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Welcome to our live blog of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Over the next two weeks, world leaders, policymakers, activists, and experts will gather to discuss and negotiate critical issues related to climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability. The stakes are high, as the world faces a climate crisis that demands urgent and transformative action. We will be bringing you real-time updates, insights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses of the event, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussions, decisions, and outcomes of COP 28. Previous: 10th December Hosted by WeDontHaveTime and Lostisland Thank You For Following Our Live Blog! Updated 17:15h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 The gavel has fallen, and COP 28 has officially concluded. After two weeks of intense negotiations, punctuated by moments of both hope and frustration, President Sultan Al Jaber has declared the summit closed. “....true victory for those who are sincere in addressing climate change” National Statements Update: Navigating Progress And Concerns Updated 16:59h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 The last hour at the closing plenary of COP 28 has seen a flurry of reactions to the Global Stocktake agreement, with national statements offering a mix of cautious optimism and pointed critiques. Highlights: - Ghana: Calls for fairness in the draft, criticizing the timeline for fossil fuels while demanding clarity on expectations for other greenhouse gas sources like methane, particularly for developing countries. - Indonesia: Celebrates the agreement but acknowledges hard compromises and emphasizes the need for differentiated approaches for different countries. Expresses disappointment in the lack of focus on Indigenous people. - Paraguay: Welcomes the agreement but raises concerns about insufficient climate financing and the potential impact of methane curbs on their agriculture-dependent economy. Reiterates the right to development for developing countries. - Senegal: Echoes concerns about climate finance, emphasizing its crucial role for developing nations. Underscores the urgency of climate action, declaring, "We are fighting for our survival, and we are fighting for climate justice." - Palau: Praises the UAE presidency's vision for a fossil-free world but criticizes loopholes like carbon capture and the weak phrasing "transition away" instead of "phase out." Calls for immediate action and course correction. - Nigeria: Warns that the agreement's outcomes could stifle developing countries without adequate transition support like finance and technology. Urges developed countries to provide more support. - Ethiopia: Applauds the loss and damage fund but emphasizes its need to remain responsive to the most vulnerable countries. Encourages exceeding, not just meeting, climate targets. Unfinished Business Looms Large, 12 Agenda Items Relegated To "Rule 16" Limbo Updated 16:00h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 The final hours of COP 28 are buzzing with a peculiar mix of progress and delay. While the much-anticipated Global Stocktake has crossed the finish line, a disconcerting number of other decisions and documents remain outstanding. The Carbon Brief tracker paints a stark picture. Draft texts for numerous work tracks are either missing or haven't secured final approval. While bustling side business is par for the course in these mammoth conferences, the sheer volume of unfinished work is raising eyebrows. This isn't entirely unusual – ancillary technical matters often get sidelined. But the sheer number of issues relegated to "Rule 16" limbo – a chilling euphemism for "come back and try again next year" – is unprecedented. At least 12 agenda items have been unceremoniously bumped to future, their fate hanging precariously in the balance. This casts a long shadow over COP 28's legacy. Will this summit, like its post-Paris Agreement predecessors, leave a trail of unfinished business for future negotiations to grapple with? Canoe Leaks And Papal Concern Updated 15:12h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 Fossil fuel worries and inclusion concerns simmer as delegates react to the GST agreement. Here's a quick wrap of the national statements delivered in the last 45 minutes; Chile: Emphasized concerns about fossil fuel subsidies and transitional fuels, specifically gas. Pushed for concrete youth inclusion in policies and highlighted the precarious access to climate finance faced by ambitious middle-income countries. Marshall Islands: Delivered a powerful statement, likening the agreement to a leaky canoe and stressing the urgency of stronger action. Emphasized the need for fossil fuel phase-out and the importance of inclusion and equity. “I came from my home islands to work with you to solve the greatest challenge of our generations, to build a canoe....We have built a canoe with a weak and leaky hull. Yet we have to put it into the water because we have no other option. We must sail this canoe. It has a strong sail. We must be honest: there has not been inclusion, the fact that this decision was gavelled (without opening the floor for discussions)...is unacceptable...We need to phase out fossil fuels. Our job was clear, to keep 1.5C alive and to keep the world liveable as temperatures arrive. It’s a small step in the right direction. In the context of the real world, it is not enough. This year, I hope the islands are heard...As we sail this leaky canoe together, let’s agree to plug the leaks for the sake of all of us, especially the most vulnerable.” Vatican: Expressed concern about unfulfilled hopes of future generations and the need for a science-based transition. Underlined the principles of equity and intergenerational justice, quoting the Pope's call to action. ”We must also consider intergenerational justice and our responsibility...it is important to give hope and secure a liveable common home for our children...A lot of work is still ahead of us and we have a duty towards those who are rightly demanding that we as leaders act in their name...What would induce anyone at this stage to hold on to power, only to be remembered for their inability to take action when they were able to do so?” While the agreement has been reached, concerns remain about its strength and inclusivity. The need for stronger action on fossil fuels, youth inclusion, and equitable finance is clear. “What's Going On?” Updated 14:25h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 The closing plenary remains abuzz with voices as diverse groups and parties deliver their statements on the Global Stocktake decision. Progress is steady, but the marathon continues – many more decisions await adoption before the final curtain falls on COP 28. National Statements Update: Fossil Fuel Concerns, Carbon Market Transparency, And Multilateralism Updated 13:55h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 A quick recap of the national statements in the last 30 minutes; - Antigua and Barbuda sounded the alarm on the term "transition fuels" in the text, urging a complete shift away from all fossil fuels, including LNG and natural gas. While praising the mention of fossil fuel transition in the text for the first time, they expressed concern about potential loopholes. - Transparency demanded in carbon markets: Honduras, representing the alliance of tropical forest countries, passionately advocated for a strong regulatory framework and strict transparency in carbon markets. They warned against carbon fraud and called for measures to ensure proper functioning. - Latin America and the Caribbean weigh in: Guatemala, speaking on behalf of AILAC, welcomed the loss and damage fund's establishment and initial pledges, but stressed the need for firmer language in the final text. They emphasized the need for immediate action aligned with science and a 43% emissions reduction target by 2030, requiring global participation. They highlighted the need for multilateralism and support for developing countries. - South Korea hails progress and innovation: South Korea commended the loss and damage fund creation and appreciated the "Majlis" gathering for fostering agreement. They emphasized the global stocktake's role in keeping 1.5°C within reach and expressed support for technological innovation, potentially hinting at carbon capture and storage inclusion. They concluded by declaring COP28 a historic milestone for multilateralism and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment to climate action. Quick Update On National Statements So Far Updated 13:45h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 As COP 28 winds down, national statements from various countries reveal a complex tapestry of progress, concerns, and cautious optimism. • Saudi Arabia: Emphasized common but differentiated responsibilities and supported the use of all available technologies, including carbon capture, to reduce emissions. “Its outcome allows us to maintain 1.5C in accordance with every nation. We emphasise the UN principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. This principle must be upheld as in the Paris agreement. It supports different approaches to deal with different approaches. We must use every opportunity to reduce emissions regardless of the source,” • Turkey: Praised the organization of COP 28 and reiterated its offer to host COP31. Announced hosting of the first IPCC meeting next year in Istanbul. “We are extremely pleased that COP 29 will be held next year in our brotherly country Azerbaijan. The first meeting of the IPCC next year will be held in Istanbul in Janary, which shows the importance we attribute to climate action.” • Colombia: Welcomed the progress but warned of loopholes that could undermine the goal of 1.5°C. Called for an end to fossil fuel production expansion and thanked young activists and indigenous communities. And expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine. “First I want to communicate my greetings and thanks to the presidency, the UAE for its commitment and very professional team. It has been remarkable. You acted on good faith. The process intended to bring the parties together. The text reflects the political reality of this plenary. President Petro defines the struggle of this century between fossil capital and life. We were able to live an intense discussion that was able to make a step forward, but there are also loopholes which may create difficulties for us making 1.5C. It is the first time science has influenced the decision of the COP in such a deep way...I invite scientists to continue with their hard work around the world, because it is opening doors. The loopholes can undermine the political will. Right now, in the financial section of the text, we do not have the economics required for the deep transition... The production of fossil fuels needs to start being reduced. THe frontier of extraction needs to stop...We only have 6 years to show we can materialise in reality what we have just agreed in text. I want to thank the young people at this COP, the young people, the indigenous activists,” • India: Emphasized equity and climate justice as key principles moving forward. “The way ahead must be based on equity and climate justice. Let us carry this spirit of cooperation towards building a sustainable planet,” • China: Reiterated the need for both ambition and pragmatism in climate action. Urged developed countries to take responsibility and deliver on their commitments. Opposed unilateral measures and called for international unity. ”I wish to thank you as the president of the Cop for working hard, day and night. Yesterday marks the 8th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris agreement...It is China’s view that climate action must feature both ambition and pragmatism. The key is still pragmatic actions and delivering on the commitments. The means of implementation must match the ambitions...Developed countries have an unshakable historical responsibility for climate change and must take the lead to materialise net zero as soon as possible. Deliver without delay to ensure a global just transition. It is China’s core that we have but one planet. To tackle the climate crisis, the international community must react and unite and resist the unilateral measures that undermine the process. China will firmly implement the national strategy for climate action” EU Hails Agreement As "Beginning of the End" Of Fossil Fuels Updated 13:30h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 Speaking earlier during the plenary, Wopke Hoekstra, EU climate chief, expressed his gratitude to the conference organizers and declared, "Humanity has finally done what is long overdue. Thirty years we've spent to arrive at the beginning of the end of fossil fuels." This sentiment was echoed by Teresa Ribera, co-leader of the EU delegation, who praised the strong leadership and collective commitment to this critical step. “We pay attention to what Samoa has said – climate justice still needs our engagement and our work...But this step forward and our joint commitment delivers much more in a critical decade. We welcome the strong leadership by all delegates. We think this is a very relevant and positive step forward and we are very happy to take this step with all of you.” US Climate Envoy Acknowledges Compromise, Highlights Positive Signal Updated 13:15h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 Earlier, John Kerry, US climate change envoy, acknowledged the complex process of reaching consensus among 200 diverse nations amidst global challenges. He commended the agreement as "a document that reflects two years of sending a very strong signal to the world." He emphasized the crucial points: adhering to the 1.5°C goal, aligning future NDCs with this target, and urgently peaking greenhouse gas emissions. “For the first time in the history of our regime, the decision calls for transitioning away for fossil fuels to achieve net zero by 2050. We would have liked clearer language about the need to begin peaking. We would know this was a compromise between parties.” Switzerland Calls For Urgent Action And Laments Missing Human Rights Focus Updated 13:00h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 Switzerland has urged countries to step up their climate commitments and warning that the future rests on ditching fossil fuels to keep the 1.5°C goal alive. Speaking to the plenary, the Swiss representative emphasized the need for a strong and urgent energy package to deliver on this crucial turning point. Their message was clear: the success of COP 28 hinges on concrete action, not just words. While acknowledging progress on aligning financial flows with the Paris Agreement, Switzerland expressed disappointment at the lack of a more ambitious plan. They also voiced regret at the disappearance of references to human rights in the discussions around loss and damage, a vital concern that deserves attention. Cuba Says 1.5°C "North Star" At Risk Updated 12:30h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 In an address to the plenary, the Cuban delegate acknowledged the conference's progress while highlighting the stark realities facing the world. Recognizing this as "one of the most difficult and complex COPs since Paris," he emphasized the urgency of action, with the ever-narrowing window to limit global warming to 1.5°C serving as "our north star." “We recognise the importance and results achieved in this conference. This has been one of the most difficult and complex COPS since Paris. The increase in emissions and closing windows to keep global warming within 1.5C has been characterised as our north star...In Cuba, we stand ready to do more to make our energy matrix entirely renewable. But this is not enough. We need huge resources in addition to domestic resources which are competing with loss and damage and sustainable development goals. The decisions we take here must be fully consistent with realities. The main stumbling block to 1.5C is the lack of emission reductions and the failure of developed countries to help developing countries.” Bolivia Calls For Climate Justice And Paradigm Shift Updated 12:10h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 Bolivia has taken the floor during the plenary, delivering a passionate address focused on climate justice and the historical responsibility of developed nations. The spokesperson's message was clear: developing countries bear the brunt of a crisis they didn't create. “These last eight years saw developed countries working intensely to erode and erase their responsibilities. We are seeing the worsening of a more unjust and inequitable world, more inequity and injustice are no solution to the problems of more inequity and injustice around the world...Developed countries have not decided to take on the lead on the climate crisis or change their lifestyles. Developed countries that have plans to expand fossil fuels up to 2050 are running counter to the science. Our true north star is even further beyond its reach. Those that are most responsible for the expansion of fossil fuels are now the great champions of the north star...we would like to enter a reservation about common but differentiated responsibilities...Sir, we are once again victims of neocolonialism. We need a paradigm shift..“Developed countries talk about there being no financing for climate change but they put enormous amounts of money into funding an enormous industrial machinery and war on the planet. Developed countries talk about human rights while they provoke the genocide of our sisters and brothers in Palestine.” Confusion And Concerns Amid Adoption Of Texts Updated 11:45h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 Confusion swept the plenary hall as Sultan Al Jaber gavelled through the final texts without opening the floor for further statements. Delegates, anticipating a day of final debates, were caught off guard by the abrupt shift. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), led by Anne Rasmussen of Samoa, questioned the process, highlighting their absence during the announcement and raising concerns about the adequacy of the text in addressing the scientific urgency of the climate crisis. “We didn’t want to interrupt the standing ovation – but we are confused. It seems you just gavelled the decision and the small island states were not in the room...The draft text you have has many strong elements. We welcome technology. The question we have considered is whether they are enough. We have come to the conclusion that the course correction we have needed has not been secured....It is not enough to reference the science and then ignore what the science is telling us we should do.” This incident echoes similar moments of tension at previous COP Conferences, notably the Biodiversity COP 15 in Montreal and the Paris Agreement negotiations. In both cases, concerns raised by developing nations were initially ignored before being addressed later, raising questions about the legitimacy and inclusivity of the UN consensus process. Just Transition Work Programme Adopted Updated 11:35h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 The hall echoed with another round of applause, albeit briefer this time, as the "UAE Just Transition Work Programme" was officially adopted, facing no objections. UN Climate Chief Stiell Delivers Strong Message Updated 11:25h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 Action, not words, is the key takeaway from Simon Stiell's address. He emphasized the need for concrete steps on renewables, resilience, and phasing out fossil fuels. “I want to started by thanking the UAE for hosting us. We needed this COP to send clear signals on several fronts. We needed a green light in renewables, climate and resilience....At every stage, climate action must drive action side by side with human development and dignity. They are a climate action lifeline, not a finish line. Governments need to turn it into real economy outcomes without delay...Beginning of the end for fossil fuels. All parties must agree on every word, every comma, every full stop. Indeed, it underscores how much these UN conferences can achieve.We must get on with the job of putting the Paris agreement to full work...In early 2025, countries must deliver new NDCs. It must bring us into alignment with a 1.5C world. We will keep working to improve the process....Without these conferences we would be headed for 5 degrees. We’re currently headed for 3 degrees.I thank you for doing everything possible to keep us on the straight and narrow...My final message is to ordinary people everywhere. Everyone one of you is making a difference. Your voices and determination will be more important than ever...we are still in this race. We will be with you every step of the way.” Applause And Discord As Fossil Fuel Language Makes Debut Updated 11:20h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 Following the historic adoption of the first Global Stocktake decision, a moment of tension and discord emerged. As COP 28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber declared, "We have language on fossil fuel for the first time ever," the Saudi delegation reportedly remained silent, refusing to join in the celebratory applause. Global Stocktake Text Adopted! Updated 11:15h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 A wave of thunderous applause just swept through the halls of COP 28 as Parties to the Paris Agreement formally adopted the decision text on the first-ever Global Stocktake with no objections. ”Through the night and the early hours, we worked collectively for consensus. The presidency listened, engaged and guided. I promised I would roll up my sleeves. I promised I would be with you. You did step up, you showed flexibility, you put common interest ahead of self interest. Let us finish what we started. Let us unite, act and now deliver...We have the basis to make transformations change happen – let us finish what we have startedFrom the bottom of my heart, thank you. We have travelled a long road together in a short amount of time. We have worked very hard to secure a better future for our people and planet. We should be proud of our historic achievements. My country, UAE, is proud of its role in helping you move forward.We have delivered a comprehensive response to the global stocktake. We have delivered a robust action plan to keep 1.5°C in reach. It is a balanced plan that addresses emissions… it is built on common ground. It is strengthened by full inclusivity. It is a historic package to accelerate climate action. It is the UAE consensus.Many said this could not be done. When I spoke to you at the very start, I promised a different sort of Cop, private and public sectors… everyone came together from day one. Everyone united, acted and delivered. We operationalised loss and damage and filled the fund. We delivered world first after world first.It is built on common ground, it is strengthened by full inclusivity. It is enhanced, balanced but make no mistake, a historic package. For the first time, to deliver on methane and emissions. We have language on fossil fuels in our final agreement for the first time ever.Let me sound a word of caution. Any agreement is only as good as its implementation. We are what we do, not what we say. We must turn this agreement into tangible action. If we unite, we can have a profound effect on all of our futures. Inclusivity kept us going in the difficult days. Everyone has been heard, from Indigenous peoples or youth to global south. We have reframed the conversation around climate finance. We have intergrated the real economy into the climate challenge....Colleagues and friends, it has been a personal privilege to guide this conference...I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all that made this happen. To every country who made it a success, I say thank you. You have come in record numbers. You care deeply about the future of this wonderful planet and so do I.To my family, of whom I’ve seen far too little of this year, you inspire me and motivate me. I thank you. Colleagues, our task was to build on the foundations of what others have built for us. Future generations may not know your names but they’ll owe every single one of your a