ukraine
Newsletter
Credit: Max Kukurudziak/Unsplash
Big oil companies fail climate goals and profit from war
Oil majors are falling short of Paris Agreement climate targets while benefiting from global conflicts, a new report reveals.
In short:
- Eight major oil companies are using 30% of the remaining carbon budget for limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
- These companies plan to increase oil and gas production, leading to a projected temperature rise of over 2.4°C.
- They are also implicated in fueling military conflicts, particularly by supplying crude oil to Israel amid its war crimes allegations.
Key quote:
“If an oil and gas company were serious about transitioning its business model, the first step would be ending all new production and then setting a Paris-aligned phaseout plan.”
— David Tong, global industry campaign manager at Oil Change International
Why this matters:
As geopolitical tensions drive up energy prices, oil majors are reaping substantial profits. The windfall from conflicts, such as the ongoing strife in Ukraine, has filled the coffers of these companies, enabling them to report record earnings. This financial boon contrasts sharply with their lagging progress on emissions reductions and investment in sustainable energy sources.
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Newsletter
Credit: Alex Fedorenko/Unsplash
Russia's war on Ukraine significantly increases global emissions
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to greenhouse gas emissions exceeding those of 175 countries annually, contributing to the global climate crisis, according to a new report.
In short:
- Russia's invasion has released 175 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, comparable to emissions from 90 million petrol cars for a year.
- Emissions result from direct warfare, reconstruction, landscape fires, and disrupted air travel.
- Russia faces a $32 billion climate reparations bill for the war's first two years.
Key quote:
"Russia is harming Ukraine but also our climate. This ‘conflict carbon’ is sizeable and will be felt globally."
— Lennard de Klerk, IGGAW lead author
Why this matters:
Military activities, including the use of heavy weaponry, explosions, and the mobilization of troops and equipment, contribute significantly to carbon emissions. The destruction of infrastructure and industrial facilities adds another layer of environmental degradation. These emissions exacerbate the global climate crisis, compounding the already urgent need for international climate action.
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Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Russia–Ukraine war leaves scientists struggling to investigate Arctic changes
The study of how climate change has affected the Arctic is being hampered due to missing data resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Lloyd Alozie/Unsplash
Azerbaijan is expected to host the U.N. Climate Summit in 2024
The next United Nations climate change summit appears set to take place in Azerbaijan, a spokesman for the country said Saturday, resolving a bitter, monthslong political standoff over which nation should host the talks in 2024.
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Leaders agree on G20 declaration, but it’s unlikely to drive change on Ukraine War and climate change
As the hosts of the G20 tried to steer discussions towards other issues, the Ukraine war still dominated, reinforcing the deep global divisions.
Newsletter
Photo by Marjan Blan on Unsplash
There’s a battle over carbon emerging from the war in Ukraine
Putting a figure on the carbon emissions tied to Russia’s invasion might help people outside of Ukraine understand the massive stakes of the conflict and care more about it.
Newsletter
Image by Luaks Johnns from Pixabay
War in Ukraine is worsening effects of climate change, Kerry says
The forced movement of people, the destruction of agricultural land and the increased instability are being felt in Ukraine and beyond, said John Kerry, President Biden’s climate envoy.
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