emissions
Newsletter
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Biden's top climate advisor visits China to push for stronger emission cuts
John Podesta is visiting China this week to urge the country to adopt more aggressive climate goals ahead of critical upcoming global climate negotiations.
In short:
- John Podesta will meet Chinese officials to press for greater emissions reductions.
- His visit comes before the November G20 summit, seen as a last chance to engage China on climate before U.S. elections.
- China's new climate targets are pivotal to maintaining the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Key quote:
“The Biden-Harris administration should not give away the farm simply to get Chairman Xi to comply with agreements they have already signed.”
— Representative Michael McCaul of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee
Why this matters:
China's emissions drive global climate trends. Without stronger commitments from China, the world risks failing to keep global warming within safe limits.
Related:
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Harris could prioritize stricter climate policies if elected
Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has yet to detail her climate policy, but her history as a prosecutor suggests she might take a tougher approach toward the fossil fuel industry than the current administration.
In short:
- Harris has been vague about her climate plans during her campaign, contrasting with her detailed environmental record as a prosecutor.
- Her past actions include prosecuting oil companies and advocating for environmental justice, hinting at a potentially stricter climate agenda.
- The oil and gas industry remains wary of Harris, noting her past support for fracking bans and aggressive enforcement policies.
Key quote:
"She's the hammer. That’s what environmental justice constituencies have wanted forever: enforce the law, equitably enforce the law."
— Vernice Miller-Travis, environmental activist
Why this matters:
Vice President Harris' stance on climate change may significantly impact U.S. policy, particularly regarding fossil fuels, which are central to the global climate crisis.
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South Korea ordered to set stricter carbon targets by 2031
A South Korean court has ruled that the country’s current climate measures are inadequate, requiring stronger carbon reduction targets to protect future generations.
In short:
- The Constitutional Court found South Korea's climate measures insufficient, violating the rights of future generations.
- The government must revise the Carbon Neutral Act to include specific reduction targets for 2031-2050.
- Activists see this ruling as a potential catalyst for similar legal actions across Asia.
Key quote:
“Future generations will be more exposed to the impact of climate change, but their participation in today’s democratic political process is limited.”
— South Korea’s Constitutional Court
Why this matters:
This ruling emphasizes the legal obligation to protect future generations from climate change, potentially inspiring stronger climate policies in Asia.
Related: South Korea's food waste recycling model turns leftovers into energy
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Campaigners take EU to court over weak climate targets
Environmental groups are suing the EU, arguing that its 2030 climate targets for key sectors, including agriculture and transport, are insufficient to meet global climate goals.
In short:
- The lawsuit challenges the EU's emission limits for sectors responsible for over half of its greenhouse gas emissions.
- The plaintiffs claim these targets are not aligned with the best available science or the Paris agreement’s 1.5C warming limit.
- The case has been fast-tracked, with an oral hearing expected in 2025.
Key quote:
“States are obliged to adopt science-based emissions targets consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5C.”
— Gerry Liston, senior lawyer with GLAN
Why this matters:
Weak climate targets could undermine global efforts to prevent severe climate change impacts. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for stronger environmental policies across Europe.
Related EHN coverage:
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Climate group boosts Harris campaign but withholds endorsement over policy concerns
The Sunrise Movement is ramping up voter outreach for Kamala Harris while withholding endorsement until she clarifies her climate policies.
In short:
- The Sunrise Movement plans to contact 1.5 million young voters for Kamala Harris but has not endorsed her.
- The group awaits more details on Harris’s climate agenda and stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Other environmental groups have endorsed Harris, emphasizing the need to defeat Donald Trump.
Key quote:
“Let’s be clear: the most important climate policy right now is defeating Donald Trump in November.”
— Cassidy DiPaola, a spokeswoman for Fossil Free Media
Why this matters:
Young voters, crucial for Democrats, seek strong climate action. Harris's ability to address these concerns could impact her appeal to key voting blocs in the upcoming election.
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Climate policies need polluters to pay for real impact, study finds
A new study finds that the most effective climate policies require polluters to bear financial costs, revealing that such measures lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions.
In short:
- Researchers analyzed 1,500 global climate policies, finding only 63 cases since 1998 where emissions dropped significantly.
- Policies combining regulations with energy taxes or costs were most successful, particularly in the UK’s electricity sector.
- Even successful policies have only made a small dent in global carbon emissions, showing the need for more aggressive actions.
Key quote:
“The key ingredient if you want to reduce emissions is that you have pricing in the policy mix.”
— Nicolas Koch, climate economist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Why this matters:
Effective climate policies that make polluters pay are essential for reducing global emissions, but current efforts are insufficient. Without more robust actions, the world may struggle to meet critical climate targets.
Related EHN coverage:
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Focusing only on cutting emissions risks worsening climate crisis, warns Cop16 president
Susana Muhamad, Colombia's environment minister, cautions that neglecting nature restoration in favor of solely reducing carbon emissions could lead to catastrophic global heating and societal collapse.
In short:
- Muhamad emphasized that both decarbonization and ecosystem restoration are essential to stabilize the climate.
- The Cop16 summit will aim to elevate the political importance of biodiversity alongside the climate agenda.
- Muhamad urged wealthier nations to fulfill funding promises for nature restoration.
Key quote:
"The other side of the coin is to restore nature and allow nature to take again its power over planet Earth so that we can really stabilize the climate."
— Susana Muhamad, Cop16 president
Why this matters:
Overlooking ecosystem restoration while combating climate change could trigger further environmental degradation, making global heating and its impacts even harder to manage.
Related: Climate change: For big emissions reductions, we need to think small
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