BREAKING CLIMATE NEWS

COP 30 Summary

This COP promised to be the “implementation COP” where countries would figure out how to limit temperature rise to the Paris target of 1-2C. So, did it deliver on that promise? In short, no.  

Much of the last-minute negotiations hinged upon whether the final agreement included a pledge to “transition away from fossil fuels.” 83 countries pushed to have this statement included in the final agreement, supported by a letter organized by the We Mean Business coalition that was signed by over 150 other non-profits, regional and city governments, and companies.  

This forced the negotiations into an overnight session on Friday, and on Saturday the final plenary session had to be suspended after negotiators from multiple countries, led by Colombia, claimed that the agreement was being gaveled through without letting them speak.

Ultimately, however, the wording didn’t make it into the final deal. Instead, the COP30 president promised that “the issue of stronger language on moving away from fossil fuels can be raised again in six months’ time at an interim COP meeting.” 

Here’s the problem, though. There is no path to meeting the Paris targets without almost entirely phasing out fossil fuels. This isn’t rocket science; it’s basic physics we’ve understood for over a century. 

To stabilize global temperature at any level, let alone 1.5–2°C, we must remove the same amount of heat-trapping gases from the atmosphere as we emit. Although some carbon removal is possible thanks to a range of nature-based and technological fixes, from reforestation and regenerative farming to carbon capture, their capacity is nowhere near enough to offset the emissions of unchecked fossil fuel use.  

The science is settled; what’s missing is the resolve to act on it. And the longer we wait, the higher the cost. 

The Colombia Conference in 2026

Colombia will host the First International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels in 2026, promoting equitable energy pathways and international cooperation.

COP30 Update

Today, as COP30 negotiations near an end, and the most recent text released this morning makes no mention of fossil fuels, Colombia just officially announced further details of the First International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels, to be held at the coal port of Santa Marta on 28-29 April 2026.

 It will be co-hosted with the Government of the Netherlands and builds toward Pacific countries committing to convene a subsequent summit to carry forward an effort to develop a 1.5°C-aligned roadmap for the transition away from fossil fuels. 

 This is the first time governments will convene a major international summit to specifically discuss the phase-out of fossil fuels. Hosting this summit in a major coal port, in the world’s fifth-largest coal-producing nation, sends a powerful message: fossil-fuel-dependent nations want to end their dependence on oil, gas, and coal extraction but doing so fairly requires unprecedented international cooperation so that no one is left behind.

 This is what the Santa Marta conference aims to address. By bringing together governments, experts, Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant communities, civil society, climate advocates, industry leaders, and academia, it will create a strategic space to shape equitable pathways toward sustainable, diversified, and accessible energy. In doing so, it will advance international cooperation on transitioning away from fossil fuel extraction.

 And momentum is truly on our side. At COP30, Cambodia became the 18th nation to join the call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty — adding to a rapidly expanding coalition of countries also backed by 140 cities and subnational governments, the WHO, the European Parliament, over 4000 civil society organisations, 3,000+ scientists and academics, 101 Nobel laureates, more than 900 Parliamentarians across the world and many businesses.

 This win belongs to all of us. From the clarion call we have heard from our allies the Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon, the powerful people’s movements in the Global South, workers organizations, people of faith, gender justice and peace campaigners, public health officials, you  have all created the political space for this historic moment. We remain inspired by Pacific Islanders’ long-standing example of fighting to leave no stone unturned in the struggle for climate justice.

People Displacement due to Climate Disasters

"Over the past decade, climate-related disasters have led to the displacement of an astounding 250 million people, as revealed in a recent report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This figure translates to an average of 70,000 individuals being forced to leave their homes every day, or approximately two people being displaced every three seconds. The frequency and intensity of these events are escalating as global temperatures rise. Refugees and displaced populations are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. According to the report, three-quarters of these individuals, who are fleeing conflicts and persecution, reside in nations that are highly susceptible to climate-related threats."

Lancet Countdown

The Lancet Countdown report highlights the rising health risks from climate change, with heat-related deaths increasing by 23% since the 1990s. It urges governments to phase out fossil fuels, which could save over ten million lives annually. The report emphasizes the urgent need for clean energy and sustainable practices.

July 23, 2025

Here are some of the top climate-related news updates for July 23, 2025:

1.
Record-Breaking Floods: The National Weather Service has issued more flood warnings this year than ever before, with several catastrophic events happening across the U.S. These intensifying floods are attributed to climate change, particularly warmer oceans and a moisture-laden atmosphere. Recent floods have claimed lives in multiple states, with North Carolina declaring a state of emergency due to the remnants of Tropical Storm Chantal. Source.

2.
Rapid Ocean Heating: Global sea surface temperatures continue to spike, with predictions hinting they might break previous records. This rapid heating is a critical indicator of ongoing climate changes. Source.

