Climate News

In a warring world, Azerbaijan’s COP29 truce appeal draws fire as “PR exercise”

Baku wants all countries to lay down arms for the UN climate summit – but doubts grow as warring states sign up and conflicts intensify

Parametric triggers: How small islands can escape the climate-poverty trap

The loss and damage fund should use parametric triggers to pay out when climate disaster strikes small island developing states

Modi, Macron, Xi and Biden among many leaders yet to request COP29 speech

Modi, Macron, Xi and Biden among many leaders yet to request COP29 speech

Just over 100 world leaders have said they will speak at the upcoming UN climate summit, about a fifth down on last year’s figure

COP16 confronts "huge" challenge of protecting 30% of world's land and sea

COP16 confronts “huge” challenge of protecting 30% of world’s land and sea

Ahead of the UN biodiversity summit, countries are urged to come up with strong new plans and funding to meet global nature goals

Australian renewables pioneer Adelaide bids to host COP31 climate summit

South Australia has one of the world’s cleanest electricity grids, which it wants to showcase at the COP31 conference in 2026

Despite solar surge, world off track for COP28 renewable energy target

Despite solar surge, world off track for COP28 renewable energy target

Current plans will only deliver half of the growth needed to hit a global target of tripling renewables by 2030, IRENA warns

UN oks carbon market safeguards to protect environment and human rights

UN approves carbon market safeguards to protect environment and human rights

Developers of carbon credit projects will have to carry out a risk assessment and minimise any social or environmental impacts

Progress on structure for new global climate finance goal but trickier divides persist

Progress on structure for new global climate finance goal but trickier divides persist

Negotiators cite “convergence” on the shape of the post-2025 finance goal but gaps remain on contributors and amounts

Despite oil and gas Cop26 pledge, rich countries invest billions. New study blows hole in gas backers' "transition fuel" claim. gas transition fuel

New study blows hole in “transition fuel” claim of fossil gas backers

The study found that, for Europe and China, importing US-produced LNG is worse for the climate than using local coal

Mexico’s new president must reform national oil company Pemex

Investing even more in oil and gas would be a huge financial risk so Claudia Sheinbaum should order Pemex to diversify

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Politics

Why we should pull down the UN's artificial divide between biodiversity and climate 

It’s time to end the UN’s artificial divide between biodiversity and climate 

The biodiversity and climate crises are interlinked – and failing to coordinate our response leaves critical ecosystems like forests and peatlands at risk 

Why we need new laws to end coal, oil and gas - now  

Why we need new laws to end coal, oil and gas – now  

Introducing strong policies to accelerate the rollout of renewables, coupled with a rapid, legally implemented phase-out of fossil fuels, may be our best hope for curbing global warming

The Global South is surging ahead in the renewables revolution 

The Global South is surging ahead in the renewables revolution 

Many developing countries are rich in renewable resources and growing them fast – with more investment, they can tip the balance towards green industrialisation

How the world can set itself up for success at COP29 

A new climate finance goal is the top priority for the Baku summit – and there are signs of convergence on critical issues 

Why we need to keep climate COPs inclusive 

Why we need to keep climate COPs inclusive 

Frustration at slow progress towards the Paris Agreement goals is prompting calls to streamline the COP process – but restricting participation is the wrong response 

Participants of the inaugural summit of the Asia Zero Emission Community, or AZEC, are pictured after their photo session ahead of the meeting at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Dec. 18, 2023. Japan backs fossil fuels in Southeast Asian "zero emission" initiative

Japan backs fossil fuels in Southeast Asian “zero emission” initiative

Japan’s Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) supported 56 projects using fossil fuel technologies in Southeast Asia — including LNG and carbon capture

Delay to EU deforestation law must not lead to dilution

Delay to EU deforestation law must not lead to dilution

The EU needs to stand firm against the countries and companies hellbent on weakening its pioneering regulation to stop commodities harming forests

Civil servants warn fossil fuel exploration could harm New Zealand's climate reputation

Civil servants warn fossil fuel exploration could harm New Zealand’s climate reputation

Advice to politicians says revoking a ban on oil and gas drilling could damage relations with Pacific neighbours and risk lawsuits

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Finance

To capture renewable energy gains, Africa must invest in battery storage

To capture renewable energy gains, Africa must invest in battery storage

With rich raw materials and rising interest in manufacturing capacity, the continent can become a global leader in the battery storage value chain – but it needs international capital

Guyana's carbon-credit deal to protect forests undermines forest protectors 

Guyana’s carbon-credit deal to protect forests undermines its forest protectors 

Guyana’s Indigenous communities are under siege from all sides – including an opaque carbon-offsetting scheme agreed by the government on our lands

Aerial view of a rainforest in the Colombian Pacific region, nestled within the heart of the Chocó Biogeographic Region, one of the world's most enigmatic biodiversity hotspots. Colombia adds nature to the mix with its $40-billion energy transition plan

Colombia adds nature to the mix with its $40-billion energy transition plan

The investment plan mirrors the model of Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) – and includes $8.5 billion to conserve and restore nature

