*[Enwl-eng] CAN EECCA Newsletter: COP28 broken promises, climate financing for EECCA and energy community of Moldova
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Mon Jul 29 17:14:27 MSK 2024
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Climate Action Network
Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia
Digest of news on climate change, energy
issues
www.caneecca.org
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Regional Climate News
Unpacking the Complexities: How Civil
Society Can Harness Climate Finance
In the world of international climate
negotiations, the term “climate finance” is often heard. But what exactly
does climate finance mean for the civil society sector? Today we will try to
clarify the term and equip the civil sector in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and
Central Asia (EECCA) with the knowledge to help them unlock the
opportunities of such finance and ensure responsible governance through
effective monitoring.
It’s time for Azerbaijan to shift gears on
diplomacy ahead of COP29
July has set new records for global
temperatures, making it the hottest month in over 120,000 years, a stark
reminder of climate change's impact. As Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29 in
four months, there is a pressing need to enhance climate ambition, secure a
robust climate finance goal, and push for strong Nationally Determined
Contributions (NDCs). The COP29 Presidency must proactively address these
challenges, engage with civil society, and manage expectations to
effectively drive progress on climate action and finance.
Dead Fish And Dirty Air: Chinese Firms Leave
Waste As They Mine Tajikistan's Gold
The residents of Khumgaron village in
Tajikistan suffer from severe pollution caused by the nearby
Chinese-operated gold mine, Zarafshon, which has led to significant health
and environmental issues. Despite filing official complaints, villagers
faced intimidation from local authorities who prioritize Chinese investment
due to its economic significance. This situation illustrates Tajikistan's
dependency on Chinese economic support, which comes at the cost of local
well-being and environmental health.
Malfunction shuts one of four units at
Russian nuclear power plant
One of the four power units at the Rostov
nuclear power plant in southern Russia was shut down due to a malfunction in
the turbine generator, according to Rosatom. The company reported that the
shutdown was automatic, radiation levels remain normal, and other units at
the plant are functioning or under maintenance. Temporary power restrictions
have been imposed in southern Russia amid an ongoing heatwave that has led
to widespread power outages in the region.
Reptiles are disappearing in Uzbekistan:
Why?
Ecologists in Uzbekistan are concerned about
the decline in reptile and reptile species caused by climate change and
anthropogenic factors. Today there are 64 species of reptiles in Uzbekistan,
21 of which are listed in the Red Book and are threatened with extinction.
Fears and myths associated with these animals lead to their killing and
consumption, which also contributes to their extinction.
The Human Rights Situation in Azerbaijan
ahead of COP29
Amnesty International presented its concerns
on Azerbaijan’s human rights record and corresponding implications for
Azerbaijan as a host country which aims to ensure effective discussions at
COP29 and meaningful outcomes. These concerns include violations of the
rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly,
reprisals against human rights defenders and journalists, an effective ban
on independent human rights monitoring in the country, widespread violations
of the right to a fair trial, and abuse of the criminal justice system for
political purposes.
Energy Community Summer School takes place
in Moldova
Moldova is hosting the 8th Energy Community
Summer School from 19 to 27 July at the Technical University of Moldova in
Chisinau. The event gathers 46 students from 26 countries to engage in an
intensive week of learning focused on energy, decarbonisation, and
geopolitics. The program features a comprehensive curriculum and esteemed
speakers, fostering a network of young energy experts.
Russia is preparing to destroy nature
reserves, while Kazakhstan has sacrificed a river for the sake of a
hydropower plant
A bill to change the borders of specially
protected natural territories is being discussed in Russia, which raises
concerns among environmentalists, as it could threaten the country's entire
system of nature reserves. The State Duma passed a bill authorizing
clear-cut logging in the Baikal territory, which also causes protests among
scientists and environmentalists. At the same time, Russia has experienced
an energy collapse in the south, and the Ministry of Education is canceling
the school Olympiad on ecology, which is also causing discontent among
teachers and graduates.
High-polluting cars rule the roads in
Kazakhstan
The Kazakh government has decided to retain
a controversial recycling fee for imported vehicles, claiming it supports an
environmentally responsible recycling program and protects the domestic
market. Critics argue that the fee is counterproductive, keeping
high-polluting old cars on the road by making newer, cleaner vehicles
financially inaccessible to many Kazakhs. Despite public outcry and a
petition for repeal, officials maintain that the fee is essential for
environmental protection and domestic industry growth, although some
industry observers believe it primarily serves to shield local automakers
from foreign competition.
Essentials of Climate Change Knowledge and
Communications
The course is designed for media and
bloggers to help them properly cover the topic of climate change, including
related topics, necessary terms and scientific resources. The training
covers global and regional manifestations of climate change, mitigation and
adaptation measures, and the basics of climate policy. As a result of the
course, participants will gain structured knowledge of climate change and
practical advice on how to create quality materials and media projects.
