A good time to ask: what's beyond the boiler?
Here's your Ours to Save newsletter for the fortnight beginning 27th September.
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Debt-for-climate swaps: climate justice in action? đž
With President FernĂĄndez rebuking Argentina's debt to the IMF, and calling for climate reparations, we put the solution under the microscope.
Argentina is in a sticky situation with the IMF (International Money Fund) at the moment. In 2018, the country took a loan from the Fund. And it wasnât just any loan, but â at a value of $57B â the highest loan given out in the IMFâs history.Â
The last administration failed to use this massive loan to stabilise Argentinaâs economy. Current president Alberto FernĂĄndez suggests this money was spent by the former government to facilitate capital flight. Argentinaâs debt-to-GDP ratio reached a value of 104.5% at the end of 2020, with repayment to the IMF still to come.
This is what eco-friendly heating looks like đ
We're feeling the fallout of a natural gas shortage right now. It's a good time to list some low-carbon heating options.
Over 90% of homes in the UK are heated in the traditional way â with a gas boiler. But as supplies lessen and prices rise accordingly, there are fears that heating our homes will be more fraught than usual this winter. One thing thatâs for sure: the gas crisis has highlighted the importance of a seamless transition from fossil fuels to green heating.
It has also given us an opportunity to look beyond boilers and their various discontents. In the future, itâs likely societies will get heat from a combination of these three primary sources.
5 questions with fashion designer Lydia Bolton đ§”
Green creator Lydia Bolton is turning unwanted textiles into fun and stylish apparel.
From gingham two-pieces made from tablecloth offcuts, to unique sweater vests crafted out of vintage blankets, Lydia Boltonâs clothes are a stunning combo of creativity and sustainability.
In line with the launch of her A/W collection, Ours to Save spoke to Bolton about reconciling personal values with career choices, how to avoid fast fashion temptation, and the ins and outs of running a small business.
Inside the civil effort to pull Indonesia away from coal â
Movements are evolving to tackle Indonesia's coal problem â by putting pressure on financial and legal institutions.
In April this year, Indonesiaâs President Joko âJokowiâ Widodo attended Joe Bidenâs Climate Leadership Summit virtually. He boasted that, through policies, empowerment, and law enforcement, Indonesiaâs deforestation rate is currently at its lowest in 20 years.Â
However, beyond this, Jokowi has failed to make a robust commitment to mitigating the climate crisis. As things stand, Indonesia is a top producer, consumer, and exporter of coal.