Inside the Greenhouse is a monthly update on FCNL’s environmental advocacy and the climate crisis.
Countries Agree on New Global Climate Finance Goal at UN Climate Summit
The United Nations climate summit (COP29) concluded with an agreement on a new global goal for climate finance. The new goal is for developed countries to collectively provide $300 billion annually to aid developing countries in adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change. While an improvement that triples the previous goal of $100 billion, studies show that the need is far greater than $300 billion.
As FCNL’s Daren Caughron said in his recent blog post following his attendance at COP29: “Delivering climate justice is a marathon, not a sprint.”
This new agreement is an important downpayment for the needs of the world’s most vulnerable. At FCNL, we will continue advocacy to increase ambition on this critical issue. As a new administration and new Congress prepare to take charge in January, we need to educate our representatives on the moral imperative and strategic necessity of the U.S. continuing to be a world leader in addressing the climate crisis.
News and Updates
World’s Top Court Begins Hearings on Climate Change
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) began hearing oral arguments on whether states have a legal obligation to act on climate change. Small island nations, led by Vanuatu, requested that the ICJ give an opinion on countries’ international legal duty to do more to stop climate change. They also requested the court provide a ruling on the consequences of inaction.
Vanuatu’s special envoy for climate change and environment Ralph Regenvanu explained, “We look to the court for recognition that the conduct which has already caused immense harm to my people and so many others is unlawful, that it must cease, and that its consequences must be repaired.” The request specifically requests the court address countries’ obligations under human rights law and international environmental treaties.
Meanwhile, the United States joined other fossil fuel-rich countries such as Saudi Arabia in arguing that existing international treaties adequately cover countries’ obligations to address climate change. While the ICJ’s decision won’t be legally binding, it could set an important precedent for future regional, national, and international legal cases.
EPA Bans Common Cancer-Causing Chemicals
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just announced bans on two common cancer-causing chemicals: TCE and PCE. TCE is an extremely toxic chemical found in spot removers, dry cleaners, lubricants, and glue. PCE is a less toxic, yet still harmful, chemical found in dry-cleaning and automative care products.
Both chemicals can cause liver and kidney cancer as well as other harmful diseases. “It’s simply unacceptable to continue to allow cancer-causing chemicals to be used…when safer alternatives exist,” said Michal Freedhoff, the assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. Environmental health organizations and activists praised the bans, the culmination of decades of advocacy.
Give Today to Support our work for Peace, Peace, and the Planet
Looking ahead to 2025, our country’s role in addressing climate change is facing serious threats from the Trump administration. Everyone’s voice is needed, including yours! If you are able, will you please consider a gift to FCNL to strengthen our lobbying and advocacy in the weeks and months ahead?
Keep up with This Week in the WorldKnowledge is power. Get analysis into breaking news, world events, and actions in Congress delivered to your inbox each Friday. |
What We’re Reading:
