Climate Change – Page 25

As Seen from Afar 11/05/2021

Posted by Lona Goudswaard at 3:19 pm Politics

Nov 052021

COP 26 Day 5 | Young people raise their voices

Euronews Green delivers a Special COP26 email to my mailbox every day during the two weeks it is running (01-12 November 2021). I’ll publish it in its entirety for those who are interested. This is the fourth in the series.

Today’s takeaway

After world leaders, financiers and energy experts had their say, COP26 turned its focus to young people and marginalised communities on Friday.

“What do we want? Climate justice! When do we want it? Now!” thousands of mostly young protesters chanted as they took to the streets of Glasgow.

Instead of the optimistic statements by officials over the past few days, activists slammed COP26 as a “failure”.

“We will not accept it,” climate activist Greta Thunberg told a buzzing crowd at the Fridays for Future march. She compared the summit to a “global north greenwash festival” and finished with, “this is shameful”.

Young people raised their voices not just outside the summit venue but also inside. The COP26 Presidency said the views of over 40,000 young climate leaders were presented to ministers and negotiators at a meeting today.

However, young activists said they were not sure they were being heard. “I feel like I’m being seen,” said Brianna Fruean, a 23-year-old activist from Samoa at the beginning of the conference. But – “I will know if I’ve been heard by the end of COP.”

In other news today, a study by Oxfam charity found that the world’s richest 1 per cent would emit 30 times more carbon dioxide than the amount deemed compatible with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C. The world’s richest “appear to have a free pass to pollute,” Oxfam said.

If you weren’t able to follow along on Thursday, here are the 5 key takeaways from day 4 of COP26.

At a glance

Climate activists walk 820km in 26 days to reach COP26

Meet the activists who walked from London to Glasgow to raise awareness, engagement and action on the climate crisis. Over the course of 26 days, the hikers battled rain, wind and storms to arrive on time for the beginning of COP26.
Read more

Greta Thunberg speaks to thousands: ‘COP26 is a PR event to fight for the status quo’

The young Swedish activist spoke with urgency, attacking the climate conference itself on the Youth Stage at COP26 today. “COP has turned into a PR event where leaders are giving beautiful speeches and fancy commitments and targets,” she said.
Read more

Meet the young people turning eco-anxiety into eco-activism

Phoebe Hanson felt powerless, alone and afraid when she first learned about climate change as a teenager. But instead of giving in to feelings of despair, she has turned her own experience into a tool for helping other young people suffering from eco-anxiety.
Read more

Social exclusive

Open Thread for November 5, 2021

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 6:42 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Nov 052021

Yesterday, my visor extender came, and it is substantial. It’s already a little longer than my visor without any extending – and it has a side extender which I probably won’t be able to extend completely when it’s in the windshield, because it will run into the rear view mirror, but which will be very handy when it’s turned to the side window. In the package were two items which are not what I thought I had ordered, and whch are hard to describe, but which I think I can use to good effect also. So, 9 days ahead of my next visit, I am set.

Cartoon –

Short Takes –

Zuckerberg’s ‘Meta’ Name Already Taken By Anti-Capitalist Org
Quote – “Through art and research, argument, and poetry,” the site says, “mέta (the abbreviation of our Our Center for Postcapitalist Civilization) works to break with a dystopic present to imagine the world anew—to grasp our present historical moment so as to help radical progressive movements find a path from the emergent dismal postcapitalism to one worth fighting, and living, for.”
Click through for story. I can’t find it now, but I’m sure I saw somewhere that mέta applies for trademark protection four months ago. This is important because names are not subject to copyright. Trademarks, on the other hand, are protected at least as strongly as copyrights. So Zuck may have to think again. I ceertainly hope so.

‘That Is Literally Congress’s House’: Judge Skewers Donald Trump’s Argument That Jan. 6 Investigation Lacks Legislative Purpose
Quote – The judge quickly took aim at Trump’s reliance on the Supreme Court’s Mazars decision, which established that lower courts must take into account separation of powers concerns implicated by congressional subpoenas when information related to the president is implicated. Much has changed since that July 2020 decision. Namely, Trump is no longer president.
Click through for more. This is somewhat under everyone’s radar (well, except for Glemm’s radar), but I think worth knowing.

Giuliani investigators home in on 2019 plan to advance Ukraine interests in US
Quote – The high-profile federal criminal investigation of Rudy Giuliani in recent days has zeroed in on evidence that in the spring of 2019 three Ukrainian government prosecutors agreed to award contracts, valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, to Giuliani and two other American attorneys as a way to gain political and personal influence with the Trump administration.
Click through for somewhat mealy-mouthed details. Subtitle: “Prosecutors believe Giuliani and two others may have violated law over agreement that would have seen them win lucrative contracts” Gee, ya think?

Food for Thought –

As Seen from Afar 11/04/2021

Posted by Lona Goudswaard at 4:48 pm Politics

Nov 042021

COP 26 Day 4 | Is this the end of coal?

