Donors were supposed to step up, not step back on climate finance
Governments are diverting funds from hard-hit communities, slashing aid and boosting military spending
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UN Human Rights Council fails to call out fossil fuels after decision cuts mention
A proposal by the Marshall Islands and Colombia calling on countries to transition away from fossil fuels had to be dropped from the final UNHRC resolution
To help people prepare for extreme heat, we must communicate better
As a new report shows a dramatic increase in the hottest days in the UK, closing gaps in public understanding of the risks and how to stay safe is urgent
COP30 president: Transition from fossil fuels can start without climate talks
In an exclusive interview, André Corrêa do Lago says negotiators can work out rules or a timeline for the energy transition, but it’s up to countries to act on what they agreed
Scientists hail rapid estimate of climate change’s role in heat deaths as a first
Researchers pinpoint the death toll from last month’s heatwave in Europe, and say nearly two-thirds of the deaths were linked to the effects of climate change
Nuclear comeback? Japan’s plans to restart reactors hit resistance over radioactive waste
The Japanese government wants to turn its nuclear power stations back on – but some local residents and Indigenous Ainu people don’t want nuclear waste stored near them
Top Latin American court upholds right to “healthy climate”, urges fossil fuel control
Inter-American Court of Human Rights issues a landmark advisory opinion on climate change, urging states to regulate fossil fuels and corporate emissions
ICLEI: COP17 must engage local governments
In an exclusive article for RTCC, Konrad Otto-Zimmermann, Secretary General of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), argues that truly sustainable policies to tackle climate change must be implemented by cities and local government.
RTCC Q&A: Technology Mechanism
The technology transfer mechanism will be up for discussion in Durban, RTCC looks at the system designed to grease the wheels of innovation in developing countries.
Regional climate deal in Himalayas “positive example” ahead of COP17
With a positive outcome at Durban looking increasingly unlikely, four countries in the Himalayas have opted for a regional climate deal, working together to adapt to climate change.
UN warns coolant gases could put carbon progress at risk
CFC replacements could have the same warming effect as releasing nine billion tonnes of CO2 into atmosphere.
USA: Developing countries should contribute to Green Climate Fund
Top negotiator calls for rapidly expanding economies such as China and Brazil to add their share to $100 billion climate change support system.
Have bankers won the moral high-ground on climate change?
They’re not usually singled out for praise but many in the banking and finance sector have got their sustainability house in order and look set to top-up shrunken climate funds.
Analysis: China’s dilemma in Durban
Ajay Gambhir, Research Fellow at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change at Imperial College, analyses China’s negotiating positions ahead of COP17.
Quotes of the week: ‘It’ll be a tough slog’
As the clock ticks down to the start of COP17 in Durban – we’ve collated the best quotes from a politically charged week of climate change news and debate
Kyoto Part II: The end of the beginning?
In part two of his analysis of the Kyoto Protocol, Harald Heubaum charts a course for future climate talks, asking if the current treaty is not the answer – then what is?
IPCC confirms link between climate change and extreme weather
In their latest report the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change confirm the link between climate change and extreme weather.
Report: Biofuel investment better than electric vehicles for meeting renewable energy transport targets
Study calls for extra funding in domestic UK biofuel production to ensure EU road and rail cuts are achieved.
Climate aid must not be wasted warn scientists
Scientists warn that if climate change aid programmes are ineffective and money is wasted, donations will dry up just as climate change grows most dangerous.
Climate change in Australia boils down to coal versus catastrophes
Country heads to COP17 off the back of carbon price victory but shadow of the mining industry looms large.
RTCC Q&A: Joint Implementation
RTCC takes a look at the final market-based instrument under the Kyoto Protocol, Joint Implementation.
Report: Climate change funding could face $23.5 billion gap
Austerity measures by ten leading government spenders to hit renewable energy, clean tech and environmental protection.
Climate change to radically change New York State by 2080
Rising sea levels, increased storms surges and temperature rises will make New York a very different place in 2080, says a new report from Cornell University’s ClimAid group.
Analysis: The accountability market and reputation-based legitimacy
In the second of our three-part series on the private sector and climate change, analyst Kentaro Ide writes that developments in corporate responsibility and social entrepreneurship require new modes of accountability and legitimacy.
Analysis: EU puts Eurozone crisis aside and backs Kyoto
Proposed 30% target set to overcome internal opposition and clears way for focus on global green funding gap in Durban.
Obama: China and India must get serious over emissions
Barack Obama has called on China and India to ‘take seriously their responsibilities’ to the climate.
Shipping industry rails against inclusion in national climate change targets
Global trade needs a global framework through the UN, says International Chamber of Shipping.
Tony Juniper: Climate negotiations stuck in deadlock
RTCC caught up with Tony Juniper ahead of the Durban Climate Summit to see what he expects for the conference and how he thinks things could move forward post COP17.
EU Parliament calls for “unequivocal” support for Kyoto
A resolution passed by the European Parliament today (16 Nov) says the EU should go beyond 20% emissions cuts and offer public support for the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol.
EU moves to increase Co2 reduction targets ahead of Durban
Following doubts that a deal at Durban would not be supported unless all emitting countries contributed, in the latest twist the EU looks ready to vote for deeper emissions cuts.
Ashton: If we ditch Kyoto we surrender to climate change
UK Special Representative for Climate Change John Ashton says ditching the Kyoto Protocol in Durban would signal the world’s leaders have lost fight against global warming.