UN climate talks
Colombia to present proposal for new critical minerals pact at COP30
The aim is for minerals used in the clean energy transition to be mined and commercialised responsibly, respecting the environment and communities
Fossil fuel transition pledge left out of COP16 draft agreement
An earlier draft decision at the UN nature summit included a call to transition away from fossil fuels – but it has been cut from the latest version
Indian coal giants pushed for lax pollution rules while ramping up production
Even as India agreed to phase down coal power at UN climate talks, state-run firms were lobbying government to weaken pollution regulations and expand the sector
Modi, Macron, Xi and Biden among many leaders yet to request COP29 speech
Just over 100 world leaders have said they will speak at the upcoming UN climate summit, about a fifth down on last year’s figure
Why we need new laws to end coal, oil and gas – now
Introducing strong policies to accelerate the rollout of renewables, coupled with a rapid, legally implemented phase-out of fossil fuels, may be our best hope for curbing global warming
Australian renewables pioneer Adelaide bids to host COP31 climate summit
South Australia has one of the world’s cleanest electricity grids, which it wants to showcase at the COP31 conference in 2026
How the world can set itself up for success at COP29
A new climate finance goal is the top priority for the Baku summit – and there are signs of convergence on critical issues
Progress on structure for new global climate finance goal but trickier divides persist
Negotiators cite “convergence” on the shape of the post-2025 finance goal but gaps remain on contributors and amounts
Why we need to keep climate COPs inclusive
Frustration at slow progress towards the Paris Agreement goals is prompting calls to streamline the COP process – but restricting participation is the wrong response
Japan backs fossil fuels in Southeast Asian “zero emission” initiative
Japan’s Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) supported 56 projects using fossil fuel technologies in Southeast Asia — including LNG and carbon capture
Civil servants warn fossil fuel exploration could harm New Zealand’s climate reputation
Advice to politicians says revoking a ban on oil and gas drilling could damage relations with Pacific neighbours and risk lawsuits
New global climate commitments critical – but strong national laws must follow
International emissions-cutting targets need to be translated into national laws to guarantee delivery and protect the rights of future generations
UN climate chief warns of “two-speed” global energy transition
Simon Stiell tells investors in NYC that rich countries are benefiting most from clean energy growth while poorer nations are deprived of finance for cheaper renewables
Global push to triple renewables requires responsible mining of minerals
As leaders at the UN debate how to meet renewable energy goals, they must also ensure supply chains are sustainable
COP29 aims to boost battery storage and grids for renewables, as pledges proliferate
Governments are being asked to sign up to a goal to boost energy storage six-fold and renew or add 80 million km of electric grids, among other initiatives
UK calls for “ambition” on COP29 climate finance goal but won’t talk numbers
The UK’s new foreign minister, David Lammy, says Global North rhetoric on climate action must be matched by funding but stays silent on the size of a new global finance goal
Developing countries denounce rich nations’ disregard for just transition talks
One negotiator said it was “very unfortunate” that no developed-country officials travelled to Ghana for UN climate talks on “response measures”
Is Brazil’s Lula a climate leader?
The Brazilian president has run up against similar challenges to his US counterpart Joe Biden – and it’s bad news for the planet
Slow progress in Baku risks derailing talks on new climate finance goal at COP29
Azerbaijan’s COP29 president calls for determination and leadership from all countries to bridge the gaps on finance
Human rights must be “at the core” of mining for transition minerals, UN panel says
The UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals launches principles to guide responsible, fair extraction of minerals for green value chains