The US must acknowledge climate debt to protect vulnerable nations

To mitigate the impact of climate change, wealthy nations like the U.S. need to take responsibility and provide reparations to countries most affected by global warming.

Vann R. Newkirk II reports for The Atlantic.

In short:

Thirty-three years after the Chantilly climate conference, global temperatures and emissions have risen dramatically, causing severe environmental crises.
The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) proposed a framework for climate reparations in 1991, which remains relevant but has yet to be fully implemented.
Despite some progress, wealthy nations, including the US, have largely failed to make significant commitments to climate reparations.

Key quote:

"The very existence of low-lying coastal and small vulnerable island countries is placed at risk by the consequences of climate change."

— Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) delegates.

Why this matters:

Addressing climate debt is crucial for preventing the collapse of vulnerable nations and ensuring global stability. Ignoring these obligations could lead to severe worldwide consequences, including increased migration and geopolitical instability. Read more: Scientists probe ancient history of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet and find unsettling news about sea level rise.

www.theatlantic.com

The US must acknowledge climate debt to protect vulnerable nations

Opinion: How Maryland can meet its energy goals without sacrificing farmland

Changing weather patterns threaten time-tested houses in Nepal village

Global progress on extreme poverty is stalling and may reverse soon

Petrochemical expansion in texas will fall heavily on communities of color, study finds

From invasive species tracking to water security – what’s lost with federal funding cuts at US Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Who’s ready to think about blocking out the sun?

From invasive species tracking to water security – what’s lost with federal funding cuts at US Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.