UN CLIMATE CONFERENCE
COP31: EU FTA on horizon, but India won't budge on CBAM
India's environment minister Bhupender Yadav reaffirmed the country's opposition to trade-linked barriers at COP31. The upcoming negotiations will focus on the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism affecting various Indian sectors. Participation in carbon markets should remain voluntary, according to Yadav. Additionally, India emphasizes the importance of climate finance from developed nations.
Brazil offers road map to phase down fossil fuels, halt deforestation
Building on the decision adopted at the first global stocktake of the Paris Agreement at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, these seek to advance climate action, strengthen international cooperation and mobilise investment, while supporting economic development, energy security and people's livelihoods. "This is the last delivery of the COP30 presidency," said Ana Toni, chief executive of the 2025 round of the UN climate talks.
Trump says he's ending restrictions on climate-warming methane from oil drilling
US President Donald Trump has announced the termination of a Biden-era rule aimed at reducing methane emissions from oil and gas operations, arguing that the move will save energy producers and consumers $45 billion. The rollback would ease restrictions on oil and gas companies, including requirements to detect and repair methane leaks. Environmental groups have criticised the decision, warning it could increase greenhouse gas emissions and undermine efforts to tackle climate change.
Europe needs to better prepare for warmer temperatures: European Union
The European Union on Tuesday warned of the need to better prepare for a feared 3C rise in global warming as it unveiled new rules to force member states to act. The EU remains committed to limit global warming to 1.5C, but European climate chief Wopke Hoekstra warned "it would be unwise not to prepare for the scenarios" during a press conference.
As COP31 nears, India's heatwave disaster tag puts spotlight on global adaptation finance gap
India's recognition of heatwaves as natural disasters underscores the urgent need for international climate finance. Experts note that domestic funding is inadequate for heat adaptation strategies. They emphasize the necessity of consistent and predictable international resources for effective implementation. Upcoming discussions at COP31 will focus on adaptation finance for developing countries. There is growing concern over the lack of responsibility taken by developed nations regarding climate impact.
Almost all coral reef ecosystems face risk of collapse in 50 years, study warns
The world’s coral reefs are critically endangered due to rising ocean temperatures and climate change. This poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity and coastal communities. Nearly all shallow-water reef systems could collapse by 2075 without intervention. Experts emphasize the need for ambitious emissions reductions and improved protection efforts. The IUCN report serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent action needed to protect coral ecosystems.
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Over 30,000 species face critical danger: Amazon's Jeff Bezos backs $500 million wildlife plan, but one key detail is missing
Launched at the UN Biodiversity Conference, the New Species Recovery Alliance has garnered a substantial pledge of $500 million. This collaborative initiative, involving nine organizations including the Bezos Earth Fund, is set to combat species extinctions and facilitate the recovery of endangered species globally. With over 31,000 species facing extinction, urgent conservation measures are more crucial than ever, as the alliance partners with local groups to develop effective recovery strategies.

How India's agricultural damage flags gap between climate warnings and adaptation finance ahead of COP31
High temperatures continue to impact Indian agriculture, leading to decreased crop yields and poor germination rates. Farmers report significant losses in banana production and vegetable crops like okra and gourd. Experts warn about the increasing unpredictability of climate events affecting food security and farming practices. There is a call for greater climate adaptation finance and improved forecasting measures to address these challenges.

Asian countries, including India, must accelerate transition to renewable energy
Asian countries including India need to accelerate a just transition to renewable energy and take a stronger lead in shaping the Global South’s climate response, climate activist Harjeet Singh said at Bangkok Climate Action Week. Discussions ahead of COP31 focused on regional cooperation, clean-energy roadmaps and the need for developed countries to meet climate finance commitments.

At Pre-COP31, Bhupender Yadav calls for closing climate gaps, fulfilling Paris Agreement commitments and accelerating implementation
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed COP31 priorities during the Pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji. He highlighted the need for bridging knowledge gaps and fulfilling climate obligations effectively before upcoming conferences. Yadav conducted bilateral talks with UN officials, focusing on significant climate priorities such as adaptation and climate finance.

India-Brazil-South Africa make strong pitch for ambitious, comprehensive and profound reform of UN
IBSA Foreign Ministers convened to call for urgent reforms of global governance institutions and the UN Security Council. They expressed support for increased representation of developing countries in decision-making processes, particularly in the UNSC. The Ministers highlighted the need for reform to address contemporary challenges, including climate change and socio-economic inequality. They also raised concerns about conflicts in the Middle East affecting the Global South.

India’s bid to keep carbon cash home as Europe adds a new trade cost
India’s exporters face new carbon costs under the EU’s CBAM, which took effect in January 2026. For carbon-intensive industries such as steel and aluminium, this could pressure export competitiveness, prompting India to build a domestic carbon market and invest in cleaner technologies.

