UN climate fund axes Nicaragua forest project over human rights concerns
In its first such move, the Green Climate Fund has pulled out of a project after developers failed to address environmental and social compliance issues
China steps away from 2025 energy efficiency goal
The government aims to cut the amount of energy needed for its economic growth by 2.5% in 2024, putting it far off track for a key five-year climate target
Germany uses funding to pressure climate groups on Israel-Gaza war
Many Global South climate groups are funded by the German government, a political ally of Israel, and feel unable to criticise Israel’s military action in Gaza
Global energy-related CO2 emissions hit record high in 2023 – IEA
Global emissions from energy rose by 410 million tonnes, or 1.1%, in 2023 to 37.4 billion tonnes, hitting a record hight
Aid watchdog questions UK’s climate finance accounting
Britain has changed how it calculates its international climate aid, boosting its progress towards a 2026 goal without giving vulnerable countries more money
Nations fail to agree ban or research on solar geoengineering
At talks in Nairobi, governments could not find consensus on new global governance for SRM, including proposals for “non-use” and a UN expert panel
Revealed: UK civil servants’ secret doubts over climate techno-fixes
The government is relying on special cow food and green plane fuel to cut emissions – but officials warn some solutions may fall short
Despite Cop28 pledge, France keeps fossil fuel subsidies for farmers
France has abandoned plans to phase out tax breaks on agricultural diesel in efforts to appease its increasingly disgruntled farmers
Switzerland proposes first UN expert group on solar geoengineering
A draft resolution aimed at creating a space for discussion on sun dimming technologies will be debated at the summit of the UN’s environment body this month
Problems mount for Sahara gas pipeline, leaving Nigerian taxpayers at risk
The Nigerian government is sinking billions into the long-delayed project but economic and security problems are mounting
Argentine resistance hinders Milei’s forest and glacier destruction
Ultra free-market president Javier Milei has not so far been able to get cuts to environmental regulations through Congress
Shell accused of trying to wash hands of Nigerian oil spill mess
Shell’s oil spills have ruined farms and fisheries and locals want compensation before it sells up
Indonesia turns traditional Indigenous land into nickel industrial zone
Indonesia supplies the EV industry with critical battery materials but the sector’s rapid expansion is threatening the rights of Indigenous peoples
Azerbaijan orders Baku hotels to freeze Cop29 room booking
The move has sparked fears of price hikes, which would exclude poorer activists and government delegates
Ecuador’s new president tries to wriggle out of oil drilling referendum
To fund a crackdown against gang violence, Ecuador’s recently elected president Daniel Noboa suggested a moratorium on a vote to ban an Amazon oil drilling project.
EU floats 90% emissions target but drops green farming measures
The European Commission has proposed a 90% cut to net emissions by 2040 but has dropped specific targets for farming
India wants its own solar industry but has to break reliance with China first
To compete with China, India wants to make solar panels from scratch. But dependence on its rival for key components make it a tough task
“Shameful”: Shell uses carbon credits under investigation to meet climate targets
The oil and gas giant offset part of its emissions with over a million credits from Chinese projects suspended because of integrity concerns
Rich nations miss loss and damage fund deadline
Their failure to agree risks delaying help for victims of climate disasters in developing countries
John Podesta replaces Kerry as top US climate diplomat
Podesta will lead US international climate diplomacy alongside his current job overseeing the rollout of domestic clean energy subsidies