debt of gratitude. If it wasn’t for your collective effort, we would not have been able to achieve this historic achievement. I thank you again.” - Sultan Al Jaber, COP 28 President Plenary Session Kicks Off After Lengthy Delay Updated 11:10h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 After a tense wait stretching over 45 minutes, the final plenary session of COP 28 has finally begun. Anticipation, punctuated by the occasional murmur or restless shuffle, had filled the hall as delegates awaited the official start. Now, with a gavel bang and a call to order, the stage is set for the culmination of two weeks of intense negotiations. The reason for the delay remains shrouded in whispers. Some speculate on last-minute revisions to the draft agreement, while others hint at eleventh-hour consultations between key players Activists Press For Strong Commitments In Final Minutes Updated 10:20h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 Outside, activists line the entrance of Al Hairat, their voices rising in a chorus of “HoldTheLine,” urging negotiators to commit to a swift, equitable, permanent, and fully-funded phase-out of fossil fuels. Inside the hall, a cautious optimism prevails. Delegates express quiet confidence that the current COP 28 texts will be adopted, with only minor adjustments expected. However, a surprise objection or a last-minute push for revisions cannot be entirely ruled out. The air hangs heavy with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. Plenary Delayed, But Delegates Flock To The Hall Updated 10:10h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 The closing plenary, initially scheduled for 10:00h, has been pushed back to 10:30h local time. However, this delay hasn't dampened the anticipation. In fact, the hall is starting to buzz with activity as delegates from around the world arrive, their faces etched with a mix of determination and fatigue after two weeks of intense negotiations. The reason for the delay remains unclear, but whispers of last-minute tweaks to the draft agreement and ongoing consultations between key players are circulating. This unexpected pause provides a brief moment of respite, but the tension in the air is thick. Everyone knows the clock is still ticking, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Tensions High As COP 28 Hurtles Towards The “Closing” Plenary Updated 09:51h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 The clock ticks down, minutes morphing into seconds, as the anticipation is palpable. With less than 10 minutes to go until the closing plenary, the atmosphere at COP 28 is a charged cocktail of hope, frustration, and everything in between. Negotiators have been locked in marathon sessions, scrambling to find common ground on key issues like fossil fuel phase-out and finance for developing nations. The draft text remains contentious, with major players voicing concerns about its ambition and effectiveness. Will this be a Paris moment, a landmark agreement that sets the world on a path to a sustainable future? Or will it be a Copenhagen redux, a missed opportunity that leaves us teetering on the brink of climate catastrophe? Final Stocktake Text Draws Mixed Reactions Updated 09:30h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 Reactions are pouring in from all corners on the final text. While some hail it as a historic step towards a fossil-free future, others argue it falls short of what's needed. Norway's Climate Minister, Espen Barth Eide, sees the text as a breakthrough, marking the first time the world unites behind a clear call to move away from fossil fuels. He views this as a significant accomplishment after years of skirting around the issue. “It is the first time that the world unites around such a clear text on the need to transition away from fossil fuels...It has been the elephant in the room, at last, we address it head-on. This is the outcome of extremely many conversations and intense diplomacy.” WWF's Stephen Cornelius, however, finds the text's fossil fuel language improved but still insufficient. While it avoids the outright outrage of earlier drafts, it doesn't go so far as demanding a complete phase-out of coal, oil, and gas. “This draft is a sorely needed improvement from the last version, which rightly caused outrage....The language on fossil fuels is much improved, but still falls short of calling for the full phase-out of coal, oil and gas.” NGO Destination Zero founder Catherine Abreu is more optimistic. She highlights the text's clear signal towards a fossil-fuel-free future, calling for global efforts to shift away from these fuels within this decade, aligning with 1.5°C climate goals. “This text provides a very clear signal on the end of the fossil fuel era, calling on all parties to contribute to global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels, beginning in this decade, in keeping with the science of 1.5°C.” However, Romain Loualalen from Oil Change International expresses concerns about loopholes. He warns that a massive expansion of fossil gas production could still occur under this text, jeopardizing any hope of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. He emphasizes the need for a major financial shift towards renewable energy to truly move beyond fossil fuels. “If we see a massive expansion of fossil gas production as a result of this, then any hope of limiting warning to 1.5C will be gone...It's about time that investments shifted away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy...And that will only happen if there is a massive shift of finance towards, towards renewable energy and away from fossil fuels.” As COP 28 nears its conclusion, the final stocktake text remains a subject of debate. While it represents progress on the fossil fuel front, it's unclear if it goes far enough to ensure a sustainable future. “A Call to Action, But What Will It Mean?” Updated 09:20h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 The latest draft texts at COP 28 are drawing attention to their use of the term "calls on," sparking criticism on its potential impact. While seemingly straightforward, within the intricate language of UNFCCC agreements, this phrase carries specific weight. Firstly, "calls on" falls under the category of "invitation" or "request" in the legal framework of the UNFCCC. This means it doesn't hold the same binding power as stronger terms like "shall" or "must," which are more definitive in demanding action. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, "calls on" represents the weakest option among the spectrum of terms used to urge action. This has led to concerns that it might not be strong enough to drive meaningful progress on critical climate goals. The implications of this choice are significant. While "calls on" can still serve as a valuable tool for raising awareness and encouraging action, it's crucial to acknowledge its limitations. It's up to the parties involved to translate this "call" into concrete commitments and tangible steps towards achieving the Paris Agreement objectives. Plenary Now Scheduled For 10 AM Updated 08:20h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 According to a notification sent to delegates from the COP 28 Presidency, the Plenary is now scheduled for 10:00h. An earlier notification sent to Chairs, Coordinators, and Focal Points said the COP 28 Presidency will convene the plenary at 09:30h. New Stocktake Text Calls For "Transition" Away From Fossil Fuels By 2050 Updated 07:55h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 The latest global stocktake text, released this morning, calls on nations to "transition" from fossil fuels and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. While not explicitly demanding a "phase-out," the language represents a stronger stance compared to earlier drafts. The proposed text, set for endorsement by countries, states; "...transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science". Significantly, the text also urges countries to "...accelerate efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power," a point likely to face resistance from major coal-dependent economies like India and China. Revised Draft Texts Published! Updated 06:55h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 After hours of anticipation, the COP 28 Presidency has just published the revised draft texts, injecting a fresh wave of energy into the conference. Delegates and observers are now poring over its contents, dissecting its implications and formulating their responses. The atmosphere is electric, a mix of cautious optimism and simmering anxieties. While some see the revised text as a step closer to a concrete agreement, others remain skeptical, waiting for the inevitable critiques and concerns to bubble up. Countries are already gearing up to raise their voices. Whether it's concerns about specific language, calls for further ambition, or anxieties over equity and implementation, the coming hours promise to be filled with lively debate and diplomatic maneuvering. It's still too early to predict whether this revised text will be the bridge to a successful COP 28 or another stumbling block on the road. Texts To Be Published By 6:00 AM, Plenary Scheduled For 9:30 AM Updated 01:15h GST/UTC+4 - 13/12/23 As per a notification sent to Chairs, Coordinators, and Focal Points, all texts are scheduled to be published at 06:00h. Subsequently, the COP 28 Presidency will convene the plenary at 09:30h. Article 6 Contact Groups Conclude With Mixed Results Updated 23:45h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 The contact groups for Article 6 under the Paris Agreement have wrapped up, leaving a mixed bag of outcomes. While some proposals were met with relief for their failure to pass, others continue to raise concerns. The consultation on Article 6.4, focused on market mechanisms, ended without reaching consensus. This comes as a victory for many who advocated against its weak environmental and human rights safeguards. Similar to 6.4, the text for Article 6.2, dealing with non-market approaches, also failed to gain widespread acceptance. Objections focused on its inadequacy in ensuring environmental integrity and protecting human rights. While Article 6.8 on non-market approaches with corresponding adjustments was adopted, concerns remain about its shortcomings. The lack of robust safeguards again emerged as a major point of contention. Intensive negotiations around article 6 are expected in the coming hours. Consultations To Countinue Until 3 AM GST Updated 22:33h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 Intensive negotiations are ongoing as the COP Presidency seeks to build consensus on a revised stocktake document. Following consultations throughout the day and evening with various negotiating groups and parties, a spokesperson for the presidency has just announced that talks will continue until 3:00h GST. “Overnight and throughout today, the COP 28 President and his team have been engaging in extensive consultations with a wide representation of negotiating groups and Parties. This is to ensure everyone is heard, and all views are considered. He is determined to deliver a version of the text that has the support of all Parties. Consultations will continue until 03:00AM GST.” Furthermore, the German delegation's spokesperson anticipates a plenary session around 8:00h GST tomorrow, where countries are likely to be asked to endorse the revised text. However, other sources suggest that the current pace might necessitate another "majlis" and a closing plenary at around 10:00h GST. Article 6 Text Draws Criticism Updated 21:55h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 Tensions are rising at COP 28 as reactions to the Article 6 text begin to solidify. Activists are calling the proposed text “unacceptable,” raising concerns about its potential to legitimize fossil fuel industry practices and exacerbate inequalities. The proposed text also faces scrutiny for its potential impact on Indigenous Peoples and human rights. Critics argue that Article 6, in its current form, risks overlooking or even harming these vulnerable communities. ”The Article 6 texts are unacceptable. The global carbon markets are essentially bank accounts for fossil fuel industries to lie their way out of extraction...At this point the inconsistencies, inequalities and harm that Article 6 will cause to the rights of Indigenous Peoples, human right and the planet is undeniable.” - Tamra Gilbertson, Indigenous Environmental Network Late Night Progress But Fossil Fuels Remain Hurdle Updated 20:45h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 The ongoing bilateral talks between the COP 28 Presidency and parties has yielded a little progress and two new drafts have been published. However, the thorny issue of fossil fuels continues to be the elephant in the room, dividing negotiators and threatening to stall further advancements. The first draft text focuses on the work program for non-market approaches under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, specifically those referred to in paragraph 8 and decision 4/CMA.3. This draft outlines potential steps for implementing these approaches, which aim to reduce emissions through collaboration without relying on carbon markets. The second draft text tackles cooperative approaches under Article 6, paragraph 2, and decision 2/CMA.3. Released alongside the first text, it provides guidance on how countries can work together to achieve emission reductions and share mitigation outcomes. Both drafts represent significant progress in the negotiations, offering concrete pathways for parties to implement key aspects of Article 6. Also, contact groups for the three sub-items on cooperative approaches to implement the Paris Agreement (Article 6) are now scheduled for tonight from 22:00h GST. This will be the first scheduled sessions for today. Despite the positive developments, the issue of fossil fuels remains a major sticking point. Many developing countries are pushing for strong language phasing out fossil fuels in the final COP 28 agreement. However, developed nations, particularly those with significant fossil fuel industries, are hesitant to commit to such a drastic step. This divergence in priorities threatens to derail progress on other critical issues, casting a shadow over the overall success of COP 28. No Text Expected Till Midnight, COP 28 Presidency Convenes Late-Night Bilateral Session Updated 20:10h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 The COP 28 Presidency is currently holding a bilateral with all groups, the meeting started at 19:30h and is expected to tackle various critical topics. Sources indicate that no draft text is expected to be published until midnight, when the meeting is expected to end. Waiting For Key Draft Texts Updated 19:15h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 Delays persist as the clock ticks at COP 28. We're over an hour past the expected release of new texts on several critical topics: - Global Stocktake - Global Goal on Adaptation - Mitigation Work Programme - Just Transition Pathways Work Programme Finance Draft Texts Published Updated 18:55h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 While the highly anticipated draft text on the Global Stocktake remains elusive, COP 28 is seeing progress on the finance front. Draft decision texts on various financial issues are rolling in; - The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) - Financial Mechanism Review A Simmering Atmosphere Awaits The Revised Draft Updated 18:25h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 As the sun slowly dips below the skyline, a palpable tension hangs heavy in the air. The much-anticipated release of the revised draft text has yet to materialize, leaving delegates and observers in a state of anxious anticipation. Meanwhile, outside the official conference halls, a different kind of energy is brewing. Youth activists and civil society groups, their chants and banners fluttering like defiant butterflies, echo the growing impatience with the glacial pace of progress. "End The Fossil Era!" they demand, their voices a rising chorus of dissent against the very industries whose shadow hangs over the possibility of real change. “When Will COP 28 End?” Updated 17:30h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 As Tuesday afternoon stretches on at COP 28, the question of when the conference will finally conclude hangs heavy in the air. With the clock past 5pm and the deadline set by COP President Sultan Al-Jaber for ”by the latest” 11am Tuesday already crossed, the anticipation for a final agreement is palpable. Analysts point to the history of previous COPs, where negotiations often extended for a day or two beyond the scheduled closing date. The next step is the release of the revised draft text, which is expected in less than 30 minutes. This document will be the basis for the final stretch of negotiations, and its contents will offer clues as to the remaining sticking points and the potential for compromise. UK's Most Senior Diplomat At COP 28 Departs As Talks Hit Iceberg Updated 15:47h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 In a move that has raised eyebrows among delegates and activists, the UK's Minister of State for Climate Change, Graham Stuart, has departed COP 28 mid-way through last stretch of negotiations. The UK Government confirmed Stuart's return to London to attend Parliament, emphasizing continued official representation in the negotiation table. However, the timing of his departure, coinciding with the negotiations reaching a critical point, has sparked concerns and questions. The government claims he will return once the vote on the Rwanda Bill in Parliament is completed. Stuart's departure adds to the existing concerns regarding the UK's commitment to ambitious climate action. The country's advocacy for a complete phase-out of fossil fuels during talks last night has been challenged by its own plans for new North Sea oil and gas licenses. Additionally, the brief appearances by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho at the beginning of the COP have further fueled criticism of the UK's seemingly lukewarm engagement. With Stuart's absence, the UK delegation is now led by civil servants, raising questions about the country's ability to exert its desired influence in the remaining negotiation sessions. As for the negotiations, there is no end in sight, countries remain divided on the issue of phasing out or down fossil fuels. The UAE presidency is expected to release a revised draft in the coming hours, and it remains to be seen whether it will address the concerns raised. Activists Demand Stronger Language In Stocktake Updated 14:50h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 Climate activists are demanding stronger language on fossil fuels in the critical global stocktake text. Outside the conference halls, they held banners proclaiming, "Right to a healthy environment now!" Sebastian Duyck, from the Centre for International Environmental Law, gave voice to their concerns “We really hope that the text is changed and that some key red lines that are so important for civil society will be strengthened....the four red lines we were here to stress is the importance of fossil fuel phase-out - that would send a strong political signal...” COP 28 Presidency Seeks “Fossil Fuel Inclusion”In Final Text, New Draft Delayed Until Tonight Updated 13:10h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 During a press conference this afternoon, COP 28 Director-General Majid Al Suwaidi framed the presidency's aim as “including fossil fuels in the text,” without mention of phasing them out. He acknowledged “deeply divided views, especially on fossil fuels,” and said the presidency has spent hours in talks and will release a new text incorporating these diverse perspectives. Al Suwaidi emphasized that the final document will reflect the ambition of governments, not just the presidency. He announced a new text will be released for further input, clarifying that it's not a ”take it or leave it” offer. He acknowledged the ambiguity in the current draft, which uses "could" to preface many potential actions. He indicated the new text will be analyzed “in the round,” but didn't directly address whether the use of the term "could" will be retained. “...most demanding COP agenda of all time...All COPS are challenging, but in this COP we are trying to do something that hasn't been done before, something historic...We are trying to agree a comprehensive plan to close the gaps between where the world is and where it needs to be to keep 1.5°C degrees within reach...Part of this is to include language on fossil fuels in the text. If we can, that would be historic...We've known for a long time that the language around fossil fuels are complicated and the views around it as complicated...And it's important that we have the right language when it comes to fossil fuels, it's important how we get that balance...We've said as a presidency we think fossil fuel language needs to be part of that. Now we need the parties to say how do we land [it]...”