A new survey finds that making Big Oil pay for climate damages is the most popular policy option globally. The study, conducted by Opinium Research and commissioned by Greenpeace International, polled 8,000 adults across eight countries and found that 80% of respondents are worried about climate change. The survey also reveals a majority of people are angry about Big Oil's role in contributing to the crisis.
At the Cop16 summit in Colombia, world leaders emphasized the critical links between climate change and nature collapse. As they negotiated, extreme weather events and ecosystem breakdowns were reported worldwide, including massive fires in the Amazon rainforest and devastating floods in Spain. The connection between climate and biodiversity was underscored, with countries agreeing that addressing one issue cannot be separated from resolving the other. This recognition is crucial for limiting damage from global heating.
UK's renewable energy grid faces decade-long delay, threatening green targets. Companies are waiting up to 14 years for connections, leading some to revise net zero goals.
A surprising discovery has been made in the animal kingdom, revealing that crows can hold long-standing grudges. Researchers have found that these birds not only remember past injustices but also pass them down to their offspring, creating a multigenerational feud. This phenomenon raises questions about the evolutionary benefits of holding grudges and whether humans are uniquely susceptible to getting stuck in a cycle of resentment.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/03/mother-grudge-animal-kingdom
A recent investigation has revealed that European Union farming subsidies have benefited companies owned by over a dozen billionaires between 2018 and 2021, totaling €3.3 billion. This comes as thousands of small farms have closed due to opaque data from EU member states. Critics argue that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) prioritizes large-scale agriculture over sustainable and organic farming methods.
The European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is under scrutiny for its impact on the environment. Critics argue that the system prioritizes profit over sustainability, with 80% of subsidies going towards animal products. Experts suggest redirecting these funds towards greener and less intensive farming practices. Some advocate for a shift towards plant-based diets, citing scientific recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A devastating flood in Spain's Valencia region has claimed over 200 lives and left widespread destruction. While the severity of the disaster is unprecedented, climate scientists warn that rising temperatures made such events twice as likely. This tragedy joins a growing list of climate-linked disasters worldwide, including Hurricane Helene and Storm Boris. As global leaders prepare for climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, it's crucial to acknowledge the urgent need for policies supporting adaptation and recovery.
Greenpeace has delivered a powerful message at COP16, urging governments and delegates to take decisive action on biodiversity conservation. The environmental organization displayed large letters inside the negotiations venue, reading "It's now!" in Spanish, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the crisis.
Big Oil companies have been accused of using strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) to silence climate activists. Greenpeace, a prominent environmental organization, has reported being targeted by these lawsuits, which are designed to intimidate and distract from their campaigns. The most concerning lawsuit is from Energy Transfer, a US oil and gas pipeline company, which seeks to annihilate Greenpeace's operations in the US.
Former museum professional turned climate activist, Margaret Reid, has been imprisoned for taking direct action against fossil fuel companies. In a powerful op-ed piece, she reflects on her past life as an art conservator and how it was "a phenomenal waste of time" while the natural world continued to deteriorate due to human activities.
Reid argues that the art world's silence on climate change is complicit in perpetuating harm to the planet. She urges museums and galleries to use their platforms to raise awareness about the devastating impact of fossil fuel consumption and to take bold action to demand change from governments and corporations.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/oct/29/art-climate-action-fossil-fuel-companies
UK's Environment Department (Defra) faces further budget cuts, despite warnings that it will hinder progress in meeting nature and climate targets. The department has already seen a 35% decline in its budget since 2009/10, with plans for an additional 20% cut.
In the Amazon region, Indigenous communities are taking matters into their own hands by harnessing the power of solar energy. Aidesep, a national office in Brazil, is conducting an analysis to identify communities lacking access to electricity and providing alternative solutions. Similarly, the Ceibo Alliance in Ecuador has installed solar systems in 16 communities, empowering territorial guards with clean energy. However, despite these efforts, fossil fuel generators remain the main alternative for many regions. The Amazon faces unique challenges due to its remote location and lack of political weight.
Air pollution has reached hazardous levels in Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city. A recent campaign by artist Dryden Goodwin aimed to raise awareness about the issue. The "Breathe" project features over 230 pencil sketches of Pakistan Air Quality Initiative founder Abid Omar, highlighting the urgent need for clean air. The initiative aims to spark discussions about environmental challenges and promote activism for a cleaner environment.
New research reveals that climate change was responsible for over half of Europe's heat-related deaths in 2022. The study found that if greenhouse pollutants hadn't clogged the atmosphere, 38,000 fewer people would have died from heatwaves. This highlights the pressing issue of climate breakdown and its devastating impact on human health.
The importance of Wi-Fi on fishing vessels goes beyond just staying connected with loved ones. It's a matter of basic human rights and essential for accountability in the fishing industry. A recent study highlights the harsh conditions faced by fishers at sea, including inadequate food and water, poor living spaces, and long working hours. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has set standards for communication on fishing vessels, emphasizing reasonable access to Wi-Fi facilities. As the fishing industry continues to face criticism, organizations are pushing for Wi-Fi provisions on vessels to promote transparency and workers' rights.
Source: https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/70809/why-does-wi-fi-on-fishing-vessels-matter/
The UN's biodiversity summit, Cop16, has brought together thousands of delegates from around 200 countries in Cali, Colombia. With hotels reaching capacity, some delegates have been forced to find alternative accommodations - including the Motel Deseos, a unique hourly rate motel with features like circular beds and "love machine" chairs. Despite initial reservations, delegates seem to be enjoying their stays, with one Ugandan delegate noting that the rooms are "more comfortable" than traditional hotels.
New developments in concrete production aim to reduce emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional Portland cement. Companies like Greening Concrete and Neustark are exploring innovative methods, such as replacing limestone with mining waste or using carbon-free silicate rock. While some experts believe that dilution is not the most effective approach, others see promise in alternatives like special clays or ground slag from iron production. The US Department of Energy has also provided funding for companies pioneering alternative materials.
Source: https://e360.yale.edu/features/concrete-carbon-capture-germany
Climate experts warn of catastrophic consequences if global emissions aren't cut rapidly. Meanwhile, Australia's energy debate focuses on expanding fossil fuels, with the Coalition proposing a plan that prioritizes coal and gas over nuclear power. Climate scientists stress that reducing pollution is crucial, but the government's policy fails to address this goal.
Greenpeace activists delivered a large piggy bank to the COP16 venue, urging governments to fulfill their promises on nature protection funding. The organization is calling for $20 billion in payments by 2025, but negotiations have been stalled due to financial debates between Global North and South countries. Greenpeace emphasizes that delays will further erode trust and impact efforts to protect biodiversity.
Hedgehogs have been listed as "near threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list, with a decline in numbers of at least 30% over the past decade. Urban development, intensive farming, and roads are major factors contributing to their population decline. The Mammal Society is calling for people to garden in a wildlife-friendly way to help halt the decline. One in four UK mammal species are threatened with extinction.