Major world polluters skip UN climate summit amid extreme weather patterns

World leaders have gathered for the COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, yet notable leaders from the top carbon-emitting nations are absent, casting doubt on effective progress.

Seth Borenstein, Melina Walling and Sibi Arasu report for The Associated Press.

In short:

Leaders from the 13 largest carbon-polluting countries, responsible for over 70% of global emissions, skipped the talks, prompting criticism about their commitment to climate action.
Climate finance, especially funding for developing countries facing severe climate impacts, is a key focus, with debates over commitments ranging from $100 billion to $1.3 trillion annually.
Smaller nations and climate-vulnerable countries highlighted the urgent need for climate action, with the Marshall Islands’ president describing a global “turning tide” on climate issues.

Key quote:

“It’s symptomatic of the lack of political will to act. There’s no sense of urgency.”

— Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics

Why this matters:

Without leadership from the biggest emitters, efforts to curb emissions may falter. As climate disasters become more frequent and intense, especially in vulnerable nations, a lack of committed action could worsen global inequality and impede necessary climate adaptation efforts.

apnews.com

Major world polluters skip UN climate summit amid extreme weather patterns

Chemical giant, climate skeptics vie for seats on EPA science panel

Nutritionist Marion Nestle weighs in on 'What to Eat Now'

With Trump absent from COP30 talks, the world moves on without U.S.

Podcast: Will we artificially cool the planet?

Fossil fuel lobbyists outnumber all COP30 delegations except Brazil, report says

European Parliament backs diluted 2040 climate targets

Opponents say bill bolstering Ohio's orphan well program is too generous to the oil and gas industry

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.