“...We expected that. In fact, we wanted the text to spark conversations. And that’s what’s happened. What we have seen since is that the parties have deeply held and deeply split views, especially on the language around fossil fuels. It’s important to be clear on something, the text we released was the starting point for discussions. Again, this is entirely normal for a consensus based process....When we released it, we knew opinions were polarised. But what we didn’t know was where each country’s red lines were. By releasing our first draft of the text, we got parties to come to us quickly with those red lines. We spent last night talking taking in that feedback. And that has put us in a position to draft a new text. The text includes all the elements we need for a comprehensive plan to 2030… but this is a process of the parties… and while the presidency can guide, direct and encourage the level of ambition is for the parties to agree.” The COP Presidency also announced that the new draft text will be out no earlier than 18:00h GST. Behind the scenes, the COP 28 Presidency has sent emails to the chairs and coordinators in the negotiating process. “The COP 28 Presidency is grateful for the inputs and actions we are receiving across the full package of decisions. Thank you for the trust you continue to have in the Presidency in seeing this through and the engagement last night from ministers and Heads of Delegation. As indicated the Presidency is revisiting texts on all outstanding issues, considering all inputs on structure as well substantive elements.Consultations on all outstanding issues will continue throughout the day, which we will then reflect in proposed texts. We would appreciate if you can make yourself available for Group and Party consultations in the Blue Zone. We will inform Parties and Groups on the time and room for consultations. Our objective is to ensure that Groups and Parties have a full package of decisions to consider later today, but this will be no earlier than 6 pm. We will update you further on the process by 6 pm.” Africa Pushes Back On Fossil Fuel Phase-Out, Demands Finance For Adaptation Updated 11:30h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 In a press conference few minutes ago, the Africa Group voiced strong opposition to calls for fossil fuel phase-out and concerns over the lack of financial support for adaptation. “Asking Nigeria to phase out fossil fuels - or indeed Africa to phase out fossil fuels - is asking us to stop breathing without life support. It's not acceptable,” the Nigerian Minister of State for Environment, Ishak Salako, stated during the African Group of negotiators press briefing, highlighting the continent's dependence on fossil fuels for development and energy security. Chair of the African Negotiators Group, Zambia's Environment Minister Collins Nzovu compared a goal to adapt to climate change without finance to a “bike without tyres,” emphasizing the need for concrete financial commitments to support vulnerable nations in building resilience against climate impacts. He further emphasized the “importance of oil and gas” in driving Africa's development, highlighting the crucial role these resources play in building infrastructure, generating jobs, and fostering economic growth. Many African countries argue that a “just transition” must be prioritized, ensuring that their “development needs” are not compromised in the pursuit of emissions reductions. The issue of financial support is also a major sticking point, with African nations calling for developed countries to fulfill their pledges of providing $100 billion annually for climate action in developing countries. Cracks Emerge As Kerry And Al Jaber Hold Private Talks Updated 10:25h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 Tensions flared late last night at the Head of Delegation (HoD) meeting, casting a shadow over today's crucial negotiations. In a move that raised eyebrows, US Climate Envoy John Kerry and COP 28 President Sultan Al Jaber entered the room together and exited just as abruptly, leaving the session still ongoing. This private tête-à-tête, bypassing the broader discussion, turned heads in the negotiating halls. The BASIC group, representing major developing nations, quickly departed for their own HoD-level meeting. The air is thick with suspicion this morning, with accusations of backroom deals and preferential treatment hanging heavy. The question on everyone's lips is: Did Kerry and Al Jaber reach a secret agreement? Or was it simply a strategic maneuver to break a deadlock? Whatever the case, the fault lines are now clearly drawn. Today's negotiations promise to be tense, with the EU, the G77 and the BASIC group likely to push back against any perceived attempts to undermine their interests. “Menu Of Dead Rats” Updated 09:30h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 Activists are up and about, distributing their daily newsletter. In today's edition of ECO, the civil society newsletter published daily by Climate Action Network, a global network of more than 1,900 civil society organisations in over 130 countries. They've labeled the current text a "menu of dead rats," a grim metaphor for the lack of progress and unpalatable options being offered. Good Morning! Updated 08:00h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 Negotiators burned the midnight oil exchanging views on the draft text. Many voiced strong opposition to the insufficient emissions reduction targets, while others criticized the lack of financial support from wealthier nations to aid poorer countries in achieving those goals and adapting to climate change. With the current iteration falling short, the COP 28 Presidency has gone back to the drawing board and plans to release a revised text later today. Frustrations Rise, Deal Rewrites Loom As Clock Ticks Down Updated 02:58h GST/UTC+4 - 12/12/23 The clock is ticking, and tempers are flaring. Governments are giving their feedback on the draft deal presented by the UAE COP 28 presidency, and the mood is far from conciliatory. Many, including the EU, UK, the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and the Least Developed Countries Group (LDC), are expressing strong dissatisfaction. The presidency is likely to rewrite the deal in response to these criticisms, a process that could take hours. This throws a wrench into the already tight schedule. The prospect of a last-minute scramble to reach an agreement is raising anxieties and casting doubt on whether COP 28 will deliver the concrete action needed to address the climate crisis. “We Have Time And We Are Prepared To Stay A Little Longer” Updated 23:35 GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 In a move that could extend talks, the European Union has declared its willingness to stay longer and fight for a stronger deal. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made the statement clear: “This is not a problem for the European delegation. We have time and we are prepared to stay a little longer.” The EU's stance stems from deep dissatisfaction with the current draft agreement. They argue that the proposed text dangerously downplays the urgency of replacing fossil fuels, sending a misleading signal to businesses and markets. As Baerbock stated, “The need to replace fossil fuels is completely missing. The current text on fossil fuels misleads the world. It suggest that fossiles can continue to play an essential role in our future. This is a misleading signal to our businesses & our markets.” The EU's position throws down the gauntlet to other nations. It signals that they are prepared to walk away from a weak deal, even if it means extending the talks. This could put immense pressure on other countries, particularly those with vested interests in the fossil fuel industry, to come to the table with more ambitious proposals. Whether the EU's gambit will pay off remains to be seen. The coming hours will be crucial in determining whether COP 28 can deliver a deal that truly meets the moment. UK Joins Chorus Of Discontent Over Draft Text Updated 23:05 GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 The UK has joined a chorus of nations, including the EU, US, and small island states, expressing disappointment with the draft agreement text. A government spokesperson called the text “disappointing” and stated that it “does not go far enough” to meet global climate goals. Signals from the negotiations suggest that the UK remains adamant about phasing out ”unabated” fossil fuels, a stance echoed by its partners. Minister Graham Stuart and lead negotiator Alison Campbell are currently attending the Head of Delegation Meeting with the COP presidency. High Ambition Coalition Meets To Discuss Latest Texts Updated 22:10h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 The High Ambition Coalition (HAC), an alliance of the “world's most climate ambitious nations,” is meeting to discuss the latest draft texts. Chaired by the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the HAC is a leading voice pushing for ambitious action on climate change. The meeting comes at a critical time, as negotiators work to finalize a series of key decisions, including the Global Stocktake and the Global Goal on Adaptation. The HAC's meeting will be closely watched by observers, as it will provide an indication of the level of support for the latest texts. Also, the HAC has a strong track record of achieving progress on climate negotiations. “We need to keep a 1.5 degree figure alive. It is what science demands and our kids deserve...” - Wopke Hoekstra, EU's Climate Commissioner Activists Hold Vigil As Talks Drag On Updated 21:20h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 As negotiations continue late into the night, activists have lined the path to the negotiating rooms, holding vigils and raising their voices to demand urgent action on climate change. The mood outside the negotiating rooms is a mixture of hope and frustration. Activists are determined to hold their leaders accountable and ensure that the decisions made at COP 28 are meaningful and ambitious. The activists represent a diverse range of groups, from environmental organizations to indigenous communities. They are united in their call for our leaders to “Hold The Line” and push for a global phaseout of fossil fuels. Host For Next COPs Confirmed, But Big Divides Remain Unresolved Updated 21:00h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 During the Presidency Formal Plenary, the long-awaited confirmation was made: COP 29 will take place in Azerbaijan from 11-22 November 2024 and COP 30 will be hosted by Brazil from 10-21 November 2025. While Azerbaijan's Minister Mukhtar Babayev highlighted his country's “rich cultural heritage and dynamic energy,” Brazil's environment minister Marina Silva acknowledged potential challenges in securing sufficient finance and means of implementation for ambitious emissions reduction goals. Despite progress on some low-profile agenda items, deep divides remain on key issues like fossil fuel phase-out, adaptation to climate change, and financial responsibility. Al Jaber's announcement of a six-month delay on the adaptation committee agenda item further underscored the lack of agreement. Many expected an update from the Presidency on outstanding matters, particularly the Global Stocktake and Global Goal on Adaptation. However, no dedicated plenary for stocktaking materialized. This lack of progress on crucial issues raises concerns about the effectiveness of the current negotiations. Despite the challenges, some decisions were forwarded by the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies. Additionally, Heads of Delegation are expected to meet later tonight, potentially offering an opportunity for further dialogue and progress. Whether the remaining divisions can be overcome in time remains to be seen. However, the confirmed locations and upcoming meetings provide some hope. EU Leaders Find COP 28 Draft Text “Unacceptable,” Demand More Stringent Action Updated 19:53h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 The EU's Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra and Spanish Environment Minister Teresa Ribera have expressed strong reservations about the draft text released at COP28, calling several elements “unacceptable.” Both leaders emphasized that this is a long way from the final agreement, with Ribera stating that her flight back to Madrid is not booked until Friday. Hoekstra echoed this sentiment, saying the current text falls far short of expectations. “We think there are elements in the text that are fully unacceptable...We want to have 1.5C being the safe space. We are going to fight for 1.5C. The current text provides some reference to the science, some reference to 1.5C, but it is not consistent with dealing with energy. We need to get into deeper discussions with many other partners, and of course with the president...I cannot hide the fact from you that as it stands, the text is disappointing. It is lengthy, we are still looking into all of the various elements. Yes, there are a couple of good things in there...” Marshall Islands Rejects COP 28 Draft: ”We Will Not Sign Our Death Warrant” Updated 19:05h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 The Marshall Islands delivered a strong rebuke to the draft text, calling it unacceptable and tantamount to signing their “death warrant” in the face of climate change. John Silk, the Marshall Islands' head of delegation, emphasized the urgency of phasing out fossil fuels, stating that it is the only way to achieve the 1.5°C global warming target set by the Paris Agreement. He condemned the draft for failing to address this critical issue adequately. “The Republic of the Marshall Islands did not come here to sign our death warrant. We came here to fight for 1.5 and for the only way to achieve that: a fossil fuel phase out. What we have seen today is unacceptable. We will not go silently to our watery graves. We will not accept an outcome that will lead to devastation for our country, and for millions if not billions of the most vulnerable people and communities.” Small Island States Criticize Draft Text, Urge Fossil Fuel Phaseout Updated 18:50h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) has expressed strong disapproval of the draft text released at the ongoing COP28 climate summit. Representatives of the 39-member bloc displayed visible frustration at a media scrum, calling the document inadequate in addressing the urgency of the climate crisis. Samoa's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, voiced particular concern, stating that the text fails to uphold the crucial goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. “We have been asked throughout this process, what is at stake if these negotiations don’t return a strong outcome that keeps 1.5C alive? How can you not understand it is our very survival that is at stake. This is why in every room our negotiators have been pushing tirelessly for decisions that align with staying under 1.5C of warming. That is why if parties continue to oppose the phase out of fossil fuels and fossil fuel subsidies they must stop and question their own commitment to this process...As big emitters continue to serve an antiquated industry which is responsible for over 90% of the current CO2 emissions, and rising, Aosis will be here. We will never stop fighting for a future where our people can not just survive, but thrive. Because as a result of the actions of big emitters, we have no other choice....we remind you yet again, our small island developing states are on the frontlines of this climate crisis, but if you continue prioritising profit over people you are putting your own future on the line. We call on all our allies to support our call and stand with us to keep 1.5C.” COP 28 Draft Global Stocktake Lacks Action Verbs, Raising Concerns About Ambition Updated 18:30h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 The newly released draft Global Stocktake text has generated concern due to its lack of action verbs. While the document acknowledges the urgency of climate action and recognizes existing efforts, it overwhelmingly favors passive verbs like "notes", "recognizes", and "invites". Stronger verbs like "calls on", which imply a demand for action, appear only sparingly. This lack of clear calls to action has raised concerns about the overall ambition of the Global Stocktake. Critics argue that without specific directives urging immediate and concrete steps, the document will fall short of achieving meaningful progress in the fight against climate change. The overuse of passive verbs suggests a reluctance to commit to bold action. Instead of clearly demanding that countries implement specific measures, the text often adopts a more tentative and ambiguous approach. This ambiguity leaves ample room for countries to avoid taking responsibility and continue with business as usual. While some argue that this cautious approach is necessary to ensure consensus among diverse nations, others fear that it undermines the urgency and seriousness of the climate crisis. They believe that the time for polite requests and vague commitments has passed, and that the Global Stocktake needs to send a clear and unequivocal message demanding swift and decisive action. “Instead of a historic commitment to phase out fossil fuels in line with science and equity, the latest GST draft put forward by the Presidency is a complete letdown, stuffed with qualifying language and technological distractions.Parties must go back to the drawing board and produce a text that truly reckons with the moment we are in, during the hottest year ever with increasing devastating impacts on communities and ecosystems.” - Caroline Brouillette, Executive Director, Climate Action Network Canada New Draft Text Avoids "Phase-Out" Terminology Updated 17:34h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 The long-awaited draft text from the presidency of COP 28, avoids explicitly using the term "phase-out" for fossil fuels, despite scientific advice calling for it. Instead, it mandates a reduction in fossil fuel production and consumption "by, before, around 2050." High-level sources say the presidency “successfully resisted pressure” to weaken the language further. “The COP 28 Presidency has been clear from the beginning about our ambitions...This text reflects those ambitions and is a huge step forward. Now it is in the hands of the Parties, who we trust to do what is best for humanity and the planet..” After Lengthy Wait, Draft Global Stocktake Text Published Updated 17:15h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 Following a period of intense anticipation, the Global Stocktake draft negotiating text by the COP Presidency has finally been published. This document represents the culmination of discussions at COP 28, encompassing diverse areas of climate action, including fossil fuel phaseout. The release of the text opens a new chapter in the COP 28 proceedings. Scheduled for 18:00h GST today, a dedicated plenary session will commence, allowing nations to delve into the document's details and engage in critical analysis.The road ahead is undoubtedly complex. 'People's Plenary' Demands Ceasefire In Gaza And Addresses Climate Justice Updated 17:03h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 Amidst ongoing turmoil in the official negotiations at COP 28, the 'People's Plenary,' an annual gathering of observer organizations, hosted passionate discussions on critical topics including Indigenous Peoples' rights, the role of workers in just transitions, and the interconnectedness of climate change and conflict. One particularly impactful moment came when hundreds attending the session rose in unison, demanding a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This powerful act of solidarity resonated throughout the Plenary and highlighted the urgency of addressing both climate and human rights issues simultaneously. Activists from diverse backgrounds, further amplified the call for peace through chants and raised fists. This wasn't the first demonstration calling for an end to the war in Gaza, a large march took place through Expo City Dubai on Saturday. Beyond Oil And Gas Alliance Press Conference Calls For Action On Fossil Fuels Updated 16:30h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 After a statement calling for global phase out of fossil fuels, the Beyond Oil & Gas Alliance (BOGA), led by Danish climate minister Dan Jørgensen, held a press conference to discuss the issue and urge action. Jørgensen emphasized the need for a conscious political decision to end the fossil fuel era, regardless of available resources. He expressed optimism that COP 28 could be the turning point, allowing the world to stay below the critical 1.5°C warming threshold. “...The stone age didn’t end because the world ran out of stone. Likewise, the fossil era won’t end because we don’t have oil, gas and coal left. It will only end if we make a conscious political decision. The good news is we have the alternatives. Hopefully at this Cop, we will also be able to make the political decision to make this real so we can stay below 1.5C...” French minister for the energy transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, echoed this sentiment, calling for ambitious and clear language on the fossil fuel phase-out in the final text. “...The momentum has come to act and agree on an ambitious and clear language on fossil fuels ... COP28 should be the COP where countries agree on ambitious language on phasing out fossil fuels to keep 1.5C alive....” Colombian environment minister Susana Muhamad recognized the need for a just and orderly transition, noting the dependence of economies and societies on fossil fuels. She stressed the importance of strong financial reforms to ensure a smooth transition and alignment with the climate crisis. “This is not a transition that will happen from one day to the other. Whole economies and societies are depending on fossil fuels and capital. This will require a just phase-out and an orderly transition ... We could choose the path to keeping 1.5C alive and an orderly economic transition. For this, we are calling as BOGA that this needs strong financial reforms. It will not happen on its own. We need to align the economic and financial systems to the reality of the financial crisis.” 10+ Countries Call For Global Fossil Fuel Phase Out Updated 15:30h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 The Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA) has just issued a strong statement urging all parties at COP 28 to join them in calling for a global phase out of all fossil fuels. The statement, signed by ministers from over 10 countries including Colombia, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Greenland, Ireland, the Marshall Islands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Tuvalu highlights the escalating impacts of climate change and the need for urgent action to address the root cause of the crisis, dependence on fossil fuels. The BOGA statement acknowledges the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which state that under every 1.5°C scenario, there is a rapid decline in oil and gas production and consumption. The International Energy Agency's Net Zero Scenario further supports this, demonstrating that the rapid growth of renewables is currently keeping the door to 1.5°C open. However, the statement warns that without an orderly and just phase out of all fossil fuel production and consumption, this door will close. The statement calls for several key actions, including: - A global phase out of all fossil fuels in line with IPCC pathways to achieve net zero CO2 no later than 2050 and limit global average temperatures to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. - A peak in fossil fuel production and consumption this decade, leading to peak emissions by 2025. - The phase out of fossil fuel subsidies as soon as possible. - The halting of fossil fuel finance. - Enhanced planning and support for just transitions from oil and gas. - Strong financial system reform and the deployment of innovative, effective, and accessible financing to support vulnerable and developing economies in their transitions. The statement acknowledges that the fossil fuel sector will not unwind itself and that an orderly, just transition aligned with 1.5°C is necessary. It calls for producers, consumers, and the multilateral system to work together to avoid price volatility and support investment in the transition, particularly for the most exposed economies and communities. While the statement acknowledges the challenges involved in phasing out fossil fuels, it ultimately argues that agreement on this goal is the first step towards true climate, energy, and economic security. It urges all parties at COP 28 to join BOGA in calling for this critical action. 