Climate politics
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
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
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
‘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
Cleaning up the Congo – Climate Weekly
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As US formally rejoins the Paris Agreement, eyes turn to 2030 emissions goal
Now the US is back in the Paris Agreement, it is expected to set a 2030 emissions target, with campaigners calling for at least 50% cuts
Under diplomatic pressure, India considers net zero – but major hurdles remain
Net zero pledges from other major polluters have put spotlight on Delhi’s climate ambitions, but full decarbonisation is a big ask
Italy creates ecological transition ministry but campaigners warn against gas support
Physicist Roberto Cingolani, who comes from a defense and security firm to lead a new Italian green ministry, has previously praised gas as ‘the most sustainable resource’
EU member states divided over green reforms of energy investment treaty
France and Spain are calling for the EU to quit the Energy Charter Treaty unless it is overhauled to support climate goals; eastern member states want less radical reform
Climate leaders welcome reforming WTO chief, as carbon trade wars loom
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala brings an awareness of climate issues to the UN trade body, where member states are set to clash over carbon border taxes
Angola’s oil dependency thwarts its exit from the group of poorest nations
Graduation from the UN group of least developed countries is usually seen as a win, but Angola deferred the move after oil exports plummeted during the pandemic
Time for negotiators to embrace Zoom – Climate Weekly
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It’s time to end subsidies for burning wood from forests
Trees are worth much more to humanity alive than dead, say 500 scientists in an open letter to leaders in the EU, US and East Asia
Plans for UK coal mine suspended after criticism of net zero commitment
The UK Committee on Climate Change says the use of coking coal should be curbed by 2035, but the application says the mine will not be closed until the end of 2049
Egypt expresses an interest in hosting Cop27 climate talks in 2022
The Egyptian government could discuss its interest in presiding over the 2022 UN climate summit with Cop26 president Alok Sharma, who is visiting the country
Three ways the EU, China and US should deepen cooperation on climate in 2021
Building coalitions on green finance and carbon pricing and putting climate at the heart of diplomacy will allow the big three emitters to deliver on net zero goals
Biden orders adviser to explore options for resettling climate migrants
Campaigners welcome “extraordinary” move by the White House to address displacement triggered by climate disasters
António Guterres calls for preparatory UN climate negotiations to be held online
In a surprising intervention, the UN chief called for climate talks to be held online, with regional “hubs” for negotiators to access reliable internet