I've been out recovering from some oral surgery and am still not feeling great - but I wanted to get back into the flow of sharing updates and lessons learned ASAP.
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) conference is now in the rear view mirror. Carbonbrief has an excellent, long, summary of the event (thanks Gil for sharing on BlueSky). It was big enough and complex enough that I'm going to put a mind map summary of that overview as our Visual of the Day below. Lest we throw up our hands and say the COP process is worthless, Christiana Figueres argues otherwise on LinkedIn and there's good discussion in comments.
Ok, forward we go together! May your actions today compound and fractal out to breathe energy into the world we want to see.
Marshall Kirkpatrick, founder
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A Visual of the Day
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Visual of the Day
CarbonBrief's summary of the COP29 conference
(Click to view full size.) Frustrating as it is, here's a mindmap of CarbonBrief's 20,000 word summary of last week's global event. While this isn't my primary focus, I find it very useful to have an overview with this level of detail to stick in my brain.
For example, I'm working with a company on measuring its greenhouse gas emissions and discussing the question of strategies to reduce them. To be able to cite the apparent trend of developed country governments slowing commitments to grant and loan money to deal with climate crisis, and the rise of developing country and private investment participation in response, could prove a useful talking point in support of private sector action to reduce emissions as now as well.
Today's Updates
Table of Contents
Carbon (3 stories) - Carbon trading framework gaps at COP29 draw scrutiny as Al Gore debuts emissions tracker; safety fears slow $85B federal carbon capture plans after Mississippi pipeline incident
Circular (1 story) - Activists push for 75% production cuts at Global Plastics Treaty talks, targeting single-use elimination
Ecosystems (1 story) - Seychelles warbler pair bonds break down during harsh weather, study finds
Finance (4 stories) - Major funding milestones: $300B climate package at COP29, Epic Cleantec and Divert projects advance, Extantia raises $214.8M
Indigenous (5 stories) - First Nations Clean Energy Network's digital hub launch and indigenous leaders advocate for rights in UN biodiversity talks and mineral extraction projects
Industry (1 story) - Mining sector's $845B operations urged to adopt real-time wastewater monitoring across 3.9M U.S. claims
Policy (28 stories) - COP29 in Azerbaijan sets $300B annual climate finance target for 2035, while EPA announces $500M in environmental grants and UN prepares for INC-5 plastics treaty talks in Busan
Carbon
Carbon trading framework gaps at COP29 draw scrutiny as Al Gore debuts emissions tracker; safety fears slow $85B federal carbon capture plans after Mississippi pipeline incident
After nearly 10 years of debate, COP29’s carbon trading deal is seriously flawed (The Conversation) - Global climate experts warn that COP29's new carbon trading framework contains significant gaps in storage duration requirements and emissions accounting standards.
Al Gore Climate TRACE event at COP 29 (Climate TRACE) - A new emissions tracking tool unveiled at COP29 by Al Gore now monitors monthly source-level data and co-pollutants across global emission sites.
The Wrong Way to Fight Climate Change - Institute for Policy Studies (Institute for Policy Studies) - Federal carbon capture plans draw fierce opposition amid safety concerns after a 2020 Mississippi pipeline failure hospitalized 45 people and sparked debates over its $85 billion projected cost.
Circular
Activists push for 75% production cuts at Global Plastics Treaty talks, targeting single-use elimination
At Plastics Treaty Talks, Greenpeace warns world leaders: “We are watching” (Greenpeace) - Environmental activists displayed a massive eye-shaped banner at Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, urging a 75% cut in plastic production by 2040 and elimination of single-use items.
Ecosystems
Seychelles warbler pair bonds break down during harsh weather, study finds
‘Divorce’ in songbirds: extreme weather pushes couples past breaking point (The Conversation) - Climate extremes drive divorce rates up by 15% among Seychelles warblers, according to new research tracking the monogamous birds' behavior patterns.
Finance
Major funding milestones: $300B climate package at COP29, Epic Cleantec and Divert projects advance, Extantia raises $214.8M
The great divide in climate action (Climate Generation) - Global climate experts say wealthy nations must provide at least $1 trillion to help vulnerable countries tackle climate impacts, as COP29 prepares to set new finance targets.
From a US$300 billion climate finance deal to global carbon trading, here’s what was – and wasn’t – achieved at the COP29 climate talks (The Conversation) - Global climate talks secure US$300 billion annual finance target and carbon trading framework, despite failing to meet developing nations' demands for fossil fuel transition funding.
