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The Climate Crisis seen from Davos

The Global Risks Report 2024 counts extreme weather events and critical change to Earth systems as the greatest concerns facing the world over the next decade. An overview of the latest edition of the report, from how it is built to the main emerged results.

Unprecedented weather events: The path ahead

With the WEF Global Risks Report highlighting extreme weather as the foremost global crisis trigger for 2024, improving our understanding and forecasting of extreme events is crucial for facing the challenges ahead and building a more resilient future. CMCC research leverages advanced climate models and collaborations to unravel the complexities of extreme events, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, and enhancing early warning systems.

Isole Marshall

“We will not go silently to our watery graves”: How to save a nation from drowning

The Marshall Islands, a nation of low-lying atolls threatened by rising sea levels, is facing an existential crisis. Yet, amidst this adversity, the Marshallese people are not only adapting to climate change but also charting a path for survival. Drawing inspiration from their rich maritime heritage, the Marshall Islands have developed a groundbreaking National Adaptation Plan for Survival (NAP). This plan, unveiled at COP28, outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing the climate crisis over the next century.

Revolutionizing climate adaptation financing: The untapped potential of private investment in resilience

Directing increasing funds towards climate change adaptation solutions is not only a widely shared necessity but also an opportunity for the private sector, both in emerging and developed markets. Part of the challenge is quantifying the actual adaptation finance gap and tracking funds already allocated to resilience worldwide. Experts from the Climate Policy Initiative guide us through this aspect of climate finance and how its narrative is changing, including successful experiences with private sector investments in the field.

hands holding a smartphone

Make us immune to climate misinformation

From sensational media narratives to conspiracy theories, the impact of misinformation on climate change discussion is pervasive, posing a threat to climate action and fostering distrust in scientific endeavors. During the “Foresight Dialogues 2023” event, hosted by the CMCC Foundation, misinformation experts John Cook and Paula Gori explored innovative approaches, such as AI-based tools and cognitive science applications, aiming to equip the public with the tools needed to discern accurate information.

just transition platform

Giving the EU’s Just Transition a platform to stand on

Addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges – that go hand in hand with transitioning from carbon intensive systems – requires a set of strategies that ensure those most affected are treated fairly. The European Commission’s Just Transition Platform seeks to put those very people and communities at the center of the transformation.

Net zero

At the root of the net-zero myth

The origins, future and feasibility of net zero. “Net-zero is a powerful idea but it has to be understood as a systemic concept, related to the fact that temperatures will stop increasing once global CO2 emissions reach zero,” says Massimo Tavoni, director of the CMCC European Institute on Economics and the Environment. 

The Just Transition is gaining momentum

The importance of a Just Transition is being recognised by governments worldwide, increasingly featuring in short and long-term climate plans. How are climate and social sciences tackling the issue?