OHPA Weekly Newsletter #9
Week of June 7th 2024
Welcome to the ninth issue of The Open Society Hub for the Politics of the Anthropocene weekly newsletter!
There is an exit off ‘the highway to climate hell’, Guterres insists
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency of combating climate change, warning that global emissions must decrease by 9% annually to keep the 1.5°C temperature rise limit achievable. Speaking at the American Museum of Natural History, he called for a ban on fossil fuel advertising, criticized the oil and gas industry's "greenwashing," and highlighted the necessity of protecting natural carbon sinks and boosting renewable energy: “In the case of climate, we are not the dinosaurs. We are the meteor. We are not only in danger – we are the danger. But we are also the solution.” Guterres stressed that the next 18 months are crucial for decisive climate action to avoid catastrophic consequences and ensure a sustainable future.
Source: UN News
Nine key takeaways about the ‘state of CO2 removal’ in 2024
The Carbon Brief published their second “State of CDR” report, led by a collaboration of scientific institutions from Europe and the US, aims to summarise where the world currently stands when it comes to removing CO2 from the air. The report on the state of CO2 removal in 2024 provides comprehensive coverage on several aspects, including the current volume of CO2 being drawn down from the atmosphere and stored, the development of research grants, policy advancements, and media coverage related to CO2 removal. Some of the key points are technological innovation, supportive policies and increased funding, natural methods, such as reforestation and soil carbon sequestration, addressing the economic viability of CO2 removal technologies and etc.
Source: The Carbon Brief
Revealed: the carbon cost of rebuilding Gaza after months of Israeli bombing
The article from The Guardian discusses the significant climate impact of the ongoing conflict and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The rebuilding process, necessitated by extensive destruction, is expected to have substantial environmental costs. This includes increased carbon emissions from construction activities, which contribute significantly to global warming. The war has already led to catastrophic damage to Gaza’s infrastructure, including farmland, water, and energy systems, exacerbating food and water insecurity and creating long-term health risks for the population. The conflict’s carbon footprint is substantial, with military activities contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers estimate that militaries account for about 5.5% of global emissions, more than the aviation and shipping industries combined. Additionally, the report highlights that both Israeli and Palestinian authorities have not reported their military emissions to international climate bodies, complicating efforts to address the climate impact comprehensively.
Source: The Guardian
Climate doppelgängers and deepfakes: How Russian trolls are meddling in the world’s second-biggest democratic vote
On the eve of the European Parliament elections, CNN came out with a study on Russian disinformation and its influence on European voters. The climate issues and attempts to instil fear and untruths are an essential part of this campaign. For example, the EU's desire to ban the repair of old cars, 'carbon passports' and 'climate lockdowns' are just some of the lies being actively spread. These campaigns aim to sow discord and influence political outcomes by spreading misleading information on various platforms. The disinformation efforts are part of a broader strategy by Russia to weaken the EU's unity and democratic processes. European officials and experts warn of the potential impact on public opinion and voter behavior, emphasizing the need for robust countermeasures to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Source: CNN
‘How could they mine here?’ New Zealand grapples with new push for resource riches
Our last suggestion is concerning New Zealand's ongoing debate over a renewed push for resource mining, driven by the demand for valuable minerals essential for modern technology and green energy. This push has ignited significant opposition from environmental groups, indigenous communities, and local residents who are concerned about the environmental impact, including loss of biodiversity and disruption to culturally significant sites. On the one hand, mining poses a threat to New Zealand’s unique ecosystems, including native forests and endangered species. But on the other, proponents of mining argue it could bring substantial economic benefits, such as job creation and increased export revenue, particularly for remote and economically disadvantaged regions. The government itself faces the complex task of balancing between the two groups. Overall, the outcome of this debate will significantly influence New Zealand’s environmental policies, indigenous rights, and economic development strategies.
Source: The Guardian
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