'Sustaina Claus' Calls On Parents And Children To Be Changemakers Updated 14:50h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 Philip McMaster, better known as 'Sustaina Claus,' sporting a red Santa hat and robe, has been engaging with parents and children, urging them to "be the change" in their communities. McMaster, a veteran of eight climate COPs, believes that parents are key to fostering environmental awareness in the next generation. His message to parents is clear: choose eco-friendly gifts for children, reduce waste, reuse and recycle, and take up green initiatives in their neighborhoods. According to McMaster, these ”small things” can collectively make a significant impact. “I want to engage parents, because through them I can reach the children...We as civil society will have to deliver....We can live a life of health, sustainability and happiness – that’s what Sustaina Claus represents....We need to do the small things - take on small projects and care for the environment in which you live, around your home, your school...” Nauru Joins Call For Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Updated 13:38h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 https://app.wedonthavetime.org/posts/de6211ca-58ae-4534-a1c1-1cf25a3c3e53?utm_source=url-copy&utm_medium=wdht-web-app-share&utm_campaign=aniebiet Nauru, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, has become the 12th nation-state to officially endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Nauru's Secretary for Climate Change and National Resilience, Mr. Reagan Moses, made the announcement during his National Statement at a High Level Plenary of COP 28. “Our marine port is our island’s lifeline, without which we would be almost entirely cut off from food, medicine, and almost all other necessities. This is not hypothetical, as even today, storms can cut us off from shipments many weeks at a time...we are ready to do our part in making the Pacific a fossil fuel-free zone. In this regard, Nauru would like to use this opportunity to join others in calling for a treaty to phase out fossil fuel production...” Guterres Urges For Maximum Ambition And Flexibility In Last Stretch Of Negotiations Updated 13:10h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 In a press conference a few minutes ago, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of action as COP 28 enters its final stretch. He warned that the world is “minutes to midnight” in terms of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, the central goal of the Paris Agreement. Guterres stressed that the global stocktake, a key outcome of COP 28, must provide a clear path towards phasing out fossil fuels in a manner that aligns with the 1.5°C limit. He urged ministers and negotiators to move beyond entrenched positions and engage in good faith negotiations. He highlighted the need for compromise and solutions that do not compromise on science or the highest ambition. According to Guterres, COP 28 can serve as a testament to the enduring power of multilateralism in addressing global challenges. Beyond ambition in emissions reduction, Guterres emphasized the importance of delivering climate justice. He called for the global stocktake to provide a clear pathway towards tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency. Achieving these goals, he argued, demands a single-minded focus on tackling the root cause of climate change: fossil fuel production and consumption. Emphasizing the need for a just transition, Guterres acknowledged the specific challenges faced by developing nations heavily reliant on fossil fuels. He stressed the importance of addressing these needs while pursuing a global phase-out of fossil fuels aligned with the 1.5°C limit. “...It’s time to negotiate in good faith and rise to the challenge set by COP President Sultan Al Jaber. It’s time to find a compromise for solutions without compromising on science or compromising on the need for the highest ambition....COP 28 can show that multilateralism remains our best hope to tackle global challenges...It is essential that the Global Stocktake recognises the need to phase out all fossil fuels on a timeframe consistent with the 1.5 degree limit – and to accelerate a just, equitable and orderly energy transition for all...A transition that takes into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and reflective capabilities, in light of national circumstances – not to reduce ambition but to combine ambition and equity....” Tense Anticipation As Everyone Awaits New Draft Text Updated 12:55h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 A hush has fallen over the conference center as everyone awaits the release of the latest draft text. With rumors swirling about the fate of fossil fuel language in the new text, this moment is widely seen as a turning point for COP 28. Earlier this morning, COP 28 president Sultan Al Jaber surprised many by calling an unscheduled press conference for 10:30h GST/UTC+4. However, just minutes later, the press conference was abruptly canceled, leaving the everyone gathered outside with more questions than answers. The sudden quietude of the conference center this morning stands in stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of previous days. Late-night negotiations have undoubtedly taken their toll on delegates, and with virtually no side events scheduled in the blue zone except the “People’s Plenary.” The contents of the new draft text remain shrouded in secrecy, but speculation is rife. Will it include the ambitious emissions reductions targets that many countries have demanded? Or will it cave to pressure from fossil fuel interests and water down the language on climate action? “Significant Work To Do” - Singapore's Environment Minister Updated 11:59h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 In a press gaggle, Singapore's Environment Minister Grace Fu stated that while negotiations at COP28 have made some progress, there remains “significant work to do” before COP 28 concludes tomorrow. Fu, one of the ministerial pairs facilitating the negotiations alongside the Cop presidency, acknowledged that “gaps” exist and emphasized the need for further effort as the summit enters its final hours. Her specific focus lies on the critical issue of mitigation, or reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “We have narrowed down crucial issues, but there are some gaps and significant work to do...We are at the crucial moments of the negotiations..” Despite the remaining challenges, the COP28 Presidency insists that this COP will conclude on schedule by 11am tomorrow. Regarding the contentious issue of phasing out or down fossil fuels, Ms. Fu remained non-committal, stating that “maybe some of these words will feature” in the final agreement. However, she emphasized the importance of a successful energy transition, regardless of the specific wording used. Stiell Calls For “Highest Levels of Ambition” As Talks Enter “Crucial Home Stretch” Updated 11:40h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 In a press conference this morning, UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell urged nations to seize the opportunity at COP'28 and reach a deal reflecting “the highest levels of ambition” on tackling climate change. The starkness of the situation was evident in his words, as he warned that “countless millions of lives” could be lost without immediate and decisive action. Stiell stressed that the climate talks are now entering a “crucial home stretch,” with everything on the table as negotiators strive to secure a meaningful agreement. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, calling for a collective effort to overcome “unnecessary tactical blockades" that have hampered progress in the past. “How do we get from here a meaningful deal?...First, clear the unnecessary tactical blockades out of the way and there have been many on this journey...” COP 28 Enters Crucial Phase As Negotiators Tackle Fossil Fuel Issue Updated 11:25h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 With time running out, delegates face their most challenging issue yet today: whether to call for a phase-out of fossil fuels. Today marks a critical juncture in the negotiations, with the COP 28 Presidency expected to release a new draft text for a final deal. This document will serve as the basis for intense discussions, with countries divided over the inclusion of language specifically targeting fossil fuels. One camp, led by those advocating for rapid climate action, insists on clear language calling for the phase-out of oil and gas. This group views such a move as essential to meeting global climate goals and transitioning to clean energy sources. However, others, including major oil-producing nations like Saudi Arabia and Iraq, oppose any direct mention of fossil fuels. They argue that the focus should be on reducing emissions rather than singling out specific industries, and that any attempt to limit fossil fuels would have severe economic consequences for their countries. With tensions running high and time pressure mounting, the talks are expected to continue late into the night. The stakes are high, as a successful agreement would mark a significant step towards addressing the global climate crisis. However, failure to reach a consensus could leave the world without a clear roadmap for moving forward. A Quick Recap Of Yesterday Updated 11:15h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 Yesterday, a sense of anxiety hung heavy in the air. Delegates faced a light schedule, filled with anticipation and the fear of missing out on crucial developments. By noon, only two issues had progressed to informal consultations: response measures and the Santiago Network on loss and damage. On the Santiago Network, discussions were successful, paving the way for the establishment of its secretariat. This marks a significant step in addressing loss and damage, a key concern for developing nations. Meanwhile, negotiators on response measures delved into the draft text, offering detailed comments that suggest a move towards a more fruitful dialogue. Finance negotiations also made progress, with informal informal sessions churning out draft decisions. While these discussions remain opaque, they indicate potential advancements on key financial issues. Beyond scheduled sessions, negotiations continued at a higher level. Heads of delegation reviewed revised text on the Global Goal on Adaptation, acknowledging its need for improvement but also recognizing it as a valuable foundation for further discussions. The day's highlight was the COP Presidency's "Majlis," which brought ministers together in a unique setting. Although concrete proposals were scarce, the event saw positive gestures, with countries acknowledging the varying pace of emissions reduction and the need for support for developing nations transitioning away from fossil fuels. The ministerial discussions at the "Majlis" offered some hope for an ambitious agreement, potentially including a reference to fossil fuels. The presidency reiterated its intention to conclude on time, urging all parties to approach negotiations with flexibility and prioritize the global good. Good Morning! Updated 11:00h GST/UTC+4 - 11/12/23 Welcome back to our live coverage! As COP 28 enters its final 24 hours, we're bringing you all the crucial updates and insights you need.
Shared by Johan Moore
Welcome to our live blog of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Over the next two weeks, world leaders, policymakers, activists, and experts will gather to discuss and negotiate critical issues related to climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability. The stakes are high, as the world faces a climate crisis that demands urgent and transformative action. We will be bringing you real-time updates, insights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses of the event, providing a comprehensive overview of the discussions, decisions, and outcomes of COP 28. Next: 3rd December Previous: 1st December Hosted by WeDontHaveTime and Lostisland “A Day Of Announcements And Pledges!” Updated 23:59h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 Today marked a significant turning point, with renewables gaining ground and fossil fuels facing growing pressure. But crucial challenges remain, demanding continued efforts and unwavering commitment from all parties. Renewables Take Center Stage: - 18 nations pledged to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, aiming to phase out fossil fuels by 2050. - EU, US, and UAE push for the pledge to be enshrined in the final COP28 text, requiring all countries to agree. Doubling the global rate of energy efficiency by 2030 is another target included. “Fossil Fuels Face The Heat:” - Phasing down “unabated” coal power and slamming the brakes on financing new coal plants are key commitments from today. - US joins the Powering Past Coal Alliance, pledging to achieve a net-zero emissions power sector by 2035. - Fifty oil and gas companies commit to methane and carbon dioxide reduction, signing the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter. Methane Mitigation Gains Momentum: - Philanthropies pledge $450 million to support countries in developing methane reduction strategies. - COP 28 Presidency mobilizes $1 billion for methane reduction projects, details to be unveiled on Energy Thematic Day. - US unveils comprehensive measures to tackle methane emissions from the oil and gas industry. Other Key Developments: - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean pledges $2 billion annually to combat climate change in Latin America. - African leaders convene to launch the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative, focusing on green jobs and economic growth. - World Bank sets new climate finance goal of $40 billion by 2025, with half dedicated to adaptation. - 22 countries advocate for tripling nuclear energy by 2050 as part of the net-zero puzzle. Concerns And Challenges Remain: - China and India support tripling renewables but hesitate on the full fossil fuel phase-out commitment. - Loss and Damage Fund receives pledges but developing countries argue it's insufficient. Looking Ahead: - Informal consultations and contact groups countinue to tackle disagreements and critical issues. - The UNFCCC has continued to release various draft negotiation texts. “COP 28 Will Be The Biggest Climate Summit Ever!” Updated 23:30h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 COP 28 is poised to become the largest climate summit to date, with registrations surpassing 80,000, a notable increase from the approximately 50,000 delegates at COP 27 in Egypt last year. According to UN documents, the UAE, serving as the host, boasts the largest delegation, totaling 4,409. Brazil follows closely with 3,081, while China and Nigeria each have 1,411 representatives. Indonesia, Japan, Turkey, India, and Morocco secure spots in the top 10. North Korea, with a modest three registrations, holds the smallest delegation. Also, UN officials confirmed today that over 3,000 “virtual” delegates have been registered on the platform. The exact attendance figures will be published by the UNFCCC at the end of COP 28. 118 Nations Pledge Renewable Energy Triple Play To Kick Fossil Fuels To The Curb Updated 22:55h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 Governments cranked up the clean energy dial, aiming to kick the fossil fuel habit. The air crackled with ambitious initiatives as countries wrestled with how to curb the relentless rise in emissions. In a major win for clean energy, 118 nations signed on to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. This bold move paves the way for slashing the fossil fuel share in the world's energy mix. “This can and will help transition the world away from unabated coal” - Sultan al-Jaber, President of COP28 This wasn't the only clean energy announcement electrifying COP 28. Other initiatives focused on decarbonizing the energy sector, the chief culprit behind three-quarters of global emissions. From ramping up nuclear power to chopping methane emissions and yanking private funding for coal plants, the agenda screamed “ditch fossil fuels!” Led by the EU, U.S., and UAE, the renewable energy pledge declared that tripling clean power would send CO2-spewing fossil fuels packing by 2050, at the latest. Brazil, Nigeria, Australia, Japan, Canada, Chile, and Barbados were among the enthusiastic backers on Saturday. While China and India signaled support for tripling renewables by 2030, they held back from endorsing the full pledge. This key difference lies in pairing the clean energy boom with a fossil fuel cutback. The EU and UAE, along with other supporters, are pushing for the renewable energy pledge to be enshrined in the final COP 28 text, making it a binding global target. But that requires all the countries to agree, which could be a nail-biting finale. The pledge, originally leaked by Reuters last month, also called for "phasing down unabated coal power" and slamming the brakes on financing new coal plants. Doubling the global rate of energy efficiency by 2030 was another ambitious target included. The Development Bank Of Latin America And The Caribbean Pledges $2 Billion Annually To Combat Climate Change Updated 21:55h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 Latin America is poised to receive significant financial assistance in the fight against climate change, with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) pledging an annual investment of $2 billion until 2030, totaling $15 billion over the next decade. The funds will be directed towards enhancing infrastructure, water supply, food security, emergency response, and disaster mitigation through monitoring and prevention systems. Additionally, the funding will support projects such as erosion control and coastal protection. “This financing reinforces CAF's commitment to promote actions to adapt to climate change and to achieve greater resilience in communities in the face of natural disasters and extreme climate events..” - Alicia Montalvo, Manager of Climate Action and Positive Biodiversity at CAF CAF highlighted the prevalence of hurricanes in the Caribbean, which account for 97% of disasters in the region, affecting nearly three out of four Latin Americans and Caribbean individuals. In the Andean region, floods represent 63.6% of disasters, causing 82% of human and material losses. Landslides account for 23% of disasters, according to the report, and droughts also pose a threat to several countries in the region, impacting agricultural production. Headquartered in Caracas, CAF serves as a major lender for infrastructure and development projects in Latin America. It comprises 20 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, along with Spain, Portugal, and 13 Latin American private banks. Philanthropies Pledge $450 Million To Combat Methane Emissions Updated 21:35h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 A group of nearly a dozen prominent philanthropic organizations has pledged $450 million over the next three years to support countries in developing and implementing national strategies to address methane emissions. This commitment aligns with the growing international focus on methane mitigation as a critical component of climate change action. The initiative, spearheaded by the Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Sequoia Climate Foundation, aims to accelerate the reduction of methane emissions, the second-most potent greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. Methane is particularly harmful due to its significant warming potential, though its atmospheric lifespan is relatively short compared to carbon dioxide. This implies that curbing methane emissions can have a more immediate impact on curbing climate change. Climate experts emphasize the importance of incorporating methane mitigation efforts into a legally binding agreement at the upcoming climate summit. While methane has a more potent warming effect than carbon dioxide, it breaks down in the atmosphere within a few years, compared to decades for CO2. This means that controlling methane emissions can have a more immediate impact on limiting climate change. COP 28 Presidency To Mobilize $1 Billion For Methane Reduction Projects Updated 21:20h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 The COP 28 Presidency has pledged to mobilize over $1 billion to support methane reduction initiatives. Further details regarding the program will be unveiled during the climate summit's Energy Thematic Day on December 5th. This initiative constitutes a cornerstone of the Global Decarbonization Accelerator (GDA), which was launched on the second day of the World Climate Action Summit. The GDA aims to accelerate the energy transition and achieve a dramatic reduction in global emissions by focusing on methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases (GHGs). “The GDA represents an inflection point for addressing various challenges that to date have slowed down the energy transition. Each initiative is underpinned by ongoing accountability frameworks to ensure that the commitments made, are commitments delivered.” - COP28 President, Dr Sultan Al Jaber Earlier today, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled the final rules for its plan to “sharply reduce methane and other harmful air pollutants from the oil and natural gas industry.” The plan also promotes the adoption of cutting-edge methane detection technologies, which are expected to yield substantial economic and public health benefits. Reducing methane emissions is an effective strategy for mitigating climate change due to its higher warming potential compared to carbon dioxide and its faster atmospheric breakdown. African Leaders Convene To Accelerate Africa's Green Industrialization Updated 21:00h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 Kenyan President William Ruto and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) co-hosted a gathering of African Heads of State and other African prominent figures at COP 28. Themed "Forging a Green Pathway for Africa," the launch event brought together leaders from Angola, Burundi, Djibouti, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zambia. Also in attendance were COP 28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt, representatives from leading green developers, industry leaders, multilateral development banks, and key institutions from across the UAE and Africa. Central to the event was the launch of the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative (AGII), a joint effort by Kenya and the UAE to promote climate mitigation and adaptation, catalyze economic green growth, and scale up green businesses and industries across Africa. President Ruto emphasized the initiative's role in driving private sector-led green industrialization. “...the Initiative marks a concrete step toward the realization of the Nairobi Declaration, activating private sector-led scaling-up of green industrial clusters.” Discussions centered on leveraging green industrial clusters to foster socioeconomic transformation, expanding regional and global export markets for value-added green products and technologies, and strengthening global clean energy value chains. ”We are forging a green pathway for Africa. Through strategic collaborations with industrial and energy developers across the continent, we have set in motion a virtuous cycle, fostering economic growth and sustainable job creation...” - Macky Sall, President of Senegal The initiative underscores the importance of green industrialization in harnessing Africa's vast resources to achieve shared prosperity. Attendees emphasized that Africa's green industrialization is crucial for the global achievement of climate goals. COP 28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber commended the initiative, aligning it with the COP 28 Presidency's Clean Energy program launched at the Africa Climate Summit. “The UAE not only wants to support countries’ green industrialization: we want populations in those countries to have access to highquality jobs and opportunities. This is the spirit of green industrialization...” The event also showcased the progress of the USD 4.5 billion Africa Green Investment initiative (AGII), launched during the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi. Spearheaded by UAE entities Masdar, AMEA Power, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and Etihad Credit Insurance, with Africa50 as the strategic partner, the AGII has already allocated nearly USD 2.6 billion for green energy projects in eight countries. Attendees were presented with the AGII's project pipeline, including Masdar's plans to develop a 150 MW solar power plant in southern Angola, a collaboration with International Resource Holding to decarbonize mining operations across the continent, and AMEA Power's plans for a 300 MW onshore wind power project in Ethiopia. Africa50 announced three projects in Mozambique totaling 260 MW of clean power, including the first utility-scale floating solar project in Africa. US Joins Global Coalition For “Unabated” Coal Updated 20:20h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 The United States has joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), a global initiative dedicated to phasing out “unabated” coal-fired power plants. This move aligns with the Biden administration's ambitious goal of achieving a net-zero emissions power sector by 2035. “Unabated” refers to coal-fired power plants that do not employ carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to capture and remove pollution from the atmosphere. The widespread shift away from unabated coal has accelerated in recent years, driven by advancements in renewable energy technologies and cost-competitiveness. As of October, coal accounted for less than 20 percent of U.S. electricity generation, according to the Department of Energy. The country has not constructed a new coal plant in the past decade. Saturday's commitment aligns with the Biden administration's plans to create a net-zero emissions power sector in the coming years. “To meet our goal of 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035, we need to phase out unabated coal, and we urge the world to join us in doing so, while working to grow good-paying clean energy jobs” - U.S. Climate Envoy, John F. Kerry EIB's Climate Mitigation Fund Receives Significant Boost With New Commitments Updated 19:30h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Allianz Global Investors have announced new capital commitments totaling €43 million ($47 million) to their blended finance fund for climate mitigation. This substantial injection of funds will bolster the Emerging Market Climate Action Fund (EMCAF) in its efforts to support climate mitigation projects in emerging markets. The