No. 24: COP27... and Coca-Cola?
Welcome back, and welcome to November! (My favorite month, but I’m biased because it’s my birth month)! Comment below your birth month or zodiac sign if you feel like it!
COP27
Held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt this year, there is already some controversy as the infamous climate conference is sponsored by Coca-Cola this year (the world’s largest plastic polluter) and starts today.
Another important announcement to note: Greta Thunberg, the 19-year-old activist, will not be in attendance, referring to it as “greenwashing.” (The Guardian) Also she released a book that I’m really excited about, with over 100 contributors!
A <5 minute video where she discussed it a little bit!
But what happened last year?
By the end of the conference, the participating 197 countries agreed to a new deal, known as the Glasgow Climate Pact. Moreover, over 140 countries pledged to reach net-zero emissions, and 100 nations, including Brazil, pledged to reverse deforestation by 2030. COP26 also stimulated lots of interesting debates about what a sustainable future might look like.
Greta Thunberg was quoted saying,
It is not a secret that COP26 is a failure. It should be obvious that we cannot solve a crisis with the same methods that got us into it in the first place.
The people in power can continue to live in their bubble filled with their fantasies, like eternal growth on a finite planet and technological solutions that will suddenly appear seemingly out of nowhere. What we really need are immediate drastic annual emission cuts, unlike anything the world has ever seen.
I would agree nothing has really come of it, since no country is anywhere close to meeting the Paris Agreement.
Back to today: the watchword is “implementation” (it should really be ‘immediate’)!
Focus will be on the so-called “Nationally Determined Contributions” (NDCs) – each country’s emissions-reduction plan that goes towards cutting the global carbon footprint by 45 per cent by 2030, and reaching net zero by 2050.
Other sources: Keystone PhD Studies
Check out…
Climate Foresight - For thoughtful insights into the economy, and what we should do instead, check out this newsletter! (Every Wednesday)
Climate change is disrupting businesses and the entire economy! Once a week in your inbox, ideas, data figures and success stories to keep you on top - less than 4 minute read to get smarter about climate
The Scandalous Rise and Fall of Jerry Falwell - if you were also wanting to watch the Hulu documentary but don’t have a subscription, try this free one instead! (Very interesting)
How corporate America convinced us to spend so much on water (Vox)
A Economist That Future Economists — and Societies — Will Dare Not Ignore (Inequality.org) - RIP Herman Daly! <3
Voting reminder (if applicable)
If you’re eligible, registered, and haven’t voted yet, (and live in the U.S.), please don’t forget to vote tomorrow, it’s one of the most impactful actions you can take to protect our climate!!!
Good climate news
Lula’s victory in Brazil promises leadership on climate change -
During the election campaign, da Silva – commonly known as “Lula” – has vowed to fight Amazon deforestation and crack down on illegal gold miners, loggers, and ranchers responsible for widespread environmental destruction and the displacement of indigenous communities.
“Brazil is ready to retake its leadership in the fight against the climate crisis,” the President-elect said in his victory speech in Sao Paulo. “Brazil and the planet need a living Amazon.”
Lula’s new government is also likely to set new targets for slashing methane emissions from livestock, power plants, and other sources.
Wind is now South Dakota’s No.1 electricity generator, but not every day - Not everyday due to wind patterns and lack of energy, but it is producing twice as much electricity as it uses (of which the excess is exported to neighboring states)!
Wrap-up
That’s it! Be sure to check out Climate Foresight!
Oh yeah, go November squad 😎
Hi. Great article. Glad I subscribed! My birth month is March and I’m an Aries. ♈️