The International Court of Justice Takes On Climate Change

With its modest size and population, the Pacific nation of Vanuatu has propelled the global fight against climate change to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The case seeks to determine if nations have a legal obligation to prevent climate catastrophe and what consequences they should face for failing to act.

Supported by around 90 countries, the case has been hailed as a historic moment for climate accountability. However, nations like the U.S., China, and Saudi Arabia argue that existing international agreements, such as the Paris Accord, already address the issue despite these frameworks failing to curb rising emissions.

Since the 1992 Earth Summit, global leaders have pledged to prevent “dangerous anthropogenic interference” with the climate. Yet, emissions continue to rise, and the world is on track to breach the critical 1.5°C threshold—potentially surpassing 3°C by the century’s end. With time running out, the ICJ case underscores the urgent need for unprecedented global action to prevent catastrophic warming. Read More

News Credit: The New Yorker

Picture Credit: Young villagers play in the Pacific Ocean, on the island of Tanna, in Vanuatu, in 2019.Mario Tama

Record Number of Protesters Spend Christmas Behind Bars in UK Amid Crackdown on Dissent

This Christmas, a record 40 protesters in the UK will spend the holiday behind bars, sparking concerns about an intensifying crackdown on dissent. The individuals, aged 22 to 58, were imprisoned for actions related to the climate crisis and the war in Gaza, with some facing multi-year sentences, the most severe on record for direct action protests.

Among them are 19 climate protesters affiliated with Just Stop Oil, including individuals who were sentenced for conspiring to cause gridlock on the M25 motorway and two activists who threw tomato soup over Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at the National Gallery. One protester, Cressida Gethin, 22, defended her actions in court, stating: “Earth’s life-support systems are breaking down due to human activities … I stand by my actions as the most effective option available to me.”

The remaining 21 protesters, mostly on remand, were involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, including attempts to disrupt arms supplies to Israel from factories in Glasgow and Bristol. Some face charges of criminal damage, aggravated burglary, and grievous bodily harm after allegedly breaking into a defence firm linked to Israel. Their trial is set for November 2024. Read More

News Credit: The Guardian

Picture Credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images

Flood Risk Rising: 6M Homes in England Threatened, Projected to Hit 8M by 2050

More than 6.3 million homes in England are now at risk of flooding due to rising threats from rivers, the sea, and surface water, according to a new study by the Environment Agency. Alarmingly, this figure could increase to 8 million homes — equivalent to one in four properties — by 2050 under current climate projections.

The report highlights that 4.6 million properties are at risk of surface water flooding, where heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems, causing sudden and dangerous flash floods. This represents a 43% increase from previous estimates. Additionally, 2.4 million homes are at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea, with the number of properties at the highest flood risk levels (more significant than a 1 in 30 chance of flooding annually) surging by 88%.

Recent extreme weather, like Storm Darragh, showcased the devastating impact of flooding. The storm claimed two lives, left tens of thousands without power, and caused widespread flooding of homes, businesses, and transport networks.

Concerns are mounting as flood protection funding has been cut by 40% in recent years, leading to the abandonment of one in four major flood defence projects. Campaigners call on the government urgently strengthening climate adaptation plans and increasing investment in flood defences to protect vulnerable communities from worsening climate impacts. Read More

News Credit: The Guardian

Picture Credit:  Temilade Adelaja/Reuters

Greenwashed Promises? Lloyds Ad Banned Over Misleading Environmental Claims

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) banned a Lloyds Banking Group advert for misleading environmental claims, marking the second major lender to breach the country’s greenwashing regulations.

The ban follows an investigation into a billboard poster and three LinkedIn ads promoting Lloyds’ climate-friendly image. Bristol-based advocacy group Adfree Cities reported the campaign to the ASA, arguing that the ads omitted crucial information about Lloyds’ ongoing financing of polluting industries.

The ASA upheld part of the complaint, banning one LinkedIn post that featured an animated electric car driving through idyllic countryside, accompanied by claims of Lloyds’ commitment to reducing fossil fuel reliance and supporting renewable energy. Critics argued that the advert failed to present a balanced picture of the bank’s environmental impact, especially in light of its continued support for high-emission industries.

The case highlights the growing scrutiny of corporate greenwashing. Companies are under pressure to provide transparency and accountability in their sustainability claims. Read More

News Credit: The Guardian

Picture Credit: Andy Rain/EPA

Carbon Credits at COP29: A Controversial Comeback or a Climate Solution?

As countries gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29, a key focus will be increasing climate finance for adaptation and mitigation. Central to this discussion is the global agreement on carbon markets, which is a critical tool for decarbonization and limiting global warming to below 2°C.

Carbon markets facilitate trading carbon credits, each representing one tonne of CO₂ reduced or removed from the atmosphere. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement allows nations to collaborate on emission reduction targets through carbon trading, enabling countries to meet their climate obligations. While a global market framework is finalized, COP29 could see progress on these rules.

Carbon markets have been criticized for fraud, human rights issues, and ineffective schemes. The Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) failed due to low prices, lack of US participation, and poor project impacts. Recent scandals, such as a $100M FBI fraud investigation and reports of “worthless” credits, have eroded trust in the system. However, carbon markets are regaining attention as countries and corporations race to meet net-zero commitments.

With global pressure mounting for effective climate action, COP29 may be a pivotal moment for carbon markets as countries seek a balance between regulation, accountability, and climate finance. Read More

News Credit: The Guardian

Picture Credit: Getty Images

Illegal Timber from Amazon Carbon Offset Projects Reaches European and U.S. Markets

The allure of exotic woods often masks a sinister truth. Millions of cubic feet of precious Brazilian timber, stolen from Indigenous lands and protected areas in the Amazon Rainforest, have entered high-end markets in the U.S. and Europe. This illegal timber, sourced from operations led by individuals posing as environmentalists, fuels a lucrative but destructive trade.