United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has pledged €10 million towards EMCAF. Additionally, German state bank KfW has decided to increase its existing commitment to EMCAF by €33 million, further strengthening the fund's capabilities. With these new commitments, EMCAF is expected to reach its third close in the coming weeks, with a total of €385 million in its coffers. This significant growth in the fund's resources will enable it to make a substantial contribution to climate mitigation efforts in emerging markets. “The COP 28 Presidency has called for real-world solutions to respond to the climate crisis...with the EMCAF, we are delivering a success story that is showing the way for others to follow in mobilising private finance at scale.” - Ambroise Fayolle, EIB’s Vice President US Launches Measures To Tackle Methane Emission Updated 18:35h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 In an effort to tackle the "super pollutant," the United States has announced a comprehensive set of measures to curb methane emissions. While carbon dioxide is often identified as the primary culprit behind climate change, its lesser-known cousin, methane, also plays a significant role in exacerbating the global warming crisis. These new regulations, constitute the cornerstone of global initiatives to reduce methane emissions. According to the Guardian, the US estimates that these measures will slash methane emissions from its sprawling oil and gas industry by 80% compared to projected levels without the rule, resulting in a total reduction of 58 million tonnes by 2038. Macron Earmarks €100 Million For Loss And Damage Fund Updated 18:35h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a €100 million ($108.9 million) contribution to the newly established loss and damage fund. However, he has emphasized that the allocation of these funds will be contingent upon specific criteria. During a press conference prior to his departure from the UAE, Macron underscored the need to differentiate between countries facing existential threats due to climate change and “others whose tourist spots might suffer because of climate change.” “One single fund cannot manage all these risks...Some of these risks are to be covered by public funding but others by insurance or reinsurance.” ExxonMobil's CEO: “...Way Too Much Emphasis On Getting Rid Of Fossil Fuels...” Updated 18:15h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 In an interview with the Financial Times, Darren Woods, ExxonMobil's CEO said that the COP 28 is overly focused on renewable energy sources. Darren Woods expressed concern that COP 28 discussions have not given sufficient attention to hydrogen, biofuels, and carbon capture. These technologies are preferred by the oil and gas industry as they enable the continued use of fossil fuels and associated infrastructure during the green transition. “The transition is not limited to just wind, solar and EVs. Carbon capture is going to play a role. We’re good at that. We know how to do it, we can contribute. Hydrogen will play a role. Biofuels will play a role....put way too much emphasis on getting rid of fossil fuels, oil and gas, and not . . . on dealing with the emissions associated with them” Oil And Gas Giants Commit To Methane And Carbon Dioxide Reduction Updated 17:55h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 Fifty oil and gas companies, representing over 40% of global oil production, pledged to reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions during a high-level plenary session. These companies, of which 60% are national oil companies, signed the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter, which outlines a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. Furthermore, they aim to achieve "near-zero" upstream methane emissions and eliminate routine flaring by 2030. The charter was introduced by the COP 28 Presidency and Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to decarbonize the oil and gas industry, which directly and indirectly accounts for 42% of global emissions. The “Pot” For The Loss And Damage Fund Has Increased, But Developing Countries Argue That It Is Insufficient Updated 16:15h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 Contributions to the loss and damage fund, which was formally established yesterday, have reached approximately $500 million, but concerns persist about the adequacy of these amounts. The US has pledged a mere $17.5 million, and EU member states, collectively, have committed $145 million, with Germany separately pledging $100 million. “...woefully inadequate...We're talking about billions of dollars of loss and damage out there.” - Henry Kwabena, Ghanaian Politician and Climate Diplomat “It's a very small step, but it's better to start somewhere in Africa, a long journey starts with the first step” - Professor Joseph Longunza Malassi, Adviser to the Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development of Democratic Republic of Congo German Development Minister Svenja Schulze acknowledged that the funds in the pot were “not nearly enough” but considered the Loss and Damage Fund ”a door-opener for new donors.” Climate Adviser to US President Joe Biden, Ali Zaidi, acknowledged that the work is not complete. “The work’s not done. We'll continue to reach higher” World's Fourth-Largest Methane Emitter Joins Global Pledge To Reduce Emissions By 2030 Updated 15:30h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 In a significant step towards addressing its methane emissions, Turkmenistan has joined the Global Methane Pledge. This pledge commits signatories to reduce their methane emissions by 30% by 2030. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is responsible for approximately one-third of the global warming we are experiencing today. Turkmenistan, with the world’s fourth-largest methane emissions, has been under increasing pressure to take action. The country’s substantial leaks primarily stems from its aging gas infrastructure. US VP Calls for Urgent Climate Action, Warns Against Climate Deniers And Inaction Updated 14:55h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 Kamala Harris, the vice president of the United States, who is representing President Joe Biden at COP 28, informed the High-level plenary that the nation is making substantial investments in adaptation measures, with a particular emphasis on marginalized communities. As anticipated, Harris unveiled a substantial $3 billion pledge to the Green Climate Fund. “This is a pivotal moment. Our action, or worse, our inaction today...will impact the lives of billions of people for decades to come. So, for as much as we have accomplished ...there is more work to do, and continued progress will not be without a fight. Around the world, there are those who seek to slow or stop our progress. Leaders who deny climate science, delay climate action, and spread misinformation. Large corporations that greenwash their climate inaction and lobby for billions of dollars in fossil fuel subsidies. It is clear: we must do more.” Colombia Takes A Step Towards Fossil Fuel Phaseout Updated 14:35h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 Colombia has joined the growing movement to limit fossil fuel production and consumption by endorsing the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty. As the tenth nation to join the initiative, Colombia becomes only the second member with active fossil fuel production, following Timor-Leste's earlier commitment this year. “While it is the use of fossil fuels that causes emissions, there is no direct mention of fossil fuels in the Paris agreement or subsequent agreements. What is frightening is that governments plan to increase the frontier of fossil fuel exploitation. Colombia believes we need a plan to phase out fossil fuels” - Susana Muhamad, Colombia's Environment Minister Italy's Prime Minister Calls For A “Neutral Approach, Free From Radicalism” Updated 14:20h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 During the High-level plenary, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the necessity for “a technology-neutral approach, free from radicalism.” Meloni has consistently downplayed the urgency of addressing climate change and taken a tough stance on protests by environmental and other activists, a reference implied in this statement. Meloni also expressed a commitment to invest in Africa but stressed that it would be done as partnerships “among equals,” not as charity. “COP 28 must be a turning point. We are called upon to set a clear direction and enact concrete actions, reasonable, but concrete, such as tripling the world’s renewable energy generation capacity by 2030 and doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements...If we think that the green transition can result in unbearable costs, particularly for the most vulnerable, we condemn it to failure...we are all aware, colleagues, that many of the efforts we are making today will likely produce visible results when many of us no longer have roles of responsibility...But doing it anyway not for ourselves but for those who come after us defines the value of our leadership...” Acknowledging the long-term impact of current efforts, Meloni concluded with a quote from Warren Buffett. “There is someone sitting in the shade today because someone else planted a tree long ago.” Italy has committed €100m to the new loss and damage fund, marking one of the most substantial contributions to date. “Kamala Harris Will Announce A $3 Billion Pledge...” Updated 13:15h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 The United States will contribute $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund, sources revealed as Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Dubai. The fund, with over $20 billion in pledges, is the largest international fund dedicated to fostering climate action in developing nations. This latest pledge would supplement an additional $2 billion previously provided by the United States. According to Reuters, Harris is to announce the pledge later on Saturday during an address to a COP 28 High-level plenary. In October, the fund's facilitators indicated that the current second round of replenishments had garnered around $9.3 billion in pledges to finance projects in climate-vulnerable countries between 2024 and 2027. Despite this progress, the pledges to date represent a fraction of the estimated $250 billion that developing countries will require annually by 2030 to adapt to a warming world. Over 100 Countries Endorse COP 28 Declaration On Climate And Health Updated 12:25h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 According to the COP 28 President Sultan Al Jaber, 123 nations have officially endorsed the COP 28 declaration addressing climate and health concerns. The declaration, urging nations to address the health impacts of rising temperatures, is set to be unveiled ahead of a day dedicated to health-focused discussions on Sunday. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization, described it as a “clear call to action.” The COP 28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a non-binding, non-negotiated appeal that mirrors the shared concerns and stance of nations regarding the pivotal role of health in climate discussions and the COP process. Barbados PM: “To Turn Down The Heat, You Simply Have To Turn Down The Methane” Updated 12:00h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 At the resumed session of the High-level Plenary for National Statements, Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados expressed gratitude for the work done thus far but emphasized that establishing a loss and damage fund is just one component of the solution. She asserted that for “every dollar” spent on preventing climate-induced disasters, “seven dollars” are saved. She urged non-state actors, including fossil fuel companies, to contribute financially. “The reality is that if we don't change course, we will witness significantly more lives lost and far more damage inflicted” She emphasized the importance of addressing methane emissions, as it is far more harmful in the short term than carbon dioxide, and advocated for stringent regulation of oil and gas companies to quickly reduce methane releases. “..to turn down the heat, you simply have to turn down the methane” World Bank Sets Climate Finance Goal Of $40 Billion by 2025 Updated 11:40h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 The World Bank has unveiled a bold new plan to escalate its climate finance commitment, aiming to reach $40 billion by 2025. This ambitious target represents a significant increase from previous levels. The allocated funds will be strategically divided, with half dedicated to mitigating climate change through emissions reduction initiatives and the other half directed towards adaptation efforts. These programs will empower nations to build resilience and adapt to the evolving challenges posed by a changing climate. World Bank Group President Ajay Banga also announced plans to dedicate 45% of the organization's overall finances to climate-related projects by 2025. 22 Countries Advocate For Tripling Nuclear Energy By 2050 Updated 11:15h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 Twenty-two nations have called for a threefold increase in nuclear energy capacity by 2050, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions. U.S. climate envoy John Kerry defended the statement, emphasizing that they are not proposing nuclear as a complete replacement for other energy sources. “We are not making the argument to anybody that this is absolutely going to be a sweeping alternative to every other energy source...But we know because the science and the reality of facts and evidence tell us that you can’t get to net zero 2050 without some nuclear. These are just scientific realities. No politics involved in this, no ideology involved in this.” The signatories to the declaration include Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Ghana, Hungary, Japan, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. “What's Happening Today At COP 28?” Updated 10:40h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 Today, World Leaders will continue to take the stage at various high-level sessions, including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Vice President Harris will address COP 28 as a last-minute stand-in for President Biden. Her speech is expected to highlight the landmark climate law signed by President Biden, emphasizing its $370 billion investment in clean energy development. Additionally, she is expected to announce initiatives aimed at tackling rising emissions and assisting countries in building resilience to climate change. However, the Vice President's presence underscores the absence of Biden, who opted to skip the summit for the first time since taking office. This late decision forced last-minute adjustments, with Harris and her team finalizing their itinerary while en route to Dubai. Biden had attended previous climate summits in Glasgow and Sharm el Sheikh, demonstrating the United States’ renewed commitment to climate action after the Trump era. The White House has not responded to requests for clarification on the reasons for Biden's absence. Officials have consistently deflected reporters' questions about the President's decision not to attend. Today's agenda also includes informal consultations and contact groups to discuss critical issues. The blue and green zones will continue to offer side events, networking events, and exhibitions showcasing innovative solutions and best practices for climate action. “What Happened Yesterday At COP 28?” Updated 10:15h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 The “UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action” was endorsed by over 134 countries, including major agricultural emitters like Brazil, China, the EU, and the US. Beyond mere rhetoric, the declaration is set to materialize through various follow-up workshops on its implementation. Throughout the day, Heads of State and Government were engaged in the World Climate Action Summit, seeking political guidance and action. UN Secretary-General António Guterres set a decisive tone, urging all countries to phase out fossil fuels entirely, emphasizing the risk of a “planetary crash and burn.” World Leaders then convened to assess global adaptation actions during the political phase of the Global Stocktake, with loss and damage as a focal point. Several leaders announced financial support for the loss and damage fund, totaling up to $245 million. Notable pledges included $108 million from Italy, “Up to” $108 million from France, $16 million from the Netherlands, and $11 million from Canada. However, the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley and others emphasized the importance of adequately capitalizing the fund. They also highlighted the challenges many face in accessing climate finance and urged for the removal of these barriers, particularly as developing countries grapple with severe climate impacts. While the high-level sessions with world leaders convened, Indigenous Leaders gathered to share their perspectives on the water-energy-food nexus, highlighting the importance of diverse knowledge systems and intergenerational learning in climate action. As leaders deliberated on the state of the planet, negotiators faced challenges in reaching an agreement on the “Global Stocktake political outcome.” Financial discussions, especially regarding the promise to provide USD 100 billion per year, proved equally challenging. While some suggest the goal has been met based on preliminary data, developing countries disputed this, citing variations in underlying definitions and assumptions in different estimates. Good Morning! Updated 10:00h GST/UTC+4 – 2/12/23 Welcome to the third day of our continuous live coverage of COP 28. Firstly, let's review what happened yesterday and what to expect today.
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We hope all these pledges would be fulfilled. COP28's been great so far.
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We are following live proceeding as we need a long lasting solutions
Shared by Johan Moore
Volvo Group
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In our continuing journey towards reducing carbon emissions and revolutionizing the industry, Volvo Group is taking the lead in embracing fossil-free steel. As commercial vehicles increasingly run on electrified solutions - reducing the emissions when the product is in use - the environmental footprint from the supply network and production becomes increasingly important. With extensive partnerships that include Swedish steel companies SSAB and H2 Green Steel, Volvo Group is making significant strides in incorporating sustainable materials into our vehicles and equipment. A history of green steel collaboration We have been pioneering these sustainable collaborations for some time now. Back in 2021, we developed the world’s first vehicle made from fossil-free steel. Just eight months later, we not only handed over an A30G articulated hauler made from fossil-free steel to our customer NCC – now in operation in Sweden – but we also introduced the material into the production of our electric heavy-duty trucks, the Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX. We were the first truck manufacturer in the world to do so. While initially included in the trucks’ frame rails, the structural backbone of the vehicle, fossil-free steel will find its way into various other components of the truck, as its availability continues to increase. Together with our partners, we are demonstrating an accelerated innovation roadmap that ensures low-carbon technologies are not only developed quickly and reliably across different transport streams, but are introduced into the market as a viable commercial reality. How is green steel made? What sets this fossil-free steel apart is its production process, which relies on hydrogen. This process results in significantly lower carbon emissions compared to conventional steel production methods. SSAB's goal is to offer fossil-free steel on an industrial scale to the market as early as 2026, with plans to nearly eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from its operations by 2030. It aims to create complete fossil-free value chains, from the mining of raw materials to the end product. It is a climate pathway that is supported by Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group, who called it “an additional step towards fully climate neutral transport and infrastructure solutions”. The Group’s partnership with SSAB is just one example of how it is accelerating its ramp-up. Making the most of surplus hydrogen Green steel provides us with even more opportunities to reduce our climate impact. Take for example, Sweden’s largest hydrogen plant, which was inaugurated in September this year. Operated by steelmaker Ovako, it is the world's first facility for producing fossil-free hydrogen to heat steel before rolling. Its goal is to reduce CO2 emissions from this production step to nearly zero, with only water as a byproduct. In addition to steel heating, the surplus fossil-free hydrogen will be used for fueling Volvo fuel cell-powered trucks and our other heavy duty solutions. It is part of an agreement Volvo Group signed, as the very first OEM, back in 2021 and represents a powerful partnership to develop industrial-level hydrogen production and establish a strong hydrogen infrastructure for the transport sector. Introducing near zero emission steel As another step forward towards a net zero GHG emission value chain by 2040, we’re now also partnering with H2 Green Steel to ramp up our access to near zero emission steel. Production is planned to start at the end of 2025 – and we are expected to be among the first to introduce it. This is another crucial initiative and one that we hope other businesses will follow if they work with steel anywhere in their supply chain. According to estimates from Our World in Data and Carbon Brief, 7-11% of total CO2 emissions come from steel production, with the industry contributing to 5% of the CO2 emissions in the EU alone. Near zero emission steel focuses on reducing emissions to a point where the impact on the environment is significantly minimized, if not entirely eliminated. And as it is one of our primary materials used for our trucks, buses, and construction machines, we know that we can make a massive impact in our emissions by ramping up our access to both near zero emission steel and fossil free steel. This initiative falls in line with one of the commitments we made as part of the First Movers Coalition, “to have at least 10% of all steel purchased per year to be near zero emissions by 2030”. H2 Green Steel’s CEO, Henrik Henriksson, also commented on the collaboration and the hopeful precedent it sets for the industry as a whole: "The commercial vehicle industry has actively been driving the demand for green steel, validating the market interest. When an undeniable large player like Volvo Group, working at the forefront of sustainable change, places a customer order it’s a clear sign of confidence in both our company and our product.” Our hope moving forward is that this collaboration showcases the possibilities of lowering emissions even in some of the most emission-heavy industries like transport. Many businesses feel as if they’re trapped by the circumstances of the field that they operate in, without considering that there are always better means of production for our planet. At the very least, you can simply reduce emissions, but in scenarios like this you can identify new solutions that set new standards for an entire supply chain. To read more about our collaboration with H2 Steel, click below: https://www.volvogroup.com/en/news-and-media/news/2023/sep/volvo-group-secures-increased-volumes-of-near-zero-emissions-steel-through-collaboration-with-h2-green-steel.html
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Looking to see Volvo's sustainability agenda achieved in regards to climate change and ensuring their carbon emissions are cut
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This initiative underlines the pivotal role of large corporations in driving forward cleaner and greener practices!
