Russia is mulling a framework law that could see the world’s fifth largest emitter regulate CO2 for the first time, we reported on Friday.
The bill, which is currently under review by different ministries, would introduce allow for a cap and trade system or tax breaks for companies reducing or capturing their emissions.
But don’t get too excited yet, warns WWF’s Alexey Kokorin. The text faces stiff opposition from the fossil fuel industry and energy ministry.
In other important news from Moscow, a representative of Vladimir Putin said he may ratify the Paris Agreement after completion of a stocktake of Russia’s forests, due in 2020.
What do the gilets jaunes really think about climate change?
In December, US president Donald Trump leapt on their protests against fuel taxes like a fly to a honey pot. But are France’s yellow-vested protesters anti-climate?
Criss-crossing the streets of Paris, CHN found a vigorous debate happening, but not one that downplayed the importance of addressing climate change. In case that hasn’t been well publicised clear, self-styled figureheads are now seeking to join forces with the environment.
“The social and ecological emergencies are inseparable: the fight against the end of the world and the end of the month are the same,” Francois Boulo told France’s largest climate march on Saturday.
Climate Conversations:
- The Green New Deal, finally climate legislation informed by science -William J. Ripple, Dominick A. DellaSala and Franz Baumann
EU leaders draft statement leaves activists unimpressed
Brexit was always set to dominate the summit by EU heads of states on Thursday and Friday. But there had been some hope from green activists that it would be used to raise ambition. That was stymied by a draft leaked before the meeting.
UK and Italy bid for 2020
Meanwhile, Britain and Italy have thrown their hats in the ring to host the UN’s critical 2020 climate change, Sara Stefanini reports. Their candidacies are both riddled with challenges, as the UK grapples with Brexit and Italy faces the prospect of a right-wing win by the League party.
South Louisiana disappears
Hurricane Katrina had drowned South Louisiana in 2005. By 2100, much of the region could be underwater, as it experiences the effects of coastal erosion faster than anywhere in the world. In a haunting photoessay, photographer Virginia Hanusik visits its houseboats and flood defences.
Also reading:
- UK will miss all of its 2020 nature targets – The Guardian
- How big oil continues to oppose climate action – Influence Map
- Cyclone Idai devastation in pictures – BBC