Green Top 10 – November 2024

1- Trump 2.0: Higher Stakes for Climate Action

The election of Donald Trump and Republican control of Congress marks a significant setback for U.S. climate progress. Key initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which funds clean energy projects, and participation in the Paris Agreement are at risk of being reversed. Despite these challenges, advancements in renewable energy technology and state-led initiatives may sustain momentum. Federal rollbacks on emissions standards for vehicles and power plants could stall progress, though states like California aim to uphold stricter policies. The next four years will likely see legal battles and state resistance against federal climate rollbacks.

Source: YaleEnvironment360

2- Cop29 Climate Finance Deal Criticised as ‘Travesty of Justice’

The Cop29 agreement to triple climate finance to $300bn annually, falling short of the $1.3tn requested by developing nations, has sparked backlash. Critics, including India, condemned the deal as “abysmally poor” and accused developed nations of stage-managing its adoption. Small island states and least-developed countries protested being sidelined, with their specific needs overlooked in the final text. Advocates warn this undermines trust in UN climate processes, highlighting the disconnect between developed nations’ contributions and the scale of the crisis. While some see the deal as averting diplomatic collapse, others argue it’s insufficient to address the global climate emergency.

Source: The Guardian

3- Global Emissions and Climate Goals: Key Highlights

A searchable dashboard featuring historical emissions and climate targets for 193 countries has been updated ahead of COP29, offering insights into renewable energy progress and emissions reductions.
China, the largest annual emitter, remains heavily reliant on coal, despite rapid renewable energy growth, and plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
The US, the largest emitter per capita, has made limited progress, maintaining its 2021 goal to cut emissions by 50-52% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
India, ranked third in emissions, faces criticism for its emissions intensity targets, which permit absolute emissions to rise due to economic growth.
Only four nations—Panama, Madagascar, Namibia, and UAE—have updated their NDCs ahead of COP29, with the UAE and Azerbaijan criticized for increasing oil and gas production, contrary to Paris Agreement goals.

Source: FT

4- Can the World Unite to End the Plastic Pollution Crisis?

The final round of UN-led negotiations for a global plastic treaty has begun in Busan, South Korea, amidst deep divisions over key issues like capping plastic production and regulating harmful chemicals. Plastic production is expected to rise by 60% by 2040, intensifying environmental and health crises, as microplastics are increasingly found in human tissues and across ecosystems. A coalition of 70 nations is pushing for ambitious regulations on single-use plastics and toxic chemicals, but petro-states like Saudi Arabia and Russia oppose such measures, emphasizing plastics’ role in economic growth. The U.S. stance has become uncertain after recent political shifts, while China, despite being the largest producer of plastic, shows signs of limiting production of certain types of plastics. The negotiations are unlikely to resolve all issues, but a binding framework for ongoing dialogue may emerge as a pragmatic step toward addressing the plastic pollution crisis.

Source: Bloomberg

5- COP29: Five Key Takeaways

COP29 in Baku concluded with a historic deal to triple climate finance to $300 billion annually by 2035, but this falls short of the trillions developing nations require. Agreements were also reached on global carbon credit trading, with critics warning the rules could allow low-value credits to undermine environmental goals. Saudi Arabia and China’s resistance to stricter measures on fossil fuels and official donor status for climate finance highlighted persistent divisions. Azerbaijan’s hosting drew criticism for its oil and gas focus, fueling doubts about the credibility of petrostate-led negotiations. The summit sets the stage for COP30 in Brazil, where key decisions on emissions reductions and a transition from fossil fuels will be pivotal.

Source: Bloomberg

6- Ancient hot water on Mars points to habitable past

New research from Curtin University reveals the oldest direct evidence of ancient hot water activity on Mars, suggesting the planet may have been habitable in its early history. Scientists analyzed a 4.45 billion-year-old zircon grain from the Martian meteorite NWA7034, also known as Black Beauty, and discovered geochemical markers indicating water-rich fluids were present during early magmatic activity. This study builds on previous findings of meteorite impact shock in the zircon, further supporting the presence of water during Mars’ Pre-Noachian period, over 4.1 billion years ago. Hydrothermal systems, vital for life on Earth, may have existed on Mars, offering new insights into the planet’s potential for early habitability. The research is published in Science Advances and represents a significant step in understanding Mars’ ancient hydrothermal systems and crust formation.

Source: Sciencedaily

7- China’s Ultra-High-Voltage Grid: Revolutionizing Renewable Energy Transmission

China’s ultra-high-voltage (UHV) electricity grid, dubbed the “bullet train for power,” is revolutionizing the transmission of clean energy across vast distances. UHV lines minimize energy loss by operating at extremely high voltages, enabling renewable energy from remote areas to reach densely populated regions efficiently. Originally designed to connect hydro and coal power plants, UHV infrastructure has become integral to China’s strategy for integrating large-scale wind and solar projects. Despite its advantages, UHV technology faces challenges, including high costs, reliance on fossil fuels for stability, and limited local grid integration, as seen during power shortages in Sichuan. Globally, countries like Brazil and India are adopting UHV systems, while debates over cost, regulatory hurdles, and energy security continue to shape the future of long-distance transmission technology.

Source: BBC

8- How to Shop Sustainably This Holiday Season

As holiday shopping ramps up, making sustainable choices can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Supporting small, local businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices is a great start, as they often lead the way in sustainability efforts. Look for third-party certifications, such as those from the Forest Stewardship Council or Good On You, to verify a product’s environmental claims and avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing. Opt for gifts with minimal or recyclable packaging, or better yet, give experience-based presents like concert tickets to eliminate waste entirely. Prioritize quality over quantity, choosing items that have a longer lifecycle, and explore refill stores for toiletries and household goods to further reduce plastic use. A bit of planning can turn your holiday shopping into a meaningful step toward sustainability.

Source: Forbes

9- The Environmental Toll of Doom Scrolling: How Endless Feeds Impact the Planet

Doom scrolling—endlessly refreshing news and social media feeds—is not only a psychological drain but also contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Data centers powering online activities consume vast amounts of energy, accounting for 1% of global electricity use, and doom scrolling’s repetitive nature compounds its environmental impact. Social media and news apps produce CO₂ emissions with every refresh, with digital activities now rivaling the aviation industry in their carbon footprint. While tech companies like Microsoft and Google are adopting renewable energy and carbon-efficient technologies, user behavior, such as reducing screen time or downloading content, can also make a difference. A combined effort by consumers and corporations can mitigate the growing environmental cost of our digital habits.

Source: Forbes

10- Brazil’s Green Vision: Transforming the Amazon into a Sustainable Bioeconomy

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva aims to redefine global bioeconomics by leveraging the Amazon as a model for sustainable growth that protects biodiversity, supports Indigenous rights, and combats climate change. While Lula has made strides, including cutting Amazon deforestation by over a third and launching a National Bioeconomy Strategy, critics warn that the term “bioeconomy” can mask exploitative practices. His push for a globally accepted definition and principles at the G20 summit highlights Brazil’s ambition to lead a bottom-up, ecological approach to economic development. Success stories like açaí and Indigenous pepper cultivation demonstrate the potential for local, sustainable industries, but systemic shifts and equitable investment are crucial for realizing this vision. Lula’s efforts could set a global precedent, making the Amazon not just a vital carbon sink but a blueprint for green economies worldwide.

Source: YaleEnvironment360