IMF warns against ‘protectionism’ in rich world’s green subsidies
The US will subsidise North American-made electric vehicles, sparking responses from other rich countries – but there are concerns on the effects on the developing world.
UN sets date for loss and damage talks, risking Asian no-show
Negotiators will gather in Egypt at the end of March to discuss a fund for climate victims, whether the Asia-Pacific group has nominated its members or not
Total escapes court censure over East African oil pipeline
The court said campaigners arguments against the East African crude oil pipeline had changed too much – they are considering an appeal
Greta Thunberg protests wind farm “violating human rights” in Norway
Thunberg said the wind farm violates the rights of indigenous Sami people to herd their reindeer, as the sight and sound of the turbines scares the animals
South Africa tried to weaken corruption safeguards in coal phase out deal, says CEO
The Eskom boss said that a “senior government minister” said it was “pragmatic” to water down corruption safeguards in a $8.5bn international clean energy deal
US offers $550m to tackle pollution in poor neighbourhoods
The money is part of a $3 billion environmental justice pot finally authorised by Congress after a long battle against Republicans and conservative Democrats
US backs Ajay Banga to lead World Bank in climate fight
The Indian-American businessman is likely to become the bank’s next president, as the US traditionally chooses who leads the institution
India set to push for green World Bank reforms at G20
India wants the World Bank to lend more money for climate finance, at cheaper rates, in developing countries and will use its G20 chair to push this agenda
Less plastic or more recycling – nations split ahead of treaty talks
While the EU and African countries push for production cuts, major nations like the US and Saudi Arabia focus instead on recycling and waste disposal
“First step”: Reformers react to World Bank plan to free up climate spending
The bank plans to relax its lending rules to channel more money into projects tackling climate change – but officials pushing the reform say it is too timid
UAE minister calls for “phase out” of oil and gas
Attempts to get governments to agree to “phase out” fossil fuels were unsuccesful at Cop26 and Cop27 and that battle is likely to be re-fought at Cop28
Corporations push “insetting” as new offsetting but report claims it is even worse
More companies claim that supply-chain carbon removal is the way forward. But a new report raises concern over the credibility and transparency of insetting.
ECT boss accuses EU of protecting fossil fuels by blocking reforms
Lentz accused the European Union of helping protect fossil fuel investments but climate campaigners accused him of a “desperate attempt” to keep the EU in the treaty
World Bank proposes freeing up $4bn by loosening lending rules
The bank is under pressure to free up more money to tackle climate change but one expert said this measure does not go far enough
World Bank chief to step down early after climate controversy
Last year, the World Bank’s president David Malpass refused to accept the scientific consensus on global warming, leading to calls for the US government to push him out
Study: IPCC asks emerging countries to drop coal faster than rich nations did
A new study has found that most energy transition models ask nations like China, India and South Africa to cut coal use twice as fast as developed countries ever did.
UAE’s Cop28 boss calls for “course correction” on climate change
Jaber, who also heads the state oil giant Adnoc, fueled activists’ worries about fossil fuels in the upcoming UN climate negotiations.
Biden promises to “work with Congress” to fund Amazon protection
With Jair Bolsonaro out of power, one obstacle to US funding for Amazon rainforest protection has gone – but Republicans in Congress could still block funding.
Missed deadline raises risk of delays to loss and damage fund
Fewer than half the seats on a loss and damage transitional committee have been filled, holding up work to channel funds to climate victims
Switzerland won’t follow EU out of controversial energy treaty: official
Experts fear that fossil fuel companies will restructure their operations through Switzerland to keep suing governments over climate action