We Mean Business Coalition statement on the COP29 outcomes (We Mean Business Coalition) - Global leaders at COP29 in Baku secure $300bn climate finance package for developing nations, though critics note gaps in fossil fuel policy and insufficient funding levels.
A great week for Keep Cool “alumni” (Keep Cool) - Three sustainability firms have secured major wins, with Epic Cleantec and Divert advancing water and food waste projects while Extantia raised $214.8M for climate initiatives.
Indigenous
First Nations Clean Energy Network's digital hub launch and indigenous leaders advocate for rights in UN biodiversity talks and mineral extraction projects
Chesapeake Conservancy Statement on the Passing of Blacks of the Chesapeake Founder and President Vince Leggett (Chesapeake Conservancy) - Vince Leggett, who founded Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation and dedicated his life to preserving African American maritime heritage across the Bay region, has died.
Want to learn more about clean energy but not leave your seat? (First Nations Clean Energy Network) - Australia's First Nations Clean Energy Network launches digital hub connecting Indigenous communities to nationwide clean energy training opportunities and educational resources.
In Our Own Words - Indigenous Peoples At The Just Transition Indigenous Summit (Cultural Survival) - Indigenous leaders at a Geneva summit warn that 'green' mineral extraction on native lands must respect indigenous rights and consent.
Cultural Survival Global News Bulletin November 2024 (Cultural Survival) - Indigenous peoples secure permanent representation at UN biodiversity talks and genetic resource profit-sharing agreements, despite ongoing rights violations worldwide.
Break The Silence - Stop The Violence (Cultural Survival) - A staggering 736 million women worldwide endure violence, with indigenous communities facing heightened risks due to gender discrimination, colonial legacies, and restricted legal protections.
Industry
Mining sector's $845B operations urged to adopt real-time wastewater monitoring across 3.9M U.S. claims
Key Facts and Industry Insights: Active Mines in the USA (KETOS) - U.S. mining operations, spanning 3.9 million claims and generating $845 billion in revenue, face mounting pressure to implement real-time monitoring of wastewater contamination and environmental effects.
Policy
COP29 in Azerbaijan sets $300B annual climate finance target for 2035, while EPA announces $500M in environmental grants and UN prepares for INC-5 plastics treaty talks in Busan
COP29: far from enough (350.org) - Global climate summit concludes in Azerbaijan with developed nations' $300 billion annual pledge, just one-third of the $1 trillion activists say is needed for meaningful action.
COP29 ends with weak climate finance goal, eyes turn to Belem (Greenpeace) - Global climate summit ends with $300 billion annual finance target for 2035, sparking outrage over weak fossil fuel regulations and limited funding commitments.
COP29: a long way to go (Greenpeace) - Global climate summit in Azerbaijan ends with a $300 billion annual finance target, as activists criticize the removal of polluter penalties and weak environmental pledges.
Greenpeace, WWF, Break Free from Plastic deliver almost 3 million signatures demanding strong Global Plastics Treaty (Greenpeace) - Environmental activists presented officials with a 3-million-signature petition from 182 nations, urging a binding Global Plastics Treaty before INC-5 talks commence in Busan.
The Dichotomies Leaving COP29 (Climate Generation) - Youth delegate at COP29 reports both optimism and concern, as Azerbaijan's displacement of citizens and NGO restrictions overshadow meaningful climate activism.
Final Thoughts on COP29 (Climate Generation) - Developed nations' pledge of $300 billion in annual climate funding by 2034 falls short of developing countries' requirements, effectively abandoning global temperature targets at COP29 in Baku.
The Shadow of the Rig (Climate Generation) - Azerbaijan's oil wealth dominated COP29 proceedings while suppressing local voices and obscuring the fact that 5% of its population lives in poverty.
COP29 Wrapped (Climate Generation) - African nations contribute just 4% of global emissions yet face disproportionate corporate influence at COP29, highlighting urgent need for grassroots climate initiatives.
All Along The Watchtower (Climate Generation) - Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 faces criticism over extensive police deployment, press restrictions and civil rights issues, as UN climate delegates report constrained public engagement during the conference.
Federal Funding Opportunities and Guidance – November 25, 2024 (Environmental Protection Network) - More than $500 million in grants for pesticide safety, climate initiatives, and heat resilience programs will be available through EPA, with applications due between December 2024 and January 2025.
New report finds that improved community engagement for clean infrastructure projects is critical to New England’s energy transition (Acadia Center) - New England must triple its clean energy generation capacity by 2050, with community engagement playing a vital role in infrastructure development, according to a joint report.
