the company's greenhouse gas emissions have surged by 48% since 2019. Google attributes this growth mainly to "increased data centre energy consumption and supply chain emissions." Google's Ambitious Goal for Net-Zero Emissions by 2030 Google now calls its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 "extremely ambitious," acknowledging that this pledge is likely to be affected by "the uncertainty around the future environmental impact of AI, which is complex and difficult to predict." The company's sustainability push has become more complicated due to AI. Google’s Investment in AI and Its Impact on Emissions Like other tech giants, Google has heavily invested in AI, which is seen as the next major tech revolution poised to change how we live, work, and consume information. The company has integrated its Gemini generative AI technology into some of its core products, including Search and Google Assistant, with CEO Sundar Pichai calling Google an “AI-first company.” However, AI has a significant downside: the power-hungry data centres that Google and other Big Tech rivals are spending tens of billions of dollars each quarter to expand to fuel their AI ambitions. AI vs Traditional Computing Illustrating just how much more demanding AI models are compared to traditional computing systems, the International Energy Agency estimates that a Google search query requires 0.3 watt-hours of electricity on average, while a ChatGPT request typically consumes about 2.9 watt-hours. An October study by Dutch researcher Alex de Vries estimated that the "worst-case scenario" suggests Google’s AI systems could eventually consume as much electricity as the country of Ireland each year, assuming full-scale AI adoption in their current hardware and software. Sustainability Challenges in Google’s AI Usage Google acknowledges that further integrating AI into its products will challenge emission reduction efforts due to increasing energy demands from the greater intensity of AI computing. Data centre electricity consumption is currently growing faster than carbon-free electricity sources can be brought online. Google’s Efforts to Address Emission Challenges Google expects its total greenhouse gas emissions to continue rising before falling as the company seeks to invest in clean energy sources, such as wind and geothermal energy, to power its data centres. Using AI to Combat Climate Change Google is also experimenting with ways to use AI to fight climate change. For example, a 2019 Google DeepMind project trained an AI model on weather forecasts and historical wind turbine data to predict wind power availability, helping to increase the value of the renewable energy source for wind farmers. The company has also used AI to suggest more fuel-efficient routes to drivers using Google Maps. "We know that scaling AI and using it to accelerate climate action is just as crucial as addressing the environmental impact associated with it," Google said in its report.

Palm oil is one of the world's most versatile vegetable oils, found in everyday products such as soap, toothpaste, chocolate, and instant noodles. However, its environmental and social impacts have been a subject of intense debate. This is why it is crucial to understand the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and its role in creating a sustainable palm oil industry. What is RSPO? The RSPO is a global, non-profit organization with voluntary members from across the palm oil supply chain. Founded in 2004 by key stakeholders such as the World Wildlife Fund, the Malaysian Palm Oil Association, Unilever, AAK, and Migros, RSPO aims to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil. Why is Sustainable Palm Oil Important? Sustainably produced palm oil can have significant positive impacts on the environment, society, and the economy. Here are some reasons why sustainable palm oil is important: Forest and Wildlife Protection : Sustainable palm oil is produced by halting deforestation, protecting high conservation value areas, and preserving habitats for endangered species. Fair Working Conditions : RSPO ensures the protection of workers' and local communities' rights with strict standards that include principles from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Social and Economic Impact : Sustainable palm oil production supports the livelihoods of millions of smallholders and creates jobs in rural areas. It also contributes to infrastructure development such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. Reducing Carbon Emissions : By protecting forests and preventing land conversion into palm oil plantations, sustainable palm oil production helps reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the fight against climate change. How Does RSPO Work? RSPO operates through consensus by involving all stakeholders in the palm oil sector, including producers, traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, and environmental and social NGOs. With over 5,000 members worldwide, RSPO has developed strict criteria for producing certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO). Challenges and Solutions Although palm oil has a mixed reputation, efforts to produce sustainable palm oil face various challenges. Irresponsible production has damaged forests, threatened wildlife, and worsened working conditions. However, switching to alternative vegetable oils like sunflower or soybean oil would not reduce these impacts, as they require more land to produce the same amount of oil. Partnering with Peterson Projects and Solutions Indonesia Peterson Projects and Solutions Indonesia (PPS) is your trusted partner in achieving sustainable palm oil with RSPO. We have extensive experience and have assisted numerous clients in the RSPO certification process (check here: https://www.petersonindonesia.com/projects ). With our consultancy services, your company will receive comprehensive guidance to ensure that your palm oil production meets the highest sustainability standards. With PPS, achieve sustainable palm oil and make a positive impact on the environment and society.

