Amidst heavy rain and floods, Bangkok began the preparatory UN climate conference to set rules on reducing greenhouse emissions and providing aid to vulnerable countries. 10 million residents of the city are affected and per World Bank, nearly 40% of Bangkok will be inundated by 2030.
At the meet governments will try to reduce differences and agree on a coherent Paris rule book that can serve as the basis for COP24 Poland talks in December. Negotiators will identify compromise options, translate them into legal language, and finally generate a negotiating text.
National strategy launched to add forest cover under Paris Accord
India has launched REDD+ – a national strategy to increase forest cover in a time-bound manner – under Paris agreement. India has pledged to add carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest cover by 2030. REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) is an important tool to fulfill the country’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) which have been submitted to the UNFCCC.
Commitments made by non-state actors will further reduce India’s CO2 emissions: Report
A new Yale study says international cooperative initiatives could reduce emissions by eight to 13% (280-490 MtCO2e/year) in India more than what will be achieved through current national policies. “By 2030, global greenhouse gas emissions could be 1.5 to 2.2 GtCO2e/year lower if existing sub-national commitments are fully implemented, compared to what would be achieved through current national policies.”
California votes for 100% clean energy by 2045
California passed a bill pledging 100% clean energy by 2045, as it battles its worst wildfires. The Assembly voted 45-32. California will become the second U.S. state after Hawaii and the largest economy on earth to commit to getting 100% of its electricity from carbon-free sources in 27 years.
French environment minister quits, Macron “must step up”
French president Emmanuel Macron’s green reputation took a hit when his environment minister, frustrated by political isolation, resigned on live radio. Campaigners say, amid heat waves and droughts, Europe is aching for real climate leadership. “It’s time Macron stepped up on climate action, and use his influence to ensure Europe delivers on commitments made under the Paris Agreement.”
The climate fight’s next turning point
The Global Climate Action Summit – one of the largest international gatherings on climate change – will be held in San Francisco, to take climate ambition “to next level.” Scientists say global CO2 emissions must reach a turning point in 2020, to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and “progress must be accelerated.”
SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 — GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION
On September 8, campaigners are planning thousands of rallies around the world to demand local leaders commit to building a fossil free world “that puts people and justice before profits.”
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