Newly revealed documents show ExxonMobil funded right-wing think tanks, such as the Atlas Network, to spread climate change denial throughout Latin America, hindering support for UN climate treaties. This initiative involved translating denialist materials, sponsoring speaking engagements for American climate skeptics, and facilitating connections with local media and politicians. The goal, according to internal communications, was to influence developing nations and foster skepticism about the urgency of climate action. Despite efforts to remain anonymous, the documents, including checks, underscore Exxon’s strategy to undermine global climate efforts through strategic financial investments.
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In landmark opinion, the World Court says climate change is an ‘existential threat’ – well, that’s quite a headline, isn’t it? It feels like we’ve been hearing about the impending doom of climate change for ages, doesn’t it? The fact that the World Court, a body of global legal authority, is finally labeling it an “existential threat” feels… long overdue. It’s like finally getting confirmation on something we’ve suspected, feared even, for decades. And the phrase itself, “existential threat,” really hits home. It’s not just about inconvenience or a slightly warmer summer; it’s about the very foundation of our existence on this planet.… Continue reading
A new report from the International Panel on Information Environment (Ipie) reveals that climate misinformation, spread by fossil fuel companies, right-wing politicians, and nation-states, is hindering climate action. This misinformation, amplified by online bots and trolls, ranges from outright denial to discrediting solutions like renewable energy. The report calls for stronger measures to combat this, including regulation of social media, legal action against misinformation purveyors, and improved climate education. Without addressing this information crisis, the report warns, the climate crisis risks escalating into a catastrophe.
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Bloomberg’s funding of the UN climate agency following the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement presents a complex scenario. It’s undeniably a helpful contribution in addressing a critical global issue, but the very fact that a single billionaire is shouldering this responsibility raises significant questions. The situation highlights the inadequacy of current systems and the inherent power imbalances within our society.
This act of philanthropy, while seemingly altruistic, underscores the limitations of relying on individual generosity to solve systemic problems. Climate change is a global crisis demanding collective action and substantial investment; it shouldn’t rest on the whims of a few wealthy individuals.… Continue reading
Thousands of Amazon workers across more than 20 countries will protest and strike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, demanding improved worker rights, fair wages, and stronger climate action from the company. This coordinated effort, spearheaded by the Make Amazon Pay campaign, involves over 80 unions and activist groups. Protests will target Amazon’s practices regarding worker organization, tax contributions, and environmental sustainability. The campaign highlights concerns about worker safety and pay, with actions planned in major cities globally. Amazon maintains it offers competitive pay and benefits, while also emphasizing its commitment to renewable energy.
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Donald Trump’s election victory has sent shockwaves through the global climate community, as his previous anti-climate policies and rhetoric threaten to derail international efforts to curb global heating. Experts warn that Trump’s administration could withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement, undermine UN climate frameworks, and roll back domestic climate regulations, potentially adding billions of tonnes of heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere. While cities and states within the US are committed to climate action, a Trump administration’s stance risks weakening global climate diplomacy and further jeopardizing the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The climate crisis is moving faster than our politics, and the urgent need for political action on climate change is more apparent than ever.
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The year 2024 is poised to break records, becoming the first year to surpass the 1.5-degree Celsius warming threshold established by the Paris Agreement. This alarming development, confirmed by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, signifies the accelerating pace of climate change. The continued rise in greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, is driving this unprecedented warming, with October 2024 already exceeding the 1.5-degree mark. The implications of this milestone are significant, potentially intensifying extreme weather events and jeopardizing global food security. Unfortunately, recent political developments, including the re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump, threaten to hinder progress in tackling climate change, casting doubt on the future of climate action.
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The European Union’s space programme has determined that 2024 is likely to be the hottest year on record, with global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. This alarming finding comes as global leaders prepare for the Cop29 climate summit and follows the election of Donald Trump, a climate change denier, as US President. Scientists emphasize that while a single year exceeding the 1.5°C threshold does not signify failure to meet climate targets, it represents a significant milestone and underscores the urgent need for global action to mitigate climate change. The Copernicus Climate Change Service report highlights the escalating consequences of global warming, including record-breaking heat, declining Arctic sea ice, and extreme weather events, emphasizing the critical need for global commitment to reducing emissions.
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Billions of people just felt the deadly intensity of climate-fueled heat waves. As I sit in my air-conditioned house, munching on a bag of chips, I can’t help but think about the dire situation unfolding around the world. The reality is, climate change is no longer a distant threat looming in the future – it’s here, and it’s wreaking havoc on a global scale. The recent reports of heat-related deaths are just the tip of the melting iceberg, and it’s only going to get worse.
The signs of climate change have been staring us in the face for years. From the scorching heatwaves to the unprecedented flooding, the Earth is sending us a clear message that we can no longer ignore.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood