Climate News

COP29 Bulletin Day 9: Developing nations draw “super red line” on climate finance goal

Big emerging economies reject an informal proposal being floated for government provision under the new goal and say they won’t join the donor pool

Dirty subsidies targeted by the World Bank to fund climate action

Coalition against fossil fuel subsidies expands but misses initial targets

The UK, Colombia and New Zealand have joined an alliance of governments planning to scrap their fossil fuel subsidies

Can climate funders overcome fear to tread in conflict zones? 

At COP29, fragile climate-vulnerable countries launched a network aimed at securing the climate finance they say has been slow to come as their needs surge

COP29 Bulletin Day 8: G20 backs new climate finance goal but ignores fossil fuels

G20 leaders “commit to successful negotiations in Baku”, including on climate finance, but promise little else to unblock fraught talks

COP29 president Mukhtar Babayev at a plenary as talks enter the second week in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Fossil fuel transition talks rescued from brink of collapse at COP29

Countries now have a second chance in Baku to build consensus on how to cut emissions and transition away from fossil fuels

COP29 Bulletin Day 7: Emissions-cutting talks resurrected and G20 nudge on finance

COP29 president Mukhtar Babayev says the summit “cannot be silent on mitigation” as countries split on where to discuss the energy transition

COP29 Bulletin Day 6: Climate march tamed and gender talks gridlocked

Campaigners hold a quiet, static protest – and observers say human rights language and finance are tripping up the COP29 gender negotiations

People wade through a flooded street caused by continuous rain brought by Typhoon Yagi, in San Miguel, Calumet, Bulacan, north of Manila, Philippines, on September 3, 2024.

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

Environmental activists protest against the continued use of fossil fuels during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), in Baku, Azerbaijan November 14, 2024. REUTERS/Aziz Karimov

COP29 Bulletin Day 5: Pressure to clean up COPs and shortfall in adaptation pledges

Top scientists and former UN chiefs call for fossil fuel-supporting nations to be excluded as COP hosts, while Adaptation Fund struggles for cash

COP29 host Azerbaijan shelves fossil-fuelled climate fund

Baku postponed the planned launch of a voluntary fund with contributions from fossil fuel producers after getting “tangled up” with official UN negotiations

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Politics

Biden could score a $41 billion Trump-proof win for climate action

How Biden can score a $41-billion Trump-proof win for climate action

The US government must support a landmark OECD agreement to end international oil and gas export finance

As climate-vulnerable countries, we know what kind of finance we need

COP29 negotiators must agree a new climate finance goal that genuinely works for debt-strapped developing nations

New UN carbon market standards are a step change in protecting people and planet

Rules finalised at COP29 will make sure carbon credits enable more ambitious climate goals while delivering benefits to local communities

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

Aid agencies grapple with climate adaptation in fragile states  

Humanitarian groups have pushed ahead with innovative efforts to protect people in conflict zones from worsening climate impacts – but they are struggling to go it alone

COP29 Bulletin Day 4: Azerbaijan’s climate fund on ice and Europe hits back at Aliyev criticism

Azerbaijan postpones the launch of a controversial climate fund and gets embroiled in a diplomatic spat with the EU

COP29 Bulletin Day 3: Finance text balloons and Brazil presents new NDC

Co-chairs asked to streamline all-options text on finance goal and Brazil bets on forests and biofuels to reach 2035 emissions goal

Is COP29 “breakthrough” on UN carbon market all it seems?

Azerbaijan presidency claims Article 6 could help countries save $250 billion a year – but experts warn UN carbon trading is still some way off

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Finance

Gender equality cannot be last on the agenda at COP29

Gender equality cannot be last on the agenda at COP29 climate talks

Climate action initiatives will only achieve their potential if women get more decision-making power and access to finance

After cutting fossil fuel finance we must unlock clean energy for all. Africa can create millions of green jobs in clean energy value chains if it gets more climate finance and international support

With increased climate finance, Africa can lead the green industrial revolution

Africa could see the creation of millions of green jobs, along expanded and resilient global value chains – but for this to happen, it needs more international support

Frontline countries must not be stuck with the climate bill at COP29

Frontline countries must not be stuck with the climate bill at COP29  

Someone will have to pay for the rising costs of the climate crisis – will it be those causing the damage, or those that suffer it?  