The scandal exposes the dark side of the carbon credit market. Carbon credits, meant to offset emissions and protect forests, were generated from illegally seized land. This revelation underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in the global supply chain. Consumers and businesses must demand sustainable practices and ethical sourcing to safeguard our planet’s precious resources. Read More

News Credit: MONGABAY

Picture: Freepik

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2024: The Hottest Year in History – A Stark Warning from a Warming World

Global data confirms that 2024 will be the hottest year on record, with the Earth’s average temperature reaching 1.6°C above preindustrial levels—the first time it has crossed the 1.5°C threshold in a calendar year. While the Paris Agreement aims to keep warming below 1.5°C, this goal is measured over decades, not single years. However, the consistent rise in temperatures highlights the growing challenge of meeting this target.

The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported that November 2024’s global temperature was 1.62°C higher than preindustrial levels, making it one of 16 months in a 17-month stretch where temperatures exceeded the 1.5°C limit. CO2 emissions are still rising despite global pledges to transition away from fossil fuels, and the recent COP29 summit failed to reach a consensus on the phase-out of coal, oil, and gas.

The impacts of this warming are already visible. Heatwaves, wildfires, storms, and floods are becoming more extreme. Wildfires in Canada, the Amazon, and the Pantanal wetlands reached historic levels, driven by intense droughts and high temperatures. The resulting air pollution affected entire continents.

The economic toll is growing, too. According to Swiss Re, extreme weather events in 2024 caused $320 billion in economic damage, a 25% increase from the 10-year average. As scientists, policymakers, and climate activists continue to sound the alarm, the urgent need for climate action has never been more evident. Without bold measures to cut fossil fuel emissions by 45% by 2030, keeping warming below 1.5°C may soon be out of reach. Read More

News Credit: The Guardian

Picture Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

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Breaking Free: Community Power Against Plastic Pollution

Picture walking through a street strewn with plastic bottles, wrappers, and bags—a stark reminder of neglect. Now, envision that same pristine and cared-for street where respect for shared spaces thrives. What bridges the gap between these two realities? The answer lies in a powerful concept: the broken windows theory. This principle highlights how visible signs of neglect, like litter or broken windows, foster further disorder, while well-maintained environments inspire positive change and communal pride.

As global leaders converge to negotiate the Global Plastics Treaty, they stand at a critical juncture to address the deep-rooted impacts of plastic waste. Beyond the lofty discussions, the reality of this crisis is lived daily by communities bearing the brunt of littered spaces. Real progress will require a dual approach—strong international policies combined with grassroots, community-driven initiatives to address the legacy of plastic pollution.

Shifting human behaviour around plastic consumption and disposal is no small feat, often rooted in entrenched habits. Behavioural science reveals that meaningful change starts with small, actionable steps. Overwhelmed by the scale of the issue, many feel powerless to act. However, change becomes possible when the focus shifts to manageable, repeated actions.

Awareness campaigns, while important, rarely result in long-term behaviour changes on their own. True transformation demands repetition and reinforcement. Community clean-up drives, for example, do more than remove waste—they reshape both the physical landscape and the psychological mindset. Each clean-up reinforces a collective sense of responsibility, gradually replacing neglect with stewardship.

As we move toward a future free of plastic pollution, the power of community engagement cannot be overstated. When individuals see their efforts contributing to cleaner spaces, they are inspired to make lasting changes. By combining grassroots action with high-level policy decisions, we can rewrite the narrative of plastic pollution—turning broken windows into symbols of renewal and resilience.

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Unearthing the 5 Key Benefits of Soil Biodiversity 🌱🌏

Soil biodiversity is the hidden treasure beneath our feet, a vital ecosystem that sustains life on Earth. Here’s how it works wonders for our planet:

1️⃣ Healthy Soils: Diverse microorganisms improve soil structure, fertility, and resilience, enabling better crop production and supporting ecosystems.
2️⃣ Enhanced Plant Growth: Biodiverse soils create nutrient-rich environments that foster healthy and sustainable plant growth, ensuring future food security.
3️⃣ Human Health: Soil biodiversity impacts the quality of food, clean air, and water, directly contributing to better human health and well-being.
4️⃣ Water Purification: Soil organisms act as natural filters, breaking down pollutants and purifying water, ensuring safe water resources.
5️⃣ Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Soil biodiversity is crucial in sequestering carbon, reducing greenhouse gases, and building resilience against climate-related disasters.

Investing in soil biodiversity means nurturing life itself—let’s safeguard our soils to protect our future.

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Plant Genetic Resources: The Backbone of Global Food Security

Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) are the foundation of our agricultural systems, shaping the future of food security and sustainability. These resources empower us to:

🌾 Conserve and Innovate: Preserve biodiversity and develop new crop varieties to meet changing demands.
🌍 Adapt to Climate Change: Strengthen resilience by cultivating crops that withstand extreme weather.
🛡️ Fight Pests and Diseases: Enhance resistance, reducing dependency on harmful pesticides.
🌱 Maintain Diversity: Safeguard the genetic pool critical for ecological balance and future innovation.
🍎 Ensure Nutrition and Livelihoods: Improve health and boost economic opportunities for communities worldwide.
🌐 Honor Tradition: Protect cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge embedded in farming practices.

In a rapidly evolving world, PGRFA holds the key to resilient agricultural systems, healthier communities, and a sustainable planet. Let’s invest in safeguarding these invaluable resources for a brighter future.