Climate Change Insights

🌍 We Can’t Afford to Get Climate Policy Wrong—A Look at the Data Behind What Really Works 🌍 In the race against time to combat climate change, bold promises are everywhere. But here’s the critical question: Are the policies being implemented actually reducing emissions at the scale we need? A groundbreaking study published in Science, cuts through the noise and delivers the insights we desperately need. Evaluating 1,500 climate policies from around the world, the research identifies the 63 most effective ones—policies that have delivered tangible, significant reductions in emissions. What’s striking is that the most successful strategies often involve combinations of policies, rather than single initiatives. Think of it as the ultimate teamwork: when policies like carbon pricing, renewable energy mandates, and efficiency standards are combined thoughtfully, the impact is far greater than any one policy could achieve on its own. It’s a powerful reminder that for climate solutions the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts. Moreover, the study’s use of counterfactual emissions pathways is a game changer. By showing what would have happened without these policies, it provides a clear, quantifiable measure of their effectiveness. This is exactly the kind of rigorous evaluation we need to ensure that every policy counts, especially when we’re working against the clock. If we’re serious about meeting the Paris Agreement’s targets, we need to focus on what works—and this research offers a clear roadmap. Let’s champion policies that have proven to make a difference, because we don’t have time to waste on anything less. 🔗 Full study in the comments #ClimateAction #Sustainability #PolicyEffectiveness #ParisAgreement #NetZero #ClimateScience

“Our messaging is not working” Enrique Ortiz, a veteran conservationist and founding member of the Andes Amazon Fund, has spent decades translating the complexities of ecosystems into action. But in his recent commentary for Mongabay, he issues a striking critique—not of science itself, but of how it’s conveyed. “Facts are not the most important part,” Ortiz writes. “The current narrative needs a re-thinking.” That rethinking, he argues, begins not with more data, but with deeper insight into how people process information, make decisions, and respond emotionally to the world around them. Ortiz’s concern is not that people are unaware of climate change. In fact, the majority of the global population acknowledges it. But many remain unmoved, caught in a web of abstract language, ideological filters, and emotional distance. Scientific accuracy, while essential, often falters in the face of cognitive and cultural barriers. Ortiz points to the findings of cognitive scientists and neuroscientists: facts rarely shift belief systems. Instead, people gravitate toward stories, experiences, and social cues. “When facing uncertainty,” he notes, “humans make decisions that are satisfactory, rather than optimal.” This disconnect, Ortiz argues, is especially clear in environmental communication. Words like “rewilding,” “green,” or “ecological” may have once inspired clarity, but have since become muddled through overuse or conflicting interpretations. Worse, they sometimes trigger skepticism or backlash. In this fog of abstraction, the human connection is lost. What’s needed, Ortiz suggests, is a new narrative strategy—one that harnesses the emotional power of stories and speaks to how people actually think and feel. He draws from his own experience as an educator: while his lectures on plant-animal interactions faded from memory, it was the stories that lingered. This phenomenon, known as “narrative transportation,” isn’t mere sentimentality. It’s a neurological reality that helps ideas stick—and decisions shift. Rather than continuing to warn of catastrophe, Ortiz believes we should share stories of adaptation and resilience. From Andean farmers modifying how they grow quinoa and potatoes, to everyday consumers making environmentally conscious choices, these narratives offer agency and hope. They bridge divides and foster shared values. “Our messaging is not working,” Ortiz writes bluntly. “We need a revolution in narratives—and in how we tell them.” That revolution may begin not in the lab or the newsroom, but in the quiet space where empathy meets understanding—and where change can finally take root. 📰 His piece: https://lnkd.in/gmrWBcc5 📸 Hoatzin. My photo.

