Be prepared for the polycrisis era
Diverse crises spanning over three different timeframes. They are interconnected and put us in the middle of a shift in power. This is the time to adapt ourselves to a “new order”, but this is also a period of crucial opportunity for moving forward. Insights from the Global Risks Report 2023.
The climatization of finance
In our polycrisis era, the year 2023 will be decisive for the finance-nature-climate nexus. Three key upshots for net-zero law based on how policymakers (as recently Ursula von der Leyen in Davos) call financial institutions to mobilize behind future-proof pathways.
Are we ready for Europe’s winter warmland?
The news is record-breaking temperature. Media coverage swings from talk of “astonishing luck”, to alarm and concern from those who look at the bigger picture, identifying heatwave’s impacts on health, ecosystems and the economy. The point is: are we able to connect the dots between the energy crisis, climate change and increasing extreme events? From the New York Times to the Washington Post, from the Guardian to the most influential scientists on social media, a review of the temperature anomalies affecting Europe and beyond.
The lessons of yesterday, the tasks of tomorrow: 10 climate science insights
Are we going beyond the limit of adaptation and crossing irreversible tipping points? What do we know about the triple planetary crisis, the social costs of climate extremes, vulnerability and the myth of endless adaptation? A list of the ten new insights in climate science puts together advancements, challenges and solutions to shape future strategies and activities.
Our 2023: Ten challenges at the climate sciences, policy and society interface
Cutting-edge research to improve our understanding of climate change and its impact on our socioeconomic systems: from CMCC scientists, ten issues at the forefront of the climate-neutral world.
Fit For 55: The EU’s renewed ambitions on climate finance and carbon tax
New demanding challenges in the agreement that was signed a few days before Christmas, the most advanced climate legislation in the world. The renewed tools and ambitions affect politically sensitive sectors and plan to support the most vulnerable citizens and enterprises to contribute to the transition. All the details on the political agreement the Council and the European Parliament reached.
Don’t spell it out: Reading about the planet we are heading towards
A mixture of utopias, dystopias, crystal-clear realism and factual reporting: if you don’t find the word ‘climate’ in some titles, you will meet it between the pages, as one of the characters shaping the future. This is Foresight’s selection of books and articles – some recent, some old – to look at the world through the lens of climate change and understand the planet we are heading towards.
“Now the hard work begins”: Environmental leaders on the COP15 Biodiversity Framework
Global leaders agreed to halt biodiversity loss by protecting 30% of the world’s land and ocean by 2030. Leaders from environmental organizations around the world react to the deal, highlighting its merits and the potential issues that come with it. From “a watershed moment” to “we don’t need people to tell us what to do”, the consensus is that governments need to treat the Kuming-Montreal Biodiversity framework “as a floor, not a ceiling”.
Carbon: A matter of budget – Ep.05
A trip among satellites, robots and bottles. One that oscillates between the heights of the atmosphere and the surface of the sea. We ride on carbon dioxide molecules to understand how relevant the word budget can be in delivering a future where a climate neutrality takes shape.
An attainable horizon as long as we follow a simple little rule:
“Don’t look at what they say. Look at what we’re doing”.
A collection of words with which we hope to plant the seeds of awareness, providing in-depth definitions of some of the most pressing topics related to climate change.
Because understanding the discourse that surrounds the climate crisis is the key to a sustainable future.
Kyoto Protocol
One of the first steps towards creating global climate diplomacy, the Kyoto Protocol laid the groundwork for today’s climate negotiations. From its innovative elements, to what it sought to achieve and how it worked, understanding the Kyoto Protocol is essential for a better understanding of the UNFCCC process.
Carbon market
Giving a price to carbon means innovation, technological deployment, and profound changes in the economic system. However, the costs of a low-carbon transition will not be felt equally by all. Trading emissions in a carbon market allows us to start cutting emissions where it is cheapest whilst leaving room for the most virtuous to make gains. Origins and evolutions of a flexible and cost-effective policy with almost 20 years of history.
Carbon border adjustments
As countries implement measures to curb emissions they are also looking to protect local industry players from unfair competition and ensure that emissions aren’t simply shifted outside of their jurisdiction. Carbon border adjustments use levies and rebates to do just that. How do they work and why are they contentious?
Carbon: A matter of budget – Ep.05
A trip among satellites, robots and bottles. One that oscillates between the heights of the atmosphere and the surface of the sea. We ride on carbon dioxide molecules to understand how relevant the word budget
The climate backstage at UNFCCC conferences – Ep.04
Behind the scenes of the climate negotiations, where the whole world sits around the same table. We discover the swing of frustration and excitement underlying the process that brings to globally awaited treaties. It is
Follow the Water – Ep.03
The blood vessel of Egypt meets China: the world’s plumber-in-chief. A journey which starts with the Neolithic revolution, passes through the “hydraulic century” and carries us into the future.
