conference
Newsletter
UN conference on plastic pollution marked by industry influence
At a recent United Nations conference in Canada, intended to forge a treaty on plastic pollution, industry insiders prominently influenced proceedings despite the event's "plastic-free" claim.
In short:
- Industry representatives, some posing as government delegates, gained access to critical negotiation sessions, overshadowing the conference's environmental goals.
- The event highlighted significant disparities in access and influence, with some countries bringing industry members into their official delegations.
- Despite the intended focus on reducing plastic production, industry lobbying and presence at the conference significantly swayed discussions and outcomes.
Key quote:
“The human right to science includes the right to transparency."
— Bethanie Carney Almroth, ecotoxicologist from Sweden’s University of Gothenburg
Why this matters:
The irony of a "plastic-free" conference being influenced by those who have vested interests in the plastic industry underscores a recurring challenge in environmental policymaking: the tug-of-war between economic benefits and environmental protection. Critics argue that allowing industry representatives to have a substantial say could sway the outcomes in favor of less stringent regulations, which might prioritize economic considerations over the urgent need to reduce plastic usage and waste.
“Plastic will overwhelm us:” Scientists say health should be the core of global plastic treaty.
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Newsletter
Climate conference reform: a challenging but necessary task
Amidst stalled COP28 negotiations, experts and activists call for reforms in UN climate talks to counteract the influence of petrostates and streamline decision-making processes.
In short:
- The current consensus-based decision-making at UN climate conferences often allows individual nations to hinder progress, particularly on fossil fuel phaseout agreements.
- Proposals for reform include implementing voting rules, restricting fossil fuel industry influence, and imposing penalties for non-compliance with conference commitments.
- The recent COP28 summit highlighted the need for reform, as key language on fossil fuel phaseout was removed under pressure from oil-producing nations.
Key quote:
“I am aware that it would be very difficult to change the rules. But given what’s at stake, I think an effort is needed.”
— Susan Hassol, director of Climate Communication
Why this matters:
Advocates say reforming these talks is essential to ensure meaningful and enforceable agreements, directly impacting our fight against climate change and its health implications.
Sights, sounds and scenes from the largest climate gathering on the planet: Part 1 & Part 2.
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UN
UN climate summit focuses on amplifying financial commitments
At the upcoming UN climate summit, top officials emphasize the urgent need for increased climate finance to combat climate change.
In short:
- The summit, termed an "enabling COP," aims to significantly boost climate finance and set ambitious emission reduction goals.
- UN climate official Simon Stiell highlights the necessity of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables, requiring substantial financial investment.
- Stiell's speech in Baku marks a strategic shift, underscoring the next two years as critical for climate action.
Key quote:
"The action we take in the next two years will shape how much climate-driven destruction we can avoid over the next two decades, and far beyond."
— Simon Stiell, UN climate official
Why this matters:
This summit is pivotal for global health, as it addresses the financial underpinnings essential for mitigating climate change's impact. The outcomes will influence our ability to preserve a healthy environment, a cornerstone of public health and safety.
Op-ed: Is it time to re-think the United Nations’ COP climate negotiations?
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UN
Bonn climate talks at risk of collapse over 7-day agenda debate
Seven days into climate talks in the German city of Bonn, governments have not been able to agree on an agenda, sparking fears of two wasted weeks of talks while the climate crisis worsens.
Newsletter
Organic farming is missing from climate change talks
The USDA sees organic as a business opportunity, but regenerative ag is the hottest trend at the AIM for Climate Summit.
Cop27: When is it and what is on the agenda in Egypt?
This year’s UN climate change conference may be the most challenging yet. Here are the dates and details you need to know.
At a global conference on clean energy, Granholm announces billions in federal aid for carbon capture and emerging technology
As world leaders gathered in New York City last week for the 77th U.N. General Assembly, another international conference focused on a global transition to clean, renewable energy took place in what has been the epicenter of the American steel industry.
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