Here are the 5 issues to watch at COP29

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The top-line agenda item at COP29 is the so-called “new collective quantified goal,” a target stipulating how much climate aid money wealthy countries should send to poorer countries. Countries will also have to pick up the slack, when the United States once again removes itself from the Paris agreement. Thankfully Trump can’t stop the energy transition, renewal energy is a much cheaper and effective option than fossil fuels. Wind and solar now make up 15% of the world’s energy mix, up from just 1%  only 10 years ago. They are now consistently eating away at the share held by fossil fuels. There will be some setbacks, but the course to renewables is set.

Sticking with the green energy transition, Las Vegas is second in the US for solar capacity per capita and resorts have been capitalising on the 320 days of sunshine the city receives every year. More resorts are developing their own solar power systems, which include battery backup systems and more than 97% of water used in Las Vegas is recycled. Australia’s battery boom and rebound in wind projects put renewables target back on track. More than 1,400 megawatts (MW) MW of new large-scale solar and wind energy generation projects, worth $3.3 billion in new investment, were committed in the third quarter of 2024.

International biodiversity offsetting “doesn’t work”, according to experts aiming to create a nature market that avoids the pitfalls of carbon offsets. For example, if a wetland in Kent was destroyed, then a project to restore wetlands nearby would be an appropriate “credit”. Chopping down a forest in Brazil and replacing it with a forest in the Congo would not be acceptable. Keep it local. Pacific Island Climate Action Network's (PICAN) Sindra Sharma said developed countries need to immediately stop the expansion of new fossil fuel production. There are already devastating consequences all over the globe from climate change and hoped leaders in developed nations would take action when they saw the impacts in their own countries, like the bush fires in Australia and the flooding in New Zealand.

When it comes to solving climate change, every word counts. From the pitfalls of metaphors to the multiple meanings of the word "energy". Translating page after page of climate policy under immense time pressure is not an easy task. A lot of the reports that are translated on climate change are written by scientists. We finish with a look at 4 things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Switch from natural gas to electric heat pumps in the home, cutting down of red meat. Looking at how you travel locally and thinking before you buy (Do I really need that).

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COP29 is well underway in Baku, Azerbaijan. Headlines have come out over the past few weeks surrounding the conference, with it officially wrapping up on the 22nd of November. The key outcomes of the conference will be determining just how much climate aid wealthy countries will distribute to poorer countries to help develop climate resilience, and to discuss how the world will pick up the slack from the United States. With Trump taking office, it is clear that a more coordinated effort will be required for the global energy transition. Read more…

As much climate anxiety as it may bring, it’s going to take a lot more than Trump retaking the White House to stop the global renewable energy revolution.  Solar panels, wind turbines, and electrical appliances are only getting more efficient and cheaper to adopt with time. Even in traditionally conservative areas like Texas, renewables are increasingly popular as they are the cheapest option out there. Yes, Trump will do damage to global climate progress, but if renewables are cheap and easily accessible, they should always win on merit.  Read more… 

It is important to remember just how far the world has come in becoming greener over the past 50 years. Wind and solar now make up 15 percent of the world’s energy mix, compared to just 1 percent only 10 years ago. This in large part is not only due to the rapidly decreasing costs of these systems, but also to the acts of climate scientists and activists alike. We cannot let another Trump led America make us forget the awesome progress we have made and are continuing to make. Read more…

Las Vegas, famed for indulgence, is transforming into a sustainability leader. Since 2005, the city has invested millions in renewable energy, water conservation, and green building initiatives, with federal Recovery Act funding accelerating progress. Resorts like MGM have embraced solar power, with 100-megawatt solar array powering properties, though not 24/7. Water-saving efforts have conserved billions of litres through efficient taps and landscaping. Resorts World, entirely renewable-powered, exemplifies the shift. Despite advances, challenges remain, including high energy demands, transportation emissions, and water reliance. Las Vegas is redefining its identity as a green city. Read more…

Australia’s renewables sector saw record growth in Q3 2024, with $3.3 billion invested in 1,400 MW of large-scale solar and wind projects and a 95% annual increase in energy storage commitments. The Clean Energy Council reports 89 renewable projects in progress, totalling 13.9 GW capacity, and 49 energy storage projects (9.7 GW/24.3 GWh). Notable initiatives include the 415 MW Orana BESS in NSW, funded by $650 million. Onshore wind also rebounded, with 1,758 MW committed this year. Sustained growth could achieve 82% renewables by 2030. Read more…

Experts at Cop16 have rejected global biodiversity offsetting, emphasising local, like-for-like habitat projects instead. Proposed voluntary standards aim to ensure biodiversity credits are robust, transparent, and verified, avoiding issues seen in carbon markets. Critics warn these schemes distract from addressing biodiversity loss's root causes, such as harmful subsidies and inadequate global aid. While some see potential in credits to attract private finance for nature, demand remains low. Advocates stress caution and research, warning against risks like land grabs. Others argue credits risk side-lining more effective conservation strategies. Read more…

A Pacific climate policy advisor urges developed nations to take stronger action on climate change as current emission reduction goals fall far short of necessary targets. The latest UN report shows that national plans would only reduce global emissions by 2.6% by 2030, while a 40% reduction is needed. The Pacific Island Climate Action Network's Sindra Sharma stresses the urgency of halting new fossil fuel projects and hopes the increasing impact of climate disasters will drive higher ambition. Current plans risk overshooting the 1.5°C target, threatening vulnerable nations. Read more… 

At global climate negotiations, precise language is crucial. Jianjun Chen, a Chinese language translator at the UN, recalls the intense pace and long hours translating key documents at events like COP24 and COP21. Translators like Chen, who have worked through sleepless nights, ensure that every word reflects the outcomes of intense negotiations. With the upcoming COP29 in Baku, new climate vocabulary will emerge, influencing how countries approach climate action. For Chen, translating climate agreements requires not just linguistic skill, but careful attention to every detail in the final wording. Read more… 

To combat climate change, both global action and individual efforts are needed. At home, installing heat pumps, improving insulation, and reducing energy use can lower emissions. Reducing food waste, cutting red meat consumption, and opting for sustainable food choices also help. Transportation is another key area; walking, cycling, sharing rides, and switching to electric cars can significantly reduce emissions. Additionally, mindful purchasing, such as buying second-hand or repairing items, reduces waste. Small lifestyle changes can collectively have a big impact on the planet’s future. Read more…

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