By Tessa Augsberger
The Clim8
11.22.20-11.28.20
Youth climate activists host Mock COP (Climate Change News)
After the COP26 was delayed until 2021, youth activists organized the Mock COP. The COP26 is the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference. It was set to be held in Glasgow, UK from November 9-19 this year. The Mock COP will be held from November 19-December 1, 2020.
In 2019, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere set a new high (UN News)
According to the World Meteorological Association (WMO), carbon dioxide was present in the atmosphere at 410.5 parts per billion in 2019, marking the highest rate of increase (since 2015) in history. The WMO projects lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to cause a 4-7% decrease in emissions.
New study highlights role of economics in climate change vulnerability (Science Daily)
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen observed declining vegetation in countries that struggle economically, but increasing vegetation in wealthier countries. This could lead to an increase in the number of climate refugees as a result of food shortages.
Study shows impact of climate change on leaf loss in deciduous trees (CNN)
Increasing temperatures as a result of climate change are causing trees to lose their leaves earlier, not later. As the growing season starts earlier, trees are absorbing more carbon dioxide and are losing their leaves earlier than usual.
California wildfire smoke disproportionately impacts children in the Central Valley and those with fewer financial resources (The New York Times)
Wildfires may exacerbate preexisting health conditions, such as asthma, in children who live in areas with high levels of air pollution.
Health impacts of climate change are already occurring (ABC News)
Increases in heat-related illness, the spread of infectious diseases, increasing intensity of extreme weather events, worse mental health impacts and poorer air quality are among the major ways climate change impacts human health.
Biden appoints former secretary of state John Kerry as Special Presidential Envoy for Climate (CNN)
Kerry will have a seat on the National Security Council, signaling the emergence of the international climate crisis as a priority in U.S. foreign and domestic policy.
Proposed Pebble Mine in Alaska is denied a key permit by the Army Corps of Engineers (The New York Times)
The project faced resistance for over one decade by Alaska Native American, environmental and fishing groups for potentially interfering with salmon breeding. The Army Corps said the proposal insufficiently followed guidelines from the Clean Water Act.