THE BRIEF [Feb 26-Mar 3'24]
THE BRIEF [Feb 26-Mar 3'24]
Meat misinformation, some EU countries hitting 2030 targets, misleading ESG advertising ratings and plastic recycling is a scam.
Welcome to this week’s edition of The Weekly Climate 🎉
References: [1], [2], [3], [4] and [5].
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‼️News you can’t miss
Here’s one important scary/bad (🙀), good (😻), interesting (😼) and fossil (💩) news item.
🙀 Meat uses misinformation like our fossil fuel fiends
😻 Some EU countries already hitting 2030 sustainability targets
😼 Investors highlight blind spots in ESG ratings for advertising companies working with big polluters
This week’s highlights
[#oceantemperature] — Ocean temperatures are causing concern among scientists, with record-breaking warmth in the North Atlantic and a lack of sea ice in the Antarctic. Global warming from fossil fuel emissions is driving the increase in temperatures, and reductions in pollution and changes in weather patterns may be contributing factors. The warmer waters could lead to a more intense hurricane season and have impacts on Arctic sea ice and global weather patterns. The long-term implications of these temperature changes are still uncertain.
[#IEA] — According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy-related emissions rose by 410 million metric tons in 2023, moving in the opposite direction of the goals set by the Paris climate agreement. Climate change also made it more difficult to generate renewable energy, with severe drought causing a shortfall in hydropower. However, the IEA remains confident in the growth of clean energy projects, stating that without them, carbon dioxide pollution would have been three times higher.
[#heatpump] — The heat pump market in Europe has experienced a slump, with sales falling in most markets in 2023. The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) reported a 5% decline in total sales across 14 countries. The drop in sales is attributed to falling gas prices, rising interest rates, and reduced government support. The EHPA called on the EU to develop an action plan to promote the adoption of heat pumps. Despite the overall decline, heat pump sales in Germany increased by 59% in 2023. The European Commission's goal of having 60 million heat pumps by the end of the decade may be challenging to achieve at the current installation rate of 3 million per year. The delay in the commission's action plan and the potential rise of right-wing parties in European elections are additional concerns for the industry.
[#meatmisinformation] — According to a report by the Freedom Food Alliance, the meat industry is using disinformation tactics to block dietary change and avoid accountability for its role in greenhouse emissions. The report highlights the industry's use of industry-funded research, ad campaigns, and educational materials to sway public opinion on meat and dairy. It also points out misleading advertising campaigns and efforts to target young people. The report calls for legislation, an end to greenwashing, and strict accountability for major polluters in the animal agriculture industry.
That’s it for this week folks!
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