Matteo Civillini
What does “unabated” fossil fuels mean?
The word “unabated” qualifies commitments to phase out fossil fuels. But setting a clear definition is the subject of fierce debates.
World Bank to suspend debt repayments for disaster-hit countries
A pause on loan repayments can give vulnerable countries breathing space when hit by a natural catastrophe
Carbon credits touted as saviour of coal-to-clean energy deals
The scheme aims to fund the coal-to-clean energy transition in emerging economies like Indonesia but experts warn the fine print is key
Last-minute compromise avoids break down on adaptation goals
In fraught nations, developing countries wanted to focus on specific targets, while developed nations only wanted to talk about structure
UN head Guterres contradicts Cop28 host on fossil fuel phaseout
The UAE say “fossil fuel emissions” should be phased out but Guterres said “fossil fuels” themselves must go, in a split on the role of carbon capture
World Bank set to take on risk of insuring carbon credits amid market upheaval
As a growing number of developing countries tighten control over carbon markets, MIGA plans to step in to provide political risk insurance and facilitate investments.
Fake social media profiles wage “organised” propaganda campaign on Cop28
Over a hundred Twitter profiles are suspected of a coordinated effort to influence opinion online. The Cop28 team says these activities are “unacceptable”.
FSC’s rehab scheme for forest destroyers under fire after fresh allegations
Indonesian pulp and paper giants are trying to rehabilitate themselves with the FSC despite continued accusations of deforestation in their supply chains
Governments fall short in UN’s East Africa drought appeal
Donor countries promised only a third of the $7bn the UN was appealing for to provide humanitarian aid to drought-stricken Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.
UN advises against offsets for carbon removal technologies
Billions of dollars are pouring into tech-based solutions to suck carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but the UNFCCC says they are unproven and pose unknown risks.
Verra boss steps down after criticism of its carbon credits
The carbon credit certifier has both grown rapidly and faced mounting integrity accusations during outgoing CEO’s tenure.
Rich nations “understanding” of South African delay to coal plant closures
Despite a multi-billion dollars clean energy transition deal, South Africa expects to keep coal plants running for longer while it battles electricity blackouts.
UAE invites Syria’s Assad to Cop28 in latest rehabilitation push
The Syrian regime has been accused of committing war crimes during a decade-long civil war. Western nations have criticised efforts to restore diplomatic relations.
US backs Indonesian oil refinery despite pledge to end fossil fuel finance
The US has been accused of “breaking” a key climate financing commitment by approving almost $100m in support for an overseas fossil fuel project
Cop28 moots oil and gas initiative despite greenwash accusations
Critics say a focus on just the emissions from producing oil and gas not consuming it is a distraction and that similar initatives have not worked
Nations split over fossil fuels and carbon capture
An agenda-setting gathering of climate ministers saw continuing disagreement over the need for fossil fuels phase-out and the role of technology
Verra’s revamped forest offset programme comes under fire
Verra picked a controversial carbon credit verifier to review its new forest offset rules and critics say the changes don’t fix the problem
Cop28 boss slams rich nations “dismal” $100bn finance failure
Developed nations should have met the climate finance commitment in 2020. But they are still not there.
What is the global stocktake of climate action and why does it matter?
The first Global Stocktake will tell us collective efforts need to be stepped up to reach the Paris Agreement goals. The question is how countries will respond to it.
Japan, US and EU block G7 from setting coal phase out date
Canada and the UK pushed for the inclusion of a 2030 deadline to end domestic coal-fired electricity. But their plan failed following strong opposition.