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Ethiopia Submits Carbon Cutting Plan for UN Climate Deal
Posted by RTCC: None Given on June 11th, 2015
RTCC: Ethiopia became the third African country to unveil its plan to slash carbon dioxide emissions as part of an global pact on Wednesday.
The continent`s second most populous country said it would target at least a 64% cut within 15 years on the current trajectory of emissions, in its submission to a UN portal.
That makes it the 40th country to post a so-called intended nationally determined contribution, in UN parlance, towards curbing global warming.
“The full implementation of Ethiopia’s...
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UN weighs up climate threat in new development goals
Posted by RTCC: None Given on June 4th, 2015
RTCC: The UN released a rough text of revamped international development goals on Wednesday, inserting tracts on energy and climate for the first time.
‘Sustainable Development Goals’ to take effect next year until 2030 will update the Millennium Development Goals, an anti-poverty push established at the turn of the century.
The list is set to grow from eight to 17 main objectives, as it widens it scope to tackle evolving challenges like climate change.
The “plan of action for people, planet and...
Fossil Fuel Subsidies to Hit $5.3T in 2015, Says IMF Study
Posted by RTCC: None Given on May 19th, 2015
RTCC: Subsidies for fossil fuels that cause climate change have soared since 2013, a new study from the International Monetary Fund has revealed.
Oil, gas and coal costs will be subsidised to the tune of US$5.3 trillion a year in 2015. The last time the IMF ran the data it calculated they were worth $1.9 trillion.
Economists say the latest figures are more accurate as they represent the “true” cost of energy, which includes the environmental, health and climate impacts of burning fossil fuels.
“Over...
Human impact on glacier melt increasing – study
Posted by RTCC: None Given on August 15th, 2014
RTCC: Human activity is playing an increasing role in the melting of glaciers, Austrian and Canadian scientists have found.
One of the most disruptive effects of climate change, glacier retreat leads to rising sea levels, landslides and unpredictable availability of water downstream.
Meanwhile, a separate study found ice discharge from the Antarctica could raise sea levels by up to 37cm this century, more than previously thought.
Scientists and policymakers are calling for international collaboration...
Marshall Islands President would rather drown than abandon country
Posted by RTCC: None Given on September 4th, 2013
RTCC: Marshall Islands president Christopher Loeak says he would rather drown than leave his country if it is submerged by rising sea levels.
Addressing Pacific Island leaders and delegates from around the world at the start of the 15-nation Pacific Islands Forum, he spoke of his deep attachment to his country and the need to urgently address the causes of climate change.
"My land is my home, my heritage and my identity in ways that the English language cannot capture," he said. "This is my country...
Kerry: Pacific Islands need urgent climate support
Posted by RTCC: None Given on September 2nd, 2013
RTCC: US Secretary of State John Kerry has pledged to ensure a ‘secure future’ for Pacific Island states in the face of growing pressures from climate change.
In a video message played to delegates at this week’s Pacific Island’s Forum Kerry said it was now vital to help vulnerable nations prepare for the impacts of global warming, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
“I stand with you in the fight against climate change, and I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure...
Global Environment Facility launches new drive to detox planet
Posted by RTCC: None Given on May 10th, 2013
RTCC: Persistent organic pollutants, organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation, are commonly released from burning plastic or other industrial processes. 90% of human exposure is through food, mainly meat.
The World Health Organisation warns that low-level exposure can lead to the suppression of the immune system, lung conditions and cancer.
“We’re ingesting these chemicals, they’re making us sick and killing us,” said Bob Dixon, head of climate change and chemicals at the...
Desertification crisis affecting 168 countries worldwide, study shows
Posted by RTCC: None Given on April 17th, 2013
RTCC: Severe land degradation is now affecting 168 countries across the world, according to new research released by the UN Desertification Convention (UNCCD).
The figure, based on submissions from countries to the UN, is a marked increase on the last analysis in the mid-1990s, which estimated 110 states were at risk.
In an economic analysis published last week the Convention also warns land degradation is now costing US$490 billion per year and wiping out an area three times the size of Switzerland...
India prepares to adopt binding emission reduction target
Posted by RTCC: None Given on April 11th, 2013
RTCC: India could be on the verge of departing from its long held negotiating position and adopt binding emission reduction commitments.
A report in the Times of India says the government plans to commission a study assessing when the country’s greenhouse gas emissions are likely to peak.
“The year when India`s emissions trajectory peaks before it starts to dip is expected to influence the date from when the government will be ready to take on a cap in absolute terms on greenhouse gases under the...
Climate change hurting Amazon rainforest warns Nasa – Responding to Climate Change
Posted by RTCC: None Given on January 21st, 2013
RTCC: Large areas of the Amazon rainforest appear to be deteriorating as a result of drought due to climate change, new research from Nasa reveals.
An area of the Amazon rainforest twice the size of California has suffered from a megadrought that began in 2005, causing widespread changes to the forest canopy that were detectable by satellite.
While rainfall levels picked up post 2005, the old-growth forest in southwestern Amazonia appears to have struggled to recover before another drought hit the...