• DTE - Web

Reports critical of Ambani’s Vantara vanish, news outlets get suspicious emails, legal notices

Reports about Vantara – the animal rehabilitation centre of Reliance’s Anant Ambani in Gujarat’s Jamnagar – are curiously unavailable, hours after they were published by Deccan Herald, The Telegraph India and The Tribune. These reports had highlighted concerns of a South African animal protection organisation over the large-scale import of animals to Vantara, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 3. TNM has learned that independent news organizations that published similar reports received emails and legal notices pressuring them to take down the story. Mahesh Deka, executive editor of NorthEast Now, told TNM that his firm received a threatening mail, a day after publication of the article, alleging that the news website was inciting violence and hatred against organisations. The mail, signed by one Bilal Ahmad, carried a link of the article and alleged that the website was seeking money to remove it. The next day Mahesh also received messages from multiple PR agencies - based in Mumbai and Delhi - requesting him to remove four articles related to Vantara. "One agency even asked me to publish a paid content, which I refused stating that it was against our editorial policy," Mahesh said. He said that NorthEast Now is not planning to remove any of the articles from its website. The email said, “I came across the website by chance and was shocked at the type of content it is promoting. The website is manipulating people's personal information with the intention of defaming and blackmailing them. It is evident that the website's contents are defamatory and violate the rights of individuals to online privacy and protection. I strongly urge your help center to take action and remove the website as it is promoting terrorism and violates the laws of the land.” The email was signed by a man named Bilal, who listed a mobile number with a Pakistan ISD code. Down To Earth magazine confirmed that they first received an email and call asking them to remove the story. Later, they received a notice of defamation up to Rs. 1,000 crore from lawyers claiming to represent Anant Ambani. It is however unclear whether Deccan Herald, The Telegraph India and The Tribune received any such emails or legal notices. Newslaundry reached out to the chief editors of Deccan Herald and The Telegraph India. Meanwhile, TNM reached out to officials of Vantara for a comment. This report will be updated if they respond.

• Director General Office

Africa not net contributor to global emissions, says Veheijen

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments to address energy poverty, emphasising that Africa is not a net contributor to global emissions. Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, spoke on Tuesday during a session at CERAWeek by S&P Global, with the theme: “Policy and people: pathways to a just transition.” The session, chaired by the Head of Market Report & Trading Solutions at S&P Global, Vera Blei, featured the CEO of Tinker Energy Association, Scott Tinker, and the Director-General of the Centre for Science and Environment, Sunita Narain. Nigeria, along with other African and middle-income countries, continues to advocate for a just energy transition amid the global push for net-zero emissions. Under its “Decade of Gas” initiative, the Nigerian government has adopted natural gas as a transition fuel to support economic growth while reducing carbon emissions.

• Director General Office

‘Oil & Gas Investments Won’t Make Africa Net Contributor to Global Emissions’

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments to address energy poverty, emphasising that Africa is not a net contributor to global emissions. Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, stated this during a session at CERAWeek by S&P Global with the theme: Policy and People: Pathways to a Just Transition. The session, which was chaired by Head of Market Report & Trading Solutions at S&P Global, Vera Blei, featured key speakers including CEO of Tinker Energy Association, Scott Tinker and Director-General, Centre for Science and Environment, Sunita Narain. On Africa’s role in global emissions, Veheijen, who said Nigeria and other African and middle-income countries, continue to canvass a just energy transition amid the global push for net-zero emissions, maintained that under its “Decade of Gas.” initiative, the Nigerian government has adopted natural gas as a transition fuel to support economic growth, while reducing carbon emissions. Verheijen noted that Africa and other low-income countries contribute only about 3-4 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, compared to China and the United States, which account for approximately 30 percent and 13 percent of global CO2 emissions. Together, both countries are responsible for nearly 40 percent of global emissions. Assuring that the government remains focused on creating an attractive investment environment, she stressed that Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a stable investment climate and addressing climate-related risks through clear and transparent policies, was not in doubt. “In Nigeria, we will continue to ensure that we create an enabling environment for investments. On climate change, we recognize the importance of risk perception in our markets and are committed to transparent policies that stand the test of time, enabling the deployment of capital,” she stated. She also underscored the need for greater regional integration to attract capital and enhance market efficiency, adding: “We need to strengthen economic integration across African nations to create a larger, more attractive market for investment. By pooling resources, integrating markets, and leveraging collaboration across the continent and regional blocs, we can drive sustainable development.” Verheijen, who also made a case for data-driven policy for sustainable growth, stressed the importance of better data collection and analysis in Africa to support informed decision-making and policy development. “Even if Africa experiences exponential economic growth and reaches middle-income status, the continent will still not be a major contributor to global emissions. The bulk of emission reductions will have to come from developed nations, which must diversify their energy sources and invest heavily in carbon removal and reduction technologies,” Verheijen said. She further noted that a balanced approach is necessary to ensure that developing economies can utilize their natural resources to drive prosperity, while also adopting climate solutions that enhance adaptability and sustainability. Through strategic investments and policy reforms, Nigeria and the broader African continent aim to bridge energy poverty, attract investment, and contribute to a more sustainable global energy transition.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