From cyclone to drought, Zimbabwe's climate victims struggle to adapt

From cyclone to drought, Zimbabwe’s climate victims struggle to adapt

Five years after Cyclone Idai devastated eastern Zimbabwe, relocated communities face a new threat – water shortages – with authorities saying they lack money to build a dam

Biodiversity market takes off at COP16, in shadow of carbon credit chaos

Several new guidelines for biodiversity credits were launched at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, where activists warned on risks to nature conservation efforts

Verra's plan to review carbon credits faster raises integrity concerns

Verra’s plan to review carbon credits faster with fewer staff raises integrity concerns

Verra’s new CEO said that “faster does not equal to compromise on integrity” – but independent carbon market experts are sceptical

US, China, UK left off UN Climate Action Summit guestlist. UN chief calls on governments to ban fossil fuel ads. G20 waters down experts' climate finance report, despite UN pressure to act

G20 waters down experts’ climate finance report, despite UN pressure to act

A report by top economists on finance for climate action was weakened after feedback from G20 nations, even as the UN says they must all slash emissions

An indigenous activist giving a speech to the COP16 main plenary in Cali, Colombia.

At COP16, countries clash over future of global fund for nature protection

Some biodiverse developing nations want to replace it with a new fund that would give them a bigger say in how it’s run and easier access to its resources

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Justice

How Azerbaijan locked up climate and social justice advocate ahead of COP29 

How Azerbaijan locked up climate and social justice advocate ahead of COP29 

Azeri economist Farid Mehralizada has argued that his country’s reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable and dangerous – he is now in prison ahead of the climate summit in Baku

COP16 hands power to Indigenous people but fails to bridge nature finance gap

COP16 hands power to Indigenous people but fails to bridge nature finance gap

UN biodiversity summit produces mixed results, with gains for Indigenous people and disagreement on how to raise and manage funding for nature protection

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

Greenpeace Africa in disarray as restructuring meets resistance

The environmental NGO’s campaigners and bosses have fought over job losses, a shift towards richer nations and LGBT+ policy

Aerial view of a rainforest in the Colombian Pacific region, nestled within the heart of the Chocó Biogeographic Region, one of the world's most enigmatic biodiversity hotspots. Colombia adds nature to the mix with its $40-billion energy transition plan

Colombia adds nature to the mix with its $40-billion energy transition plan

The investment plan mirrors the model of Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) – and includes $8.5 billion to conserve and restore nature

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 just transition talks provoked frustration among developing countries as rich nations did not attend in person and refused to discuss thorny issues.

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”

The demise of coal, as it turns out, is a lot of gas

The global pipeline of coal projects shrank dramatically in recent years – but now coal is making a comeback in Asia, threatening climate goals

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Energy

What Trump got wrong on China, coal and climate 

What Trump got wrong on China, coal and climate 

Republican candidate Donald Trump has cited China’s coal plants as a reason for the US to stick with fossil fuels – but he fails to acknowledge China’s massive clean energy industry

Plans to turn Europe's biggest coal mine into a leisure lake prove divisive

Plans to turn Europe’s biggest coal mine into a leisure lake prove divisive

Transition experts say repurposing Poland’s Bełchatów mine and power plant for renewables not recreation could bring more jobs, revenue and electricity

Fossil fuel transition pledge left out of COP16 draft agreement

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

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

Why we need new laws to end coal, oil and gas - now  

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

The Global South is surging ahead in the renewables revolution 

The Global South is surging ahead in the renewables revolution 

Many developing countries are rich in renewable resources and growing them fast – with more investment, they can tip the balance towards green industrialisation

To capture renewable energy gains, Africa must invest in battery storage

To capture renewable energy gains, Africa must invest in battery storage

With rich raw materials and rising interest in manufacturing capacity, the continent can become a global leader in the battery storage value chain – but it needs international capital

Despite solar surge, world off track for COP28 renewable energy target

Despite solar surge, world off track for COP28 renewable energy target

Current plans will only deliver half of the growth needed to hit a global target of tripling renewables by 2030, IRENA warns

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Land

COP16 confronts "huge" challenge of protecting 30% of world's land and sea

COP16 confronts “huge” challenge of protecting 30% of world’s land and sea

Ahead of the UN biodiversity summit, countries are urged to come up with strong new plans and funding to meet global nature goals

Delay to EU deforestation law must not lead to dilution

Delay to EU deforestation law must not lead to dilution

The EU needs to stand firm against the countries and companies hellbent on weakening its pioneering regulation to stop commodities harming forests

Guyana's carbon-credit deal to protect forests undermines forest protectors 

Guyana’s carbon-credit deal to protect forests undermines its forest protectors 

Guyana’s Indigenous communities are under siege from all sides – including an opaque carbon-offsetting scheme agreed by the government on our lands