In March 2024, and for the fourth consecutive month, #Arctic sea ice reached a record low (based on Copernicus ECMWF Climate Change Services data) - setting the stage for unprecedented geopolitical, commercial, and environmental implications. What does it mean for global commerce and strategy? 🚢 New Shipping Routes Emerging: Soon, previously inaccessible Arctic passages will open, drastically reshaping global shipping lanes, supply chain logistics, and trade economics. Businesses must prepare for these changes and the geopolitical complexities that come with them. 🔋 Resource Rush and Strategic Interests: As ice retreats, critical minerals, energy reserves, and new commercial opportunities emerge, setting the stage for intensified geopolitical competition in the region. ⚠️ Climate Risk and Responsibility: The Arctic melt accelerates global warming through feedback loops—the diminishing ice exposes dark ocean waters that absorb more heat, further intensifying global climate impacts. The ripple effects on weather patterns and extreme events globally pose serious risks for supply chains, infrastructure, agriculture, and insurance sectors. Climate change is not a distant threat. It is reshaping our global landscape today, redefining strategic priorities, operational risks, and competitive advantages. 👉 Companies that proactively integrate climate intelligence into strategic planning will lead. Those that wait will inevitably be left behind. We are witnessing firsthand how these shifts reshape our world and how climate science can guide companies through the emerging complexities, anticipate risks and identify opportunities in this new global frontier. How is your company preparing to navigate these new global realities? #ClimateRisk #SustainabilityLeadership #GlobalBusiness #Geopolitics #ArcticOpportunities #StrategicRisk #BoardroomLeadership Source: Financial Times

🔥 Climate risks are no longer abstract—they’re disrupting businesses, communities, and economies right now. The World Economic Forum’s 2024 report, "The Cost of Inaction: A CEO Guide to Navigating Climate Risk", delivers a sobering message: ignoring climate risks isn’t just irresponsible—it’s economically devastating. 🌡️ Key insights from the report: 💥 Climate-related disasters have caused $3.6 trillion in damages since 2000, exposing critical vulnerabilities in supply chains and infrastructure. 📉 Physical risks could put 5-25% of EBITDA at risk for some sectors by 2050 under a 3°C warming trajectory. 💸 Transition risks, like carbon pricing and changing regulations, could impact 50% of EBITDA in energy-intensive industries by 2030. 🌱 Every $1 invested in climate adaptation yields $2-$19 in avoided costs, while green markets are projected to grow from $5 trillion in 2024 to $14 trillion by 2030. 💡 My reflections: 🔄 Resilience isn’t enough anymore. Too often, we focus on simply "weathering the storm" of climate risk. But true leadership is about rebuilding something better—rethinking markets, redesigning business models, and creating solutions that lead entire industries forward. 🌍 Supply chain fragility is the Achilles’ heel of the global economy. A single extreme weather event can cascade across operations, grinding everything to a halt. Climate-resilient supply chains can’t just be about survival—they must be radically adaptive, decentralized, and built to thrive under disruption. 📊 Climate risk is fundamentally redefining the concept of value. Businesses stuck chasing quarterly earnings are missing the bigger picture. In a world of rising costs and irreversible climate impacts, long-term value will belong to those who embed sustainability, resilience, and equity into their strategies. The time for cautious, incremental steps has passed. How are we using this moment to transform the way we work, innovate, and lead? #ClimateAction #Sustainability #Resilience #Leadership #Innovation

Global sustainability efforts will continue despite setbacks 🌎 Despite anticipated changes in U.S. federal climate policies, sustainability efforts continue to gain momentum through decentralized action, global leadership, and economic necessity. This resilience underscores a broader shift where local governments, international players, and financial markets collectively drive progress. Subnational governments in the U.S. have historically stepped up when federal support recedes. During the first Trump administration, initiatives like New York City’s Local Law 97 demonstrated the capacity of cities and states to lead on climate action. With recent recommitments from hundreds of mayors and an increase in Democratic governors, this trend is poised to continue, ensuring sustainability remains a priority. Globally, China is shaping the future of clean energy leadership. Significant investments in renewable energy capacity, both domestically and for export, are positioning China as a critical player in global sustainability. With two-thirds of the world’s new solar and wind energy projects underway, its efforts are setting new benchmarks for affordability and accessibility in clean technology, influencing international climate commitments. Financial markets are also adapting to the growing risks posed by climate change. The rising frequency and severity of extreme weather events are driving the need for businesses to align with sustainability principles. Investors are increasingly prioritizing environmental considerations, with data showing that climate-focused companies are gaining access to more favorable financial terms, including lending discounts and targeted investment strategies. The convergence of local action, international leadership, and market-driven incentives ensures that sustainability efforts will not only persist but evolve. These developments highlight the importance of staying aligned with global trends and preparing for a future where sustainability becomes a foundational element of economic and environmental resilience. Source: Harvard Business Review #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange

Climate Change in the Indonesian Mind - just out. ➤ 76% of respondent say they either know “a little” about global warming (55%) or “have never heard of it” (20%). ➤ 73% say they are either “very worried” (26%) or “worried” (47%) about global warming ...and more about various local risks perception Talking about climate change in many contexts can certainly be challenging. Try that in the world’s largest coal exporting country. In a recent chat with a colleague, we talked about how so many manifestations of change are reported and perceived just as that - some incidental changes. Coupled with the technicalities on the topic, media can also shy away, opting the safer route for reporting: “yet another disaster today!” - whether locally or in a faraway land. But the awareness is picking up. Hopefully changing times ahead.. *all while noting that the pathway for emerging economies will be different – just quickly peek at the household expenditure demographics. ..Reading these surveys should of course be done with a critical hat on. The report is based on findings from a nationally representative survey of individuals in Indonesia (aged 16+). By Development Dialogue Asia, the Yale Program on #Climate Change Communication, Communication for Change, and Kantar #Indonesia. Thank you for sharing, Anthony Leiserowitz Exec summary is only 2 page long – have a read! plenty of interesting nuances there. Remember it’s not just the facts that matters. Perception matters.

What can the past teach us about tackling the climate crisis? This week Pawley Emily, an environmental historian at Dickinson College, explores how lessons from past social movements can inspire action today. 📈 Good News: Social movements have already reshaped our lives in profound ways—often more than we realize. From the Clean Air Act’s life-saving impact to the rights many enjoy today, history shows that incremental, local efforts can build to sweeping change. 📉 Not So Good News: This change is rarely straightforward. Social movements are messy, imperfect, and require ongoing vigilance to prevent erosion. Learning from the past is essential to ensuring future solutions are truly just and equitable. 💪 What You Can Do: Engage with local groups already working toward positive change. Offer your own unique skills and resources. Be ready to adapt and innovate, drawing inspiration from the tactics—and mistakes—of past movements. We can't do this alone; but history teaches us that we CAN do it together.

In a global economy, emissions don’t stop at borders – they move with the goods we trade. Almost every major economy is both an exporter and an importer of emissions. Around a quarter of global emissions are embedded in traded goods, and the G20 accounts for over 80% of these flows. This week at COP30 Brazil, the Climate Club released "Industry on the Road to 2050". My contribution with my colleagues Richard Baron, Samuel Leré and Matthew L. focuses on these “embedded emissions” – one of the largest blind spots in global climate governance. If we want to cut global emissions effectively, we need ways to reflect the carbon that moves through global value chains. It is also a politically sensitive area: decisions on accounting and responsibility can trigger concern about competitiveness or fairness. All the more reason to avoid fragmented responses and work towards cooperative approaches. Our paper highlights a political entry point: a cooperative system – bilateral or plurilateral – grounded in common data and shared monitoring, made possible by technical alignment. Some data already exists, but more work is needed to refine it. The European Climate Foundation will play its part by publishing a tracker at the end of 2026. But measurement alone will not deliver change. We also need practical cooperation and political will. This could help major economies – including the EU, China, India and Brazil – work together on standards for near-zero industrial materials, and align public procurement and industrial policies so they reward cleaner production rather than penalise development. The details are complex. What looks like slow progress from the outside often reflects difficult work on definitions, baselines and compatibility. Yet a larger picture is emerging: cooperation on embedded emissions can bridge industrial competitiveness, climate ambition and a fairer trading system. In practical terms, our paper outlines several steps: – harmonising core accounting principles so that data can be trusted and compared; – a voluntary coalition of countries must regularly publish their imported emissions and set reduction targets – developing shared benchmarks for low-emissions materials; – using public and private procurement to create real markets for clean industrial products; – ensuring emerging economies have the support needed to participate fully. You can read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/ecyjxdh9 Many thanks to the Climate Club team for their leadership, and to all those building the spaces where this cooperation can take shape. On the road to Belém and beyond, trade policy must now become core to the decarbonisation effort – and support the essential task of phasing out fossil fuels.

