EU wants China to contribute more to climate aid

The EU plans to urge China and other wealthy emerging economies to increase their financial contributions to climate action during the COP29 summit.

Zia Weise reports for POLITICO.

In short:

The EU's draft position for COP29 seeks contributions from newly wealthy nations to aid developing countries in climate action.
China, the world's second-largest economy and top greenhouse gas emitter, is a focus for increased financial support.
The EU emphasizes that most of the required investment should come from private sources, not national budgets.

Key quote:

"Such broadening of contributions provides an opportunity to increase the finance to support the most vulnerable countries and communities and reflects strong global solidarity towards them."

— Draft of the EU's COP29 position document

Why this matters:

Encouraging contributions from China and other emerging economies could significantly boost funding for climate initiatives. As climate change impacts intensify, equitable financial support is crucial to aiding vulnerable nations in mitigating and adapting to global warming challenges.

www.politico.eu

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Tribes exit pipeline negotiations in Michigan over lack of consultation

Seven Indigenous nations in Michigan have walked away from federal talks over a proposed oil pipeline tunnel, citing a lack of meaningful engagement and treaty violations.

Izzy Ross reports for Grist and Interlochen Public Radio.

In short:

The tribes oppose Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project, which would replace part of a 72-year-old pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac, a critical freshwater corridor between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
Their withdrawal follows the Army Corps of Engineers’ move to fast-track permitting under President Trump’s energy emergency order, which tribes say dismisses their environmental and legal concerns.
Tribal leaders and legal advocates argue that the project threatens water resources and violates both U.S. treaty obligations and international law requiring Indigenous consent.

Key quote:

“Tribal Nations are no longer willing to expend their time and resources as Cooperating Agencies just so their participation may be used by the Corps to lend credibility to a flawed [Environmental Impact Statement] process and document.”

— Letter from seven Indigenous nations to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Why this matters:

Buried beneath the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron converge, Line 5 has become a flashpoint in the battle over fossil fuel infrastructure, Indigenous sovereignty, and environmental protection. The aging oil and gas pipeline — operated by Canadian energy giant Enbridge — moves millions of gallons of crude and natural gas liquids daily through a region that holds 20% of the planet’s surface freshwater. A proposed tunnel to house a replacement segment beneath the lakebed has drawn fierce opposition from tribal nations, who warn it risks catastrophic spills and continued desecration of sacred territory.

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EU wants China to contribute more to climate aid

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