Again this year, a petrostate hosts the COP climate gathering. Azerbaijan as host not only raises questions of how an oil-rich nation can help foster the fossil fuel cuts needed to stem climate change. But WatchDog Opinion also worries what Azerbaijan’s poor press freedom record will mean for journalists covering the gathering and for the civil society that normally enlivens the meeting.
The United Nation’s annual climate change meeting is underway this week and if you’re seeking databases on greenhouse gas emissions, the latest Reporter’s Toolbox suggests they might not be from the U.N. Instead, look for the best data from the European Commission’s EDGAR project. What makes EDGAR’s data particularly strong and how to make the best use of it in your reporting.
"New research shows global warming has become the dominant driver of worsening droughts in the Western U.S. Scientists say the severity of future droughts will be determined largely by how much more planet-heating gases humans release into the atmosphere."
"From California to Louisiana, ballot measures on climate and the environment gained voters’ approval. In state legislatures, results were mixed."
"Public utility commissions hold significant sway over state energy systems. Clean energy advocates failed to break through in elections this year."
"A new report, urging rich nations to give more climate aid to poorer ones, comes as Donald Trump’s election throws global climate talks into disarray."
"The president-elect has promised to make it easier to build energy infrastructure and secure drilling leases. But higher production could hurt prices and profits."
"Buyouts and budget cuts are some options the president-elect might consider to reduce the agency’s workforce."
"For the second year in a row, Earth will almost certainly be the hottest it’s ever been. And for the first time, the globe this year reached more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming compared to the pre-industrial average, the European climate agency Copernicus said Thursday."
"These blood-feeding bats may increase rabies risks to livestock and wildlife in Southern U.S. states."
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