Shared by Johan Moore
Sarah Chabane
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Fantastic news! European negotiators from the Parliament and member states have reached a historic agreement on a biodiversity bill that mandates the restoration of 20% of EU land and sea habitats by 2030, with a deadline of 2050 to restore all damaged ecosystems. 👏 The EU Nature Restoration Law responds to the poor condition of over 80% of the block's habitats, with 10% of bee and butterfly species facing extinction and 70% of soils deemed unhealthy. The law aims to rebuild healthy biodiversity levels across member states, combat climate change, and protect nature for future generations. However, the bill faced opposition, resulting in a watered-down version, with some proposed targets scaled back. This historical agreement for environmental regulations addresses the urgent need to curb biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Despite facing challenges during negotiations, the EU aims to set in motion a continuous and sustained recovery of nature, fulfilling its commitment to the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework. Member states will be required to develop national restoration plans, involving local communities and civil society, to achieve the restoration targets set for different ecosystems. The law's economic rationale is underlined by the high cost of nature degradation, emphasizing that every euro spent on restoration can deliver a return on investment of more than €8 (!!) depending on the ecosystem. The European Parliament and the Council will now need to formally adopt the new regulation, which will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Member states will subsequently submit their first nature restoration plans to the Commission within two years of the regulation's entry into force. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_5662
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Dear Sarah Chabane Your climate love has received over 50 agrees! We have reached out to European Parliament by email and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! To reach more people and increase the chance of a response, click the Share button above to share the review on your social accounts. For every new member that joins We Don't Have Time from your network, we will plant a tree and attribute it to you! /Adam, We Don't Have Time
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It's a great news and mut go everywhere
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I feel these are achievable deadlines and if work starts immediately, this will be easily done
Shared by Johan Moore
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today. It is a global challenge that can only be addressed through international cooperation. Recognizing this, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established in 1992 to address the climate crisis. The UNFCCC holds an annual Conference of the Parties (COP) to bring together nations to discuss and negotiate climate action. COP 28, the 28th COP, will take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This article provides a comprehensive overview of COP 28, highlighting its key themes, objectives, and expected outcomes. What is COP 28? COP 28, also known as the United Nations Climate Change Conference UAE 2023, is the 28th annual meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is a crucial platform for international cooperation on climate change, bringing together governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to discuss and negotiate action to address the climate crisis. When and Where will COP 28 be held? COP 28 will take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, at the Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Expo City is a state-of-the-art venue that can accommodate the large number of delegates expected to attend the conference. Who will be attending COP 28? COP 28 will be attended by representatives from the 197 Parties to the UNFCCC, as well as representatives from observer organizations, including intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and businesses. The conference is expected to attract a record number of more than 70,000 delegates from around the world. What are the key themes of COP 28? The key themes of COP 28 are: 1. Climate action: COP 28 will focus on accelerating climate action in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. 2. Adaptation and resilience: COP 28 will address the need for countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change that are already happening and to build resilience to future impacts. 3. Climate finance: COP 28 will discuss how to mobilize the necessary financial resources to support climate action in developing countries. 4. Collaboration and partnerships: COP 28 will emphasize the importance of collaboration and partnerships between governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in addressing climate change. What are the objectives of COP 28? The objectives of COP 28 are to: - Review progress on the implementation of the Paris Agreement - Identify areas where further action is needed - Negotiate new agreements on climate change - Mobilize financial resources for climate action - Raise awareness of the climate crisis and the need for action What are the expected outcomes of COP 28? The expected outcomes of COP 28 include: - A strengthened commitment to the Paris Agreement - Concrete plans for accelerating climate action - New agreements on climate finance - Increased awareness of the climate crisis and the need for action How can you get involved in COP 28? There are many ways to get involved in COP 28, even if you are not able to attend the conference in person. Here are a few ideas: - Follow the conference online: The UNFCCC will be providing live coverage of the conference on its website and social media channels. - Follow We Don’t Have Time’s COP28 Climate Hub, with daily live broadcasts from Dubai. We will have a live blog sharing the latest updates from Dubai. - Contact your government representatives: Let your government representatives know your views on climate change and urge them to take ambitious action at COP 28. - Sign a climate action organization: There are many climate action organizations that are working to raise awareness and advocate for action on climate change. - Make changes in your own life: You can make a difference by reducing your own carbon footprint.
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This article provides a comprehensive overview of COP 28, highlighting its significance as a crucial platform for international cooperation on climate change. The key themes of the conference, including climate action, adaptation, resilience, climate finance, and collaboration, underscore the multifaceted approach needed to address the climate crisis. The objectives of COP 28, ranging from reviewing progress on the Paris Agreement to negotiating new agreements and mobilizing financial resources, reflect the urgency of global efforts. The expected outcomes, such as a strengthened commitment to the Paris Agreement and concrete plans for climate action, emphasize the tangible impact the conference aims to achieve. The article also encourages global engagement, offering practical ways for individuals to get involved, reinforcing the idea that collective action is essential in the face of this pressing global challe
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Information is the key we need more education so that majority of the people are awhere of the information ahead of cop28
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I find it hard to contact any branch of the United Nations.
Shared by Johan Moore
Sarah Chabane
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"Option one: Make a change that is 10 times cheaper and will literally save the world Option two: Give some c***ts more money." Climate science can be complicated so Climate Science Breakthrough has taken on the mission to translate it into a very basic emotional human. Because even though the science is utterly clear, it is also not reaching enough people, and it's not reaching them in a way that cuts through. We need to translate it! In this latest episode, they chat with Dr Friederike Otto climatologist and Senior Lecturer at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment at Imperial College London. Her conclusion: "We Can Do This!." Check it out 👇 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnITUQVEqLQ https://www.climatesciencebreakthrough.com/
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Pinned by We Don't Have Time
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Thanks everyone for the feedback! And there is a non-swearing version btw. Some people like the swearing as it communicates absolute urgency (you'd swear when telling people to get out of a burning building…) Others are allergic. So we’ve done both. Which works best? Non-swearing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BWYSz6rQe0
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Climate change can only be prevented with scientific diplomacy in the two fields of water and environment. We believe we can do great things. Many researches have been done by experts and researchers of the world, and we have also done works in the field of water salinity removal, fine dust removal, evaporation reduction of lake water, water stress removal and flood control, etc. and we have also provided solutions. We don't talk, but we have done what we said and we saw its good reflection. For example, today one of my proposed solutions is used in extinguishing forest fires, or in solving the water stress of the Glen Canyon Dam in western Colorado, seven solutions have been proposed, two of which have been considered and used. We consider the lake of dams, a very simple and inexpensive solution, which was previously presented to some experts (today, 50% of the water in these lakes evaporates with an air temperature of 43 degrees in Europe, the same amount in the Middle East with a temperature of 60 degrees is 70% and we have the simplest method for that.
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Correct. We have everything that is required to shift, doing it, is where the problem lies.
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🤣perfect!
Shared by Johan Moore
We Don't Have Time
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We Don’t Have Time has been recognized by Deloitte as one of the Sweden Technology Fast 50 companies. The ranking is based on revenue growth over the last four years and includes all areas of tech. STOCKHOLM 1 NOVEMBER, 2023 — We Don’t Have Time, founded in 2017, has grown to become the world’s largest social media for climate solutions. The company has now qualified for Deloitte’s Sweden Technology Fast 50, which acknowledges the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in Sweden. The Deloitte Technology Fast 50 was founded in 1995 in San Diego in the United States, and has ranked Swedish companies since 2003. Among the now-famous companies listed in previous years’ Swedish rankings are Storytel, iZettle, InExchange Factorum, Nordnet, and Compricer, just to mention a few. The ranking includes public and private companies in all areas of technology, ranging from software and hardware to life science, communications, and clean technology. Ingmar Rentzhog, CEO and founder of We Don’t Have Time, says: ”We are so proud and happy for this recognition. With a revenue growth of over 1000 percent, we show that it is possible to be a purpose-driven impact company and a fast-growing tech company at the same time.” Rankings like this one have a special appeal to Ingmar Rentzhog. "In the upcoming version of We Don’t Have Time, we will add emissions and financial data about companies, and make it the go-to platform for decision-makers who want to compare climate data between companies and see the average for different sectors. This database would also allow us to create a ranking similar to the Technology Fast 50, focused on the 50 companies in each sector that have reduced their emissions the most in the past year. We believe that connecting financial data with sustainability data and making that information public and easily comparable will drive change and create a huge impact," he says. We Don’t Have Time’s entry on the list is part of a bigger trend, according to Ester Sundström, partner at Deloitte and responsible for the Deloitte Sweden Technology Fast 50. ”This year's companies not only reflect Sweden's leading position in innovation but also some of the shifts we have seen in society in recent years, not least within GreenTech, where technical solutions are used to address climate change. We are happy to celebrate the companies' success and look forward to following their journey”, says Ester Sundström, partner at Deloitte and responsible for the Deloitte Sweden Technology Fast 50. We Don't Have Time ranked number 19th on the list! Full list aviable here: https://www2.deloitte.com/se/sv/pages/technology-media-and-telecommunications/topics/sweden-technology-fast-50/2022/home1.html ABOUT WE DON’T HAVE TIME We Don't Have Time is a pioneering digital platform dedicated to connecting companies and individuals to accelerate and broadcast climate solutions. Through its community of 100,000 climate experts in 160 countries, and 400 companies and NGOs as partners, We Don’t Have Time reaches more than 100 million people each month on social media, among those many people in power. We Don’t Have Time is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Washington, D.C. and Nairobi, Kenya.
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We look forward to many more exciting climate achievements in the future💚
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Congratulations to Ingmar and all the We Don't Have Time staff. The first time I contacted We Don't Have Time was on March 5, 2019, prior to the first public appearance of the We Don't Have Time social network which officially took place more than a month later, i.e. on April 22, 2019 on the occasion of World Day of the Earth.
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Congratulations to the, We don't have time Tech company.
Shared by Johan Moore
Ingmar Rentzhog
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My latest video keynote👇 is a 10-minute must-watch if you want positive climate news! I explain why I am hopeful and that we are progressing faster and much more than most people know. We just need to remove the (fossil) power that holds us back by trying to push down the cork while more and more of us are shaking the bottle! Watch to the end of my video to understand the powerful message! #LetsShakeTheBottle #WeCanDoIt💪#WeDontHaveTime #Climate #Victory Share this video and spread some climate love! 💚 https://youtu.be/aOEB1ryB5No
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@Rentzhog 7% 🤯 that just means money’s value is decided by mankind’s seasoning, loosing meaning as it just keeps pushing the ceiling whilst companies keep on stealing and deceiving, I’m squeezing: we all remember Shell… Not a prophesying Prophet but I’ll tell you: “going Green will make ever so much more the Profit!” 💪💚 #moreChampagneForThisCampaign 🥂
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Such an important and hope giving message 💚
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Encourage good message we need to encourage it
Johan Moore
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I was proud to participate alongside a diverse group of individuals all united in supporting the same cause. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRQugp0HGys
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Picketing for the future should be allowed and protected by the law
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Great show of responsibility and commitment towards a common goal of creating a sustainable future.
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Grateful to all those who took part. Protests are part and parcel of calling out for actions.
Shared by Johan Moore
Patrik Lobergh
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While oil companies in Europe preach ecological responsibility, they are massively expanding business with fossil fuels elsewhere. Guyana is set to benefit from ExxonMobil's oil exploration. Exclusive satellite images show how the US group is massively rolling out business in the small Amazon state. Economy from above is a cooperation with LiveEO. Old wooden houses from the colonial era give way to modern buildings made of glass, steel and concrete in Georgetown. Workers carve four-lane highways, usually more gravel, across the countryside. A deep-sea port is to be built in the far east. Guyana is changing. The main reason for this lies more than a hundred kilometers away, deep under water in the bottom of the Atlantic: it is oil. Exclusive satellite imagery from LiveEO shows ExxonMobil gearing up for the big extraction in the small Amazon country. Some, the US company Exxon and the government of Guyana say: That's good, the deposits far off the coast bring jobs and income for the state. The others, the opposition and some lawyers, say: That's bad, Exxon can act practically uncontrolled, Guyana doesn't benefit from it in the end. While oil companies in Europe preach ecological responsibility, they are massively expanding business with fossil fuels elsewhere. Guyana is set to benefit from Exxon's oil exploration. The country with a good 800,000 inhabitants, enclosed between the states of Venezuela and Brazil, could become the fourth largest offshore oil producer in the world. Is that a curse or a blessing? In recent months, workers have built an island at the mouth of the Demerara River, which runs along the capital Georgetown into the sea. Exxon is already building plants there to process the oil. The group already operates more than a dozen offshore oil fields belonging to Guyana. One of them has an estimated value of more than 40 billion US dollars. The US Agency for Development Cooperation USAID assumes that the oil fields in Guyana will secure a total annual income of around ten billion dollars. Guyana may soon exceed Exxon's production in Texas' Permian Basin. Also read: Here's the next energy problem brewing for Europe Better roads and houses could be an indication of more prosperity in Guyana. But critics fear that this move is just a new kind of colonialism, a means to siphon off the country's resources and move them out of the country. What the people of Guiana will have at the end of it is questionable. The leader of the opposition, Audrey Norton, says he is concerned that the oil will exacerbate ethnic conflicts and income inequality in the country. One thing is certain: the oil boom will bring jobs that are usually better paid than the often unstable working conditions in the tertiary sector. The technically particularly demanding jobs in oil production, on the other hand, are mainly taken on by foreigners because Guyana lacks the appropriately trained specialists and engineers. The extent to which dependence on foreign companies is paralyzing actual economic development through the oil business has been evident in Venezuela for decades. Despite the great oil wealth, the country is suffering economically and socially. Inflation rates have been enormous for years. https://nachrichten.wiwo.de/be97b61f4a346421c525f3d8d22a7d04c53d469f4de108d398279c2eb00951bc2592b476fbf101175d09fd8905d28e0b129340708?utm_source=web-frontend&xing_share=news
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Disheartening! Why should they keep us lagged behind?
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disappointing
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It's hard even to find the right words to describe how rotten these oil companies are. But it is also super important for the international community to step in and assist Guyana in the green transition and make it easier for the country to say no to this money.