Global Energy Independence Day Global Energy Independence Day was established to encourage more people around the world to promote and use alternative sources of energy, including solar, wind, and geothermal, as well as other technologies still in the development stages. This day highlights the importance of moving away from fossil fuels and towards a sustainable energy future. History of Global Energy Independence Day While this event is fairly recent, its background can be traced back to the early 20th century when Nikola Tesla, the famous Serbian-American inventor, generated revolutionary ideas about sources of renewable energy that were far ahead of his time. The term "energy independence" is a bit more recent, dating back to the 1970s when the United States was struggling with an oil crisis due to issues with political relationships in the Middle East. The inaugural celebration of Global Energy Independence Day took place in 2005. It was founded by Michael D. Antonovich, a promoter of green energy from Los Angeles, California. The event is scheduled to take place each year on this day as a nod to Nikola Tesla, celebrated on his birthday. From a political standpoint, many people believe that building toward a future of energy independence is helpful as it reduces the need to buy energy from foreign sources while increasing a nation’s stability, economic growth, and political freedoms. A more local perspective means that the principles of energy independence can be applied to businesses, farms, neighbourhoods, and individual homes. This means less need to rely on outside sources for energy while working toward environmental sustainability. While some may believe that "energy security" is a more viable goal for companies and nations alike, the purpose of Global Energy Independence Day is to encourage people and groups to think about how they use their energy and work toward implementing options for better, more efficient, local, and sustainable sources. How to Celebrate Global Energy Independence Da y Get on board with celebrating Global Energy Independence Day by implementing some of these ideas to start with: Use Alternative Energy Sources Individuals, communities, companies, and governments are all invited to celebrate Global Energy Independence Day by learning more about and implementing alternative energy options. From installing solar panels on an individual home to committing to providing wind energy to entire communities, every little step toward energy independence is a significant one! Learn Important Facts About Energy Kids and adults alike can get involved with Global Energy Independence Day by learning a bit more about the topic and sharing it with others. Teachers or homeschool parents can create lessons around the topic of energy, building a more informed society for today as well as the future. Check out some of these to get started: Geothermal energy is considered a sustainable, clean source that comes from the hot water and hot rock that sits below the earth’s surface or may even go deeper into molten magma rock. About 40% of all energy is used for electricity in homes, buildings, shopping centres, streets, factories, and other places. Renewable energy must come from endless sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal, but most electricity comes from non-renewable sources, such as gas, oil, and coal. Conclusion Global Energy Independence Day reminds us of the importance of seeking alternative energy sources. By celebrating this day, we take steps towards a more sustainable future, reduce our dependency on non-renewable resources, and contribute to the health of our planet. Let’s embrace this opportunity to learn, implement, and promote renewable energy for a brighter tomorrow.

Plastic Bag Free Day Every year, on July 3rd, the world commemorates Plastic Bag Free Day, a significant date that calls for global awareness and action against plastic pollution. This day encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and adopt sustainable alternatives. The Impact of Plastic Pollution Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as the rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world's ability to deal with it. An estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans every year, harming marine life and ecosystems. This pollution affects not only wildlife but also human health as microplastics enter the food chain. Steps Towards a Plastic-Free Future Use Reusable Bags: Replace single-use plastic bags with reusable ones made from sustainable materials like cloth or jute. Support Legislation: Advocate for policies that limit the use of single-use plastics and promote recycling. Educate and Raise Awareness: Inform your community about the dangers of plastic pollution and the benefits of reducing plastic use. Choose Eco-Friendly Products: Opt for products with minimal plastic packaging or those made from biodegradable materials. Plastic Certifications for a Sustainable Future Achieving sustainability in plastic usage requires adherence to specific standards and certifications. These certifications ensure that plastic products are produced, used, and disposed of in environmentally responsible ways. ISO 14001: This certification focuses on environmental management systems, ensuring that companies minimize their environmental impact. Global Recycled Standard (GRS): Ensures that products contain recycled materials and that responsible social, environmental, and chemical practices are upheld. Cradle to Cradle Certified™: This certification assesses the safety, circularity, and responsibility of products across their lifecycle. Promoting Sustainable Practices with Us At Peterson Projects and Solutions Indonesia, we understand the critical need for sustainable practices in today's business environment. Our team of experts provides comprehensive consulting services to help your business achieve its sustainability goals, particularly in meeting plastic certification standards. With our guidance, you can ensure your products comply with the highest environmental standards, reducing your ecological footprint and enhancing your brand's reputation. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey towards a plastic-free and sustainable future. Conclusion Plastic Bag Free Day is not just a day of awareness but a call to action for a sustainable future. By adopting eco-friendly practices and achieving relevant certifications, we can collectively make a significant impact on our environment. Join us in this global effort to reduce plastic pollution and create a healthier planet for future generations.

Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) In today's global marketplace, businesses across the seafood supply chain are increasingly recognising the value of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification. Whether you're a seafood processor, trader, brand, or retailer, the ASC label is a powerful tool that can elevate your reputation and ensure your products meet the highest standards of sustainability. Why Choose ASC Certified Seafood? Our supply chain partners around the globe are driving change towards sustainable seafood. Displaying the ASC label on your products demonstrates to customers that your seafood comes from responsible farmers, enhancing your reputation and providing flexibility in sourcing. Boost Your Sales The ASC label is highly recognised and trusted by consumers and industry professionals worldwide, significantly boosting your seafood sales opportunities. On average, 75% of consumers across 12 markets trust the ASC label, making it a crucial element in your marketing strategy. Assurance of Quality The ASC label guarantees that your product is traceable back to seafood farms that operate responsibly. This assurance builds trust with your customers, ensuring they can trace their seafood to its source, fostering a connection to sustainable practices. Supply Security and Flexibility With ASC certification, you gain access to a network of certified seafood species from all origins around the globe. This ensures a secure and flexible supply of certified seafood, enabling you to meet market demands effectively. The Certification Process Obtaining ASC certification involves a rigorous process that ensures your seafood products are traceable and separated from non-certified products. Here's how you can get your company certified through a third-party audit: Understand the Standards: The Chain of Custody Standard applies to the full supply chain, from certified farms to products carrying the ASC label. Prepare for Certification: Engage with a certification body and prepare your operations for the audit. Third-Party Audit: Undergo a thorough assessment by an independent conformity assessment body. Start Trading: Once certified, you can trade ASC-certified seafood and proudly use the ASC label to communicate your commitment to sustainability. The ASC Advantage Choosing ASC certification not only validates your efforts towards sustainable and socially responsible seafood production but also opens up numerous benefits, including: Enhanced Reputation: Consumers and partners view your business as a leader in sustainability. Market Access: Enter markets where environmental and social credibility is crucial. Livelihood Protection: Support sustainable practices that ensure long-term resource availability. Promotional Opportunities: Leverage the ASC label in marketing campaigns to attract conscientious consumers. Diverse Species Coverage ASC certification covers a wide range of species, including Abalone, Bivalvia, Freshwater Trout, Pangasius, Salmon, Seaweed, Seabass, Seabream, Meagre, Seriola, cobia, Shrimp, and Tilapia. Each species is audited against stringent standards to ensure compliance with ASC’s rigorous environmental and social criteria. Global Applicability ASC standards apply globally and accommodate all locations and scales of operation, from marine to land-based farms. Businesses seeking certification must have a minimum of 18 months of operation or one harvest cycle and maintain detailed performance records, licenses, technical documents, and employment contracts. Get Started Today Ready to take the first step towards ASC certification? Partner with experts like Peterson Projects and Solutions Indonesia, who offer comprehensive consulting services to prepare you for ASC standards. From project preparation and awareness training to system manual development and audit support, they ensure your business is fully prepared for a successful certification audit. Embrace sustainability and elevate your business with ASC certification. Visit our website to learn more about the consultancy and certification process and connect with our network of experts who will guide you every step of the way. Make the commitment today and join the global movement towards responsible aquaculture. Your journey to a sustainable future starts here!

