Sustt: Fossil fuel subsidies, methane munching bacteria, extinction-predicting AI, hottest in history, landmark climate litigation case
Stat of the week ??
Despite promises to reduce fossil fuel subsidies, G20 nations provided a record $1.4 trillion in public money to support coal, oil, and gas industries in 2022, according to a report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development. The report highlights the contradiction between the G20's commitments to phase out "inefficient" fossil fuel subsidies and the growing financial support given to these industries. The report's findings underscore the urgent need for G20 leaders to address fossil fuel subsidies and take stronger actions to combat climate change, especially as the next major climate conference approaches. (The Guardian)
Bite-sized insights
What else we're seeing this week ??
?? Methane-munching bacteria?- Bacteria capable of consuming methane could provide a new path towards mitigating global heating, according to a study by University of Washington researchers. Methanotroph bacteria naturally convert methane to carbon dioxide and biomass, with the potential to reduce methane emissions significantly. The study identified a specific strain, methylotuvimicrobium buryatense 5GB1C, efficient even at lower methane concentrations. While methane emissions from agriculture, landfills, and energy production contribute to climate change, this bacterial approach offers promise. However, scaling up the technology would require investment capital and addressing technical challenges. (The Guardian)
???Extinction-predicting AI?- Scientists at Flinders University have developed a machine-learning model that predicts species at risk of extinction when another species is introduced or removed from an ecosystem. The model, trained on species interaction data, has potential applications in conservation management by alerting managers to focus on vulnerable species. Successfully tested in Australia's Simpson Desert, the model accurately predicted species preyed upon by invasive foxes and cats. However, data gaps regarding species interactions and potential biases remain, requiring further refinement of the model. The approach offers promise for predicting ecological cascades and aiding conservation efforts. (Mongabay)
?? Hottest in history?- July 2023 has been confirmed as the hottest month in recorded history, with the global temperature averaging 1.54°C above the pre-industrial average. Multiple factors contributed to this record-breaking heat, including greenhouse gas concentrations, a budding El Ni?o event, and volcanic activity. Extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe due to these factors, and the increasing prevalence of such events could lead to significant ecological impacts. The world is warming rapidly, and even the lower threshold of a 1.5°C average increase set by the Paris Agreement poses significant challenges for the future. (Nature)
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In-depth insight ??
Climate Litigation
Montana judge rules in favour of climate activists in US first
?? Written by Dillon Creedon : “In the climate crisis, good news can be hard to come by – this story is great news. Not only is this a first in the US, but it is an unlikely state to set a climate-positive precedent. Montana is a Republican state which massively profits from coal and gas exports. Although this case is likely to go to the state's supreme court for further deliberation, the ruling shows that the tide is turning on how climate change is viewed and governed, even in fossil fuel strongholds. Four more trials are pending in other states, with Hawaii vs. United States set to begin in July 2024.”
What’s happening??In a pivotal legal victory, a Montana judge ruled that the state violated the constitutional rights of young citizens by failing to account for climate change impacts when approving fossil fuel projects. The case, named Held v. Montana, signifies a landmark moment in the battle against government support for fossil fuels. Amid intensifying wildfires and extreme heat, the court’s decision mandates that Montana must consider climate change implications when granting approval for fossil fuel ventures. The ruling reflects a growing global trend of litigation targeting both governments and corporations for their role in exacerbating climate change. Montana’s attorney general plans to appeal the decision. (New York Times)
Why does this matter??At the first constitutional climate trial in the US, the judge?ruled?in favour of climate activists, signifying a significant departure from government stances around the world which continue to heavily subsidise and incentivise fossil fuel investment. In 2020, for example, fossil fuel government subsidies?reached?$5.9 trillion or 6.8% of GDP, which is expected to climb to 7.4% of GDP in 2025. Future fossil fuel projects in Montana will now face heightened scrutiny when seeking approval, with the public’s?right to a “healthy environment” a key consideration. This will not affect existing projects but may pose a significant risk to fossil fuel proposals and renewals.
Major opposition –?Montana is a major exporter of coal and gas, and the ruling is expected to be met with fierce opposition. The state’s energy sector is reliant upon fossil fuel extraction with one-third of the energy mix?powered?by coal. Further, coal and gas extraction contribute significantly to the economy,?sustaining?over 26,000 jobs and providing $1.7bn of income to Montanans. The Montana attorney general’s office said the state would appeal,?claiming?the “ruling was absurd”. Following an appeal, the case would be sent to the state Supreme Court for a final decision.
The ruling is timely as the US recently suffered its worst wildfire event in over a century. On August 8, wildfires?ravaged?the island of Maui in Hawaii with the death toll standing at 106 and expected to continue rising. Climate change has been?blamed?for turning the island into a “tinderbox”.
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