Today’s takeaway

It was Energy Day at COP26 today and negotiators switched their focus to how the world can ditch fossil fuels.

Among a flurry of announcements, one in particular stood out. Over 20 countries committed to both phasing out and refusing to build new coal power plants for the first time.

“Today, I think we can say that the end of coal is in sight,” said COP26 chairman Alok Sharma, praising the deal.

However, critics pointed out that the biggest polluters, like the United States and China, have so far failed to sign up. They also argued that all fossil fuels need to be phased out, it’s not just coal.

In a turn of events, by the end of the day, Poland had already reversed its commitment to exit coal by 2030.

Meanwhile, Indonesia backpedalled on its promise to end deforestation by 2030 after signing up to a landmark deal along with over 100 other countries.

If you weren’t able to follow along on Wednesday, here are the 5 key takeaways from day 3 of COP26.

At a glance

Biggest polluters are missing from major pledge to phase out coal

More than 40 countries have made a major commitment to end coal use on Wednesday. But several major economies still have not set a date for ending their dependence on the fuel that is a major source of planet-warming emissions.
Read more

What is ‘nature tech’ and why should you listen out for it at COP26?

Director and chair of the Nature4Climate initiative Lucy Almond makes the case for ‘nature tech’ and explains why bridging the two worlds is so essential.
Read more

Renewable energy will never be 100% green, says expert

Switching to clean energy is the best chance we have of slowing down the climate crisis. But one scientist tells Euronews renewable sources can never be 100% green, due to the emissions generated from manufacturing them.
Read more

Social exclusive

Open Thread for November 4, 2021

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 7:12 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Nov 042021

Yesterday, I overslept a biy – still tired from the day before. So I kind of took my time – and worked some on a new portrait doll. Otherwise, a quiet day.

Cartoon –

Short Takes –

The Daily Beast – Florida Trio Accused of Smuggling Guns to ‘400 Mawozo’ Gang in Haiti
Quote – Three Florida residents are facing federal charges for allegedly smuggling firearms from South Florida to leaders of Haiti’s notorious 400 Mawozo gang, recently accused of kidnapping at least 17 American and Canadian missionaries last month near Port-au-Prince.
Click through for the exact charges. Who did they think they were, the CIA?

Law & Crime – Woman Pointed Gun at 7-Year-Old Child Who Was Trick-or-Treating: Deputies
Quote – According to authorities, Bradford was yelling at nearby trick-or-treaters. Deputies did not explain how this escalated to her pointing a gun at the 7-year-old, or specify why she was mad in the first place, but that is what they alleged she did.
Click through for mugshot. There’s not much detail but the quote was so Dunning-Kruger I couldn’t resist.

Crooks and Liars – Everyone Is Watching Sir David Attenborough Today And You Should Too
Quote – The problem often feels too big for one person to understand, let alone make a difference in solving it. But Sir David Attenborough makes it EASY to understand…. I watched it this morning and feel BETTER and better informed on the topic of climate change than I ever have before. I hope you do, too.
Click through for video and full accurate transcript. We really need this.

Food for Thought –

As Seen from Afar 11/03/2021

Posted by Lona Goudswaard at 6:39 pm Politics

Nov 032021

COP 26 Day 3 | Who’s paying for it?

Today’s takeaway

With world leaders gone and their big speeches delivered, COP26 negotiators turned their focus to money on Tuesday.

Cash pledges from both governments and the private sector poured in as COP26 Finance Day wrapped up.

The UK presidency said that wealthy countries would deliver on their promise to provide $100 billion a year (€86 billion) to finance climate-related projects in the developing world, after failing to meet the initial 2020 target.

And in one of today’s most discussed announcements, the world’s largest financial players pledged a massive $130 trillion (€112 trillion) of private capital to decarbonise the economy, while the UK vowed to become “the world’s first net-zero aligned financial centre.”

But climate activists were calling for scrutiny of investors’ motives, warning that the same financial players who profited from fossil fuels were now posing as green champions.

If you weren’t able to follow along on Tuesday, here are the six key takeaways from day 2 of COP26.

At a glance

Don’t blame the climate crisis on India and China, campaigners urge

The Indian Prime Minister’s announcement that the country will reach net zero emissions by 2070 has been met with mixed reactions from COP-watchers. But environmental campaigners say it is “deeply unfair” to blame middle-income countries for the climate crisis.
Read more

What is the ‘carbon budget’, the latest term coming out of COP26 talks?

“Carbon budgets” is one of the most-often mentioned terms at the COP26 talks in Glasgow, but many are wondering who set them and what role they play in fighting climate change.
Read more

These countries are forcing banks to reveal their climate impact

New Zealand has introduced a new law that forces its financial institutions to disclose their climate impact. These other countries have already taken similar steps
Read more

Social exclusive

As Seen from Afar 11/02/2021

Posted by Lona Goudswaard at 5:13 pm Politics

Nov 022021

COP 26 Day 2 | Time for action

Today’s takeaway

The second day of COP26 signalled time for action after an opening marked by “doomsday” rhetoric.

Several major deals were announced on Tuesday as the World Leader’s Summit wrapped up.

More than 100 countries, including EU nations, pledged to curb methane emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. The potent greenhouse gas is responsible for an estimated 30 per cent of global warming since the industrial revolution according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In another landmark deal, more than 100 world leaders committed to ending deforestation by 2030. The majority of countries home to the Amazon Rainforest – including Brazil – have signed the agreement.

Pledges for cash flowed too, both from governments and the private sector. The Bezos Earth Fund promised $2 billion (€1.72 billion) to tackle climate change through landscape restoration and the transformation of agricultural systems.

But despite the good news, climate activists warned this might not be enough to keep global warming below 1.5C. Some pointed to accountability problems with world leaders’ commitments, while others said they fell short of previous goals.

Meanwhile, the British presidency faced criticism about accessibility and inclusiveness at the conference. Civil society groups have complained of “unprecedented restrictions” to negotiations, while an Israeli minister using a wheelchair was unable to access the summit yesterday.

If you weren’t able to follow along on Monday, here are the 5 key takeaways from day 1 of COP26.

At a glance

Ending deforestation by 2030: Landmark deal or rerun of past failures?

The first major deal of COP26 was signed today as more than 100 world leaders committed to ending
deforestation by 2030. But critics have highlighted a lack of accountability with this new measure.
Read more

Over 100 countries sign pledge to cut methane emissions

More than 100 countries*, including EU nations, have announced a new plan to curb methane emissions by 30%. But climate activists say this won’t be enough to keep global warming below 1.5C.
Read more

* Australia snubs methane reduction pledge at COP26 climate change conference
Nearly 90 countries have joined a US- and EU-led effort to slash emissions of methane by 30 per cent by 2030 from 2020 levels at COP26. Among the signatories is Brazil, one of the five biggest emitters of methane. The other four – Australia, China, Russia and India – have not signed up. (From Greenpeace Australia Pacific)

Faces of COP26: Meet the ex-corporate consultant fighting for her son’s future

Throughout COP26, we’re profiling some interesting people we meet here in Glasgow. Today, we interview Abigail, a former management consultant who has joined Extinction Rebellion protest group.
Read more

Video Thread 11/1/21

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 11:52 am Open Thread, Politics

Nov 012021

Glenn Kirschner – This is over a week old, and it is not his show … but I saved it in case he took s day off. It is Stephanie Miller’s show, and his demeanor is just a bit different with a good friend, and the material is not dated.

Don’t Choose Extinction Nameless

Meidas Touch – Youngkin Chaos

Rebel HQ – Trump Republican Embarrassed By Epic Legal Order (Oh, this is rich – and about time!)

Really American – Fox Airing Tucker Carlson False Flag Propaganda

Politicsrus – Hallowe’en (sorry it’s late)

Beau – Let’s talk about justice delayed in Alabama….

Open Thread for November 1, 2021

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 7:01 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Nov 012021

Yesterday was the first day of COP-26. Having been to a conference or two in my life, I am assuming that means today is the first full day of it. So I am trying to feature climate. You may have noticed we all are. Speaking of which, it was overcast and wet here. Since it was, and it’s expected to stay wet for at least a few days, I pushed myself to go out and put down some iris food. And to being the trash/recyclable carts to where they live. And to deal with the mail from the car and the mailbox (most of which went straight to recycle.) Incidentally it was also cold with a high of 36°F.

Cartoon –

Short Takes –

Crooks and Liars – Toni Morrison’s 1998 Interview Speaks To ‘GOP Mom’
Quote – Youngkin tweeted a campaign video on Monday that featured the outrage of Laura Murphy, a white mom who years earlier tried to get Morrison’s classic novel, Beloved, banned from her son’s Advanced Placement English curriculum.
Click through – in case you mised Youngkin’s incendiary Tweet (recalling the infamous “Willie Horton” ad), it’s there. Sigh.

Reuters – G20 offers little new on climate, leaving uphill task for COP26
Quote – Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who chaired the Rome gathering, hailed the final accord, saying that for the first time all G20 states had agreed on the importance of capping global warming at the 1.5 degrees Celsius level that scientists say is vital to avoid disaster. “We made sure that our dreams are not only alive but they are progressing,” Draghi told a closing news conference, brushing off criticism from environmentalists that the G20 had not gone nearly far enough to resolve the crisis.
Click through for details.

AP News – ‘Last, best hope:’ Leaders launch crucial UN climate summit
Quote – Government leaders face two choices in Glasgow, Patricia Espinosa, head of the U.N. climate office, declared at the summit’s opening: They can sharply cut greenhouse gas emissions and help communities and countries survive what is becoming a hotter, harsher world, Espinosa said. “Or we accept that humanity faces a bleak future on this planet. It is for these reasons and more that we must make progress here in Glasgow. We must make it a success.”
Click through for more. If only today’s lead (right after Glenn) video would come true.)

Food for Thought –

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