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UN climate negotiations end on shaky geopolitical ground, but I see reasons for hope

Published

1 month ago

December 4, 2024

The Conversation

Shannon Gibson, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

The 2024 United Nations climate talks wrapped up two days late, with an ending fitting that of a geopolitical reality TV show, complete with walkouts and recriminations.

Countries agreed on a new climate finance target on Nov. 24, 2024, promising to provide at least US$300 billion annually by 2035 to help developing countries build clean energy systems. But it was far less than the $1.3 trillion vulnerable countries were calling for.

The conference also delayed a debate over how to move forward on a 2023 agreement for all countries to contribute to “transitioning away from fossil fuels” and to submit climate pledges aligned with the 1.5C limit.

Some people may be ready to write the epitaph for global progress against climate change. But as someone who teaches global environmental politics and has followed international climate talks for years, I see both practical and moral reasons to remain hopeful.

The battle to keep the 1.5 C goal alive

In 2015, the world’s nations agreed as part of the Paris climate accord to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), with an aspirational target of 1.5 C (2.7 F). This target is important, but sometimes confusing. It is rooted in science, but it is not a singular “tipping point.”

As the planet warms beyond 1.5 C, multiple large-scale climate shifts will become more likely.

Ocean circulation is already slowing, coral reefs face increasingly common mass bleaching events as the oceans heat up, and Arctic permafrost is thawing, releasing greenhouse gases that further fuel climate change. Rising temperatures are also fueling increasingly frequent and more damaging heat waves, droughts, wildfires and flooding that put human lives and livelihoods at risk.

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mRX0t/1

Recognizing these risks, the Paris Agreement was widely heralded, and many countries have made progress in lowering their emissions in the decade since. However, not all countries are pulling their weight.

In 2023, the U.N. acknowledged that the countries’ current commitments for addressing climate change, known as nationally determined contributions, or NDCs, would still result in a catastrophic 2.5 C to 2.9 C (4.5 F to 5.2 F) of warming by 2100.

The World Meteorological Organization issued a “red alert” in November 2024 that the world is on track to overshoot the 1.5 C goal this year. It notes that this overshoot can be temporary – if countries take greater action.

A thermometer shows the world is not on track to meet the Paris goals. — Projections for how much temperatures will rise by the end of the century based on current policies, countries’ 2030 formal targets, countries’ 2030 pledges and a best-case scenario if all announced targets are met. Climate Analytics and NewClimate Institute (c)

How the world can still meet the Paris goals

Countries can still turn the tide on climate change.

The outcomes of the 2023 climate talks provided a road map for countries to increase their efforts toward net-zero emissions:

Triple renewable energy capacity globally.
Accelerate a phasedown of coal power.
Transition away from fossil fuels.
Accelerate zero-emissions and low-emissions technologies.
Cut methane and other noncarbon dioxide emissions.
Reduce emissions from road transport.
Phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.

Many countries are making progress on this transition.

Among developed countries, Norway is on track to phase out of fossil fuel vehicle sales in 2025. China has become a leader in renewable energy. It pledged in 2020 to double its renewable energy capacity by 2030, and, thanks to solar power deployment, it expects to complete that goal in half the time.

Other nations, including the U.K., Greece and Denmark, have embarked on major efforts to scale down coal power, with Portugal being the first to hit zero coal.

Two workers in white smocks and hats use instruments for detailed work on line of solar cells in a factory. — Workers produce photovoltaic cell modules for solar panels in Zaozhuang, China, in February 2024. China is the major supplier of solar cells used around the world. Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

An important mechanism of the Paris Agreement is the expectation that countries will ratchet up their commitments every five years. The deadline for these new climate goals is early 2025, and some countries have gotten a head start.

Brazil announced its new climate commitments during the climate conference, pledging to reduce emissions 67% by 2035. The United Arab Emirates submitted a commitment to reduce its emissions by 47% compared with its 2019 baseline emissions. Other countries signaled their intentions in high-level statements. Belgium announced a doubling of its climate finance contribution.

These new announcements are a good sign of continued global support for the Paris Agreement goals.

Additionally, the conference made progress on agreements to reduce non-CO₂ emissions, namely methane, nitrous oxide and hydrofluorocarbons – also known as climate change “super pollutants” because of their extreme global warming potential.

Why the Paris Agreement will survive a second Trump presidency

There is no doubt that Donald Trump returning as U.S. president will pose significant roadblocks to efforts to slow climate change. As a candidate, he talked about throttling back U.S. efforts, including cutting funding for clean energy and eliminating regulations on the fossil fuel industry.

