December 20th Update Underground News
December 20th Update Underground News >>>>> https://blltly.com/2tupXo
December 20th Update â Underground News
Welcome to Underground News, the independent source of information and analysis on the world's most pressing issues. In this update, we bring you the latest developments on the following topics:
The global climate crisis and the COP28 summit in Glasgow
The ongoing protests and crackdowns in Belarus, Myanmar, Sudan and Hong Kong
The revelations of the Pandora Papers and the impact on global corruption and inequality
The breakthroughs and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccine rollout
The rise of cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns and how to protect yourself online
Stay tuned for our in-depth reports, interviews and opinions from our network of journalists, experts and activists around the world. We are Underground News, and we are not afraid to speak truth to power.
The global climate crisis and the COP28 summit in Glasgow
The world is facing a climate emergency that threatens the survival of humanity and the planet. According to the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global average temperature has already risen by 1.1ÂC above pre-industrial levels, and is likely to reach 1.5ÂC by 2030 unless drastic action is taken. The consequences of this warming include more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, floods, storms, wildfires, sea level rise, biodiversity loss and food insecurity.
In November 2022, the leaders of 197 countries gathered in Glasgow, Scotland, for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The summit was seen as a critical opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2ÂC, preferably to 1.5ÂC, compared to pre-industrial levels. The main goals of COP28 were to increase the ambition and action of the nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which are the pledges made by each country to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions; to mobilize financial and technological support for developing countries to cope with the impacts of climate change and transition to low-carbon development; and to enhance cooperation and transparency among all parties.
However, COP28 was marred by controversy, disappointment and frustration. Despite the scientific evidence and the public pressure from millions of activists, especially young people, many countries failed to deliver on their promises or showed a lack of urgency and commitment. Some of the major issues that remained unresolved or contentious at COP28 included:
The gap between the current NDCs and the emission reductions needed to achieve the 1.5ÂC target. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the NDCs submitted by 2020 would lead to a temperature rise of 2.7ÂC by 2100, far above the safe limit. Even if all countries fulfilled their NDCs, there would still be a significant gap of 12-15 gigatons of CO2 equivalent per year by 2030.
The lack of progress on delivering the $100 billion per year in climate finance that was promised by developed countries to developing countries by 2020. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), only $79.6 billion was mobilized in 2019, and there was no clear roadmap or timeline for reaching the target. Many developing countries also complained about the insufficient amount and quality of climate finance, as well as the difficulties in accessing it.
The controversy over Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which deals with carbon markets and other forms of international cooperation on emission reductions. Carbon markets allow countries or entities to trade emission allowances or credits, which can create incentives for reducing emissions and generate revenue for climate action. However, there are also risks of double counting, environmental integrity and human rights violations. The negotiations on Article 6 were complex and contentious, and no agreement was reached at COP28.
The dissatisfaction and anger expressed by many civil society groups, especially those representing vulnerable communities and indigenous peoples, who felt excluded or ignored by the official process and outcomes of COP28. Many activists staged protests and demonstrations inside and outside the summit venue, calling for more radical and transformative action on climate justice.
Despite these challenges and shortcomings, COP28 also produced some positive outcomes and achievements. Some of these included:
The adoption of the Glasgow Climate Pact, which is the main outcome document of COP28. The pact reaffirms the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5ÂC and urges all parties to update their NDCs by 2025 with higher ambition and action. It also recognizes the importance of adaptation, loss and damage, finance, technology transfer, capacity building, transparency and global stocktake.
The launch of several initiatives and partnerships on various themes and sectors related to climate action. Some examples are: the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030; the Forests for Life Partnership, which aims to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation by 2030; the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA), which aims to phase out fossil fuel production; and the Race to Zero Breakthroughs, which aims to achieve net zero emissions in key sectors such as power, transport, industry and agriculture by 2050.
The announcement of new commitments ec8f644aee