Opening of the 10th World Water Forum The 10th World Water Forum in Bali, inaugurated by President Joko Widodo on May 18, 2024, was a critical meeting for global stakeholders focused on the future of water management. The presence of President-elect Prabowo Subianto highlighted the forum's significance to Indonesia. The event began with the Segara Kerthi ceremony, a symbolic respect for water as a source of life. Cultural Events and Gala Dinner A highlight of the forum was the Gala Dinner at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK). The evening featured artistic performances of music and dance reflecting Indonesia's cultural richness. The dinner was uniquely accompanied by the Sape music performance by Ayuan Prawida, enhancing the attendees' experience in Bali. International Presence and Technological Contributions Technology mogul Elon Musk from the United States not only launched the Starlink internet service but also discussed the potential of desalination and other technologies in addressing water issues. His presence underscored the importance of technological innovation within the framework of water resource management. Outcomes and Declaration The forum resulted in an ambitious Ministerial Declaration including several key points: Establishment of a Center of Excellence on Water and Climate Resilience in the Asia Pacific. Proposal for the celebration of World Lake Day. Creation of a Global Water Fund to support sustainable water financing. Commitment to 113 projects worth a total of US$9.4 billion to enhance clean water access and wastewater management. Numerous additional outcomes from this forum are available at https://worldwaterforum.org/ Closing of the Forum and Cultural Activities Minister of Public Works and Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, concluded the forum with a call for continued collaboration and preparations for the next forum in Saudi Arabia. The closing was followed by Cultural Nights at Taman Baghawan, where participants enjoyed local cuisine, performances, and showcase products. This was not just a farewell event but also a display of Indonesia's cultural diversity. Conclusion and Future Implications The 10th World Water Forum has set a new focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in water management. With increasing global challenges, the forum emphasized the importance of integrating knowledge and resources, marking a significant step forward in ensuring that water, as a human right, remains protected and sustainable.

Why is it Important to Know About Your Carbon Footprint? Your daily carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by your activities. From driving to work to switching on the lights at home, every action contributes to your environmental impact. By understanding how everyday activities contribute to your carbon footprint, we can take real steps towards reducing emissions and combating climate change. Primary Sources of Your Daily Carbon Carbon Footprint Land and Air Transport: Motor vehicles are a major source of individual carbon emissions, particularly in urban areas with high ownership rates. These vehicles, along with air travel, contribute significantly to emissions. Aviation is particularly carbon-intensive, with substantial emissions per kilometre travelled by each passenger, making it a significant factor in the global carbon footprint calculation. Home Energy Use: The energy used to power household appliances such as air conditioners, heaters, lights, and electronic devices often comes from power plants still reliant on fossil fuels, significantly contributing to your carbon footprint. Food Consumption Habits: Our dietary choices have a substantial impact on our carbon footprint. Food production, especially beef, requires a significant amount of energy and produces a significant amount of greenhouse gases during animal husbandry, processing, and distribution. Imported meats, for example, add to the carbon footprint due to the long distances transported. From the three everyday things mentioned above, the use of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas in transportation, industry, and power generation is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Burning these materials releases large amounts of CO2, methane, and other greenhouse gases directly into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. Environmental Impact of Your Daily Carbon Footprint A high carbon footprint has direct and damaging consequences for the planet. Increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases raise global temperatures, which leads to changes in weather patterns and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts. These impacts disrupt food production, damage ecosystems, spread new diseases to previously unaffected areas, and increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Rising temperatures also cause polar ice melting, increasing sea levels that threaten coastal and island regions. Calculating Your Daily Carbon Footprint Calculating your carbon footprint involves understanding how much greenhouse gas is produced by each of your activities: Carbon Footprint= (Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions)×(Global Warming Potential Index) For example, if an activity produces 1 kg of methane, which has a GWP 28 times greater than CO2, then: 1kg CH4 × 28 = 28kg CO2e Strategies to Reduce Your Daily Carbon Footprint Sustainable Transportation: Walking, cycling, public transport, or electric vehicles can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of personal transport and flights. Household Energy Efficiency: Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, use programmable thermostats and harness renewable energy sources like solar panels. Sustainable Food Consumption: Reducing meat consumption, especially beef, and choosing local products that require less transportation can decrease the carbon footprint associated with your diet. Conclusion: Our Collective Role Understanding and reducing our carbon footprint is a crucial step in fighting climate change. Every action, no matter how small, helps in minimising our impact on the planet. With increased awareness and effort, we can all contribute to creating a more sustainable future together.

