Francesco Bassetti

Not Just CO2, Let’s Talk About Methane

From thawing permafrost to belching cows, methane is a harmful greenhouse gas that has a significant impact on climate change. Although the bulk of mitigation strategies focus on carbon dioxide, methane also requires direct mitigation measures, a better understanding of how much it impacts our climate, and what sectors are emitting the most. A hot topic for researchers and policymakers alike.

whales-carbon-sequestration

Why Whales Are Important For Carbon Sequestration

Whales are a key component in ensuring planetary equilibrium. One of their least appreciated contributions is their positive impact on carbon sequestration. Protecting whales not only helps reach climate objectives but can also shed new light on the value of nature based solutions.

oil-spill-marine-shipping-mauritius

Ships in Troubled Waters: Predicting the Spread of Oil Spills

From Beirut, Lebanon, to Mauritius the sea is crossed by ships carrying materials that, if released into the ocean, are a menace for human beings and the marine environment. Satellites, data, and advanced modelling can help deal with these potential disasters. Scientific research and innovation are critical to predicting the movement and pervasiveness of oil spills and can direct cleanup efforts in a timely manner.

siberia-heatwave

Heatwave: From Siberia to Global Warming

It’s not only about ice melting and rising temperatures. It’s also about a region that is being transformed dramatically by climate change. The way the Arctic is evolving comes with consequences for the environment, biosphere, international relations, and geopolitical balance. Scientists indicate that the recent heatwave in Siberia would have been virtually impossible without anthropogenic climate change. But how are these conclusions drawn, and how accurate is it to make these claims?

greening-cities

Greening the Cities of the Future

In a post-pandemic world greening the cities of the future has emerged as an absolute priority. Reforming surface transport systems is part of this process and can help reach Paris Agreement objectives of keeping warming well below 2ºC. However, this will require policy changes that are systemic, resilient and include nature-based solutions.

climate-finance

Finance: It’s Time to Look Ahead

Low prices for oil and other fossil fuels, the Covid-19 crisis, the recovery package, and the opportunity to combine an urgent response to social needs with long-term sustainable strategies. A vision of the future that combines investments and climate resilience. International experts discuss perspectives and solutions for green finance, in the name of the “do no significant harm” principle.

Non-State Actors Lead the Way to Decarbonization

Why is Japan struggling to increase its share of renewable energy and decarbonize its economy? Companies, municipalities, research institutions, and civil society organizations are seeking answers to these very questions. Ken Tanaka, of the Japan Climate Initiative Secretariat, shares some unique insight.

climate-migration-nexus

In Search of the Climate-Migration Lexicon

A warming world, displacement, migrants, refugees. Not only do words have the power to change popular perceptions, but they also shape legal landscapes, influence policy measures, and determine the fates of the most vulnerable. A collection of voices, definitions, infographics, and numbers provides a snapshot of the complex and multifaced climate-migration nexus.

June-Momentum

Building Momentum for Climate Action

Countries are still coming together to discuss climate action notwithstanding delays to climate negotiations. Green recovery packages emerge as a top priority with policymakers signaling them as a key instrument with which to both kickstart the economy and avoid environmental breakdown. From the Land of the Rising Sun comes a wake-up call and a set of new initiatives to facilitate international dialogue and build momentum for climate action.

World Oceans Day

Turning the Tide With Innovation

The United Nations World Oceans Day brings attention to the critical role of our oceans in ensuring planetary balance. This involves recognizing criticalities whilst also