"Climate finance deal reached at COP29, but negotiations marred by disagreement on fossil fuel transition and transparency concerns"
Guardian readers share DIY tips and stories of repairing household items, highlighting the benefits of extending the life of appliances and sentimental objects through repair rather than replacement.
** UK Car Manufacturers Face Pressure from Stricter Electric Vehicle Rules and Fines, but Industry Insiders Weigh in on Both Sides.
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Asheville's drinking water restored 53 days after Hurricane Helene, but residents remain concerned about safety.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/nov/22/asheville-drinking-water-hurricane-helene
Brown bears introduced into northern Italy's Trentino province 20 years ago have begun to clash with local residents, leading a community to rally against rewilding. A fatal attack on a 26-year-old man has sparked controversy over the management of these animals.
Climate Talks Stumble in Baku, Urgent Reform Needed
The United Nations annual global climate talks (Cop summits) have faced criticism for their ineffectiveness. A group of international climate experts, including former UN secretary general Ban-Ki moon and Christiana Figueres, have called for an overhaul of the summit format to achieve meaningful progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"Prepping industry growth sparks interest in emergency preparedness, with a focus on readiness and resilience. According to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, the Doomsday Clock is set at 90 seconds to midnight, highlighting concerns about global catastrophic destruction. The prepping industry's value is expected to reach $2.46bn by 2030."
** Inheritance Tax Reform Proposes Changes to Land Ownership in Rural Britain
The UK government's budget has introduced reforms to inheritance tax relief on agricultural land, aiming to reduce the concentration of wealth and promote a more dynamic rural economy. The changes will require individuals inheriting land worth over £2 million (or £3 million if married) to pay a 40% inheritance tax rate.
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** The Hague Court's Ruling on Shell Emissions Case: A Mixed Verdict for Climate Activists
The Dutch Court of Appeal in The Hague has overturned a 2021 verdict requiring Royal Dutch Shell (Shell) to reduce its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030. While the court acknowledged Shell's responsibility for reducing emissions and noted that investments in new oil and gas fields may be at odds with the Paris Agreement, it did not uphold the original ruling.
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British farming industry faces significant challenges, including rising costs, labor shortages, and climate change impacts. Labour's new measures, such as dropping inheritance tax exemptions, have sparked debate among farmers, with some arguing it will make the sector worse off.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/12/british-farming-grim-state-labour-new-measures
UN Secretary General António Guterres has condemned 2024 as a "masterclass in climate destruction" at Cop29, citing human-made climate change as the cause for devastating natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
** Shell wins appeal against court ruling on carbon emissions, but Dutch NGO vows to continue pushing for climate action. A higher court has ruled in favor of the oil company, but environmental groups remain committed to holding polluters accountable.
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World leaders gathered at Cop29, a UN climate conference, where UK's new emissions cut target was revealed. The target has been warmly welcomed by some, but critics argue it may be undermined by investments in carbon capture and storage, which they see as a "false climate solution". Others emphasize the importance of transitioning from high-carbon jobs to green industries.
** Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupts, prompting evacuation efforts. At least 10 people have died as volcanic material destroys homes and authorities extend danger zone.
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A mother's heartfelt tribute to her son Colton, who lost his life in a tornado. She reflects on the outpouring of support from their community and how it helped her find closure. The story highlights the importance of empathy and human connection in the face of tragedy.
Ecuador faces widespread power cuts due to severe drought, prompting calls for energy diversification and investment in backup systems. Experts warn that the country's reliance on hydropower makes it vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff are bracing for significant changes under a potential second term of President Trump. According to reports, the agency is anticipating deep cuts in staff numbers and work protecting Americans from pollution and climate crisis. This comes after Trump's last administration gutted environmental rules, prompting hundreds of agency staff to leave amid controversy.
The US government is investing $7 billion in seven hydrogen hubs along the East Coast, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 million metric tons per year. While experts agree on the potential uses for hydrogen - such as powering long-haul aviation and marine shipping, and producing ammonia for fertilizer - some question whether the tax credit will be effective in driving down costs and promoting sustainability. A recent study suggests that green hydrogen may not be cost-effective in industries like trucking, while others worry that without strict regulations on carbon capture, the industry could actually increase overall emissions.
Source: https://e360.yale.edu/features/east-coast-hydrogen-hub
** The Climate Summit COP29 has begun in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a focus on climate finance. A UN Environment Programme report highlights a significant gap between the funding needed by vulnerable communities to adapt to climate impacts and the actual funding received. According to the report, developing nations require $1 billion per day to cope with extreme weather events, but receive only $75 million per day.
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Climate summit Cop29 raises concerns about human rights and greenwashing as Azerbaijan hosts despite authoritarian record.