Robson Paes sits in the Amazon rainforest during an expedition of Munduruku people as they mark the frontier of the Sawre Muybu Indigenous Territory, in Itaituba municipality, Para state, Brazil, July 20, 2024. COP30 Amazon host strikes "largest carbon credit sale in history"

Amazon state that will host COP30 strikes “largest carbon credit sale in history”

A coalition of governments and multinational corporations promises to pay Pará state $180m to save its rainforest

UN climate chief warns of “two-speed” global energy transition

Simon Stiell tells investors in NYC that rich countries are benefiting most from clean energy growth while poorer nations are deprived of finance for cheaper renewables

Senegalese banker Ibrahima Cheikh Diong picked to lead new loss and damage fund

Diong has experience in development banking, government and insurance against climate disasters in Africa

A group of biologists check a book in the forest of Liberia

Biodiversity finance grew ahead of COP16 but came mostly as loans, says OECD

Funding for efforts to protect and restore nature increased to $15.4 billion in 2022 – mostly driven by concessional loans from multilateral banks

The UK foreign minister says Global North rhetoric on climate finance must be matched by funding at COP29, but doesn't mention a goal number

UK calls for “ambition” on COP29 climate finance goal but won’t talk numbers

The UK’s new foreign minister, David Lammy, says Global North rhetoric on climate action must be matched by funding but stays silent on the size of a new global finance goal

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Justice

Greenpeace Africa in disarray as restructuring meets resistance

The environmental NGO’s campaigners and bosses have fought over job losses, a shift towards richer nations and LGBT+ policy

New global climate commitments critical – but strong national laws must follow

International emissions-cutting targets need to be translated into national laws to guarantee delivery and protect the rights of future generations

UN just transition talks provoked frustration among developing countries as rich nations did not attend in person and refused to discuss thorny issues.

Developing countries denounce rich nations’ disregard for just transition talks

One negotiator said it was “very unfortunate” that no developed-country officials travelled to Ghana for UN climate talks on “response measures”

The demise of coal, as it turns out, is a lot of gas

The global pipeline of coal projects shrank dramatically in recent years – but now coal is making a comeback in Asia, threatening climate goals

Bigger share of COP29 badges for Global South NGOs upsets rich-country groups

The UNFCCC has changed quota allocations for observers in a bid to address imbalance in regional representation

Delaying the EU's anti-deforestation law is not an option 

Delaying the EU’s anti-deforestation law is not an option 

The EU’s new deforestation law was seen as a breakthrough in the global battle against forest loss, but it’s provoking fractious debate among governments and producers

How can national governments address loss and damage?

How can governments tackle loss and damage at the national level?

As host of the board of the new UN L&D fund, the Philippines can set an example with its pioneering climate accountability bill 

Argentina lithium indigenous protest. A UN panel is working to define principles and recommendations for responsible mining of "critical" transition minerals

The UN can set a new course on “critical” transition minerals  

A high-level panel is working to define principles for responsible mining, which will be presented to the UN General Assembly in September

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Energy

Global push to triple renewables requires responsible mining of minerals

As leaders at the UN debate how to meet renewable energy goals, they must also ensure supply chains are sustainable

Pacific Islanders, need climate action - not greenwashing - from Azerbaijan

As Pacific Islanders, we need climate action – not greenwashing – from Azerbaijan

As host of the COP29 summit, Baku must stop fossil fuel expansion, cut its emissions further, and work to deliver an ambitious climate finance goal

Activists calling for an end to fossil fuels at COP28 in Dubai. Photo by IISD/ENB | Mike Muzurakis.

Fossil fuel transition back in draft pact for UN Summit of the Future after outcry

The new text of a UN pact for the high-level event brings back a mention of the headline COP28 agreement

After cutting fossil fuel finance we must unlock clean energy for all

Leaders are cutting fossil fuel finance – next comes unlocking clean energy for all

While international public finance for coal, oil and gas has fallen by two-thirds, little of that money has gone to boost green energy in poorer countries

How better buildings can help von der Leyen maintain her green legacy   

How better buildings can help von der Leyen maintain her green legacy   

The EU president must implement plans to boost energy efficiency in the sector, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and exposure to geopolitical shocks

Renewable-energy carbon credits rejected by high-integrity scheme

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market decided existing renewables methodologies don’t do enough to prove their emissions reductions are additional

Pollution clampdown on Delhi kilns threatens brick workers’ future

Emissions controls are causing brick kilns to close, raising fears that migrant labourers – who lack social safety nets – will struggle to earn a living 

Canada’s Olympics kit provider hit with greenwashing complaint in France

Lululemon is accused by environmental group of using “misleading” sustainability claims despite growing emissions

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Land

FAO draft report backs growth of livestock industry despite emissions 

Experts say the UN’s food agency has shied away from recommending less animal farming, though cutting methane emissions is a quick way to curb warming

Despite dilution, nature law should restore EU's carbon sinks

Despite dilution, officials say new nature law can restore EU carbon sinks

To meet climate goals, the European Union needs to reverse the decline of its carbon-storing ecosystems like forests and peatlands

Right-wing pushback on EU’s green laws misjudges rural views 

Populist and far-right parties are wooing rural voters in the EU elections by exploiting a backlash against green policies – but new research suggests it may not work 

Do COP food talks work in the real world?

