Wael Hmaidan was one of the most influential figures in international climate campaigning.
Now, he has been fired as executive director of Climate Action Network International after a six-week investigation found he bullied and harassed people he worked with. Women on his staff suffered discrimination, objectification and unwelcome advances, it found.
Hmaidan has yet to break his silence. The Can-I board apologised to staff and promised to address governance weaknesses. But it has not been specific about what institutional failings allowed one man to wield such power that his behaviour went effectively unchallenged for years. Could more have been done?
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Climate conversations
¿Quién debería ser el campeon climático del 2019? – Thomas Hale y Paz Gonzalez
The ‘laughing matter’ of Australia’s relationship with the Pacific – Richie Merzian
Climate censorship
As Jair Bolsonaro gets his feet under the president’s desk in Brazil, his foreign ministry is already demoting environmental issues.
In a restructure, the word “climate” was dropped from the organisational chart. The staff formerly responsible for UN climate negotiations are still there, but their role is now “protection of the atmosphere”.
Perhaps it is just semantics, but taken alongside foreign minister Ernesto Araújo’s sceptical comments on international climate action, this has environmentalists worried.
Axis of… green cooperation?
Natalie Sauer examined two countries isolated by US foreign policy, among other factors.
Iran is reverting to dirty technology as private companies axe clean investments, setting back sustainable development.
In North Korea, on the other hand, tree protection is a rare arena of cooperation with the south: the adversaries are working together to halt the spread of disease-spreading roundworms.
Brexit shambles
As the UK’s political crisis deepens, Sara Stefanini reports from pro-Brexit stronghold Stoke-on-Trent on how its ceramics industry hopes to gain relief from carbon costs.
Campaigners warn the government’s anti-air pollution plans will lack teeth in the absence of EU oversight. Lawmakers say a new green watchdog must have the power to scrutinise all areas of policy.
Crisis management
As the gilets jaunes continue to cause disruption in France, president Emmanuel Macron is consulting the public on climate policy, in a bid to regain control.
Environment minister Francois de Rugy floated an EU-wide tax on aviation fuel among potential measures to shift green costs from poorer to wealthier citizens.
Protesters expressed scepticism Macron was truly prepared to listen, though.
Best of the rest
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US government shutdown delays climate data and undercuts scientists – New York Times
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BlackRock target of hoax claiming big move on Paris climate deal – Axios
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Seeds, kale and red meat once a month – how to eat the diet that will save the world – The Guardian
- Australia heatwave: overnight minimum of 35.9C in Noona sets new record – The Guardian