But efforts to deal with climate change are bigger than one person or even one country.

While Trump has declared that he will pull the U.S. out of the international Paris Agreement again, influential people are advising him to reconsider. Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods argued that a U.S. withdrawal would leave a hole at the global negotiating table.

Even if Trump does pull the U.S. out of the treaty, which he can do after a one-year waiting period, that doesn’t mean pro-climate actions in the U.S. will simply stop or that the agreement will fall apart.

There are commonsense business reasons to push climate efforts forward, starting with the fact that clean energy is now cheaper than fossil fuels in much of the world. Nearly 1 in 5 vehicles sold in 2023 globally were electric. In the U.S., heat pump sales are beating gas furnaces for the third straight year. https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/levelized-cost-of-energy?tab=chart

A withdrawal from the Paris Agreement also does not prevent states and cities from continuing their progress against climate change.

In fact, after Trump announced he would withdraw the U.S. from the agreement in 2017, several U.S. states doubled down on their climate commitments. Hawaii, for example, passed legislation to be “Paris compliant” and get to net-negative emissions, meaning it will sequester more emissions than it emits.

California continues to report falling emissions even with a growing economy. The state sued several large oil and gas companies for deceiving the public about climate change.

Moreover, a U.S. retreat from the Paris Agreement would not be an embargo on individual actions. Engineers and scientists will continue to create innovative technology to reduce emissions and slow climate change, and corporations will reap the economic benefits of energy efficiency and clean energy market leadership.

This acknowledgment has given rise to calls for a blend of optimism and pragmatism.

Looking ahead to 2025

Next year’s COP30, to be held in Brazil, is important because countries face a deadline for setting new targets. Overall, their current policies still fall short of the 1.5 C goal.

Calls for greater commitments are not just optimistic, they are economically and morally compelling.

For one, the future cost of inaction now is greater than the cost of action, so concerted decisions to delay emissions cuts now will only harm countries in the future.

Morally, the international community has a responsibility to mitigate suffering. This is the very nature of long-held international norms and laws, such as the “responsibility to protect,” and reiterated in Pope Francis’ calls for global environmental responsibility.

While the climate will breach the 1.5 C warming limit, every fraction of a degree matters. I believe it is crucial that countries, states, business leaders and people everywhere continue the shift toward cleaner energy to minimize the impact.

Researchers Emerson Damiano and Lauren Segal, students in environmental studies at the University of Southern California, contributed to this article.

Shannon Gibson, Associate Professor of International Relations and Environmental Studies, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Groundbreaking for a Sustainable Future: LA Metro’s Southeast Gateway Line Light Rail Project

LA Metro’s groundbreaking for the Southeast Gateway Line marks progress in improving transit connections in southeastern Los Angeles County. The project aims to enhance accessibility for underserved communities and boost job access.

Published

13 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Rod Washington

Southeast Gateway Line/ *Photos by Aurelia Ventura/Metro*

Last Wednesday afternoon marked a significant milestone for transportation in Los Angeles County as LA Metro held a groundbreaking ceremony for advanced utility work on the highly anticipated Southeast Gateway Line light rail project in Artesia. This important step brings us closer to a new light rail line destined to serve southeastern Los Angeles County—a region that has long craved improved transit connections and accessibility.

The Southeast Gateway Line encompasses a 14.5-mile segment, incorporating nine stations from the A Line’s Slauson Station in the Florence-Firestone area stretching to Artesia. Additionally, a new transfer station at the 105 Freeway will enhance connectivity between the C Line and the Southeast Gateway Line, ultimately providing seamless travel options for commuters.

Bridging Gaps in Transit

The project is not just a new rail line; it’s a lifeline for the nearly 600,000 jobs concentrated in this underserved region, projected to grow to over 700,000 by 2042! The area presents astonishing population and employment densities that are reportedly five times higher than the overall Los Angeles County figures. More than just numbers, these statistics echo the growing need for efficient and accessible public transportation solutions.

Moreover, this project aims to address the transportation challenges faced by a community where approximately 44% of residents live below the poverty line and 18% of households do not own a car. By introducing reliable transit options, the Southeast Gateway Line will help bridge the gap for families who depend on public transportation to access their daily needs, jobs, and opportunities.

A Significant Investment

Last month, the project received a substantial boost with a $231 million grant from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). LA Metro is grateful for the unwavering support from Governor Newsom for funding projects that align with California’s ambitious climate goals. We also extend our appreciation to CalSTA Secretary Omishakin, whose leadership in transportation and transit investments reflects a commitment to sustainable development.