The Green Gold Label (GGL) certification has emerged as a globally recognized standard in ensuring the sustainability of biomass production and usage. Established in 2002, GGL now stands as one of the oldest biomass certification schemes with a robust reputation for certifying, tracking, and tracing sustainable biomass products. Why is GGL (Green Gold Label) Certification Critical? GGL certification offers several crucial advantages in the biomass industry. First, it ensures that biomass is sourced and produced in an environmentally responsible manner, supporting biodiversity conservation, land stewardship, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Secondly, it provides biomass producers access to broader markets, particularly in the bioenergy and bioproduct sectors, where buyers prioritize sustainability. Moreover, compliance with national and international regulations is more assured. This helps companies avoid legal risks and potential sanctions related to non-compliance. Additionally, certification under the GGL standard can enhance a company's reputation as a committed environmental steward. How Does GGL Guarantee Biomass Sustainability? The GGL program encompasses not only woody biomass but also agricultural residues, waste wood, and bioliquids. Each transaction between GGL-certified companies is accompanied by a transaction certificate, ensuring that every link in the supply chain meets established standards. Audits are conducted annually by accredited independent certification bodies to maintain the credibility and integrity of the certification. The scheme has also been recognized by the Japanese government, where GGL-certified biomass complies with the FIT (Feed-in Tariff) and FIP (Feed-in Premium) schemes managed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. This indicates a high level of international trust in GGL as an effective tool in promoting sustainable biomass use. The Future of GGL-Certified Biomass With over seven million tons of biomass certified over 14 years, GGL continues to support the development of sustainable biomass for energy, power production, and chemicals. Its global acceptance affirms its position as a practical and credible certification scheme, leading the industry into a new era where sustainability is not just a necessity but an obligation. Ensure Your GGL Certification Preparation! For companies interested in obtaining Green Gold Label (GGL) certification, it is crucial to ensure that all aspects of your business are compliant with the standards required for certification before applying. To ascertain this readiness, Peterson Projects and Solutions Indonesia, specializing in certification consultancy, is prepared to guide and assist you through every step towards achieving your certification goals. We understand the importance of this certification for the advancement and credibility of your business. Contact us today through this link to discuss further our GGL consultancy services and how we can help you reach your sustainability objectives.

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, President Joko Widodo welcomed Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, and his delegation to the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta to discuss Indonesia’s climate goals. This significant meeting underscored the ongoing partnership between Indonesia and Norway in tackling climate change, particularly in achieving the Forestry and Other Land Use (FOLU) Net Sink 2030 target. The primary discussion revolved around the FOLU Net Sink 2030 target, which aims for a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from forestry and other land use. Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya Bakar, who accompanied President Jokowi, highlighted that Indonesia has already received substantial international recognition and financial support for its climate action efforts. She explained that the main goal discussed was the Forestry and Other Land Use Net Sink 2030 and that Indonesia had received a significant contribution, approximately USD 156 million, which is equivalent to around 30.2 million tons of carbon. Minister Siti Nurbaya detailed the success of Indonesia’s efforts in reducing carbon emissions from 2020 to 2023. She noted that emissions had decreased by 945 million tons in 2020, 889 million tons in 2021, 875 million tons in 2022, and although the figures for 2023 were still being calculated, she anticipated that the decrease would be even lower due to the El Niño event that year. Despite these challenges, the emissions reduction remained well over 810 million tons annually, indicating that the reduction percentages were 48%, 43%, 41%, and approximately 40%, consistently exceeding the initial target of 31.89%. With international cooperation, the target could reach up to 43%. At the same event, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani emphasized the importance of good governance in managing environmental funds and highlighted Indonesia’s reputation as pivotal in attracting international support. She stressed that the trust generated toward governance and fund management based on results underscored that it was not only about the money but, most importantly, about Indonesia’s reputation for managing its own environmental sustainability, which is crucial for its people. Norwegian Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen expressed his admiration for Indonesia's significant achievements in reducing deforestation by 90% and its ambitious land rehabilitation efforts. He commented that Indonesia had made significant and outstanding progress in recent years regarding deforestation. The efforts in reducing deforestation by 90% and ambitiously rehabilitating towards the 2030 FOLU Net Sink target were accomplishments that he believed the world should and must recognize. This bilateral meeting not only highlighted the fruitful cooperation between Indonesia and Norway but also reinforced both nations' commitment to addressing global climate challenges through impactful environmental governance.

