Mere mention of the Paris climate talks is enough to make James Hansen grumpy. The former Nasa scientist, considered the father of global awareness of climate change, is a soft-spoken, almost diffident Iowan. But when he talks about the gathering of nearly 200 nations, his demeanour changes. All words, no action “It’s a fraud really, a fake,” he says, rubbing his head. “It’s … [Read more...]
More immediate steps needed for effective climate action
World governments finalized a global agreement today in Paris that lays a foundation for long-term efforts to fight climate change. More effort is needed to secure a path that would limit warming to 1.5C. This new agreement should be continuously strengthened and governments will need to go back home and deliver actions at all levels to close the emissions gap, resource the … [Read more...]
First ever security resolution to recognise important role of youth
The United Nations Security Council adopted an historic resolution on youth, peace and security, which for the first time in its history focuses entirely on the role of young men and women in peacebuilding and countering violent extremism. The resolution, sponsored by Jordan, represents an unprecedented acknowledgement of the urgent need to engage young peacebuilders in … [Read more...]
Paris climate deal: nearly 200 nations sign in end of fossil fuel era
Governments have signalled an end to the fossil fuel era, committing for the first time to a universal agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to avoid the most dangerous effects of climate change at crunch UN talks in Paris. After 20 years of fraught meetings, including the past two weeks spent in an exhibition hall on the outskirts of Paris, negotiators from nearly … [Read more...]
Making peace with the earth
The tragedy of 13th November 2015 in Paris calls on all of humanity to respond to the escalating and vicious cycles of violence by creating virtuous circles of peace. The recent horrific attacks in Paris, Beirut and Egypt's Sinai peninsular make it all the more imperative that we came together in solidarity for the future of humanity and Mother Earth. Governments under … [Read more...]
Climate smart agriculture remains key to Africa’s Development
How will African farmers cope with climate change and become more resilient? How will they ensure food security? Collaboration by various stakeholders including governments, NGOs and research bodies is needed now to rapidly scale-up the African agricultural sector to improve food security and resilience to climate change,” says Estherine Fotabong, NEPAD Programmes Director, … [Read more...]
Climate coalition pushes for binding and ambitious deal in Paris
A coalition representing more than 100 countries, formed in secrecy six months ago, has emerged at key UN talks in Paris to push for a legally binding global and ambitious deal on climate change. The “high ambition coalition” speaks for the majority of the 195 countries at the crunch conference and consists of 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, the US and all of EU … [Read more...]
COP21: call for international treaty on rights of nature and communities
A new movement has been launched at COP21 in Paris to give legal effect to the rights of nature and communities. This would provide effective protection against the gross environmental damage and human rights violations that accompany extractive industries from mining to oil development and agri-business projects, and which underlie climate change, writes Hal Rhoades. A new … [Read more...]
The real divisions over climate change
As the world faces catastrophic climate change, the bigger fight is not just between “developed countries” and “developing countries” or between “big polluters” and “the people.” As usual, the deadlock in the on-going UN climate change summit here in Paris is being depicted by media, government officials, NGOs, and even activists as a reprise of the long-running struggle … [Read more...]
Paris climate summit: UK under fire on climate policy
Environmentalists say the UK government is talking impressively on climate change to its international audience, but down-grading energy policy at home. Ministers say they are still committed to long-term CO2 emissions reductions. And the Prime Minister David Cameron impressed summit delegates with his passionate call to action. Policy changes likely to increase … [Read more...]
Coalition of business leaders challenges 2C climate change target
A group of high-profile business leaders has challenged governments to set strong targets and not slam the door on limiting warming to 1.5C. On Monday, a Paris meeting aimed at reaching a global deal to fight climate change kicks up to a gear, with government ministers taking charge of negotiations. As ministers arrived in Paris, the chief executives of companies such as … [Read more...]
Officials from around the world reach climate change draft agreement
Negotiators from 195 countries agreed Saturday on a blueprint deal aimed at reducing global carbon emissions and limiting global warming, a significant but far from conclusive step in the multinational effort to keep climate change in check. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) posted on its website a copy of the draft agreement, which officials … [Read more...]
China’s about-face on climate change
China has become one of the countries to watch at this week's Paris conference. They have made a hard pledge on peaking carbon emissions and have ever more ambitious targets on installing renewables. The Qinghai Tibet plateau is the heart and lungs of Asia. Here, the continent's weather is made and its great rivers are born. The altitude and the cold make it one of the … [Read more...]
