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.

Andrew Freedman reports for Axios.

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?

www.axios.com

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

UN climate summit focuses on amplifying financial commitments

Earth's worsening climate crisis demands immediate action

Wildlife populations drop sharply as habitat loss continues

Florida’s homelessness crackdown complicates hurricane recovery

Insurance costs squeeze commercial real estate as climate risks rise

Contamination from flooded industrial sites during major hurricanes is a growing concern

Midwest eyed as safer business spot amid rising climate risks

Western states could see significant carbon cuts with new energy transmission projects

Houston area has more than 100 unauthorized air pollution events already this year

An EHN analysis finds nearly half were related to flaring.

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.