What’s going on here? Global leaders at the G7 summit in Hiroshima have classed the increased use of, and investment in, methane gas as “appropriate”. This comes despite repeated warnings from scientists and the UN that we can have no new fossil fuel investment if we’re to meet climate goals. What does this mean? The goal of the summit is to discuss…
Earlier this month the UK government announced a plan to ban the use of plastic in wet wipes to tackle water pollution. Much of the news surrounding the ban suggests that removing the plastic will unclog sewers. Whilst removing plastics from the environment is great, a simple ban is not going to unclog the sewage system. It needs to be combined with…
The idea that climate change constitutes a threat to national security is well established, with climate change first appearing as a debate in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) over 15 years ago, in 2007. The concept gained traction quickly, with a study undertaken 5 years after the inaugural UNSC discussion estimating that around 70% of countries who had released national security…
What’s Going on Here? Seven American states face a showdown over water rights relating to the Colorado River. The river is one of the main sources providing water to the Southwest United States. The river is a vital source of water for seven states, supporting over 40 million people. However, a twenty-year drought, shrinking water supply, combined with rising demand as populations…
It is hard to believe it has been almost 35 years since NASA scientist James Hansen’s groundbreaking testimony to US Congress confirming the reality of climate change and the urgent need to act. How is it then, that since this prominent moment, we have now emitted more than in all of history before that landmark event? One study argues that after three…
What’s going on here? The UN biodiversity conference COP15 closes on 19 December and there’s mounting pressure for the agreement to require companies to disclose their harm to nature. What does this mean? Target 15 in the draft Global Biodiversity Framework would require all large business and financial institutions to disclose their impacts and dependencies on nature. It also contains an objective…
What’s Going on Here? The Biden Administration announced last Wednesday (Nov 30th) that it would provide USD $135 million (£110m) to Native American tribes facing imminent threats from climate change. The funding represents one of the largest efforts by the United States to relocate communities due to the physical impacts from global warming. What Does This Mean? The funds are being provided…
What’s Going On Here? October sees the end of Jair Bolsonaro’s term as president of Brazil. In a dramatic comeback, the ex-president Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva is set to become leader of the country (again). What Does This Mean? The incoming president secured a majority of 50.9% of the vote from his far-right rival, the incumbent Bolsonaro. The close result illustrates…
This weekend will see the start of COP27 in Egypt. The 27th UNFCCC Conference of Parties calls on governments around the world to “to rise to the occasion and tackle effectively the global challenge of climate”.
However, before it has even begun, COP27 has been heavily criticised and campaigners have little hope that it will bring about the action we desperately need to address the climate crisis.
