Logging and mining activities are devastating the Congo rainforest, leading to a critical shift in the continent’s carbon balance. African forests transitioned from being a carbon sink to a carbon source between 2010 and 2017, releasing an estimated 200 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. This change is primarily driven by deforestation in the Congo rainforest, making it more difficult to achieve global net-zero emissions. While initiatives like the Tropical Forests Forever Facility are underway, increased support is needed to reverse this trend and protect the remaining forests.
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Analysis reveals China’s carbon dioxide emissions have remained flat or decreased for the past 18 months, potentially indicating the nation has reached its peak emissions target ahead of schedule. This is largely due to a rapid increase in solar and wind power generation, with significant capacity additions in the first nine months of the year. While overall emissions for 2025 could still see a small rise, the trend suggests a potential full-year decrease. Despite this progress, experts note China may miss its target for carbon intensity reduction between 2020 and 2025, and some sectors are still seeing emissions growth.
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A new study reveals that the wealthiest 10% of the global population are responsible for two-thirds of global heating since 1990, directly linking their lifestyle choices and investments to increased extreme weather events. This disproportionate contribution, quantified through climate modelling, highlights the significant role of high-income earners in driving climate change, particularly impacting poorer, equatorial nations. The research underscores the necessity for climate policies targeting emissions from wealthy individuals and offers strong evidence supporting climate finance and wealth taxes. Failure to address the unequal contributions of the wealthiest risks hindering effective climate action.
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Analysis by Oxfam GB reveals that the world’s wealthiest 1% have already exhausted their fair share of the 2025 carbon budget within the first ten days of the year, emitting over twice the carbon pollution annually as the poorest 50%. This extreme disparity highlights the disproportionate impact of high-consumption lifestyles on climate change, with the richest benefiting from climate-controlled environments while the poorest bear the brunt of extreme weather events. To align with the 1.5°C warming target, the richest 1% need a 97% emissions reduction by 2030, a stark contrast to the projected 5% decrease. Oxfam urges governments to implement policies that hold the wealthy accountable for their excessive carbon footprint, suggesting increased taxes on luxury, high-emission items like private jets and superyachts.
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The 2024 Arctic Report Card reveals the Arctic tundra, warming at up to four times the global rate, is now a net source of carbon dioxide due to increased wildfires and permafrost thaw. These wildfires, intensified by climate change, release significant carbon emissions and accelerate permafrost thaw, further exacerbating the problem. The Arctic’s shift from carbon sink to source worsens climate change impacts globally, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive understanding and action. Circumpolar wildfire emissions average 207 million tons of carbon annually, highlighting the severity of the situation. This drastic change signals irreversible damage to Arctic ecosystems and broader global consequences.
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John Q. Hosedrinker