EPIC Air Quality Fund: Applications
The EPIC Air Quality Fund is offering grants
of up to $75,000 for projects related to air pollution and the installation
of monitoring sensors, with applications accepted through September 10,
2024. Support is available to governmental and non-governmental
organizations, universities and NGOs, with priority for applications from 75
countries with high PM2.5 data needs. To participate, you must register for
the webinar on July 31, 2024 and confirm the legal use of PM2.5 monitoring
equipment in the country.
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World Climate News
Unnatural disasters: The connection between
extreme weather and fossil fuels
Rising global temperatures have heightened
the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and studies now
directly attribute many such events to climate change driven by fossil fuel
emissions. Fossil fuel companies, responsible for about 70% of carbon
dioxide emissions since the industrial revolution, have known about their
impact on climate change for decades while actively opposing climate action.
Legal actions are increasingly holding these companies accountable, seeking
reparations for climate damages as their substantial profits far exceed the
estimated economic damages they have caused.
UAE’s ALTÉRRA invests in fund backing fossil
gas despite “climate solutions” pledge
At the start of COP28 in Dubai, the UAE
announced a $30 billion climate fund, ALTÉRRA, aimed at accelerating energy
transition and building climate resilience, especially in the Global South.
However, four months later, one of ALTÉRRA’s initial investments, BlackRock’s
Global Infrastructure Fund IV, purchased a major fossil gas pipeline in
North America. This has led to criticism from climate advocates who argue
that ALTÉRRA is masking its investments in fossil fuels under the guise of
green progress, casting doubt on the fund's commitment to genuine climate
solutions.
Harris Brings History of Green New Deal
Support, Fossil Fuel Lawsuits to U.S. Presidential Race
Vice President Kamala Harris quickly emerged
as the favorite to win the Democratic nomination for the U.S. presidency,
supported by her extensive climate-focused background and a substantial $81
million in donations within 24 hours after President Joe Biden ended his
re-election campaign. Harris has gathered endorsements from prominent
figures and amassed significant grassroots support, indicating strong
momentum for her candidacy. Her campaign emphasizes protecting climate
achievements, increasing renewable energy, and addressing environmental
justice, resonating with voters concerned about climate change amid a summer
of record heat.
To host 2025 climate summit, Brazil will
carve up an Amazonian reserve
COP30 will take place in Belém, Pará, Brazil
in November next year, with promises of sustainable transformation from
State Governor Hedler Barbalho, focusing on the Amazon forest. However, the
construction of the controversial Avenida Liberdade highway, which will cut
through the Belém Environmental Protection Area, threatens to undermine
these promises by fragmenting ecosystems and potentially accelerating local
extinctions. Despite state officials' assurances of mitigating measures,
environmentalists and local communities express concerns about the project's
long-term impact on biodiversity and social dynamics.
G20 finance ministers discuss a global tax
on the super-rich
Finance ministers from major rich and
developing nations met in Rio de Janeiro to discuss a proposed global tax on
billionaires, a key agenda item for Brazil’s presidency of the G20. The
proposal suggests taxing individuals with over $1 billion in assets at 2%,
which could raise $200-$250 billion annually, though U.S. Treasury Secretary
Janet Yellen expressed opposition to a global agreement on tax policy.
Despite some support from other countries, including France and Spain, the
initiative faces challenges, as the U.S. and others remain skeptical about
its feasibility.
Historic cooperation between Brasil and the
U.S. on climate change announced at the G20
During the G20 Finance Track ministerial
meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad and
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen signed a landmark Climate Partnership
agreement aimed at addressing climate challenges and promoting sustainable
development. The agreement outlines cooperation on clean energy supply
chains, carbon markets, nature and biodiversity finance, and multilateral
climate funds, highlighting a commitment to joint action on environmental
priorities. Both leaders emphasized the significance of this partnership in
strengthening bilateral ties and setting an example for international
cooperation amid global geopolitical tensions.
Spain in pole position for green hydrogen
race as EU approves massive state aid
Spain's ambition to lead in green hydrogen
production received a major boost with the European Commission approving
€1.2 billion in state aid. This funding, from the EU recovery fund, will
support the development of large-scale hydrogen production plants and
"hydrogen valleys" across Spain, leveraging the country's potential in solar
and wind energy. The initiative aligns with EU goals to reduce reliance on
fossil fuels and advance towards a net-zero economy, with Spain aiming for
the highest electrolyser capacity in Europe.
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Subject: CAN EECCA Newsletter: COP28 broken promises, climate
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