Shared by Johan Moore
Pachama
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The scientific evidence accumulated over the last several decades has become resoundingly clear. To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we need to drastically reduce carbon emissions. Each year deforestation accounts for as much as 10-20% of global carbon emissions (Friedlingstein, 2022). Ongoing deforestation also continues to threaten species with extinction and encroaches on the rights of indigenous and rural communities who depend on forests for their livelihoods. The market for forest carbon, if properly designed, presents a tremendous opportunity to change land use incentives to reverse these trends. By compensating landowners for protecting and restoring forests, the market could reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere while creating space for nature and forest communities to thrive. However, today’s carbon market has not managed to make a significant dent in global carbon emissions. The market has also suffered from well-publicized concerns about carbon credit quality, damaging trust in the market. A Digital Future for Carbon Markets Pachama envisions a future of high-integrity, digital carbon crediting that can scale at the speed necessary to address climate change. An effective carbon market that can restore nature globally must be: 1. High-Quality: Every credit represents an actual reduction in carbon emissions to the atmosphere. This is clearly the most important market attribute. If a credit does not represent at least 1 metric ton of carbon, then it could actually increase carbon emissions instead of reducing them because buyers use the credit to offset their own emissions. The Pachama Quality Standard defines five pillars of high-quality crediting: estimated emissions reductions must be accurate, additional, durable, net, and produce benefits beyond carbon. 2. Transparent: Buyers often describe today’s carbon crediting calculations as hopelessly complicated and difficult-to-understand. When purchasing carbon credits, a buyer should be able to easily understand what it is they are buying, that is, what a credit represents and how it’s calculated. The complexity of carbon crediting today makes it harder to trust the quality of the credits. 3. Scalable: The market for forest carbon has grown rapidly, yet it currently offsets less than a few tenths of a percent of global carbon emissions. Recent analyses suggest the market has the potential to drive net deforestation to zero and reforest an area about 10 times the size of France (Girardin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.2017; Griscom, PNAS ,2020; Griscom, R. Soc., 2020). This requires scaling the current market by at least 100X (State of the Voluntary Carbon Markets, 2022) How Digital Platforms can Modernize Crediting Carbon credit issuance is ultimately a process of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV): monitoring to calculate a project’s emissions reductions (i.e., credits), reporting to document the calculations before a credit registry, and verification of the calculations by independent auditors. Credit registries, such as Verra, now refer to future digital crediting platforms as digital MRV (DMRV) platforms. DMRV platforms would modernize credit issuance in at least 4 important ways. 1. Shift from manual data collection to satellite observation Despite remarkable advances in satellites and machine learning, carbon credit calculations today still rely on costly, labor-intensive methods. Field crews measure individual trees by hand to inventory carbon stocks over a small sample of a project’s area. These inventories cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars and can take months or even years to complete. The inventories must be repeated at each credit issuance, typically every 5-10 years, over a project’s lifetime. Satellite-based carbon mapping offers a scalable, cost-efficient approach to carbon crediting. Satellites are also essential to enhancing credit quality, because they can observe forest change both within a project and the surrounding region, enabling a data-driven approach to computing a project’s emissions impact. Without a satellite view of the landscape, status quo crediting often relies on assumptions that can result in over-crediting (West, Börner, Sills, Kontoleon, PNAS, 2020; West, arXiv, 2023; Coutiño, Jones, Balmford, Carmenta, Coomes, 2022). 2. Shift from inconsistent, manual calculation to uniform, automated calculation Today, project developers run carbon credit calculations in spreadsheets, which auditors then review line-by-line. Though rules vary by registry, nearly all allow significant room to adjust calculations on a project-by-project basis. Crediting volumes can vary widely for the same project depending on who performs the calculations. With digital platforms, credit calculations would be automated, standardizing crediting across projects and eliminating opportunities to manipulate crediting. 3. Shift from auditing projects to certifying platforms With a shift to automated carbon credit calculation, platform certification would replace project-by-project spreadsheet audits, speeding up time to issuance from months or years to days. Periodic platform certification would verify the accuracy of all platform calculations before a platform can participate in the market. Pachama recognizes that not all project information can be verified by machine. But, we think high-quality, transparent, and scalable crediting requires standardizing calculations to the greatest extent possible. 4. Shift from static documents to interactive, digital visualization Today, if you want to understand how credits are calculated for a project, you have to read through hundreds of pages of registry documents and trace calculations through enormous spreadsheets. Satellite observations hosted on a user-friendly platform with interactive data visualizations would allow buyers, landowners, and the public to “see” the impact of carbon projects for themselves. DRMV platforms have the potential to deliver high-quality and transparent crediting at a fraction of the time and cost of today’s traditional methods. This advancement will be critical to unlocking the full potential of nature as a climate mitigation solution. In our next blog post we’ll share more about Pachaama’s vision for modern, digital crediting. Stay in the loop by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
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A question for @Pachama: when working on reforestation projects, how can we ensure that we scale not just the number of trees, but also biodiversity? There have been examples in the past of reforestation projects that end up as monocultural tree plantations that attracts very little wildlife, if any.
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Forests are crucial for binding CO2
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I was astounded to read, "recent analyses suggest the market has the potential to drive net deforestation to zero and reforest an area about 10 times the size of France". Thanks for that great insight!
Shared by Johan Moore
Salesforce
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Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations are rapidly gaining momentum around the world. Regardless of what sector or industry you work in, effective ESG reporting is becoming a critical element of an organization’s core business activities. Companies that are proactive in ESG reporting can seize the moment and get ahead now. What exactly is ESG? ESG is a self-regulating model that helps an organization be accountable to both itself and its key stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees. The three components of ESG represent the risks and opportunities that impact a company’s ability to create long-term enterprise value. - Environmental – encompasses such issues as climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, natural resource scarcity, water management, waste management, and energy usage. - Social – pertains to diversity, equity, inclusion, human rights, labor practices, supply chain management, political movements, culture, safety, training, product safety, and data security. - Governance – refers to how companies conduct their business, staff and govern their boards, compensate executive management, hold executives accountable, deploy and enforce policies, and publicly disclose relevant company data. https://www.salesforce.com/blog/sustainability-reporting/ As ESG regulations and disclosure rules increase globally, companies have a unique opportunity to do good for society and the environment, while also positioning themselves for long-term success. In fact, according to PwC’s 2021 Global Investors Survey, 79% of investors consider ESG risks and opportunities an important factor in investment decision-making. As disclosed in the same report, only one-third of investors believe that the quality of current ESG reporting, on average, is good. So, where do we go from here? Navigating the complexities of ESG can be challenging. Here are some guiding principles as you work to build a successful ESG strategy at your company. 1. Understand where you’re starting The first step is to identify which topics are most important to your company and assess what data your organization is already tracking. Companies should ensure they’re aligned with three types of ESG metrics: - Universal metrics — all companies, no matter their size or country of origin, should be measuring and reporting on topics such as governance, climate, and diversity. - Industry-specific metrics — data privacy, water use, and fair labor, among others. - Company-specific metrics — the topics most material to your specific business. 2. Set targets and make a plan Publishing a comprehensive ESG report isn’t something that can be achieved without invested time. You can break down what you believe by being consistent, starting small, setting targets, and listening to your stakeholders. Transparency gains trust. 3. Leverage Technology The effective use of technology can help you manage ESG data in real time, streamline the reporting process, and increase efficiency. Improving your technology allows you to expand your capabilities and align to global standards. https://www.salesforce.com/blog/technology-can-solve-climate-crisis/ Businesses need to read the room ESG is rapidly becoming a priority for both investors and consumers, making now the perfect time for businesses to act. By prioritizing ESG compliance, companies can meet the expectations of their stakeholders, gain a competitive advantage, and make a positive impact that will last for generations to come. https://www.salesforce.com/resources/sustainability/tools-for-sustainable-future/?d=cta-header-1
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Intriguing indeed
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I love how this article focuses on how sharpening up on ESG is actually a great business opportunity.
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Very interesting, all companies have to get onboard or they will be left on the side of the road!
Shared by Johan Moore
Tradewater
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It’s no secret that carbon dioxide emissions are worsening the climate crisis. But what you might not know is that there are other ozone depleting substances, such as old refrigerants and other potent gases, that have a global warming potential that is up to 10,000 times higher than carbon dioxide emissions. It’s critical to control and destroy these harmful gases before they are released into the atmosphere. And that’s precisely what Tradewater is hyper focused on – preventing the escape methane and harmful refrigerants before they’re leaked into the atmosphere. During the UN climate conference COP27, Tradewater participated in the Climate Hub, an on-site and digital broadcast hosted by We Don’t Have Time, from Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. CEO and co-founder Tim Brown joined the conversation to talk about Tradewater’s climate solutions. Currently, it is estimated that the equivalent of over 9 billion tons of carbon dioxide, in the form of refrigerant (CFC) gases, are scattered across the globe. These potent gases are at risk of leaking from their decaying containers into the atmosphere—and pose an urgent and significant threat to our planet. Tradewater, with the support of their partners, is the only company working to address this critical issue on a global scale. Tim says, “Our reason for being is to collect, control, and destroy these greenhouse gases, and we’re trying to do that at the highest scale we can, as fast as we can. It is our belief that this is the best thing we can do to prevent the climate crisis.” As Tim explains, “A big victory in the environmental world has been the Montreal Protocol, which banned the production of ozone-depleting substances. But they didn’t ban the use, and they didn’t have an end-of-life strategy associated with the Protocol, so there’s a lot of these gases that were made a long time ago that have not been deployed, that are stockpiled and distributed broadly around the world.” The destruction methods that Tradewater employs are approved under the Montreal Protocol, and have a 99.99% efficiency rate. These processes are permanent, meaning that the refrigerants will be permanently destroyed once collected. They are also additional — in the absence of end-of-life mandates, if Tradewater doesn’t do the work, no one else will. Tradewater has an ambitious goal to collect, control, and destroy 3 million tons of non-CO2 greenhouse gases in 2023, and is challenging their growing community to get involved. Preventing catastrophic climate change is everyone's business, and there is no time to waste. If you would like to know how you can do your part in supporting their critical climate solutions, you can find out more at tradewater.us. https://youtu.be/4_wdhcfFk1c?t=25019 Rewatch the COP27 Climate Hub anytime on We Don’t Have Time Play.
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Tradewater's mission is key to solving the climate crisis, we need to talk more about this issue!
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CO2 emissions need to be addressed ASAP.
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All this substances contributing harmful elements should be stopped.
Shared by Johan Moore
Terraformation
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“As we watch the climate and biodiversity crises deepen, we must remember that all of our futures hinge in large part on forestry teams around the world — especially in the Global South — who can turn climate pledges into real forests. Addressing their biggest barriers should be our first priority in the coming year.” — Terraformation CEO Yishan Wong Earlier this month, our CEO, Yishan Wong, published an op-ed for the World Economic Forum on the four ways we can support forest teams in growing biodiverse forests and maximizing carbon capture in 2023. These insights are based on some of the challenges faced by partners in 2022 — and how they’ve overcome them to scale. In the pilot phase of our Seed to Carbon Forest Accelerator, we’ve worked with 18 projects in 12 countries — helping them overcome hurdles like seed shortages and lack of infrastructure, training, and financing. These partners have already delivered significant results — and they’re just getting started. In Tanzania, we accelerated the work of Saving Africa’s Nature (SANA) by providing a seed bank and nursery, as well as training, software, and mapping capabilities. The seed bank and nursery are now fully operational and have increased propagation of tree seedlings by 80%, allowing SANA’s team to stay on track with its ambitious planting schedule. The seed bank currently holds more than 250,000 seeds from 33 species, enabling the team to plant 57,906 native trees and shrubs. The impact of upfront support extends far beyond tree planting. With our help, SANA has hired 28 staff and recruited 185 volunteers. They’ve also conducted 15 community forestry workshops, including one for a group of 30 local women. The team is drilling a water well and installing an irrigation system, which will support newly planted trees and help the forest survive potential drought. “The seed bank we built with Terraformation proves that communities empowered with the right skills and tools are the best stewards of their environment.” — Fanuel Joseph, Director of Saving Africa’s Nature (Tanzania) Financing to scale restoration When we surveyed 300 foresters from around the globe earlier this year, 95% said they didn’t have enough funding to get to scale. Lack of seed capital is the biggest obstacle when it comes to growing the biodiverse, carbon-thirsty forests we need in order to avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis. With an early infusion of funding, our partners were able to build infrastructure like nurseries and hire staff to propagate and plant trees. This support has enabled them to plant a total of 445,000 native trees and shrubs in just over a year — and they’re on track to reach one million plants in the ground by the end of 2023. “Our partnership with Terraformation has ignited a cascade of positive changes in the lands and lives of the people involved in the rainforest restoration activities. It has not only provided them with the infrastructure and economic resources they need to sustain long-term transformation, but also with such high-quality training and constant guidance that the project has no other alternative but to succeed.” — Maria José “Chochi” Iturralde, Founder and CEO of Humans for Abundance (Ecuador) Training foresters, creating jobs To reforest the planet at a climate-saving scale, we will need many more skilled forestry teams. Another major obstacle identified by our partners is the need for training. Over the past year, we have provided both on-the-ground and virtual training for our partners in everything from seed collection to nursery management. In July, our seed banking team hosted a training in East Africa that drew staff from more than 30 restoration organizations and a variety of countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. With our support, our partners have been able to secure one of their most valuable assets: staff. To date, we have helped create more than 400 sustainable jobs in roles like nursery management, seed collection, and planting. Of note, our partner ReClimate, a women-led NGO in Ukraine, has been able to continue to pay staff fair wages and move forward with reforestation even in the face of war. “Terraformation’s commitment and contribution have become crucial in creating jobs and supporting livelihoods of the community in these unprecedented times. Our foresters say that the feeling of being part of a sustainable project with this kind of support gives them strength to continue working every day.” – Olesya Solomina, Co-founder, ReClimate (Ukraine) Solving the seed shortage Restoration projects don’t have the right kind of seeds, in the right places, to reforest at scale. To solve this problem, we’ve helped partners in places like Tanzania, Kenya, and Ecuador build off-grid, solar-powered seed banks with climate control features to ensure long-term seed viability. To date, these seed banks have enabled our partners and projects to collect and store more than 42 million seeds. Without access to seeds, foresters not only face major delays in restoration — they can lose species altogether. “Terraformation not only provided catalytic funding for the Kilimanjaro Project to demonstrate our potential and implement the first steps of our ambitious strategy, but also provided invaluable capacity-building and knowledge around seed collection and seed banking.” — Sarah Scott, Founder, The Kilimanjaro Project (Tanzania) Accurate tracking for resilient, low-risk forests One of the most important elements of high-quality restoration projects is transparency. Without the ability to accurately track and monitor seed collection and planting, it is not only impossible to plan ahead — it’s difficult to demonstrate progress and assess carbon capture. To address this challenge, we developed Terraware, the first specialized software to support the entire reforestation process — from collecting seeds to planting and mapping trees. By providing detailed data in the earliest stages of reforestation, Terraware allows teams to quickly adapt, which increases project efficiency and reduces risk. Most importantly, the software provides rich data about biodiversity, which is key to growing resilient forests that can withstand fires, drought, and disease. This year, we launched the Terraware app, which allows forestry teams to easily take photos, capture GPS points, and record field notes. To date, forestry organizations across 42 countries are actively using Terraware to track their progress. "Working with Terraformation since 2021 has given us the tools and learnings to build and deliver large-scale carbon projects.” — Yanik Nyberg, CEO, Regenerative Resources (Ghana) Growing real forests for better carbon capture Forests are the best, most immediately scalable solution we have when it comes to drawing down carbon. But not all forests are created equal. The U.N. estimates that almost half of planted forests around the world are monoculture tree farms, which can deplete fresh water, pollute soil, and destroy food and land security for local communities. It doesn’t have to be this way. Biodiverse native forests capture far more carbon than monoculture tree plantations, and are more resilient to fires, pests, and severe weather — which makes them a less risky investment than single-species tree farms. Biodiverse forests are real forests. These are the forests we grow. Our carbon science and forestry teams carefully select our partners based not only on their carbon sequestration potential, but on their diversity of species and impact on neighboring communities. We only work with projects that benefit local people and lands. The global momentum is shifting. Forests and forestry teams deserve our support, and there is no better time than today to be a part of the climate solution. For the latest Terraformation news and updates from our partners, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and We Don’t Have Time, and subscribe to our newsletter.
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Are you interested in receiving updates about what we are doing to revitalize global native reforestation? Sign up for our newsletter: http://refore.st/newsletter_subscription
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Surely important information right here.
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This is truly important! Thanks for sharing
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Interesting article! I had no idea of how important it is to train foresters
Johan Moore
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With iOS 16.1, your iPhone can try to reduce your carbon footprint by selectively charging when lower carbon-emission electricity is available. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213323
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This is amazing
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Only available in the US at the moment
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This is brilliant. Hope this feature will be available in every single phone.
Johan Moore
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It is rare, but sometimes Oil companies are doing the right investments. This will actually decrease oil consumption when EV takes over from fossil fuel-powered cars. Bp Pulse, the global oil leader’s charging infrastructure unit, is teaming up with Hertz to build a network of EV fast chargers in high-demand locations such as airports. The project aims to accelerate EV adoption by providing charging solutions where they are most needed. In September, Hertz and Bp signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a national EV charging network. The plans include using Bp Pulse, the oil giant’s EV charging division, to lead the rollout. https://electrek-co.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/electrek.co/2022/10/28/bp-and-hertz-launching-ev-charging-network-near-airports/amp/
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God to see the partnership for EV charging solution.
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Rental and Carsharing of EV plus the needed charging will speed up the demise of the oil consumption cars.
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Dear Johan Moore Thank you for getting your climate love to level 2! We have reached out to Bp Plc and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! /Muhammad We Don't Have Time
Johan Moore
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Polestar O₂, the electric roadster concept, doesn’t just exist to create desire . It exists to show that there’s a new paradigm when it comes to the sports car. One that proves that the premium choice, the fun choice, and the sustainable choice are one and the same. https://www.polestar.com/uk/polestar-o2/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrmJSvarBxk
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Wow. Beautiful car and big steps for circularity in the design.
Johan Moore
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More than 20 organizations have come together in a global initiative to tackle the social and environmental problems of electronics. The Circular Electronics Initiative aims to encourage organizations and consumers to take a more responsible approach to the electronic goods they use. Prime should join! https://tcocertified.com/pressrelease/global-initiative-formed-to-push-responsible-and-circular-electronics/
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Hi, that is interesting and our Head of CSR is on it! Thanks for sharing !
