2. Global fossil fuel production plans far exceed climate targets
The UNEP report assessed the gap in fossil fuel production cuts and what’s needed to meet climate goals. It showed that under current projections, oil production will equate to 218 exajoules per year (EJ/y) by 2030, rising to 221 EJ/y by 2050, equivalent to around 114 million barrels of oil a day (bpd) and 116 million bpd respectively.
To remain in line with the 1.5C target, the production would need to be 168 EJ/y or 88 million bpd in 2030 and 61 EJ/y or 32 million bpd by 2050, the report showed.
3. EU set to weaken new car, truck pollution rules
European Parliament lawmakers voted to dilute the proposed “Euro 7” law, but it kept the proposal for limits on pollution from cars, including nitrous oxides (NOx). However, they weakened NOx limits for trucks, and delayed when the rules will apply – for cars, to three years after all secondary legislation associated with the proposal is passed.
Alexandr Vondra, EU Parliament’s lead lawmaker on the rules and a member of the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists group, said the decision was good for motorists and a “major defeat” for Green and Socialist lawmakers who had sought stricter rules.
4. Exclusive: South Africa to miss 2030 emissions goal as it keeps coal plants burning
South Africa will miss its binding 2030 carbon emissions targets under the Paris climate agreement, three senior government officials confirmed, as the country plans to run eight coal-fired power plants for longer than planned.
5. US, China reach ‘understandings’ on climate ahead of COP28 talks
The United States and China have reached “understandings and agreements” on climate issues that will help ensure progress is made at the COP28 talks starting late this month in Dubai, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry said. Kerry met with his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua at Sunnylands, California, this week for four days of talks he described as tough and serious.