Sustainable Business Practices Facing challenges from community concerns about dust pollution and noise generated during milling processes, a rice milling factory in South Sulawesi has come under scrutiny. Local residents report that dust from the factory has covered their homes and farmlands, while the noise from factory operations, especially at night, has disrupted their sleeping patterns and daily activities. In addressing these issues, the factory has an opportunity to revise its operational practices and strengthen its relationship with the local community. This step will not only respond to existing complaints but also reposition their operational base for a more sustainable and responsible future. Here are some integrated recommendations for sustainable improvements to help the company build a more responsible and sustainable business practices. Strategic Recommendations 1. Implementation of Pollution Control Technology: Invest in advanced technology for air filtration and dust capture systems to reduce the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also demonstrates to the community the company’s genuine efforts to address pollution issues. 2. Factory Sound Insulation Upgrade: Implement effective insulation solutions to limit the noise generated by factory operations, reducing disturbances to the local community and improving the work environment for employees. 3. Optimisation of Operating Hours: Review and adjust operating hours to reduce activity during sensitive times, such as night hours, which can help lessen the noise impact on the surrounding community. 4. Community Engagement and Dialogue: The factory and the local community should regularly hold open forums to discuss issues, solutions, and developments. This engagement strengthens relationships and builds trust. 5. Proactive Monitoring and Reporting: Provide a transparent environmental monitoring system and perform regular public reporting. Clarity and consistency in reporting demonstrate the company’s dedication to continuous improvement. 6. Adoption of Environmental Certifications: As an extension of the above steps, adopting certifications like ISO 14001 can systematize environmental management. This process involves a thorough evaluation of operational practices, ensuring that implemented initiatives are effective and providing a framework for continuous improvement. Such certifications not only bolster the company’s efforts but also enhance its reputation and trust among external stakeholders. Conclusion and Call to Action Recognising the importance of sustainability and corporate responsibility, it is crucial for companies to ensure they are prepared before undergoing certification audits. Peterson Projects and Solutions Indonesia offers sustainability consultancy, assisting companies in preparing documentation and operational strategies in line with certification criteria. Visit us through this link to initiate a consultation and advance further in your commitment to sustainability.

Critical Mineral Supply In the shadow of advancing green technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, and solar panels, a looming challenge presents itself—the potential shortfall of critical minerals essential for these technologies. The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights the urgent need for increased long-term investments to secure a stable supply of these minerals, essential for a seamless transition to clean energy. The Growing Demand Versus Supply Discrepancy The IEA's recent report sheds light on a critical issue: the projected demand for essential metals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper will soon outstrip supply if significant measures are not taken. Although metal prices saw a dip in 2023, easing market pressures, this short-term decrease masks the looming long-term challenges. For instance, the expected global supply of lithium is set to meet only half the demand by 2035, with copper faring slightly better, fulfilling just over two-thirds of the demand. The Role of Investment and Innovation To combat these challenges, the IEA estimates that approximately $800 billion in mining investments will be required by 2040. This investment will support the extraction and processing of these critical minerals, ensuring they can meet the burgeoning demand from the clean energy sector. Moreover, the report emphasises the pivotal role of recycling in reducing the need for raw mineral extraction. Enhanced recycling technologies and practices could decrease new supply requirements by up to 30% by 2040. The Necessity of Recycling and Behavioural Changes While traditional base metals like aluminium have established recycling processes, the recycling of newer, high-demand minerals such as lithium and nickel remains insufficient. These materials are crucial for battery storage and clean energy applications but are currently under-recycled. Promoting behavioural changes and innovative recycling technologies will be crucial in addressing this deficiency. Conclusion As we edge closer to a cleaner energy future, the need for a robust and reliable supply chain for critical minerals becomes more apparent. While the recent reduction in metal prices has provided temporary relief to consumers and driven down costs in industries like battery manufacturing, it also poses risks to the sustainability of long-term mineral supply. Strategic investments and a strong focus on innovation in mining and recycling are essential to ensuring that the clean energy transition is both achievable and sustainable.