A group of biologists check a book in the forest of Liberia

Biodiversity finance grew ahead of COP16 but came mostly as loans, says OECD

Funding for efforts to protect and restore nature increased to $15.4 billion in 2022 – mostly driven by concessional loans from multilateral banks

Delaying the EU's anti-deforestation law is not an option 

Delaying the EU’s anti-deforestation law is not an option 

The EU’s new deforestation law was seen as a breakthrough in the global battle against forest loss, but it’s provoking fractious debate among governments and producers

Argentina lithium indigenous protest. A UN panel is working to define principles and recommendations for responsible mining of "critical" transition minerals

The UN can set a new course on “critical” transition minerals  

A high-level panel is working to define principles for responsible mining, which will be presented to the UN General Assembly in September

FAO draft report backs growth of livestock industry despite emissions 

Experts say the UN’s food agency has shied away from recommending less animal farming, though cutting methane emissions is a quick way to curb warming

Despite dilution, nature law should restore EU's carbon sinks

Despite dilution, officials say new nature law can restore EU carbon sinks

To meet climate goals, the European Union needs to reverse the decline of its carbon-storing ecosystems like forests and peatlands

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Transport

British Airways plans to offset rising emissions by sprinkling crushed rocks

British Airways plans to offset rising emissions by sprinkling crushed rocks

The airline will pay a UK company to carry out enhanced rock weathering, which speeds up natural carbon-absorbing processes

Belém’s electric bus controversy: a cautionary tale for COP30

A plan for new buses in the Brazilian city hosting the 2025 UN climate summit was held up by a political row that suggests the road to COP30 could get rocky

London airport expansion shows danger of "false hope" Jet Zero strategy

London airport expansion spotlights danger of “false hope” Jet Zero strategy

The UK government decided expansion is compatible with its plan to cut aviation emissions, raising questions about its reliance on unproven techno-fixes over reducing flights

Key UN report lends weight to Pacific plan for shipping emissions levy

The report was seized upon by the Marshall Islands but branded “unacceptable” and “nonsensical” by Argentina and Brazil

As first airline drops goal, are aviation’s 2030 targets achievable without carbon offsets?

Air New Zealand has dropped its 2030 emissions reductions targets, validated by the Science-Based Targets Initiative

Lessons from China's cleantech industry "overcapacity" tensions

Lessons from trade tensions targeting “overcapacity” in China’s cleantech industry

Clean technology is turning into the next global climate spat. The debate over China’s dominance is highly politicized, but there are ways forward

Shipping sector pushes to keep emissions-tax cash for itself

The industry and governments’ maritime ministries want a proposed levy on emissions spent on cleaning up shipping, not used for wider climate goals like loss and damage

The EU must take the driver’s seat in fossil fuel-free transport

The EU must take the driver’s seat in fossil fuel-free transport

Transport accounts for a growing share of global emissions. The EU should lead a push for clean travel at home and internationally

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Science

Rich countries boost adaptation funding but debt concerns linger

Rich nations “on track” to double adaptation finance but huge gap persists

While adaptation funding jumped by about a quarter in 2022, a large share came as loans rather than grants, adding to developing-nations’ debt burdens

Flooded houses in a Senegalese town.

COP29: We need to adapt to climate chaos now

Adaptation policy has grown to be of central importance in our collective response to the climate crisis – but more funding is urgently needed

Businesses may be investing more in climate adaptation than we think

Private investments in adaptation are likely to be significantly underestimated as a result of the huge challenge in tracking them, experts say – though barriers remain

Why we should pull down the UN's artificial divide between biodiversity and climate 

It’s time to end the UN’s artificial divide between biodiversity and climate 

The biodiversity and climate crises are interlinked – and failing to coordinate our response leaves critical ecosystems like forests and peatlands at risk 

Climate disasters challenge right to safe and adequate housing

Climate disasters challenge right to safe and adequate housing

Climate-proofing homes is now an essential response to regular extreme weather events and can help prevent displacement

IPCC's input into key UN climate review at risk as countries clash

IPCC’s input into key UN climate review at risk as countries clash over timeline

Most governments want reports ready before the next global stocktake, but a dozen developing nations are opposed over inclusivity concerns

A plenary meeting at the 61st session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in Sofia, Bulgaria. Photo: IISD/ENB | Anastasia Rodopoulou

The IPCC must produce its flagship report in time for the next UN global stocktake

An IPCC author from the Global South on why aligning the two timelines is crucial for the integrity of international climate cooperation

UN chief appeals for global action to tackle deadly extreme heat

UN chief appeals for global action to tackle deadly extreme heat

António Guterres calls extreme heat “the new abnormal” as he urges countries to step up protection of vulnerable populations

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