The great COP food systems illusion: UN climate talks deliver no real-world action

Negotiations on food and agriculture have moved too slowly, while special initiatives fail to hold countries accountable on their commitments

A woman places her hands in a row of drying cocoa beans

Can the rising cost of chocolate help cocoa producers go green?

Cocoa farmers have long faced difficult growing conditions and low pay. Recent record high prices have highlighted the need for change.

A chicken farm in Switzerland. The World Bank tip toed into the meat emissions debate.

World Bank tiptoes into fiery debate over meat emissions

The bank has advised wealthy nations to cut subsidies for high-emissions foods but stopped far short of promoting veganism

Road row in protected forest exposes Kenya’s climate conundrum 

The government wants to expand a road through the Aberdare National Park but conservationists argue it will harm the forest, wildlife and water supplies

Indigenous lands feel cruel bite of green energy transition 

Indigenous lands feel cruel bite of green energy transition 

Mining companies have been offered a path to sustainability but few are taking it – Indigenous people need to be at the table demanding change

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Transport

British Airways plans to offset rising emissions by sprinkling crushed rocks

British Airways plans to offset rising emissions by sprinkling crushed rocks

The airline will pay a UK company to carry out enhanced rock weathering, which speeds up natural carbon-absorbing processes

Belém’s electric bus controversy: a cautionary tale for COP30

A plan for new buses in the Brazilian city hosting the 2025 UN climate summit was held up by a political row that suggests the road to COP30 could get rocky

London airport expansion shows danger of "false hope" Jet Zero strategy

London airport expansion spotlights danger of “false hope” Jet Zero strategy

The UK government decided expansion is compatible with its plan to cut aviation emissions, raising questions about its reliance on unproven techno-fixes over reducing flights

Key UN report lends weight to Pacific plan for shipping emissions levy

The report was seized upon by the Marshall Islands but branded “unacceptable” and “nonsensical” by Argentina and Brazil

As first airline drops goal, are aviation’s 2030 targets achievable without carbon offsets?

Air New Zealand has dropped its 2030 emissions reductions targets, validated by the Science-Based Targets Initiative

Lessons from China's cleantech industry "overcapacity" tensions

Lessons from trade tensions targeting “overcapacity” in China’s cleantech industry

Clean technology is turning into the next global climate spat. The debate over China’s dominance is highly politicized, but there are ways forward

Shipping sector pushes to keep emissions-tax cash for itself

The industry and governments’ maritime ministries want a proposed levy on emissions spent on cleaning up shipping, not used for wider climate goals like loss and damage

The EU must take the driver’s seat in fossil fuel-free transport

The EU must take the driver’s seat in fossil fuel-free transport

Transport accounts for a growing share of global emissions. The EU should lead a push for clean travel at home and internationally

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Science

Climate disasters challenge right to safe and adequate housing

Climate disasters challenge right to safe and adequate housing

Climate-proofing homes is now an essential response to regular extreme weather events and can help prevent displacement

IPCC's input into key UN climate review at risk as countries clash

IPCC’s input into key UN climate review at risk as countries clash over timeline

Most governments want reports ready before the next global stocktake, but a dozen developing nations are opposed over inclusivity concerns

A plenary meeting at the 61st session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in Sofia, Bulgaria. Photo: IISD/ENB | Anastasia Rodopoulou

The IPCC must produce its flagship report in time for the next UN global stocktake

An IPCC author from the Global South on why aligning the two timelines is crucial for the integrity of international climate cooperation

UN chief appeals for global action to tackle deadly extreme heat

UN chief appeals for global action to tackle deadly extreme heat

António Guterres calls extreme heat “the new abnormal” as he urges countries to step up protection of vulnerable populations

Africa cannot afford to be complacent with solar radiation management

Africa cannot afford to be complacent about solar radiation management

As the solar geoengineering debate heats up, it is time for voices across the continent to work together and make themselves heard

Saudi visa crackdown left heatwave-hit Hajj pilgrims scared to ask for help

Saudi visa crackdown left heatwave-hit Hajj pilgrims scared to ask for help

Pilgrims without the right type of visa were denied medical treatment, survivors say, during a 52C heatwave which killed hundreds

Bonn bulletin: Fears over "1.5 washing" in NDCs

Bonn bulletin: Fears over “1.5 washing” in national climate plans

Next round of NDCs in focus as negotiations wrap up with a final push to resolve fights on issues including adaptation and just transition

Bonn makes only lukewarm progress to tackle the climate crisis

Bonn makes only lukewarm progress to tackle a red-hot climate crisis

At mid-year UN talks, negotiators have achieved little to get more help to those struggling with fiercer floods, cyclones and heatwaves in South Asia

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