Trend Watch December 2024

Mind the Gap! Head of the European Central Bank tells us what’s needed to finance a green planet

President of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, warns of the growing gap between the commitments made and the investment needed to respond to the global challenges of climate change. According to estimates by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the international community needs to spend around 10% of global economic output – or 11.7 trillion – annually. 

“Complacency in fighting climate change and preserving biodiversity is endangering our economic survival. The longer we wait, the higher the costs will be.” 

Lagarde says governments must be the ones to lead climate action, as they have the means and the tools to do so. She also says companies, capital markets and venture investors will play a vital role in green innovation.

Read the full article on the European Central Bank Blog.

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Party time! Marrickville is the next Sydney suburb to gain Purple Flag status

The Sydney suburb of Marrickville has recently been awarded purple flag status for its ‘buzzing’ weekly line-up of live music, says TimeOut’s Winnie Stubbs.

Stubbs says, “The Illawarra Road and Marrickville Road sections of the suburb have been officially recognised by the global-accreditation program, Purple Flag, which marks areas as great spots to hang out at night, based on vibrancy, safety, accessibility and a diversity of options.”

Night time offerings across NSW are becoming safer and exciting thanks to this Purple Flag Program.

Stubbs says, “As well as helping signify the night-time offering of a precinct to visitors, the Purple Flag program also provides a set of criteria for businesses and councils to help improve their offering – with guidance given on how to improve transport access, security, lighting and diversity of experiences.”

Check out all the details about Marrickville’s Purple Flag precinct here!