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circular economy is the way to go for a more sustainable world
Shared by Johan Moore
Alayne Perrott
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The Danish shipping giant Maersk is to spend $1.4bn on 8 giant container ships powered by methanol, each of which will be able to transport 16,000 containers. Since shipping accounts for 2% of global, energy-related CO2 emissions, this is a very significant development: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/24/maersk-spends-1point4-billion-on-ships-that-can-run-on-methanol.html
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Great effort if they keep the word, but 2050 is too late: "The Danish company has vowed to only order new vessels which can use carbon-neutral fuel as it seeks to deliver net-zero emissions by 2050" https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/maersk-orders-eight-vessels-able-run-carbon-neutral-methanol-2021-08-24/
Shared by Johan Moore
Marco Rodzynek
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According to local groups, international research firms and National Geographic, ReconAfrica’s unsustainable search for oil and gas in the Okavango Delta watershed is a political and environmental scandal. Our team’s new research into the financial dealings of the company shows that it is most likely also based on a financial scam perpetrated by ReconAfrica on small retail shareholders who have been hoodwinked into buying its worthless stock. On the 18th of August, the Women's Leadership Centre (WLC) based in Windhoek, Namibia, hosted a 100-minute deep-dive of ReconAfrica’s oil drilling activities which threaten the Okavango Delta. A panel of civil society activists and international experts slated the company’s false announcements, their poor environmental compliance and the possible theft of local property for their drilling sites. Watch the full presentation here. I am the founder of NOAH Advisors and NOAH Conference. We have been working for a quarter of a century with the world’s leading entrepreneurs and digital investors, driving capital towards startups. Since 2019, I have focused my efforts on supporting businesses that provide a sustainable future for the planet. You can find more information on NOAH in this presentation. I am an investment banker who became an activist because I cannot accept that our most precious natural assets are unprotected in a world rendered powerless by fake news, short-term corporate interests and complex global interdependencies. Our team has been following ReconAfrica’s stock promotion campaign for the last six months and my WeDontHaveTime and LinkedIn posts about the company’s dubious activities have been read by over 30,000 people globally. ReconAfrica, through paid-for online publications like Oilprice.com, says they are sitting on the biggest onshore oil discovery of the decade. But our research following the money and investors’ capital shows that the company is simply a prefabricated online marketing campaign using digital advertising methods to make this fake news appear a reality. If the company’s purpose is not to pump oil but to pump stock, as the research firm Viceroy alleges, then they have been fabulously successful. This tiny oil company with few assets, no oil in place and zero earnings has grown to nearly a billion-dollar company in the last year alone. Despite announcing in April that they had found “a working petroleum system” in the supposed “newly discovered” Kavango Basin, the company has shown no independent analysis to back up these claims. The announcement did however coincide with a massive and potentially illegal online marketing campaign that pumped the stock price from 2 to 10 US Dollars in just six weeks. Since that June high, the company’s shine has dulled with little follow-up as experts slated the company’s inability to back up their claims with any shred of verifiable evidence. Today the stock price is down to just below 5 US dollars, which we feel is still ridiculously inflated, considering that absolutely zero proof of this supposed massive discovery has been provided by ReconAfrica. ReconAfrica’s ongoing drilling program is being conducted in the world’s largest protected international wildlife reserve, the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (“KAZA”), covering five nations, -an area bigger than France. This massive park protects the world’s largest remaining herd of endangered elephants as well as dozens of other endangered species, like the Slaty Egret and Temmincks ground pangolin, which has been nearly poached to extinction. The interlinked Kavango River, Okavango Delta and the Omatako ephemeral underground river which flows past ReconAfrica’s drill sites support almost a million people with sustainable livelihoods. The company’s drilling operations are already potentially damaging local water supplies in violation of Namibia’s environmental laws. For example, ReconAfrica dumped its produced drilling water into unlined pits, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and National Geographic. Not all local people living within the license area have given their free, prior and informed consent to having these damaging and polluting operations take place in their communities. KAZA is funded by Germany’s KfW Development Bank, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), The World Bank and other organisations. It appears that none of these institutions have stepped in to question the dubious drilling operations on the land they claim to protect. NOAH decided to align with civil society groups in the region in order to use our financial expertise to investigate and expose this scheme for what we believe it is: a fraud perpetrated on the peoples of Namibia by a foreign company in league with possible criminal elements. ReconAfrica’s financial filings show that their share price was pushed up by a $2-3 million annual marketing budget paying cash and shares for content supporting the wishful thinking of the ReconAfrica management team, in alleged violation of US Securities laws – according to a whistleblower complaint filed with US authorities and outlined in a recent National Geographic story and supported by numerous reports by the financial research firm Viceroy. There is not a single piece of independent research confirming anything that ReconAfrica claims, from their alleged “working petroleum basin” to any kind of large “source rock” that petroleum could flow from. On top of this the company has not allowed independent analysis of its well logs. Importantly, the target depth was not reached in either well. Petroleum exploration geologists like Matt Totten Jr. noted this issue in the WLC presentation, as this activity would be crucial in proving any kind of real discovery of oil and gas. A very interesting fact is that there are over 40 other exploration licenses in Namibia. These other oil and gas exploration companies like Eco Oil & Gas Ltd., Chariot Limited, Letho Resources, Monitor Exploration Ltd and the local company Hydrocarb are valued at a fraction of what ReconAfrica is valued at. Their combined valuations are far below 10% of the current valuation of Reconafrica. So why did ReconAfrica’s share price rise to such incomprehensible levels when there is still no third party validation of their incredible oil claims? Our research shows that the company has been paying for sophisticated 3rd party online advertising which is published as factual reporting and not openly contested, so retail investors assume that this fabricated story of undiscovered oil riches must be true. We need our financial market regulators to do their job and step in to protect these retail investors. From our talks with long-term friends at Deutsche Boerse, we learned that the Canadian regulator is apparently not equipped to comprehend the internet advertising activities of Reconafrica. Given our background, we felt compelled to help them. As internet financial investment experts, our research shows that digital marketing companies like NXT, Invesbrain and baystreet.ca are being paid to put ReconAfrica’s lies out on the internet in a systematic and strategic manner. Apparently, when a 3rd party is putting out false claims, the company believes it is investor relations, but in fact the company may be breaking the law. These manipulative practices remind me of techniques used by Cambridge Analytica who used something similar to pump up online support for Trump in 2016. Our work shows that the company paid millions of dollars to acquire an estimated 5,000 retail investors through paid research from their dealer/broker Haywood Securities, oilprice.com and over 30 other ‘helpers’ across the internet. Our analysis of YouTube alone shows numerous stock promoters pumping ReconAfrica stock, like San Diego Torrey Hills Capital, TPG Investing, Zac Hartley, Brandon10x and many more. NXT openly states that they help companies with investor relations but despite BankTrack publishing a scathing indictment of ReconAfrica’s potentially illegal investor relations activities, regulators have been mostly silent. We believe that German financial regulator BAFIN should look a lot more closely into companies listed on their exchanges like ReconAfrica to protect the retail investor. Finally there is some evidence that they are starting to do so. By analyzing the many retail investor message boards, as well as through financial groups like Seeking Alpha, our team has uncovered that ReconAfrica is – not surprisingly – 99.97% owned by retail investors and insiders. It is important to note that in my 24 years as an investment banker, I have never seen a company valued at $1 billion with a shareholding based on such a high number of retail investors. It is obvious to our team that the online messaging boards discussing ReconAfrica are managed by the company itself. The most active users on Reddit, Stocktwits, Yahoo Finance!, Discord and others have been set up in the last 9 months and mostly discuss only ReconAfrica stock. These accounts were clearly opened and maintained for the sole reason of pumping the stock. On regular stock chat lines there are always some dissenting voices, mentioning concerns or having open discussions. On ReconAfrica’s discussion boards all critics are removed from the platforms by very aggressive moderators. I was removed from the Discord board after questioning why some of ReconAfrica’s board members sold their shares ahead of the alleged “big oil announcement”, in late July 2021. The announcement was a flop, prompting many investors to sell their shares. We have identified numerous issues with these promotional online chats which appear to have been purpose-built to hype the stock and silence dissent, including no announcement of the intent to run these boards by the company and most importantly for regulators, no public disclosure of money paid to certain people who run the boards and continually post promotional material on behalf of ReconAfrica. I am not an oil expert by far, but when I researched the history of oil drilling in Namibia, I found evidence of similar unsuccessful oil speculations back to 1927. Since then there have been over 50 efforts of many global oil businesses to find oil in Namibia. All of them were unsuccessful. What have they missed that ReconAfrica has supposedly found? Members of the ReconAfrica team, like director Jay Park, have been slated by the UN Security council for bribing officials in other African countries for what appeared to be lucrative oil contracts but left retail investors holding the bag. We are living through a pivotal moment, when humanity is being asked to create a new financial paradigm in order to survive a world heating up from the overuse of fossil fuels. Namibia has vast amounts of wind and sunshine, two of the most powerful clean energies of the future. As financial advisors we cannot stand by and watch a company endanger the sustainable livelihoods of millions, while driving us further towards the brink of societal collapse. It is clear we need stronger institutions and regulations, but in the meantime we stand in solidarity with groups like the WLC to draw a line in the African sand, because we simply don’t have time to waste by continuing to follow the human race’s unsustainable demand for fossil fuels and that industry’s massive contribution to climate change. How can you help this cause? Join our call for action! If you plan to visit the Okavango Delta or would like to stay up to date with the newest developments in this story, please click here to find out about the Okavango Defence Coalition. We are actively working on economic alternatives for the region. Please visit our website where you can discover more details about how you can help as we publish them. We have to stand firm, together, in order to take care of nature and the people fighting tirelessly for the survival of our planet, so please do consider supporting organizations like the Women’s Leadership Centre. Written by MARCO RODZYNEK, We Don’t Have Time Board Member and lead investor, NOAH Conference founder, and financial advisor to over 300 internet start-ups in the last 24 years.
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Thanks for the article but I don't trust that
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From what I've seen from ReconAfrica, including their response to warnings on this platform, the never back up anything they say or do with credible sources. So this makes a lot of sense to me, that they really don't have anything to back it up with. How can we make this practice stop and make it unprofitable for others to do?
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Thank you so much for your well-researched and well-written article Marco! This is clearly an investment scam. That makes the environmental damage that it creates even worse. Oil is a very dirty business.
Johan Moore
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This is exactly how the world leaders handle the climate crisis. https://youtu.be/nSXIetP5iak
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Brilliant and 😢
Shared by Johan Moore
Ingmar Rentzhog
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This 👇 is how media should portray heatwave, and linking it to #climatechange. Not with pictures of people smiling, bathing and eating ice-cream. #WeDontHaveTime (Like Swedish TV4 did last week: https://app.wedonthavetime.org/posts/e69be01a-ce60-4b98-b4ae-72bff52b268e) Canada's previous national record for high temperature was 45C - but the recent heat in the village of Lytton in British Columbia saw a figure of 49.6C recorded at the height of the event. The photo shows what happened to that village. Hundreds of people have died because of the heatwave in the region This heatwave is clearly linked to Climate change. According to a new study: US-Canada heatwave 'virtually impossible' without #ClimateChange Read more here: https://t.co/HAayYYtyE4 I am not surpriced but its good that the study is quickly published.
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The news is disguised but this truly depicts the real situation on the ground.
Shared by Johan Moore
Wil Sillen
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The latest prototype of the Lightyear One solar electric vehicle (SEV) has recently delivered tremendous range, all packed into a ~60 kWh battery pack. This full cycle driving test, conducted on a test track in Germany, has given the Lightyear team great insights and validation as it looks to deliver its Lightyear One SEV next year. Lightyear is a Netherlands-based EV startup specializing in solar electric vehicles or SEVs. We’ve covered the automaker since its inception and continue to follow it as it moves ever closer to delivering its first SEV, the Lightyear One. In January of 2020, Electrek‘s own Mikey G was able to get an up close look at a Lightyear One prototype to see how this solar EV might deliver such high range on a relatively small battery. From very early on, the startup has promised an impressive range of 450 miles on single charge in the Lightyear One. No matter your level of previous skepticism, Lightyear’s latest prototype is now mere miles away from achieving this pledged milestone. Lightyear One’s latest prototype delivers strong range In a recent press release, Lightyear has shared the results of its latest track testing, demonstrating its newest Lightyear One prototype delivering 441 miles of range on a single charge. The test was conducted at Aldenhoven Testing Center in Germany, where the prototype was operated through a full drive cycle at a speed of 53 mph, on a single battery charge of 60 kWh. In speaking with Electrek, Lightyear CEO Lex Hoefsloot was able to elaborate on the test, which took over nine hours. Hoefsloot told us that the track is very flat, although the banked corners do give a slight incline at the start and finish. Those banking angles are between 67-72%. Overall, the prototype drove for just under nine hours, although the test took nearly 10 in its entirety because they had to switch drivers every two hours. Previously, the Dutch startup has touted the benefits of integrating solar panels into its EV, offering up to 45 miles of additional range on a sunny day. We asked how much solar power contributed to the 441 miles in Germany, of which Hoeflsoot explained: 45 miles would be the additional range on a sunny day. In this case, it was a bit of a cloudy day, we got a few hours of good sun and in total about 3.4 kWh from the solar panels, which equals around 25 miles. So there’s a very real chance that if the Lightyear One had seen a little more sun that day, it could have surpassed 450 miles of range with the full boost of its solar panels. In addition to the solar panels, Lightyear was also focused on the battery performance, energy consumption of the cooling system, as well as the functioning of the in-wheel motors and the SEV software. According to the automaker, everything within the Lightyear One prototype was monitored to determine the yield of this 441 range benchmark. This data will be used beyond the Lightyear One After hitting a range of 441 miles on a relatively small battery in the Lightyear One prototype, we had to ask its CEO if the team was expecting to hit this range at this point, or if it had surpassed expectations. Hoefsloot elaborated for Electrek: It definitely surpassed expectations on such a very early run. We know we can still improve on for example aerodynamics, the powertrain, brakes, and suspension. So we are very happy with these early results. It was very cool to see that our vehicle performance model did a good job in predicting these outcomes. At the same time, it will give valuable input on how to improve the model and also fine-tune our models for side-wind, brakes, and ambient temperatures. For example, it was quite a windy day at the track, so we saw a deviation there with the predictions from our model. Once again, this track data will prove vital in fine-tuning the Lightyear One before it sees a limited run of 946 SEVs into production in the first half of 2022. When we asked if these insights will affect the price of the upcoming Lightyear One, Hoeflsoot explained: These tests give us a lot of insights. It will mainly affect the price of the next Lightyear models, which will greatly benefit from this level of efficiency. Some of these early findings will find their way into future Lightyear tech and models as well. But it is not going to change Lightyear One, we are just happy to be on track. Lightyear has shared goals to approach the mass market with additional vehicle(s) in 2024. You can view footage of the test day here: https://youtu.be/lnEPjJBBjFg
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Dear Wil Sillen Thank you for getting your climate love to level 2! We have reached out to Lightyear and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! /Adam We Don't Have Time
Shared by Johan Moore
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Patrick Kiash
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Bicycles, locally known in Kenya as "boda boda" was for a long time a major means of carrying passengers for short distances in most towns in Kenya. But today, most residents have shifted to motorable transport I’m driving with a friend along a “heavy traffic” street in the outskirts of Nairobi and then I notice some young man being cycled to his destination. I’m excited to notice this guy wearing a www.wedonthavetime.org T-shirt broadly written at the back “Together we are the solution to the climate change”. As the traffic drives us all to a halt due to the ongoing road construction, I take time to wonder about the significance of everything at the moment: here we are stuck in traffic, and the guy on the bicycle is uninterruptedly being taken to his destination on a bicycle. At the end of the day, this guy will get to the destination probably before I do, has caused little or no harm to the environment, and here I am in a more expensive second-hand car that is in so many ways causing harm to the environment as it burns the fuel *(whose sources are definitely fossil fuels) as, by our side, trees are being cut to make way for the expansion of the road to allow more vehicles to pass through. The message “together we are the solution to the climate change” cuts deep. But ask any person who has some basic understanding on the topic of climate change, and you realize that very few have the basic knowledge on what harm they cause to mother earth on a day to day basis, in their small ways. Indeed, much focus on climate change has been directed towards big companies, forgetting that the main forces behind these carbon emissions are human themselves. It is not encouraging that climate change intervention attention has been focused on engineering-driven research involving, for example, solar panels and wind turbines, whereas information-driven innovations have received scant recognition. There is one basic agreement that the growing population has put too much strain on natural resources, pushing humans to clear more land to make room for roads, industries, housing, farming, and other economic activities that enhance their chances of survival within their environment. These large corporates look at the population in terms of demand for their goods and services, and with the growing population, companies see an opportunity to make more sales. And most of these corporates with this new opportunity exploit natural resources with some form of impunity, with little or no concern about the harm they are causing, about applying sustainable approaches that would guarantee that their production systems do not leave wounds on mother nature; wounds that would take decades to heal and still the results of their effects would be felt for generations to come. It is sad that we have left the responsibility of charting the global sustainability agenda to the political class. Yet evidence suggests that too many politicians are either ideologically constrained from recognizing the existential threat of climate change or reluctant to implement policies that foster structural transformations of production, consumption, transportation, finance, and energy systems. The impact of climate change and environmental degradation appears slowly and affects a public good, the environment. The cause-and-effect relationships related to climate change are complex and nonlinear. The effectiveness of interventions in any complex system is difficult to measure because of the many alternative attributable forces. For the global climate war to be won, there is a need for a close-woven engagement of the society with the scientific and business communities to help bolster the case for creating a more sustainable society through renewable energy, cleaner air, less waste, and more circular material flows. As the traffic eases up and I get to move, all this flows in my mind, but then, how many in our generation are ready to surrender their comfort for the sake of the environment? How many would rather ride a bike to work instead of the comfort of their cars? How many are willing to take the small steps to drive change in how we look at the environment? Truth be told, we cannot solve global climate change without significant interventions and lifestyle changes. Patrick Kiarie. WDHT-Africa/Kenya Chapter. www.wedonthavetime.org
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"Together we are the solution to the climate change" truly inspiring message.
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Very well said. We have to realize that we as individuals are a part of a larger system, and we have the power to change that system if we work together. We also have to combat the notion that acting on climate change is an inconvenience and a disruption in how we have it now, and rather see it as a new way to have a rich and good life. I think a lot of people would act more sustainably if they understood what a sustainable life could look like, and what the benefits of doing it are!
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Thanks for this very well written article Patrick! You are absolutely right!
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Nations will gather allot of information out of this discussions. Thanks for updating!
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Out of this conversation the future is gonna be determined let's tune in
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Let's follow the discussions shaping our planet's future!