John Kerry has previously said, “No, under no circumstances” will the U.S. give reparations to third-world countries. However, this was the pre-COP28 prep hearing. What’s happened so far, and what can you expect this year?
Reparations Possibility?
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In the hearing before COP28, John Kerry, the former U.S. secretary of state, was asked whether America would have to pay reparations to less fortunate countries due to natural disasters resulting from the greenhouse effect.
“…Under No Circumstances…”
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To answer this question, Kerry responded with “No, under no circumstances,” according to BBC reports.
A “Solution” to Greenhouse Gasses
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The greenhouse effect impacts all nations. However, some countries are more “vulnerable” and unable to recover on their own. Eliminating fossil fuel use was considered a solution.
Doing More Damage
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A BBC report of an earlier congress hearing discussed greenhouse gases and the environmental impact some countries are creating. Major manufacturing countries contribute the most greenhouse gases.
Loss and Damage Fund
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According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Loss and Damage Fund is a fund set aside to help countries experiencing events resulting from the global warming crisis.
Wealthy Countries to Fund
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Wealthier countries like the U.S. are to contribute to the fund each year with a goal surpassing $100 billion.
Global Warming Effects
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The effects of global warming may include hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, and drought, to name a few. Some countries are more impacted than others.
Transitional Committee
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In 2022, the COP27 (Climate Change Conference), the countries had agreed on establishing the Loss and Damage Fund. The initiative comprises 24 nations forming the transitional committee.
Overseeing the Cause
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The Transitional Committee oversees certain aspects of running the funding system smoothly. The committee consists of representatives from the first world and developing countries.
The World Bank to Manage Funds
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According to the UNDP, the fund is supported in the form of grants and concessional funding to eligible countries. The World Bank is said to oversee the funds for this cause.
Small Islands Are Paying the Price
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While larger countries with the bulk of manufacturing may be contributing to the most carbon emissions, the smaller islands are more vulnerable to the “repercussions of these actions.”
“No More” Fossil Fuels
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At COP28, the decision to move away from the use of fossil fuels sounded good, but there were still issues with this concept.
Not an Inclusive Decision
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The Conversation reported Anne Rasmussen, the lead for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), “expressed confusion.” Final decisions were made while AOSIS wasn’t present in the room.
“Litany of Loopholes”
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Rasmussen expressed that the agreement had a ‘litany of loopholes” and did not clearly explain how to eradicate fossil fuels. Small islands are even more vulnerable to environmental changes without definite steps in place.
COP28
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85,000 showed up at the COP28 in 2023, with 150 heads of state. COP28 incorporates some ideas to mitigate climate change according to the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement
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The Paris Agreement is a binding international treaty on climate change. The agreement aims to reduce the warming levels to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The aim is to get the climate to this set goal before 2025.
Strategies To Achieve the Goal of the Paris Agreement
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Using the available finances and technology and lowering greenhouse gases are just some ways the countries will attain the goal of the Paris Agreement.
Global Goal on Adaption (GGA)
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According to The United Nations, another key highlight in the previous COP28 is the GGA. GGA is a method countries can use to help adapt their environment to the effects of climate change. These may include addressing poverty, ecosystems, food, water, infrastructure, and cultural heritage.
Increasing Practical Climate Solutions: Solar Energy
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As part of initiatives to meet the Paris Agreements, “practical implementations” of energy and other resources are used. This forms part of Global Climate Action (GCA).
What to Expect in UNFCCC COP29
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The UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP29) for 2024 is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. According to The International Institute For Sustainable Development (IISD), the Presidencies Troika outlines key factors as “a roadmap” to achieving the Paris Agreement.
Oil Dumping Scandal Rocks Ships Heading to New Orleans
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Two shipping companies have been fined after knowingly hiding a large oil spill in the Atlantic Ocean. Oil Dumping Scandal Rocks Ships Heading to New Orleans
20 Eye-Opening Realities Facing Retiring Baby Boomers
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As Baby Boomers approach retirement, the promise of leisure and security often seems unattainable. This generation faces unique challenges that could redefine retirement. Here’s a stark look at the realities shaping their outlook. 20 Eye-Opening Realities Facing Retiring Baby Boomers
Retail Apocalypse: Massive Closures Sweep Across U.S. Brands
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Stores across the U.S. are closing at unprecedented levels, according to new research from advisory firm Coresight Research. Read on for more information about the impact this could have on you and your communities. Retail Apocalypse: Massive Closures Sweep Across U.S. Brands
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