This initiative is further funded by Measure M, a sales tax ballot measure passed by L.A. County voters in 2016, demonstrating the community’s investment in improving public transportation.

A Diverse Collaborative Effort

The groundbreaking ceremony celebrated the collaborative approach to bringing this project to fruition. Attendees included Supervisor and Metro Board Chair Janice Hahn, Rep. Robert Garcia, Whittier Councilmember and Metro Director Fernando Dutra, State Sen. Bob Archuleta, Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco, Artesia Mayor Pro Tem Ali Sajjad Taj, and Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. It was a proud moment for all involved, reflecting a community united in the vision for a connected and sustainable future.

25 0806 map SEGateway Proj Update jk final scaled 1

Looking Forward

As construction progresses, we anticipate that the Southeast Gateway Line will transform not only the transit landscape in southeastern Los Angeles County but also improve the quality of life for countless residents. With its primary goal of enhancing access to transportation for vulnerable communities, this project is a significant leap toward equity and environmental justice in our region.

With the Southeast Gateway Line on the horizon, L.A. is one step closer to developing an interconnected transit network that supports its growing population—and ultimately, fosters a more sustainable future for all Angelenos. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this exciting journey together!

Together, let’s look forward to a well-connected Los Angeles that embraces inclusivity, accessibility, and a greener tomorrow!

Metro: We hope you’re as excited about the Southeast Gateway Line as we are! Do you have thoughts or questions about this project? Feel free to share in the comments below!

To learn more about the Southeast Gateway Line, please visit the project page on metro.net.

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Content Creators Unite Against PayPal: The Controversy Over Honey

A class-action lawsuit against PayPal claims deceptive practices related to their Honey extension are harming content creators’ commissions. Influencers like MrBeast urge consumers to reconsider using Honey.

Published

19 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Rod Washington, Hal Machina

Paypal — 🚨 Attention content creators! A new lawsuit involving PayPal and Honey could impact how you earn. Stay informed! #PayPalLawsuit #AffiliateMarketing

In the ever-evolving world of online commerce, one story has sparked significant conversation and concern: a group of influential content creators has filed a class-action lawsuit against PayPal, alleging deceptive practices involving their Honey browser extension. This situation opens up a can of worms about the often ambiguous relationships between tech companies, influencers, and consumers. Let’s dive into what’s happening!

The Allegations: A Clash of Giants

The lawsuit, filed in San Jose U.S. District Court, accuses PayPal, a tech titan with a market valuation of $87 billion, of employing “deceitful and clandestine” methods that divert millions of dollars in commissions from influencers to themselves. Creators like Marques Brownlee and the world-renowned MrBeast are reportedly calling out PayPal for undermining their livelihoods through what they describe as “fraudulent business practices.”

Honey, which PayPal purchased for $4 billion in 2020, is marketed as a free coupon-finding extension that helps online shoppers snag the best deals. With around 17 million users relying on its services, Honey appears to be a shopper’s best friend. However, the lawsuit contends that while consumers might save, influencers could lose—massively.

The Honey Scam: Explained: Marques Brownlee

How It Works: The Fine Print of Affiliate Marketing

For the uninitiated, content creators typically earn a commission through affiliate marketing. When a viewer clicks on an influencer’s unique link—presumably shared via social media—and makes a purchase, the influencer earns a commission. However, the lawsuit claims that when Honey is involved, that commission doesn’t always end up in the influencers’ pockets.

The core of the allegations lies in how Honey purportedly operates. If a viewer clicks an influencer’s link but uses Honey to search for discounts, the extension may divert the sale credit to PayPal, effectively robbing the influencer of their rightful cut. According to the lawsuit, this issue persists even if Honey fails to find any coupon codes and the transaction is completed anyway.

A Ripple Effect: Implications for E-Commerce

Legal expert Josh Sanford, representing the plaintiffs, expressed that although PayPal has contributed significantly to the growth of e-commerce, such practices could fundamentally erode trust between vendors and consumers. It raises essential questions about transparency and fairness in online transactions. If consumers can’t be sure who is benefitting from their online purchases, it could damage the fabric of the influencer economy.

In response, PayPal has publicly disputed the lawsuit’s claims, insisting Honey follows industry standards and practices, including last-click attribution, which is used by numerous brands. The company maintains that Honey provides genuine value for consumers seeking savings while insisting that they promote fair dealings.

Moving Forward: What Can Consumers Do?

