Author: By Matt McGrath

Getty ImagesBy Matt McGrathEnvironment correspondentThe head of one of the world’s biggest oil companies has been named to lead the COP28 global climate talks in Dubai, later this year. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber is currently the chief executive officer of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. He is also the minister for trade and climate envoy for the COP28 hosts, the United Arab Emirates. Campaigners say he must stand down from his oil business role while president as it is a clear conflict of interest. They believe someone steeped in the oil industry may not push countries to rapidly reduce…

ReutersBy Matt McGrathEnvironment correspondent1: The biggest win on climate since Paris…?A new funding arrangement on loss and damage – a pooled fund for countries most affected by climate change – has been hailed as a “historic moment”. It can be seen as the most important climate advance since the Paris Agreement at COP 2015.For decades the victims of a changing climate were the ghosts the richer world just couldn’t see.Money has long been available to cut carbon or help countries adapt to rising temperatures – but there was nothing for those who had lost everything.”For someone who has seen his…

Getty ImagesBy Matt McGrathEnvironment correspondentA key target to stop climate change raising global temperatures is under threat at a UN summit.Climate change talks have been trying to limit the average rise in temperatures to 1.5C.But at talks in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheik, there are concerns that target will slip.Senior figures here in Egypt are worried about backsliding on efforts to keep the 1.5C goal. There is a sense the Egyptian presidency is struggling to find common ground between rich and poor, and some delegates fear the focus on 1.5C may be softened to find agreement.The limit is important…

Getty ImagesBy Matt McGrathEnvironment correspondentThere is “no credible pathway” to keep the rise in global temperatures below the key threshold of 1.5C, according to a bleak new UN assessment. Scientists believe that going beyond 1.5C would see dangerous impacts for people all over the world. The report says that since COP26 last year, governments carbon cutting plans have been “woefully inadequate”.Only an urgent transformation of society will avoid disaster, the study says. What is on the table at the Egypt climate summit?Climate change threatening global health – reportThere’s just over a week until the next major climate conference, known as…

Getty ImagesCarbon emissions in the Amazon region in 2019 and 2020 more than doubled compared to the average of the previous eight years, according to a new study.Deforestation for agriculture and fires were the main drivers of the increase, according to the authors. The scientists say that a “collapse” in law enforcement in recent years has encouraged forest clearing. The research findings have been submitted for publication but have yet to be independently reviewed. Fracking ban lifted, government announces’Tax fossil fuel profits for climate damage’ Climate change threatens survival of urban forestsAs home to the largest tropical forest on Earth,…

Getty ImagesCarbon emissions in the Amazon region in 2019 and 2020 more than doubled compared to the average of the previous eight years, according to a new study.Deforestation for agriculture and fires were the main drivers of the increase, according to the authors. The scientists say that a “collapse” in law enforcement in recent years has encouraged forest clearing. The research findings have been submitted for publication but have yet to be independently reviewed. Fracking ban lifted, government announces’Tax fossil fuel profits for climate damage’ Climate change threatens survival of urban forestsAs home to the largest tropical forest on Earth,…

Getty ImagesCarbon emissions in the Amazon region in 2019 and 2020 more than doubled compared to the average of the previous eight years, according to a new study.Deforestation for agriculture and fires were the main drivers of the increase, according to the authors. The scientists say that a “collapse” in law enforcement in recent years has encouraged forest clearing. The research findings have been submitted for publication but have yet to be independently reviewed. Fracking ban lifted, government announces’Tax fossil fuel profits for climate damage’ Climate change threatens survival of urban forestsAs home to the largest tropical forest on Earth,…

Getty ImagesCarbon emissions in the Amazon region in 2019 and 2020 more than doubled compared to the average of the previous eight years, according to a new study.Deforestation for agriculture and fires were the main drivers of the increase, according to the authors. The scientists say that a “collapse” in law enforcement in recent years has encouraged forest clearing. The research findings have been submitted for publication but have yet to be independently reviewed. Fracking ban lifted, government announces’Tax fossil fuel profits for climate damage’ Climate change threatens survival of urban forestsAs home to the largest tropical forest on Earth,…

Getty ImagesCarbon emissions in the Amazon region in 2019 and 2020 more than doubled compared to the average of the previous eight years, according to a new study.Deforestation for agriculture and fires were the main drivers of the increase, according to the authors. The scientists say that a “collapse” in law enforcement in recent years has encouraged forest clearing. The research findings have been submitted for publication but have yet to be independently reviewed. Fracking ban lifted, government announces’Tax fossil fuel profits for climate damage’ Climate change threatens survival of urban forestsAs home to the largest tropical forest on Earth,…

Getty ImagesCarbon emissions in the Amazon region in 2019 and 2020 more than doubled compared to the average of the previous eight years, according to a new study.Deforestation for agriculture and fires were the main drivers of the increase, according to the authors. The scientists say that a “collapse” in law enforcement in recent years has encouraged forest clearing. The research findings have been submitted for publication but have yet to be independently reviewed. Fracking ban lifted, government announces’Tax fossil fuel profits for climate damage’ Climate change threatens survival of urban forestsAs home to the largest tropical forest on Earth,…