#Climate Change Action

[cookie-nom-nom]

COP29 NOV 11--Blue Zone

review of the notes from my first day of the UN COP29 Climate Change Conference. Disclaimer I'm just a ~silly guy~ not a policy or geopolitical expert. My observations and opinions do not reflect AC or RINGOs. This is what I witnessed, overheard, remember, and (crucially) understand, and may not be representative of final policy decisions.

I was in the Blue Zone today (official UN ground, where negotiations occur). From the RINGO meeting, rumor was the night before COP29 officially began officials were up till 4 am arguing about the agenda. Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement (mechanisms of carbon markets) was deeply contested in particular. Also arguments about unilateral and multilateral trade agreements. Also weather Global Stocktake (assessment of global progress on Paris Agreement) would be filed under general or financial sections. US/EU/Australia/smaller island nations were wanting it to be considered broader, with BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) wanting it under strictly Finance. More Paris Agreement stuff.

This resulted in the opening plenary beginning at 11 am, followed immediately by break for closed door discussions on the second item of the day, the agenda. This was a completely unprecedented delay, and the agenda was only resolved at 9pm.

This is the previous COP president Sultan Al Jaber, who did the opening address of plenary and handed over the presidency to Muhktar Babayev (photo below) with an embrace.

Notes of claims from Babayev's address to the plenary body:

We are set to break records on renewable energy and its investment.

There is a goal of low-carbon growth (as opposed to zero, which I think is an important distinction)

853 million put into the Loss and Damage fund

A call to increase climate financing ambitions. This is not charity, but in the self interest of all countries who with to mitigate the ethical and economical consequences of climate change.

A reinforcement of the call to transition away from fossil fuels (important, as last year is the first time such phrasing was used for the UNFCCC)

Emphasizing the cooperation required of everyone.

Genocide and the environment

Social justice is deeply tied into climate change efforts. Here in the Blue Zone we had a demonstration to end genocide (as relevant by its massive carbon emissions, if the human rights angle doesn't suffice), with particular emphasis on Palestine and reclaiming Indigenous lands. Demonstrations within the blue zone are allowed with permission, and can have a maximum of 20 people actively participating. Those in solidarity of the demonstration raised their fists in support. Also, this could not happen in the Green Zone (public conference) due to it being controlled by the host country, and Azerbaijan has strict laws against protests.

USAmerican election and its future climate policy

I proceeded to get rather lost trying to find a conference on USAmerican climate response to the Trump election, but got there too late because the Blue Zone is massive oof. Did catch the people coming out, and the strategy thus far is that the Biden administration's environmental policies were designed to endure regime shifts and should be difficult to undo without significant political effort. So, we'll be unfortunately testing that durability, particularly with how Trump likes to flout the rules and the Supreme Court deemed that legal.

Additionally, NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) are due in February but the US may potentially do theirs sooner before the regime shift. Effectiveness is questionable because the accountability of countries upholding their NDCs is already kinda honor code.

Subfederal action is going to be a main proponent of climate action from here on.

Conference: Transparency for transforming the agrifood system

I...must admit I was constantly blacking out and jerking back awake during this meeting because of jet lag. So the merit of these notes may be questionable particularly bc I'm having trouble reading them. However, notes from representatives from Mongolia, Pakistan, Georgia, UN, and others.

10% of global green house gas emissions are from agriculture (Technically this was from Babayev's speech but I think it's a useful reference point for this conversation. Production, manufacturing, distribution, and waste of food produces a lot of emissions).

Data quality is of large concern for transparency and effectiveness of implementation purposes. Countries have different methodologies and argue about which is superior, and the quality of others' methods. This can be particularly of note in the carbon markets. Data collection is a large logistical and technological challenge.

Everyone wants increased transparency. Or claim to. I think, aside from technical difficulties in data collection and funding thereof, the countries would actually prefer others are transparent and less themselves to be. As evidenced by things like high levels of methane unaccounted by the summation of all countries' submitted emission reports. But that's just my opinion.

BTRs (Biennial transparency reports) are difficult, and the country representatives present were apologizing for delays.

Calls for increase of human capacity. Imma be level that seems like a vague ideal to me, but I think it might mean carrying capacity (kinda a deeply flawed concept already, sustainability is extremely difficult to ascertain without prolonged unsustainability to confirm it)

Double counting is a problem for carbon removals

Efforts to work with farmers in data collection and to better improve their methods

A claim on carbon neutral livestock farming to balance cattle methane emissions with soil carbon sequestering through grazingland ecosystem management.

Conversion of carbon sink ecosystems into farmland. From personal research: In 2019, 17% of global cropland was newly converted since 2003, and the rate of yearly conversion is accelerating.

Potentially using IPCC software for consistency in data collection and analysis

Ecocide as a tool of war

Lastly, there are country pavilions in the Blue Zone where they raise issues. I did not particularly look too much into most of them, but would like to share Ukraine's because it was amazing imo.