Researchers losing the ability to develop scientific reasoning a big fear with AI: Climate Scientist William Boos
AI could make weather forecasting cheaper and more accessible, but scientists warn that over-reliance on the technology could weaken human scientific reasoning and make climate models harder to scrutinise.

India co-sponsors inaugural partners for multilateralism summit at UN
India co-sponsored a UN summit on multilateralism, stressing participative deliberations. Leaders met as the global order faces significant stress and geopolitical tensions. They discussed addressing crises like fuel, food, and finance through cooperation. Reformed multilateralism is essential for strengthening international law and norms. The summit aimed to reinforce cooperation for peace, security, and development.

Bangladesh PM Rahman to highlight Rohingya, climate issues in maiden UNGA address
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will address the UN General Assembly on September twenty-fourth. He will highlight the Rohingya crisis and his government's democratic agenda. Climate change concerns for vulnerable nations will also be a key focus. Rahman will seek international support for Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar. Bilateral meetings will cover economic relations and development cooperation.

BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration: Inside the 140-point document on Global South's ambitions
BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th summit, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation, multilateralism and a more representative global order. The document outlines India's 2026 chairship priorities, recognises partner countries' contributions and calls for greater participation of Emerging Markets, Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries in global governance.

'Supersized' El Niño may become strongest ever recorded: UN weather agency
The World Meteorological Organization said its forecasts showed a near 100% likelihood that El Nino would persist through February 2027, fuelled by exceptionally warm Pacific Ocean temperatures. This is the first time it has expressed such a degree of certainty, the WMO said.

Singapore diplomat, Myanmar activist, Bangladeshi aid giver win Magsaysay awards
Three Asian individuals received the Ramon Magsaysay Awards for their significant contributions. A Singaporean lawyer led the adoption of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. A Myanmar activist documents human rights atrocities and advocates for democracy. A Bangladeshi teacher provides aid and opportunities to the country's poorest citizens. These awards recognize selfless service and greatness of spirit across Asia.

What a COP-out for an aspiration nation
India's decision to step back from hosting COP33 is a significant loss, not just for the nation but for global environmental leadership. It represented an opportunity to prove its commitment to climate solutions while advocating for trade justice. This shift casts shadows on India’s role in representing the voices of developing countries on the world stage.

Developing countries' climate targets at risk without enough finance from developed world: India
India emphasises that developing nations need adequate financial and technological support from developed countries to meet climate targets. The proposed $300 billion per year falls short of the required $1.3 trillion.

Tension boils over at COP29; two blocs of vulnerable nations leave negotiations meeting room mid-way
Negotiations at the UN climate conference in Baku hit a roadblock as vulnerable nations, including LDCs and AOSIS, walked out over disagreements on climate finance. They criticized the draft agreement for inadequate financial commitments from developed nations, demanding a significantly larger package to address the climate crisis.

Rich nations should provide climate finance to developing countries: Bhupender Yadav
"Temperature rise is a global problem. IPCC reports clearly say the increase in carbon emissions is driving average global temperatures up. Countries have prepared their Nationally Determined Contributions. India has achieved its climate targets, be it in the renewable energy sector or reducing carbon emissions," Yadav said at the India Climate Summit.

'Everything is at stake' as world gathers for climate talks
Temperatures, tempers and hyperbole have all ratcheted up ahead of the United Nations summit. And the risk of failure looms large for all participants at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP26. Six years ago, nearly 200 countries agreed to individualised plans to fight global warming in the historic 2015 Paris climate agreement.

Rule-book to implement Paris Agreement adopted at Poland climate conference
The Katowice package includes guidelines that will operationalize the transparency framework. It sets out how countries will provide information about their Nationally Determined Contributions that describe their domestic climate actions. This information includes mitigation and adaptation measures as well as details of financial support.

Climate talks open with calls for action to save world
India is represented by a 17-member team, led by environment minister Harsh Vardhan, at the 24th edition of the conference of parties (COP24) which is being held in the backdrop of devastating climate disasters around the globe, from California to Kerala, and Tonga to Japan.

Countries set a deadline of 2018 to finalise rules for implementing Paris Agreement
The UN climate conference concluded here on early Saturday morning with negotiators from over 190 countries setting a deadline of 2018 to finalise rule book for operationalizing the Paris Agreement.

2000 academics call for action ahead of crucial climate conference
Our Common Future under Climate Change (CFCC 15), a scientific committee of about 36 academics held a meeting in Paris from July 7 to 10. Setting the tone for a crucial UN climate change conference or COP21 which is expected to achieve a legally binding agreement among 196 countries, the committee concluded that keeping dangerous impacts of climate change at bay would require a massive effort which could even mean ensuring zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by the end of this century.
Environment ministers likely to take forward climate negotiations in Berlin
South Africa is all set to kick off its preparations for the year-end UN climate change conference at Durban.
China warns officials against fudging emission survey figures
China today warned its officials not to fudge figures ahead of the launch of a key survey to asses emission-reduction results, as it gears up for international verification of its commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
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