Climate politics
Lima challenge: cooking up a climate agreement
COMMENT: A global climate deal must take account of the needs of “climate takers” as well as “climate makers”, writes Greenpeace UK’s Ruth Davis
10 questions for delegates heading to UN climate talks in Lima
BLOG: UN envoys hope to craft a draft version of a global climate deal in Peru next week – here’s what they will have to consider
Diplomatic limbo lets Taiwan dodge climate responsibility
ANALYSIS: Taipei’s strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions is full of holes and a lack of international pressure does not help
India hints at new focus on consumption based emissions
ANALYSIS: India wants countries to take responsibility for pollution created abroad by imported products. Could this work—and is it fair?
World Bank calls on leaders to make “sacrifices” in climate fight
NEWS: Jim Kim says 1.5C warming could already be locked into Earth’s system, calls on governments to act fast
Podesta: Next president could make or break US climate plans
NEWS: Key Obama advisor says US-China pact could be vulnerable if climate sceptic takes White House in 2016
Ed Miliband: Copenhagen was necessary failure on road to Paris
NEWS: Some failures to be expected when trying to achieve difficult and important tasks, argues UK Labour leader
India and China agree to discuss HFC cuts under Montreal Protocol
NEWS: Delhi and Beijing drop opposition to talks on limiting use of climate-warming gases used in refrigeration
Climate frontline: RTCC celebrates three years following UN talks
BLOG: Editor Ed King reflects on a lively 36 months at the helm, as countries edge towards agreement on tackling global warming
UK offers $1.1 billion to Green Climate Fund
NEWS: London’s commitment more than France and Germany despite strong domestic opposition
Pacific Islands face bleak future as 1.5C warming target slips away
NEWS: Countries need to accept radical carbon cuts over next decade to avoid worst climate impacts says UN
Is it time Taiwan took a seat at the UN climate talks?
ANALYSIS: International support and strong trading links could help Taiwan overcome the China block to UN representation
What makes a UN deal legally binding?
-The form or type of the relevant legal instrument, i.e. is it a formal treaty that requires formal ratification and therefore taken more ‘seriously’ by states? -Are provisions of the legal instrument expressed in mandatory language, e.g. ‘shall’ or ‘must’ as opposed to ‘should’ or ‘aim’ and the use of phrases like ‘as appropriate’ or […]
Germany nuclear phaseout puts 2020 climate target in peril
NEWS: Economics minister says carbon emissions reduction target is “no longer viable” ahead of parliamentary vote
HFCs breakthrough possible at Montreal Protocol meeting
NEWS: India stance on highly polluting gas appears to soften as countries meet for ozone treaty discussions
Taiwan defies China to seek recognition at UN climate talks
NEWS: The government in Taipei argues the island state has a unique perspective that should be recognised by the UN
India must lead climate fight for developing countries at UN talks
COMMENT: US-China climate deal will take the world towards a catastrophic beyond 4C temperature increase pathway, writes Chandra Bhushan
Australia left isolated as G20 backs climate action call
NEWS: Pressure from US and EU forces Abbott U-turn in Brisbane as global warming heats up summit negotiations
UN climate talks boost as Green Fund nears $10 billion target
NEWS: US and Japan offer $4.5 billion at G20 talks in Brisbane as efforts to secure fund’s future gather pace
India feels heat as pressure mounts to deliver climate target
NEWS: Officials suggest Modi government will make a “strategic shift” in climate planning post US-China deal