Matteo Civillini
UN climate fund suspends project in Nicaragua over human rights concerns
The Green Climate Fund suspended a $117 million forest conservation project in Nicaragua over escalating violence against indigenous people.
G20 divisions over key climate goals pile pressure on Cop28 hosts
The world’s largest economies failed to agree on targets to phase down fossil fuels and scale up renewables
EU to push for fossil fuel phaseout ‘well ahead of 2050’ at Cop28
At Cop28 the EU wants governments to agree on more renewables and a faster phase out of fossil fuels with a “residual” role for carbon capture technologies
Green Climate Fund backs scheme financing farming corporations accused of destroying forests
The fund aims to stop deforestation in the supply chains of major commodities. But campaigners are concerned over money going to big companies linked to irregularities
UAE’s al Jaber says Cop28 will fast-track phase down of fossil fuels
The Cop28 chief has also urged the oil and gas industry to “step up its game” and scale up renewables investment
Developing nations decry risk of UK breaking climate finance pledge
The UK promised to deliver £11.6 billion in international climate finance by 2026. But a leaked memo suggests the target is being dropped.
Public banks agree to check investments against countries’ climate plans
Ten multilateral development banks have agreed on how to make sure their investments meet climate goals. But experts told Climate Home the rules do not go far enough.
What does “unabated” fossil fuels mean?
The word “unabated” qualifies commitments to phase out fossil fuels. But setting a clear definition is the subject of fierce debates.
World Bank to suspend debt repayments for disaster-hit countries
A pause on loan repayments can give vulnerable countries breathing space when hit by a natural catastrophe
Carbon credits touted as saviour of coal-to-clean energy deals
The scheme aims to fund the coal-to-clean energy transition in emerging economies like Indonesia but experts warn the fine print is key
Last-minute compromise avoids break down on adaptation goals
In fraught nations, developing countries wanted to focus on specific targets, while developed nations only wanted to talk about structure
UN head Guterres contradicts Cop28 host on fossil fuel phaseout
The UAE say “fossil fuel emissions” should be phased out but Guterres said “fossil fuels” themselves must go, in a split on the role of carbon capture
World Bank set to take on risk of insuring carbon credits amid market upheaval
As a growing number of developing countries tighten control over carbon markets, MIGA plans to step in to provide political risk insurance and facilitate investments.
Fake social media profiles wage “organised” propaganda campaign on Cop28
Over a hundred Twitter profiles are suspected of a coordinated effort to influence opinion online. The Cop28 team says these activities are “unacceptable”.
FSC’s rehab scheme for forest destroyers under fire after fresh allegations
Indonesian pulp and paper giants are trying to rehabilitate themselves with the FSC despite continued accusations of deforestation in their supply chains
Governments fall short in UN’s East Africa drought appeal
Donor countries promised only a third of the $7bn the UN was appealing for to provide humanitarian aid to drought-stricken Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.
UN advises against offsets for carbon removal technologies
Billions of dollars are pouring into tech-based solutions to suck carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but the UNFCCC says they are unproven and pose unknown risks.
Verra boss steps down after criticism of its carbon credits
The carbon credit certifier has both grown rapidly and faced mounting integrity accusations during outgoing CEO’s tenure.
Rich nations “understanding” of South African delay to coal plant closures
Despite a multi-billion dollars clean energy transition deal, South Africa expects to keep coal plants running for longer while it battles electricity blackouts.
UAE invites Syria’s Assad to Cop28 in latest rehabilitation push
The Syrian regime has been accused of committing war crimes during a decade-long civil war. Western nations have criticised efforts to restore diplomatic relations.