THE BRIEF [April 8-14'24]

Why GHGs reached new highs last year, solar eclipse shows importance of solar power, staff revolt at climate pledge verifier and world's riches keeps investing in fossil fuels in global south.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Weekly Climate 🎉

References: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5] and [6].

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‼️News you can’t miss

Here’s one important scary/bad (🙀), good (😻), interesting (😼) and fossil (💩) news item.

🙀 Why greenhouse gas emissions hit an all-time high last year

😻 Total solar eclipse shows how important solar power is

😼 Staff revolt at climate pledge verifier

💩 The world richest keep funding fossil fuel expansion in global south

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This week’s highlights

[#🇨🇴narcodeforestation] — This article discusses the issue of "narco-deforestation" in the Amazon, focusing on the situation in Colombia. It highlights the role of armed groups, such as the Estado Mayor Central, in controlling and exploiting the rainforests for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and mining. The article emphasizes the need to address the power of these armed groups in order to protect the Amazon and combat deforestation.

[#PFAs] — A global study found that PFAS chemicals, also known as "forever chemicals," are pervasive in water worldwide, even in samples taken far from obvious sources of contamination. The study raises concerns about the long-term impacts of these chemicals on human health and the environment. High levels of exposure to PFAS have been linked to various health issues. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed strict new drinking water limits for PFAS, and there are calls for reducing the use of these chemicals altogether.

[#carbonoffsets] — The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a prominent verification program for corporate climate pledges, is facing turmoil after allowing carbon offsets to count toward companies' supply chain emissions reduction targets. Staff members and program managers expressed concerns about the decision, calling for the resignation of the SBTi CEO and board members who supported the change. The move has raised questions about the credibility of the organization and the potential for greenwashing. Critics argue that relying on carbon credits may incentivize companies to offset emissions rather than reduce them. The decision may have been influenced by external pressure to boost the voluntary carbon market.

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That’s it for this week folks! 

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