Why I wish more people understood this graph This visual (by Leon Simons ) is one of the clearest explanations of what’s happening to Earth’s climate right now. It combines greenhouse gas data, aerosol impacts, and NASA satellite observations of Earth’s actual energy imbalance. Let’s break it down: 🔹 Greenhouse gases (grey line) keep rising relentlessly. They now add +4.1 W/m² of extra heating compared to pre-industrial times. 🔹 For decades, aerosols (green/yellow lines) from burning dirty fuels partly “masked” this warming by reflecting sunlight and cooling the planet. But cleaner shipping fuels and reduced air pollution mean that cooling effect is fading fast. Good for our lungs — but it lifts the veil that was hiding the true force of greenhouse warming. 🔹 When you combine the two, the net effect (brown line) is now about +3 W/m² — significantly higher than the IPCC’s most recent estimates. 🔹 Satellites confirm this: Earth is now taking in +1.4 W/m² more energy than it radiates back into space (orange line). Most of that heat goes into the oceans, but it also melts ice and supercharges extreme weather. Why this matters: 👉 The satellite data makes it unambiguous — Earth’s energy imbalance is growing faster than IPCC projections suggested. 👉 That means we may be underestimating the speed and intensity of near-term warming. In simple terms: 👉 We’ve lifted the “veil” of pollution that used to hide part of the warming. 👉 The true force of greenhouse gases is hitting us head-on. 👉 That’s why the 2020s already feel like climate chaos — ocean heat records, melting ice, unprecedented heatwaves. The implication is stark: the climate system is not warming in a slow, linear way. We are entering a period of acceleration. Unless greenhouse gas emissions fall rapidly, every year will bring deeper risks to ecosystems, economies, and societies. 📊 Graph and relentless advocacy by Leon Simons — whose work makes these complex dynamics visible and understandable to all of us.

🧨 Uncomfortable truth I’ve realised from research: Even after completing my MSc in Sustainability & Environmental Management, I keep reading papers, case studies, and reports to stay updated. And one pattern keeps surfacing: 👉 Sustainability is quietly becoming an elite concept. The language of the field has shifted “net zero,” “ESG,” “carbon credits,” “circularity” all discussed in boardrooms, global conferences, and glossy reports. But when you dig into the literature, the reality on the ground is starkly different. 📚 I recently came across studies showing: Solar farms displacing indigenous communities, while their villages still lack reliable electricity. Waste-pickers in India and Africa practicing circularity for decades, yet they are erased from official “circular economy” narratives. Climate adaptation projects that look good on paper, but don’t address the everyday survival struggles of marginalised groups. The deeper I read, the clearer it becomes: sustainability today often benefits those with access, not those with urgent need. If we don’t actively centre grassroots voices, rethink equity in climate action, and challenge this elitist framing, then we’re not moving towards sustainability. We’re moving towards sustainability as branding. 🎓 Research shouldn’t only educate it should challenge us. And the challenge is this: Whose sustainability are we really building? #Sustainability #ClimateJustice #EnvironmentalEquity #MScResearch #GlobalSouthVoices #DecoloniseSustainability #AcademicPerspective #SystemicChange Some of the Papers: Pearsall, H., & Anguelovski, I. (2016). Contesting and resisting environmental gentrification: Responses to new paradoxes and challenges for urban environmental justice. Sociological Research Online, 21(3), 1–7. Godden, N. J., Wijekoon, D., & Wrigley, K. (2022). Social (in)justice, climate change and climate policy in Western Australia. Environmental Sociology, 8(3), 292–303. Weißermel, S., & Wehrhahn, R. (2024). Climate‐just housing: A socio‐spatial perspective on climate policy and housing. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research.