World
Nine of our best climate change stories from 2024
This year we investigated governments, corporations and NGOs in the climate space, and brought you on-the-ground reporting from Africa, Asia and the Middle East
After Cyclone Chido, France accused of neglecting climate threat to “fragile” Mayotte
Locals and experts say France should have done more to protect residents of its poor island territory from extreme weather
President Biden sets US emissions goal for 2035 in the shadow of Trump
The outgoing administration said the target to cut emissions by 61-66% by 2035 can be reached even if Trump rolls back climate action
As Earth dries out, countries fail to reach drought agreement
Countries including the US successfully resisted Africa’s push for a legally binding drought protocol at the “land COP” in Riyadh
ICJ climate justice proceedings must recognise links between climate and nature
Climate change is destroying nature and must be stopped – but we should also ensure climate action helps, not hinders, nature
The world is getting smaller for pastoralists facing multiple threats
Africa’s herders are trying to maintain their way of life in the face of rising climate stress, conflict and competition for land
EU should push for global deal to curb solar geoengineering, advisors say
Europe’s first scientific advice on the technology urges Brussels to prevent its deployment, leaving room for limited outdoor research
Nickel mining for electric vehicles is destroying lives in Indonesia
Indonesia’s abundant nickel reserves are crucial for a low carbon world. But extracting them is ruining local peoples’ lives and causing rampant deforestation
Biden uses only Africa visit to promote “game changer” railway for copper and cobalt
The US is placing its critical minerals hopes in the Lobito Corridor project, which it says will also bring growth and jobs to Africa
Green reforms to energy investment treaty pass key hurdle
The reforms will allow governments to end protection for investments in fossil fuels within their borders while keeping them for renewables
Global North countries must step up on protecting their own forests
The impacts of logging in the Global North are being felt in countries like Nigeria – a more equitable, coordinated approach is needed to tackle deforestation
Rights group finds abusive conditions for migrants working on UAE renewables
Migrant workers in solar and wind project supply chains say they suffer exploitative recruitment fees, wage theft and illegally long hours in dangerous heat
Weak gender focus at COP29 risks leaving women behind in greener future
In India, social barriers make it tough for women to work in the solar sector, as experts call for more attention to green skills in global climate politics
COP29 Bulletin Day 9: Developing nations deride “$200bn” finance rumour
Emerging economies reject an informal number being floated for government provision under the new goal and say they won’t join the donor pool
Why the international community should back Colombia’s post-fossil fuel plan
At COP29 talks in Baku, rewarding Colombia’s leadership would build confidence in the transition to a greener, fairer world
Adaptation Fund head laments “puzzling” lack of pledges at COP29
Even as leaders highlight the urgency of protecting people from more extreme weather and rising seas, they have been reluctant to pay up at COP29 for the measures needed
UAE kicks off new global round of UN climate plans
COP28 host nation claims the plan is compatible with a 1.5C warming limit, but campaigners disagree, saying it does not commit to cutting oil and gas production
US election: Climate experts react to Donald Trump’s victory
Trump is expected to cut spending on green energy and boost US production of fossil fuels, while pulling his country out of the Paris climate accord
Emerging economies set up COP29 agenda fight over trade measures
The BASIC group led by China wants “unilateral restrictive trade measures” on the COP29 agenda
Legal experts say Trump could quit Paris pact – but leaving UNFCCC much harder
As the US Senate approved the US joining the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, it’s unclear if a president could easily pull the country out