As the legal battle heats up, many creators are advising their followers to uninstall the Honey extension. With reports suggesting that over 3 million users may have already jumped ship, some consumers are reconsidering the convenience of coupon-finding in light of allegations of unfair practices.

While users may still benefit from Honey’s features, it’s essential to weigh whether the potential savings are worth the risk of undermining the very creators we love and support. While Honey hasn’t been found guilty yet, the weight of these allegations casts a long shadow over its reputation.

A Community Response

In light of this controversy, many in the online community are rallying around the affected creators. From YouTube videos urging viewers to uninstall Honey to discussions across social media platforms, influencers are coming together to ensure their voices—and the interests of their communities—are heard.

As this story unfolds, it not only shines a light on the potentially murky world of affiliate marketing but also highlights the power dynamics at play in the tech and creator economies. As consumers, we should remain vigilant, prioritize transparency, and support our favorite creators while they navigate these challenges.

Stay tuned as this story develops, and remember to check your browser extensions! You might just be helping your favorite influencer in your own small way.

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The Line Light-Rail Extension from Azusa to Pomona: A Significant Milestone for Public Transportation

Published

22 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Rod Washington

After a long-awaited journey, the extension of the A Line from Azusa to Pomona is officially complete and set to usher in a new era of public transportation in the San Gabriel Valley. This extensive 9.1-mile extension, which has taken over five years to construct, is positioned to enhance connectivity and mobility for residents and commuters alike.

The A Line extension is set to open to the public this summer!

A Monumental Achievement

As reported in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on January 3, 2025, the $1.5 billion project was officially handed over to LA Metro last week. This extension includes four new stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona. The construction involved overcoming significant challenges, including health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of unusual weather patterns. Despite these obstacles, the project was completed within its scheduled timeline, showcasing the dedication of the construction teams from Kiewit-Parsons (KPJV) under the oversight of the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority.

The A Line extension in Pomona is coming soon, enhancing public transportation in the San Gabriel Valley! Stay tuned! #LAMetro

Improving Accessibility

This extension not only connects the existing light-rail system but also extends the A Line’s total length to a noteworthy 60.8 miles, solidifying its status as the longest light-rail line in the world. Current ridership estimates suggest that the extension could lead to over 11,000 additional weekday boardings, significantly contributing to the overall ridership numbers. As of November 2024, the A Line saw an average of 70,425 daily boardings—a notable increase from the previous year.

City officials and transit advocates view this development as an important asset for the region. “This extension will solidify Los Angeles’ public transit system, providing a viable alternative to those stuck in traffic,” said Eli Lipmen, executive director of Move LA.

A Step Towards Greater Connectivity

The Pomona extension is strategically significant, as it brings the A Line closer to San Bernardino County. While not quite reaching the county line, the Pomona station is sufficiently close for many residents from western San Bernardino cities like Montclair, Ontario, Upland, and Chino to benefit from this light-rail alternative. Many of these residents will find it convenient to park at the Pomona station and travel to key job and entertainment destinations in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and beyond.

Montclair City Councilmember Bill Ruh emphasized the importance of this link, noting how it enables residents to access transportation services more seamlessly than ever before. The extension is paving the way for expanded public transit options, which are essential for families in the Inland Empire.

A New Transportation Hub

The Pomona Station holds particular significance as it will also connect with the Metrolink San Bernardino line, creating a crucial interchange for travelers. This synergy between the two systems is expected to elevate passenger traffic on Metrolink, catering to an approximate increase of over 2,000 daily passengers.

“Connecting these lines gives people more options for accessibility and commuting,” said Habib Balian, CEO of the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority. “It allows for a travel experience that wasn’t available before.”

Future Prospects

Notably, this extension is just the beginning. Plans are already underway for an additional 3.2-mile extension from Pomona to Claremont and Montclair, anticipated to be completed by 2030. This initiative will broaden the A Line’s reach further into San Bernardino County and provide a meaningful alternative for commuters navigating the busy 210, 10, and 60 freeways.

As residents begin to utilize the new service, the Pomona extension will likely drive demand for additional transit options in the Inland Empire. Bart Reed, executive director of The Transit Coalition, noted the anticipated ripple effect in transportation services in the region.

The upcoming opening of the A Line extension from Azusa to Pomona marks an important step forward for public transportation in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. By enhancing connectivity, providing more options for commuters, and anticipating future growth, this extension promises to offer significant benefits for communities in the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. As we prepare for the service to commence later this summer, residents can look forward to a more integrated, efficient public transit system that supports their daily travel needs.