By following the history of water,
Yes, it was a success: All the merits of the Kyoto Protocol
It all started 20 years ago when the signing of the protocol laid the foundation for climate negotiations. Now we consider it outdated, and some criticise it harshly, but it was the starting point of a process that continues to change the world. Nada Maamoun tells us about her research and the positive outcomes of the Kyoto Protocol.
No, it wasn’t successful: Failures and lessons from the Kyoto Protocol’s ashes
From overarching great consensus treaties to smaller agreements between countries, the future of international climate agreements has to learn from the failures of the Kyoto Protocol and its inability to stem the flow of greenhouse gas emissions. Ralph Winkler, international environmental cooperation expert, on the contradictions and opportunities of the agreement signed in 1997.
Carrot and stick: The competitiveness of sustainability
How to find a balance between incentives and disincentives? Two different visions from either side of the Atlantic. With the USA launching its Inflation Reduction Act, Basile Chartier and Thorfinn Stainforth from the Institute for European Environmental Policy, walk us through some of the most important American and European environmental policy developments.
We are brokers of sustainability: The science, policy and business nexus
CEOs, shareholders, voters and policy-makers: there is a way of communicating with all of them that helps build a common, sustainable future. However, it requires a holistic perspective of the climate crisis. With experience in international diplomacy and private consultancy, the eclectic journalist Ione Anderson underscores what holds together business people in meeting rooms and young generations marching during climate strikes.
Success or failure? The Kyoto Protocol’s troubled legacy
Twenty-five years of hope and political negotiations, of science, data and denial campaigns to delay and even bury it. A look at the first iconic moment for global climate policy making: what remains of the Kyoto Protocol’s heritage and what lies ahead for international environmental agreements.
Now is the time for action: The COP15 on biodiversity
“Paris moment for nature”, is the phrase being used to raise expectations: the COP15, due to be held in Canada, must play a crucial role in halting biodiversity loss and restoring nature over the next decade. However, according to global media predictions, there is something that may undermine the impact of the event before it has even begun.
“The effects are greater than the cause.” Media reactions to COP27 outcomes
What a difference between the Global South and Developed Countries. In the COP27 aftermath, media analyses range from applause to disappointment, from those who call it a momentous decision to those that signal the use of ambiguous new language. Barbados and U.S., Brazil and EU passing through Pakistan, UK, India, China and South Africa, a collection of media coverage of the Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan.
“1.5 is dead!” – Global media on the first week of COP27
Biden apologizes, Lula makes promises the for Brazil, eyes on two main topics while civil society, the great absentee of the conference, raises its dismay from afar.
A roundup of the topics holding court at the COP27’s halfway point.
Visualizing climate science
A participatory approach is the foundation for building solutions that empower citizens, policymakers, experts, and non-experts to make informed decisions. Co-designing data visualizations that reflect the findings made with climate science is key to reach the right audiences and foster change. Data visualization explained by Angela Morelli, the information designer that contributed to the most recent Summaries for Policymakers published by the IPCC.
COP27 Finance Day
At COP27, November 9 will be the thematic day dedicated to climate finance. As countries gradually improve their financial commitments to meet the Paris Agreement goals in the UNFCCC context, the private sector is attracted by the countless opportunities implicit in a decarbonized world. A guide to understanding the importance of finance for the climate transition through the CMCC’s work and content.
COP27 Youth and Future Generations Day
November 10 at the COP27 will be centred around youth and their role in addressing the climate crisis to ensure that their voices are not left unheard. This stand-alone day will shine a light on both their potential as catalysts for change and the climate change impacts that will largely affect them. Young people are key multipliers of climate information and action and, hence, a precious stakeholder at the negotiating table.
COP27 Decarbonization Day
A crucial part of the Paris Agreement is decarbonization. This involves cutting CO2 emissions as much as possible, including in hard to abate sectors. Through policy, technology and nature based solutions decarbonization has been shown to be possible but will require immediate and radical action. November 11 at COP27 is the Decarbonization Day.
COP27 Adaptation and Agriculture Day
Climate change impacts are already affecting our existence and that of the natural resources which allow us to live on this planet. In this context, adaptation and resilience are crucial for all countries and regions worldwide, especially those more vulnerable to such impacts. Below is a short summary of CMCC’s latest scientific results on adaptation planning, agriculture and food security, the topics at the core of the discussion in Egypt, at COP27 on November 12. Have a look!