🔮 The Sunday edition #501: The new Manhattan Project; AI nanobodies; nitrogen from nothing, octopus overlords & MP3 ghosts++ (Exponential View) - China's dominance in energy infrastructure, building 37 nuclear reactors compared to America's two, could impact the US's proposed Manhattan Project-style AI development initiative.
Australia at COP29 Climate Diary (Climate Citizen) - Australia faces mounting pressure at COP29 over its climate finance pledges and fossil fuel policies, as global leaders negotiate funding targets amid Saudi resistance to phaseout agreements.
INC5: Negotiations for Global Plastics Treaty 5th meeting in Busan, South Korea (Climate Citizen) - Delegates from 175 nations gather in Busan for UN's fifth Global Plastics Treaty talks, seeking to craft binding international regulations as plastic waste continues to mount worldwide.
The Australia-Pacific bid to host UN climate talks in 2026 is in limbo. What now? (The Conversation) - Pacific nations' joint bid with Australia to host COP31 in 2026 faces a seven-month delay as Turkey emerges as rival host, threatening preparation timelines for the crucial climate summit.
COP29: Key outcomes agreed at the UN climate talks in Baku (Carbon Brief) - Nations agreed to triple climate funding to $300bn annually by 2035, though COP29 in Baku failed to advance COP28's fossil fuel pledges amid Azerbaijan's disputed leadership and Trump's win.
Historic Article 6 Decision at COP29 – After Much Debate, a Reasoned Solution (EDF) - Global climate negotiators unlock $250 billion in potential savings through carbon market cooperation, setting the stage for doubled emissions reduction targets among participating nations.
Strengthening Climate Action Through Partnerships and Advocacy at COP29 (IRENA) - Global climate summit COP29 secures fresh funding targets and carbon trading deals, while initiating renewable projects across Africa and Central Asia, despite missing key Paris accord objectives.
EDF Statement on COP29 Outcome, New Climate Finance Goal, Article 6 (EDF) - Global climate summit sets $300B annual finance target and carbon market rules, yet developing nations say more support is needed to meet Paris Agreement goals.
EDF Statement on COP29 Outcome, New Climate Finance Goal, Article 6 (EDF) - Global climate summit sets $300B annual finance target and carbon market rules, yet developing nations say more support is needed to meet Paris Agreement goals.
COP29, Peering Through the Carbon Credit Mist (Climate Cleanup) - Global climate summit in Azerbaijan secures $300bn finance package and carbon market standards, though questions linger over support levels for developing nations.
Raising Climate Ambition (Climate Reality Project) - Global climate leaders, including Al Gore, outlined COP29 priorities and unveiled a 2025 Climate Ambition Tour during a virtual summit attended by 200 environmental experts.
COP29 Reflection: Ethan Vue (Climate Generation) - Youth climate activist Ethan Vue calls for increased representation of local youth-led initiatives at COP29, highlighting the critical role of young voices in global climate action.
COP29 Reflection: Manny Vazquez (Climate Generation) - A youth delegate at COP29 in Baku reports stark disparities between Global North-South financial talks and real-world climate impacts affecting vulnerable nations.
In Baku, at the Latest Global Confab on Climate, Hand-Wringing Abounds - Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) - Global climate summit COP29 in Baku draws backlash over private jet arrivals and wealthy nations' refusal to boost annual climate funding past $100 billion.
Spain Is Being Flooded by Devastating Storms — The Climate Crisis Is to Blame - Institute for Policy Studies (Institute for Policy Studies) - Southeastern Spain's catastrophic deluge claimed over 200 lives as a year's worth of rain fell in 24 hours, with climate change making such events 12% more intense and twice as likely.
COP29 Reflection: Manny Vazquez (Climate Generation) - Youth delegate Manny Vazquez reports stark disparities between Global South climate narratives and COP29 outcomes in Baku, where financial negotiations unfolded amid expressions of Palestinian solidarity.
COP29 DeBriefed 22 November 2024: Countries split on climate finance; Fossil-fuel transition ‘reaffirmed’; Latest texts analysed - Carbon Brief COP29 DeBriefed 22 November 2024: Countries split on climate finance; Fossil-fuel transition ‘reaffirmed’; Latest texts analysed - Carbon Brief (Carbon Brief) - Global climate talks at COP29 stretch beyond schedule as nations clash over a proposed $250bn yearly climate fund and fossil fuel phase-out terminology.
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