Brazil has finally published its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) aimed at halting and reversing nature decline by 2030, with a focus on conserving 80% of the Amazon and eliminating deforestation in Brazilian ecosystems. The plan aligns actions on climate change and biodiversity loss, setting higher conservation goals than global targets and involving consultation with scientists, Indigenous peoples, and civil society members. Specific actions include recognizing and titling Indigenous lands, establishing ecological corridors, and implementing national strategies for ecosystem protection. Brazil's NBSAP also includes mechanisms such as biodiversity credits and a regulated carbon market to finance efforts to tackle nature loss, with a national low-carbon agriculture strategy in place to promote sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Author: Carbonbrief
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Q&A: What UK’s record auction for offshore wind means for bills and clean power by 2030
The UK's latest auction for renewable energy projects saw a record-breaking amount of new offshore wind capacity secured, with 8.4GW of projects winning contracts. Prices for offshore wind rose by around 10% since the previous round, but analysis suggests it will be "cost neutral" for consumers due to lower wholesale costs. The government welcomed the results, stating it puts the country on track to reach its 2030 clean power targets and create jobs. The auction results were split into two parts, with fixed-foundation and floating offshore wind projects securing contracts. This marks the biggest ever offshore wind auction in Europe, with enough capacity to power over 12 million homes. The recent auction results for offshore wind projects are seen as positive for meeting clean power targets by 2030, with the government taking steps to support the expansion of renewable energy as part of a larger strategy to achieve ambitious clean power goals.
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Guest post: Why cities need more than just air conditioning for extreme heat
Cities around the world are developing cooling strategies to combat extreme heat, with a focus on community and equity. Initiatives like Bristol's "cool space" offer shade, natural ventilation, and water access to vulnerable populations. The importance of inclusive public spaces, clear signage, and amenities like drinking water is highlighted for effective climate adaptation. Community spaces providing cooling relief play a crucial role, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and context-sensitive, adaptive strategies. Building strong community relationships and shifting perspectives on public spaces are key to reducing heat stress and social isolation during heatwaves.
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Q&A: Five key climate questions for China’s next ‘five-year plan’
China's upcoming 15th five-year plan in China will have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions, influencing clean energy growth and meeting climate commitments. The plan is crucial for aligning with Paris Agreement goals, setting clean-energy targets, capping coal consumption, and preventing emission rebounds. China faces challenges in meeting its climate targets, with a marked slowdown in carbon intensity reduction. To achieve the required reduction in carbon intensity, China would need to increase the share of non-fossil energy and reduce coal consumption. Policymakers are working on implementing a "dual control of carbon" system to manage emissions and face a choice between slowing down the clean-energy boom or retiring older coal-power plants to address challenges.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/qa-five-key-climate-questions-for-chinas-next-five-year-plan/
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COP30: Key outcomes agreed at the UN climate talks in Belém
At COP30 in Brazil, a voluntary plan called the "global mutirão" was launched to curb fossil fuels, triple adaptation finance, and strengthen climate targets. Notable outcomes included a mechanism for a just transition globally and measures to track climate adaptation efforts. The event faced logistical challenges, including a fire that caused delays in negotiations. Despite disagreements on key issues and the absence of leaders from major polluting countries, a new work program was initiated to discuss concerns about climate finance and set ambitious goals for adaptation finance. Developing countries pushed for more funding for fossil-fuel phaseout, just transition, and adaptation, citing the Paris Agreement's Article 9.1. The summit also addressed the issue of unilateral trade measures and the need for a transition away from fossil fuels, with a focus on the cross-border impacts of climate-related trade measures. Climate experts expressed disappointment at the lack of alignment with the IPCC's assessment cycle and funding issues for climate research, but celebrated the establishment of a just transition mechanism. The section emphasizes the importance of strong implementation and tracking of climate solutions to drive effective climate action.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/cop30-key-outcomes-agreed-at-the-un-climate-talks-in-belem/
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Analysis: Seven charts showing how the $100bn climate-finance goal was met
Developed countries have met the $100bn climate finance target in 2022, with a significant increase in funding from the US and private investments. The top climate finance donors are Japan, Germany, France, and the US. The increase in climate finance was driven by a rise in support from multilateral development banks and an increase in bilateral finance from the US. Private investments mobilized in developing countries also saw a surge in 2022. Overall, climate finance reached $115.9bn in total in 2022. Developed countries have made a new pledge to ramp up climate finance to at least $300bn a year by 2035, with a focus on clean-power projects in African nations and adaptation projects in climate-vulnerable countries.
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Cropped 5 November 2025: Nature finance at COP30; Storms devastate crops; Brazilian deforestation decline
Key climate-related points from the section include Brazil's announcement of an 11% drop in deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, Malaysia and Indonesia updating their climate targets ahead of COP30, and the failure of UN biodiversity negotiations to agree on recommendations for the next major round of discussions. Additionally, Hurricane Melissa caused damage to crops in the Caribbean, while Cyclone Montha affected the agricultural sector in India, leading to significant losses for farmers. Around 1.7 billion people worldwide are living in places where human-driven land degradation is leading to falling crop yields, posing a threat to agricultural productivity and food security. Nigeria approved a new national carbon market framework to unlock up to $3bn annually in carbon finance, reinstated funding for climate change initiatives, and committed to mainstreaming climate action into national development. American pop star Billie Eilish announced a donation of $11.5m from her upcoming tour proceeds to causes dedicated to food equity, climate justice, and reducing carbon pollution. Eel trafficking in Europe, combined with habitat loss, pollution, and the climate crisis, is driving the slippery fish towards extinction. The COP30 UN climate talks in Brazil are focusing on the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) as a new funding mechanism to protect tropical forests. However, concerns have been raised about the fund's design and effectiveness in preserving forests. Brazil is also pushing for increased use of sustainable fuels and the development of biodiversity offsets and carbon credit markets. Despite a deadline for new climate pledges, only a third of countries have submitted them so far. Climate finance experts are concerned that the focus on private sector involvement is weakening official funds for climate solutions at COP30. They argue that addressing root drivers of tropical forest loss, such as changing diets and shifting harmful subsidies, would unlock serious grant money for countries. New science highlights the impact of expanding irrigation on water depletion and the potential climate implications of ammonia emissions from farming. The article also includes information on greenwashing in agriculture, wildlife trafficking, rainforest threats in Nigeria, and life in Sulawesi island.