Latest news with #Cop30
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
The big emitters: which countries are holding back climate action and why?
This year will be the 30th UN climate summit – known as the conference of the parties (Cop) – and it is being held in Brazil. Every climate summit is crucial but Cop30 is taking place during extremely challenging times. The US has pulled out of the Paris agreement, under which the world's countries agreed to hold global temperature rises to 'well below' 2C above preindustrial levels while 'pursuing efforts' to limit heating to 1.5C. Israel has bombed Iran, one of the global oil superpowers, while the EU, one of the champions of climate action, has been beset on multiple fronts by member states and parties that want the bloc to row back on emissions rules and environmental regulations. So we thought it was a good time to take a look at the world's biggest emitting countries, and their plans – constructive or otherwise – for addressing their carbon emissions. Some are autocracies, some democracies tumbling towards rightwing populism, some are straining to hold together a consensus on climate action. We will be profiling each of the top 10 emitters – according to Global Carbon Budget – over the coming months, in the run-up to Cop30. To kick off the series, the Guardian's environment editor, Fiona Harvey, has interviewed some of the world's leading thinkers about how to negotiate with autocracies. We have also done a deep dive on Russia, 'the canary in the coalmine', according to one source. Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion In future weeks, we will cover South Korea, India, the United States, Germany, Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, and Indonesia – seeking a deeper understanding of how the pieces are going to fall in this crucial year for climate action.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
The big emitters: which countries are holding back climate action and why?
This year will be the 30th UN climate summit – known as the conference of the parties (Cop) – and it is being held in Brazil. Every climate summit is crucial but Cop30 is taking place during extremely challenging times. The US has pulled out of the Paris agreement, under which the world's countries agreed to hold global temperature rises to 'well below' 2C above preindustrial levels while 'pursuing efforts' to limit heating to 1.5C. Israel has bombed Iran, one of the global oil superpowers, while the EU, one of the champions of climate action, has been beset on multiple fronts by member states and parties that want the bloc to row back on emissions rules and environmental regulations. So we thought it was a good time to take a look at the world's biggest emitting countries, and their plans – constructive or otherwise – for addressing their carbon emissions. Some are autocracies, some democracies tumbling towards rightwing populism, some are straining to hold together a consensus on climate action. We will be profiling each of the top 10 emitters – according to Global Carbon Budget – over the coming months, in the run-up to Cop30. To kick off the series, the Guardian's environment editor, Fiona Harvey, has interviewed some of the world's leading thinkers about how to negotiate with autocracies. We have also done a deep dive on Russia, 'the canary in the coalmine', according to one source. Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion In future weeks, we will cover South Korea, India, the United States, Germany, Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, and Indonesia – seeking a deeper understanding of how the pieces are going to fall in this crucial year for climate action.
Irish Examiner
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Irish Examiner
Irish Examiner view: Climate change apathy won't get us far
It's not as if we didn't know. With Europe experiencing temperatures as high as 46C in Spain — and authorities in Portugal, Italy, Greece, and France issuing heat, wildfire, and health warnings — the battle against climate change is moving up a gear. UN climate summit boss Ana Toni reminded us succinctly that, over the next 100 years, 'climate is our biggest war' and while she admitted that the world is focused right now on various conflicts, humankind cannot not be distracted from what will be its most important battle. As the CEO of Cop30, the UN's climate summit, Ms Toni is right to express her concern that we have lost focus on those climate issues which will determine the ultimate fate of the human race. Unfortunately, while we fight amongst ourselves and pour attention on the unnecessary carnage that has been wilfully created by malign actors across the globe, our attention has drifted away from a war we must win. The current heatwave follows a string of broken extreme-heat records, including Europe's hottest-ever March, according to the EU's Copernicus monitor. As a result of Earth's continued warming, extreme weather events — including hurricanes, droughts, floods, and heatwaves — are becoming more intense and frequent. Deaths from warm weather could kill 129,000 people annually if temperatures reach 3C above preindustrial levels. As of now, heat-related deaths across Europe stand at 44,000. As Brazil prepares to host Cop30 in Belem in November, the lack of international focus on climate issues is becoming an issue in its own right. Less than 30 of the 200 participating nations have even drafted plans, as required by the 2015 Paris agreement, to combat the worst effects of global warming. We here in Ireland, holidaymakers aside, can be thankful for — so far — not experiencing the kind of conditions felt across Europe. But be certain, conditions here are changing and for the earth and its inhabitants, apathy won't get us far. Messy business As we enjoy our summer, the longer days and the beaches and seaside, it is a pertinent time to remind dog owners to pay closer attention than usual to their hounds. The summer bathing season is already underway and runs until September 15. Around the country, those beaches with designated swimming areas restrict dog access. This is not because the local councils have a scunner against dogs, but because of potential nuisance. Not necessarily the bother of unleashed pets roaming untethered, but because of the public health risk of fouling. While most cities and towns have successfully combatted the issue of dog fouling on streets and pavements by encouraging owners to 'scoop the poop', once people get out into the country, their civic responsibilities seem to desert them. Consequently, the temptation while at the beach with their pets is simply to bury the offending mess. But dog poo contains several dangerous pathogens that can pose a significant threat to human health. At the beach, that threat is multiplied because people are more likely to come in contact with dog faeces as a result, merely, of running around and/or swimming. Indeed, research has shown that just a little dog poo can go a long way towards making you sick. Frighteningly, it appears, there's enough in one dog poo to contaminate 3m litres of water — enough to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool. And a single gram contains up to 23m faecal coliform bacteria. Dog poo can also spread parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and ringworms, as well as parvovirus and salmonella. Despite the potential for offenders — or their owners, at least — to face fines of €150, people still seem to think it is okay simply to bury poo in sand, or to actually bag it and then just leave it there for someone else to collect. Studies in the Dublin area have found that dog fouling at Merrion, Sandymount, Donabate, and Portrane contributes greatly to bathing water in Dublin Bay being occasionally unsuitable for swimming during the summer season. The message is clear: Dog poo really can sicken you. Marquee homage When American guitarist Joe Bonamassa rocked up to Crowley's music shop in Friar St in Cork at the weekend to purchase a Fender Stratocaster with a sunburst finish, he was closing a devotional circle in reverence to the late Irish guitar hero, Rory Gallagher. The arc of that homage will be further expanded over the coming three nights in the city when the American virtuoso straps on Gallagher's iconic Strat — its sunburst lacquer finish petrified by his excessively acidic perspiration — and plays a set based on the Cork man's Irish Tour '74 live album. Back in the day, Rory's traditional end-of-year tour of Ireland included gigs at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, the Carlton Cinema in Dublin, and Cork's City Hall. Thankfully, his record company was wise enough to record the results. Anyone lucky enough to have attended any of those concerts will remember them for the excitement of seeing a native rock god, the rivers of sweat generated by the lumberjack-shirted and be-denimed hordes and the genius of Gallagher's songwriting and playing. For anyone who was not there, the live album that emerged from those gigs — recorded on Ronnie Lane's mobile studio — is a lasting testimony to Rory's uncanny abilities. For fans old and new, the opportunity to see Bonamassa recreate a unique part of Irish rock lore will probably be something they'll never forget. The great wheel of life took another turn when the American purchased his own sunburst Fender from the same outlet that Rory originally bought his. That wheel will be spinning in the Marquee in Cork this week when Rory's axe once more hits its stride and inspires a nation.
