Matteo Civillini
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.
Saudi Arabia, Russia push for more World Bank money into carbon capture
At a meeting discussing the World Bank’s stronger focus on climate, Russia has also urged the lender to extend its support for gas projects.
Green hydrogen rush risks energy ‘cannibalisation’ in Africa, analysts say
The EU signed green hydrogen agreements with Egypt, Kazakhstan, Morocco and Namibia to supply the bloc with the gas ahead of its 2030 goals.
OECD reforms set to give “green” projects better export finance
OECD countries agree to extend support for ‘climate-friendly’ projects. But vague definitions and inclusion of contested activities worry campaigners.
Cyclone Freddy prompts pleas for urgency on loss and damage finance
The first talks on how to set up a loss and damage fund were held this week. In the meantime, disaster-torn countries like Malawi appeal for urgent support.
Revealed: How Shell cashed in on dubious carbon offsets from Chinese rice paddies
Shell’s rice farming offset projects are under review. Climate Home found them riddled with accounting loopholes and questionable integrity claims.
IPCC highlights rich nations’ failure to help developing world adapt to climate change
Scientists say funding needs to increase ‘many-fold’ in order to reach climate goals and protect communities disproportionately affected by global warming
Chinese coal boom a ‘direct threat’ to 1.5C goal, analysts warn
Energy security fears prompted Beijing to rapidly accelerate coal power plans last year, raising concerns about the country’s impact on greenhouse gas emissions
Vietnam’s energy transition deal is a ‘black box’, partner warns
A Vietnam government partner suggested that even Hanoi is unaware of the details of the energy transition package
High Seas Treaty exempts deep-sea mining from stricter environmental rules
Despite the setback campaigners hope countries will be emboldened to protect marine ecosystems as they negotiate seabed mining rules