3.
Severe Weather in Russia: Russia has been experiencing tropical-like nights in areas like the Sakhalinsk Peninsula, with high humidity and temperatures comparable to tropical regions. Additionally, record rainfall in Moscow and other regions has led to significant flooding, infrastructure damage, and the isolation of some settlements. Source.

4.
Antarctic Discoveries: Radar has uncovered ancient river landscapes beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. These findings provide new insights into Antarctica's geological history and how it may respond to current climate changes. Source.

These reports highlight the increasing impact of climate change, manifesting through extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and significant environmental shifts.

The Latest Breaking News on Climate Change - July 2025

1.
B.C. Faces Adverse Drought Conditions British Columbia (B.C.) is experiencing intensified drought conditions this year, which are contributing to heightened risks of wildfires. As the province evaluates its water management strategies, the ongoing drought emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable resource management (Vancouver Sun).

2.
Flood Mitigation Projects in Dorval The City of Dorval is launching both current and future flood mitigation projects as part of its climate adaptation strategy. These projects aim to bolster the city's resilience to increasing flood risks exacerbated by climate change (City of Dorval).

3.
UN Report on 'Just Transition' in Climate Policy The United Nations has released a new report focusing on the integration of 'just transition' principles into climate policy. This initiative seeks to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy is inclusive and equitable (UNFCCC).

4.
Arctic Birders and Climate Change In the Arctic, birders are grappling with the dual impacts of climate change and avian flu on delicate ecosystems. They face new challenges as they work to protect these vulnerable habitats (Poddtoppen).

5.
Approaching Critical Climate Thresholds According to recent analysis, we are within three years of reaching critical climate thresholds. Scientists and policymakers debate the potential to reverse the course, underscoring the necessity of urgent action (Poddtoppen).

6.
Pollution Reduction Revealing Deeper Climate Risks A recent study reveals that efforts to reduce pollution may have unmasked hidden climate risks, presenting new challenges in the global fight against climate change (Poddtoppen).

7.
Tuvalu Nationals and Climate Visas Over half of Tuvalu nationals have applied for a ballot offering Australian “Climate Visas,” highlighting the geopolitical and social challenges of climate-induced migration (Poddtoppen).

8.
Renewable Energy Stock Surge Predicted A specific renewable energy stock, currently down 35%, is predicted to soar, reflecting the increasing investment opportunities in transitioning to sustainable energy sources (Poddtoppen).

9.
Global Heat Records Recent months have marked some of the warmest records globally, prompting renewed discussions on international agreements to curb emissions and protect ecosystems (Vancouver Sun).

10.
Community Efforts for Climate Action Various communities are taking grassroots initiatives to drive climate action, focusing on local adaptations and resilience strategies to mitigate climate impacts (City of Dorval). 

Latest Climate Breaking News - July 2025

1.
Extreme Ocean Heating Continues Researchers continue to report unprecedented ocean warming worldwide. Global sea surface temperatures are approaching record highs for this time of the year, suggesting extreme heating events are ongoing. Scientists warn that this could exacerbate global weather phenomena and impact marine ecosystems down the line. Prof. Eliot Jacobson commented on the situation, emphasizing the critical state of sea surface temperature (SST) levels (Climate and Economy link).

2.
Record Rainfalls Trigger Flooding in Russia Central Russia, including Moscow, has experienced record-setting rainfall leading to severe floods. This has resulted in infrastructure damage, including the collapse of a concrete bridge, cutting off several settlements. This phenomenon surpasses previous precipitation records dating back to 1879, indicating the intensifying climate change impacts in the region (Climate and Economy link).

3.
Climate-Responsive Social Protection Urged for Vulnerable Populations A recent primer from Global Risks and Resilience highlights the urgent need for climate-responsive social protection systems, especially in climate-vulnerable countries. With climate shocks like extreme heat and erratic rainfall on the rise, the current social protection coverage is inadequate for developing nations. The report calls on philanthropy to play a critical role in supporting necessary transformations and enhancing resilience (ReliefWeb link).

4.
UN Climate Change Urgencies at Human Rights Council The 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council focused heavily on climate consequences, with key decisions favoring a phase-out of fossil fuels due to their human rights impacts. This aligns with the UN's broader efforts to position defossilization as imperative for ensuring a livable future and advancing human rights globally (Geneva Environment Network link).

5.
Neutral Climate Conditions Expected Until September The World Meteorological Organization's Global Seasonal Climate Update forecasts neutral El Niño-Southern Oscillation conditions for July to September 2025.
However, persistent above-average sea surface temperatures are expected in extratropical oceans, potentially influencing global weather patterns in these seasons (WMO link).

These developments underscore the mounting urgency of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts worldwide. Stay updated with the advancements and impacts of climate policy at the international level.

One Earth One Chance 

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