One, the walls are literally full of seeds, and I think it will be really cool seeing them begin to sprout by the end of the conference

Two, how destroying the environment is a concentrated effort to destroy its people. Because again, protecting the environment/climate is protecting the people.

Lastly, these solar panels damaged in the war. A large emphasis in this pavilion was rebuilding from the bombing and coming back greener, which I found particularly admirable. The bravery to forge something new while grieving the comfort of what was lost. The circumstances presenting the opportunity to reinvent their infrastructure is obviously horrendous, but seizing said opportunity nonetheless is inspiring. Renewable energy is also a way to be energy independent, which is particularly important if you’re say Ukraine and the closest major oil exporter is Russia.

Now, I had left the Blue Zone by then (needed dinner where there isn't price gouging! Yikes!) but plenary did eventually assume very late, and massive progress on Article 6 was made!

This is about Carbon Markets, some people are happy others aren't, etc. Also the agenda was implement as the original plan (GST under finance) with acknowledgements made that it was broader consideration. And now plenary can actually continue instead of being stymied! In consideration for the day of lost time, sessions will run later than usual. After today it's going to get busy!

[greentechspot]

Underwater Climate Refuges: Designing Technological Sanctuaries to Protect Marine Biodiversity from Warming

As our oceans face unprecedented warming due to climate change, the urgency to protect marine biodiversity has reached a critical point. With ecosystems and species at risk, innovative solutions are emerging to preserve our oceans’ richness for future generations. Among these transformative ideas are underwater climate refuges—cutting-edge technological sanctuaries designed to shield marine life…

[pomodoriyum]

signal boost!

Duke Energy company plans to build power plants that use fossil fuels to generate energy, instead of following North Carolina’s new climate change promises and investing in sustainable energy like solar power. this is a big step backwards.

please help by signing this petition. it is quick and easy. We are all impacted by climate change— anyone can sign!

for those of you in North Carolina, there are also hearings you can attend to give direct input and protest these plans!

[reasonsforhope]

We have already averted truly apocalyptic levels of global warming.

Yes, read that again. Let it sink in. This is what the science now says. We have already averted truly apocalyptic global warming.

To quote David Wallace-Wells, author of The Uninhabitable Earth, from his huge feature in the New York Times:

"Thanks to astonishing declines in the price of renewables, a truly global political mobilization, a clearer picture of the energy future and serious policy focus from world leaders, we have cut expected warming almost in half in just five years... The window of possible climate futures is narrowing, and as a result, we are getting a clearer sense of what’s to come: a new world, full of disruption but also billions of people, well past climate normal and yet mercifully short of true climate apocalypse." (New York Times, October 22, 2022. Unpaywalled here. Emphasis mine. And yes, this vision of the future is backed up by the current science on the issue, as he explains at length in the article.)

So we've already averted truly apocalyptic warming, and we've already cut expected warming IN HALF in just the past five years.

The pace of technology, of innovation, of prices, of feasibility, of discovery, of organizing, of grassroots movements, of movements in other countries around the world, have all picked up the pace so fast in the last five years.

Renewable technology and capacity are both increasing at an exponential rate. It's all S-curves, ones that look like this:

-via The Economist, June 20, 2024.

How much more will we manage in another five years? Another ten? Another twenty?

I know the US is about to fucking suck about the environment for the next four years. But the momentum of renewable energy is far too much to stop - both in the US (x) and around the world.

(Huge shoutouts to India, China, and Brazil for massive gains for the environment in renewables, and Brazil for massive progress against Amazon deforestation.)

We're going to get there.

Say it with me. We're going to get there.

[haveacupofjohanny]

California Fires: A Call for Empathy, Not Condemnation

When disaster strikes we DON'T need condemnation. The California fires ARE NOT a divine message—they’re a cry for action on climate change and assistance to those suffering. Let’s focus on solutions, not harmful rhetoric. Read more on my blog!

When wildfires sweep through California, devastating homes, ecosystems, and lives, they bring untold pain to those affected. Yet, amidst the ash and smoke, some see these disasters not as a crisis requiring empathy and action but as a stage for their religious or ideological beliefs. Ultra-conservative voices often seize on these tragedies to paint them as divine retribution or a “cleansing” of…

[ecoamerica]

Watch the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards for High School Students now: https://youtu.be/5C-bb9PoRLc

The recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by student climate leaders! Join Aishah-Nyeta Brown & Jerome Foster II and be inspired by student climate leaders as we recognize the High School Student finalists. Watch now to find out which student received the $25,000 grand prize and top recognition!

[leebrontide]

Hey

Hey Americans.

The federal government is about to get useless for at least a bit. This is a GREAT time to get involved in state level environmental orgs. That's where you're gonna be able to do the most for the next few years. Even a bit of casual volunteering can make a big difference.

