The world’s largest biodiversity summit, known as COP16, concluded this weekend in Colombia, with several landmark decisions, including first ever agreements on nature’s genetic data and on recognising people of Africa descent and Indigenous Peoples as key stewards in conservation efforts.… Read the rest
The heat is on: We must rise to the challenge of rising temperatures, urges UN chief
The UN chief on Thursday issued an urgent call to action to better protect billions around the world exposed to crippling effects of extreme heat, as global temperature rise continues unabated.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of record temperatures and deadly heatwaves – from the United States to Africa’s Sahel and Europe to the Middle East – that have killed several hundred people this summer.… Read the rest
Brutal heatwave cooks US south-west, an early sign of sizzling summer ahead
Gabrielle Canon in Oakland and Dani Anguiano in Chico, California
Millions of Americans are sweltering as experts warn early heat could herald next record-smashing summer
With the official start of summer still weeks away, a record-setting heatwave is cooking the south-western US, causing dangerous conditions far earlier than normal.… Read the rest
Developed countries accused of bowing to lobbyists at plastic pollution talks
Campaigners say last-minute compromise plays into the hands of petrostates and industry influences
Campaigners are blaming developed countries for capitulating at the last minute to pressure from fossil fuel and industry lobbyists, and slowing progress towards the first global treaty to cut plastic waste.
Taxing big fossil fuel firms ‘could raise $900bn in climate finance by 2030’
Levy on oil and gas majors in richest countries would help worst-affected nations tackle climate crisis, says report
A new tax on fossil fuel companies based in the world’s richest countries could raise hundreds of billions of dollars to help the most vulnerable nations cope with the escalating climate crisis, according to a report.