Joe Lo
Joe Lo is a reporter for Climate Home News. He has previously specialised in container shipping, UK politics and investigative stories about Scotland. His work has appeared in the Guardian, Al Jazeera and Deutsche Welle.
UN puts climate ‘course correction’ on Cop28 negotiating table
In response to a global stocktake report, ministers will debate collective goals such as phasing out coal use by 2040 and mobilising $200-400bn for loss and damage
EU’s nominated climate lead wants a global tax on jet fuel
Wopke Hoekstra argues a tax on jet fuel could raise revenue for a planned loss and damage fund, but experts warn that won’t be easy
Five climate announcements from UNGA & Climate Week NYC
In a relatively low powered year for climate leadership, a handful of government, climate finance and corporate initiatives are worth noting
China opposes ‘not realistic’ global fossil fuel phase-out
From Beijing, climate envoy Xie Zhenhua stood firm against stronger rhetoric against coal, oil and gas deployed at UN headquarters
Green Climate Fund may have to curb ambition as funding stagnates
The UN’s flagship global climate fund looks likely to have to rein in its ambition, after France announced just a 4% boost in its contribution.
‘First movers’ only: US, China, UK left off UN climate guestlist
Only five of the G20 major economies made the cut for Antonio Guterres’ Climate Ambition Summit in New York, despite pressure from big powers
Rich countries ‘confident’ $100bn climate finance delivered in 2023
Data won’t be confirmed until 2025 and developing countries say the rich world must make up for earlier shortfalls from the target
Draft UN plastics treaty threatens Big Oil’s plan B
Countries are considering a global target to curb plastic production, not just focus on recycling as the industry wants
Green debt swaps, explained
Debt-for-nature and debt-for-climate swaps are becoming more common, with Ecuador’s recent $1.6bn deal the biggest yet. How do they work?
US denies rigging loss and damage fund’s board in rich nations’ favour
The US wants extra seats for major donors to the fund on top of developed country representation, sparking accusations of “double counting”
EU nominates Wopke Hoekstra as top climate diplomat
The Dutch foreign minister once worked for oil company Shell and will face tough questions over his climate record in the European Parliament
Developing countries call for $100 billion loss and damage target
The 2030 target is one of several contentious proposals at negotiations in the Dominican Republic this week over a new loss and damage fund
US aims to limit loss and damage fund
The US, which long opposed a fund, wants it to focus on a narrow set of disasters in a small number of countries
EU puts Maroš Šefčovič in charge of climate policy
The Slovakian will replace Frans Timmermans as the EU’s lead on climate, at home and abroad
Money row delays green plan – Climate Weekly
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US sparks controversy by backing oil company’s carbon-sucking plans
The CEO of Occidental Petroleum has said that direct air capture is a way of prolonging the life of the oil industry
Mainstream economists accused of playing down climate threat
Economic models have ignored tipping points, rainfall changes and indoor work, leading them to under-estimate climate change’s economic damage
Ghana’s gas curse – Climate Weekly
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Court says renewable firms can seize Spain’s property after subsidy cuts
The Energy Charter Treaty, which Spain is trying to leave, protects investments in fossil fuels and in renewables
UK government bets on ‘pragmatic’ climate inaction ahead of election
The government is cutting climate finance, backing oil production and opposing air pollution measures in an attempt to win next year’s election