The National
26-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Race to host next year's Cop heats up as Brazil urges focus on action over ambition
As the race to host Cop31 intensifies – with Australia and Turkey emerging as leading contenders – this year's host, Brazil, is calling for the focus to shift from pledges to implementation. Cop30 will be held in Belem in November but leading climate figures have raised concerns about what can be achieved amid an underwhelming build-up, with many members yet to submit their updated climate action plans. Brazil's President-Designate for Cop30, Andre Correa do Lago, said the summit, being hosted in the country's Amazon region, will prioritise an 'intensified action agenda' focused on real-world implementation. On Wednesday, the Australian government announced that it is committed to its bid to host Cop31 'in partnership with the Pacific in 2026". Meanwhile, Turkish officials are also making their intentions known with the seaside city of Antalya touted as a likely venue. Speaking at a London Climate Action Week, Mr Correa do Lago warned that the world needs to find a new way of 'incorporating the climate agenda in these times of crisis, because we are basically always in times of crisis'. Time for implementation 'We believe that the climate urgency should inspire all to do whatever they can in their area and have an impact on this fight,' he added. The Global Ethical Stocktake, a Brazilian initiative, is designed to hold governments and non-state actors accountable for climate justice, equity and emission cuts. Mr Correa do Lago said Cop30's goals are not to rewrite what was agreed in Paris or Dubai. 'Many people want to reiterate what was decided two years ago. Let's not reiterate. Let's implement it,' he said. He said showcasing economic benefits is vital, citing falling solar costs in China enabling clean energy projects in Africa, and Brazil's opportunity to 'leapfrog' carbon-intensive development pathways by leveraging its many renewable energy resources. Finance on the front lines The importance of finance in tackling the climate crisis was echoed on Thursday in Abu Dhabi, where the UAE Central Bank convened leading financial policymakers at its Climate Finance Forum. Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama warned that climate risks pose 'macro-financial challenges' to economies and institutions. 'The widespread flooding we witnessed in the UAE last year was the heaviest in 75 years,' he said. The UAE's green finance strategy focuses on 'people, policies and processes', including the rollout of Shariah-compliant climate tools, climate stress testing, and embedding sustainability into financial supervision. Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, described the country's net-zero approach as 'pro-growth and pro-climate,' noting that oil and gas represent less than 30 per cent of the economy – down from 80 per cent a decade ago. 'We're directing climate finance to drive green opportunities at home and abroad,' she said. The private sector, too, is transforming. Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, Chair of the UAE Banks Federation, called the current moment 'transformational'.
South Wales Guardian
26-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
William urges ‘courage' ahead of world leaders meeting at Cop30
William also stressed the 'central' role indigenous people will play in nations achieving climate change goals when he met some of their leaders at a St James's Palace discussion to hear their concerns. The future King told the group from Brazil, invited to the event staged alongside London Climate Action Week, 'you guys know how to do it best' and said he wanted to 'shine a spotlight' on their work after a traditional necklace was placed around his neck and he was gifted chocolate. He also convened environment ministers and others from across the globe – including Cop30 president, Brazil's Andre Correa do Lago, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband – alongside representatives from charitable foundations for the roundtable discussions. Mr Miliband echoed the prince when he told the guests: 'We must put indigenous people at the heart of the solutions to this crisis we face and if there is one declaration message from this event today, it is that.' William highlighted the climate change summit being hosted by Brazil in November, saying: 'Looking ahead to Cop30 in Belem and beyond, we must act with greater ambition and deeper collaboration. 'This is a moment for courage. We are not starting from zero.' Before the meeting started the prince, who is staging his Earthshot Prize in Rio de Janeiro in November, was invited to attend Cop30 in Brazil by the country's minister of environment and climate Marina Silva and replied: 'I'll be in the area Marina, let's see what happens.' William told the delegates how indigenous communities treat nature with 'respect' rather than as a 'resource to be extracted', adding: 'Their stewardship and protection are among the most effective forces for conservation. 'If we are serious about achieving climate and biodiversity goals, indigenous peoples and local communities must be central to the effort as partners, leaders, and co-creators of solutions. 'We've made bold commitments: to halt deforestation, restore ecosystems, and protect 30% of land, sea, and water by 2030. 'But these goals will remain out of reach unless we move from promises to action – grounded in respect, equity, and shared responsibility.' He acknowledged Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's minister for indigenous people, sat at the table and praised her 'incredible work' and said she was appearing in the final episode of his Guardians series about rangers and nature's wardens. Ms Guajajara said: 'Protecting the rights of indigenous peoples is more than a question of justice, it is a strategy, urgent in order to protect the whole planet.'