I've done this off and on for years and when we go local we WIN. And friends winning feels good. This is how a lot of progressive agendas have won in this country. The whole US isn't out of this. People ARE still fighting climate change all around you.

You could be one of those people, in community with other people who are doing something.

doom and gloom "oooh everything is pointless oooh I'm so deep and edgy because I love trying to be the death of hope" people will just get blocked. I'm not talking to your crab-bucket ass.

[head-post]

Extinction Rebellion begins 3-day climate change action outside Windsor Castle

Climate activists Extinction Rebellion (XR) have begun a three-day protest outside Windsor Castle, the Berkshire residence of Prince William and Princess Kate, with plans to march to the castle the following day.

The group chose the royal residence to symbolise what they describe as “an outdated system in need of urgent change.”

The protesters gathered in Home Park, a council-run neighbourhood close to the castle. XR’s plans include speeches, debates and a “mass meeting” to discuss improving democracy in the UK.

The group insists their actions are not intended to disrupt public order, although local authorities have expressed concern.

Windsor MP Jack Rankin expressed fears of possible disorder at the event. He urged council to be prepared to take “legal action” if the protesters do not leave the park after the scheduled events are over. Rankin stressed the need for a quick response to minimise any disorder in the area.

Despite these concerns, XR organisers have reiterated that the protest is peaceful and does not involve direct action or public disorder.

Camping, a “funfair” and theatre performances aimed at raising awareness of the climate crisis are planned for the weekend. The central event of the protest will take place on Saturday afternoon – a “mass assembly” on Long Walk, which XR says could be one of the largest democratic events ever held in the UK.

The assembly is expected to bring together activists to discuss and vote on proposals to improve the country’s democratic system.

The protest began on Friday with the opening of the encampment. A theatrical event featuring “oil slicks and costumed rebels” on Long Walk is also scheduled for that day. On Saturday, the group plans to march to Windsor Castle. Windsor council has explicitly stated it does not support or allow three-day camping at the park.

Read more HERE

[touchaheartnews]

Fidelity Bank Partners Lagos State to Plant 20,000 Trees

As part of initiatives under its Environment Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillar, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has partnered with the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) to launch a tree planting drive. Through the collaboration, Fidelity Bank will support LASPARK to plant 20,000 trees in the state by July 2025 as part of its strategy to combat climate…

[townpostin]

Jharkhand Environmentalist Honored with Honorary Doctorate

Maryland State University Recognizes Kaushal Kishore Jaiswal for Planting 5 Million Trees 62-year-old’s grassroots efforts span three countries, showcasing dedication to environmental conservation. RANCHI – Noted environmentalist Kaushal Kishore Jaiswal, hailing from Jharkhand, has been awarded an honorary doctorate of Philosophy by Maryland State University, USA, for his remarkable contribution…

[onlytiktoks]

[thedailybuzzssite]

Understanding Climate Change: Causes, Impacts, and Future Concerns

Climate change represents a significant and enduring shift in the patterns of Earth’s weather and climate over extended periods. Currently, we are witnessing a phase largely driven by human activities, known as anthropogenic climate change. This overview explores the fundamental causes, the various impacts, and the possible future scenarios related to climate change. What is Climate…

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

Memphis Flyer: "Climate Change Action Moves Ahead Across Tennessee"

#ThereIsNoPlanetB - "#TVERS will be the state’s first-ever climate plan. Memphis has one, as noted above. So does Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. "

[reasonsforhope]

If you're feeling anxious or depressed about the climate and want to do something to help right now, from your bed, for free...

Start helping with citizen science projects

What's a citizen science project? Basically, it's crowdsourced science. In this case, crowdsourced climate science, that you can help with!

You don't need qualifications or any training besides the slideshow at the start of a project. There are a lot of things that humans can do way better than machines can, even with only minimal training, that are vital to science - especially digitizing records and building searchable databases

Like labeling trees in aerial photos so that scientists have better datasets to use for restoration.

Or counting cells in fossilized plants to track the impacts of climate change.

Or digitizing old atmospheric data to help scientists track the warming effects of El Niño.

Or counting penguins to help scientists better protect them.

Those are all on one of the most prominent citizen science platforms, called Zooniverse, but there are a ton of others, too.

Oh, and btw, you don't have to worry about messing up, because several people see each image. Studies show that if you pool the opinions of however many regular people (different by field), it matches the accuracy rate of a trained scientist in the field.

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I spent a lot of time doing this when I was really badly injured and housebound, and it was so good for me to be able to HELP and DO SOMETHING, even when I was in too much pain to leave my bed. So if you are chronically ill/disabled/for whatever reason can't participate or volunteer for things in person, I highly highly recommend.

Next time you wish you could do something - anything - to help

Remember that actually, you can. And help with some science.

[thoughtportal]

DR ADAM LEVY ClimateAdam ROSEMARY MOSCO

[politijohn]

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