Archive for 2021
China makes no shift away from coal in five-year plan as it ‘crawls’ to carbon neutrality
Beijing set out incremental increases in climate targets to 2025, allowing for continued expansion of “clean” coal, to the disappointment of climate watchers
Methane emissions from Russian pipelines surged during the coronavirus pandemic
Falling gas prices and a lack of maintenance may have contributed to a 40% increase in the number of methane releases from Russian pipelines in 2020, analysts say
French climate bill set for rocky ride after citizens’ assembly slams weak ambition
After the citizens’ assembly complained they had not been fully listened to, lawmakers submitted over 4,000 amendments to Macron’s landmark climate bill
UN suspends climate work with Myanmar government following military coup
The military takeover in Myanmar raises fears of pollution, deforestation and revival of a controversial hydropower dam, as international agencies put climate projects on hold
Japan, US exposed as UN chief urges G7 to commit to 2030 coal exit
At a summit on “powering past coal”, António Guterres called on rich countries to lead, putting pressure on Japan and the US to produce exit plans
Australian contender for OECD top job backtracks on climate scepticism
Former finance minister Mathias Cormann opposed climate policies in the Australian government and now claims he would lead climate action at the OECD
China’s dirty Covid-19 recovery leaves heavy lifting on climate to its five-year plan
Official government figures show energy, steel and cement consumption rose in 2020, pushing emissions up as Beijing is expected to reveal 2025 targets
Further delay feared as ‘like-minded’ countries resist online climate negotiations
Major developing countries oppose calls to hold preparatory climate negotiations online in June, citing connectivity and time zone concerns
Climate alliance creates net zero roadmap for heavy industries
Sponsored content: The Mission Possible Partnership partnership is supercharging efforts to decarbonise seven sectors including cement, steel and shipping
The stakes for Cop26 couldn’t be higher – Climate Weekly
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China, US urged to step up as UN warns world ‘very far’ from meeting climate goals
Collectively, updated national targets will only reduce emissions 0.5% by 2030 from 2010, UN analysis finds — far from the 45% scientists say is needed to hold warming to 1.5C
Bangladesh scraps nine coal power plants as overseas finance dries up
The rising costs of coal imports and Bangladesh’s role as chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum contributed to the decision to axe power projects, analysts say
Fragile countries call for investment in rooftop solar to expand energy access
War-torn states struggle to attract funding for small-scale renewable projects, which leaders say are cheaper, cleaner and less vulnerable to conflict than fossil fuels
‘Science-based’ corporate climate targets are no such thing, says former advisor
As the number of businesses setting ‘science-based’ targets surges, experts are calling for more transparency over how those numbers are calculated
Hit by hurricanes and Covid, more Central Americans go hungry and plan to migrate
Nearly eight million people are hungry in El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala, according to the World Food Programme, with many planning to leave
EU spent €440 million on failed gas projects since 2013, study finds
Seven EU-backed methane gas pipelines and import terminals have been shelved or cancelled in the past decade, a study by Global Witness found
The path to net zero emissions can create millions of jobs in Latin America
Sponsored content: Decarbonisation will be successful by engaging all stakeholders, addressing obstacles, and reaping the benefits
Mauritius oil spill: questions mount over ship fuel safety
More than six months after the Wakashio spilled fuel oil into a pristine lagoon, Mauritians are still waiting for answers and compensation
Cleaning up the Congo – Climate Weekly
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Concerns raised about Green Climate Fund flood defence project in Samoa
Flood walls in Samoa financed by the UN’s flagship climate fund are inadequate and could put people in danger, experts warn