The Clim8
11.14.21-11.20.21
Highest deforestation levels in the Amazon in 15 years (BBC)
As the deforestation of Brazil’s Amazon has increased by 22 percent in a year, the rainforest has hit its highest level of deforestation in 15 years. Not only is the Amazon home to three million species of plants and animals, but it’s also a vital resource in slowing down the speed of climate change. Though deforestation in the Amazon has increased under President Jair Bolsonaro, “Brazil was among a number of nations who promised to end and reverse deforestation by 2030 during the COP26 climate summit.”
Climate change could cause a spike in coffee prices (ABC)
Due to supply chain issues caused by climate change, coffee prices are at risk of spiking. As coffee-producing countries like Brazil, Columbia, and Vietnam experience extreme weather, smaller coffee yields are produced. While weather conditions have affected the supply of coffee beans, suppliers also say that they are dealing with a shortage of shipping vessels and containers. As shipments are taking longer to reach their destinations, companies may have to find new ways to get their shipments in time.
A breakdown of the $2.2 trillion social policy and climate bill (NY Times)
On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $2.2 trillion bill covering social policy, climate, and taxes. This package is a foundational aspect of President Biden’s domestic plan, and it would broaden the social safety net by granting more support to families with child care subsidies, increasing housing assistance, and investing in combating climate change. The bill allocates $555 billion for climate change programs alone. More specifically, $320 billion in tax incentives would be set aside for producers and purchasers of wind, solar, and nuclear power. $1 billion would go to the construction of electric vehicle charging stations, $2.9 billion would go to ensuring the electric grid is better able to transmit wind and solar power, and $12.5 billion would be used for rebates for citizens who install energy-efficient appliances in their homes. $55 billion would be reserved for the promotion of climate change research programs. Should the bill pass, it would easily become the most sweeping climate law in American history.
State of emergency declared over Vancouver storm (BBC)
The Canadian armed forces have been deployed to help thousands of residents who have been trapped since the storm began overnight on Sunday in the western province of British Columbia. The cost of rebuilding all of the structures that have been damaged could reach more than $790 million. Thousands of farm animals have died and 18,000 people have been displaced after an “atmospheric river,” the belt of air which transports water from the tropics to the poles, unleashed the region’s average amount of monthly rainfall in the span of 24 hours. Mountain communities in the area have been left stranded by highway closures and store inventories are running low. So far, one woman has been killed in a landslide and two are reported missing – officials fear these numbers will only rise as the storm drags on.
London police arrests 30 climate activists blocking Lambeth Bridge (The Guardian)
Around 250 climate protesters staged a sit in on the Lambeth Bridge in central London in which 30 were arrested. The protestors marched from the Royal Courts of Justice to the bridge to show their support for nine protestors that had been jailed under Public Order Act conditions for blockading the M25, an orbital motorway surrounding the Greater London area. The nine protestors are part of an organization called Insulate Britain which aims to ensure that homes are insulated using low energy by 2030. Some of the protestors at Lambeth Bridge believe that civil resistance is the only thing that will give environmental activism the platform and attention it needs.
The National Hockey League may be promoting refrigerants that contribute to global warming (The New York Times)
A new report by the Environmental Investigation Agency U.S. finds that the NHL’s partnership with chemical company Chemours may lead to thousands of ice rinks using Opteon refrigerants, which use potent greenhouse gases. With the NHL’s Green program and promoted commitment to the environment, the report finds it concerning that the NHL would advertise Opteon coolers over ammonia, a chemical that has no warming effect on the planet. An atmospheric chemistry professor at MIT explained that Opteon’s refrigerants are very potent and that if you had equal amounts of Opteon refrigerant and carbon dioxide emitted, Opteon’s coolers would have a greater impact on global warming.
Young climate activists discuss and speak out on their determination to combat the climate crisis at UN youth summit in Geneva (UN Climate News)
Six invitees spoke at the Young Activists Summit supported by the UN office at Geneva, including a coral reef preserver, anti-cyberbullying app inventor, iCut app creator, video game designer, Green Bank developer and maker of sustainable agriculture project The Cacao Project.
“The Young Activists Summit has been extremely supportive in organizing bilateral meetings and workshops as well that help train us on how to further develop our project in a way that’s more meaningful”, The Cacao Project creator Louise Mabulo said. So far, Mabulo’s organization has planted 85,000 trees over 85 hectares of land.
To learn more about the Young Activists Summit click here.
The War Against Climate Change: Pentagon official warns that the United States military is unprepared to combat climate change (CNN)
A senior Pentagon official informs that climate change, a national security threat that deals with almost every part of Defense Department planning, is moving at a concerning pace for the U.S. military. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said that the country is not where it should be in regards to the climate crisis. Climate change has created new areas of strategic international competition, including rising sea levels, extreme weather, and less resources. Last year, the Defense Department dedicated $617 million in their budget to preparing for climate change and reducing its effects.