Doubts Over Climate Funding As Donors Squeeze Aid

There are growing doubts about a pledge by rich nations to provide more climate finance to poorer nations, as foreign aid budgets are slashed and the US guts environmental spending. Richer nations committed at the UN COP29 summit in November to boost spending on climate action in developing countries to $300 billion a year by 2035, an amount decried as woefully inadequate. Since then, President Donald Trump has frozen US contributions to the global pot and withdrawn from a funding deal to help developing nations transition to clean energy, among other climate initiatives. The UK, meanwhile, has trimmed overseas aid to raise defence spending, following a slew of similar cuts by climate-friendly governments in Europe. Diplomats and analysts say it remains unclear where the axe may fall, but there are fears that money earmarked for climate finance could be on the chopping block. Laetitia Pettinotti, a climate economist from the think tank ODI Global, told AFP that signs are not good and cuts could be expected. "It's really hard to see where the money is going to come from," she said. With the United States halting its climate action, expectations have fallen largely on the European Union, historically the third-largest producer of greenhouse gases, and the biggest contributor to climate finance. But the 27-nation bloc is under budget strain, facing US tariffs and trying to ramp up military spending to defend itself and Ukraine, and reduce strategic reliance on Washington. Recent elections meanwhile have seen right-wing populists hostile to climate policies make gains across the continent. France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom have all announced recent aid cuts as economic and security priorities shift and budget pressures take hold. The EU "needs to find a new way to prioritise its limited resources, for very legitimate reasons", said Li Shuo, a climate analyst at the Asia Society Policy Institute. "This will make the climate finance discussion very difficult." Azerbaijan, which hosted the COP29 summit where the $300-billion deal was brokered, is seeking reassurances at a two-day meeting of climate negotiators in Tokyo that ends on Thursday. Yalchin Rafiyev, the country's top climate diplomat, said he would be asking developed nations if the cuts impacted money "they were thinking or planning to allocate for climate or not". "We are not sure yet. There was not any concrete kind of climate fund cuts that we have heard from any of the parties. There was only some worrying trends," he told AFP. He added: "We are opposed to any kind of action that can reduce the funding for climate action." Brazil, which is hosting this year's COP30 summit, said it was exploring ways to raise the enormous sums needed for developing countries to wean off fossil fuels and adapt to global warming. According to independent experts, these countries -- excluding China -- will require $1.3 trillion a year in outside assistance by 2035 to meet their climate needs. Under the Paris Agreement, developed countries -- those most responsible for global warming to date -- are obligated to pay climate finance, but other countries do make their own voluntary contributions. "Climate finance for developing countries was already insufficient, but the recent cuts to foreign aid budgets represent a renewed challenge," the COP30 presidency said in a written statement to AFP. Donors have struggled to meet their climate finance pledges at the best of times, even for commitments well below the $300 billion pledged last year. Developed nations provided about $116 billion in 2022, the latest year for which official OECD climate finance figures are available. The US provided about 10 percent of that money. Trump's spending freeze means other contributors will have to make up the difference. Other ways to possibly plug the shortfall -- such as greater lending from multilateral development banks like the World Bank -- are also in doubt. "You're going to hear more and more that there simply isn't money out there to fill up such a big pot... it's not looking good," Avantika Goswami, climate change lead at the Centre for Science and Environment in India, told AFP.

• Down To Earth

Extreme weather will be your new normal in 2025: Here's why

Year 2024 was a big eye-opener on climate change, even for the uninitiated, with some or the other region of the world experiencing extreme weather events. India was among the countries worst-affected by this global crisis. To put this into perspective, out of the 274 days tracked by the New Delhi-based think-tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in its ‘State of India’s Environment 2025’ report, 255 days (93 per cent) saw extreme weather in at least one region. This is a marked spike from the corresponding period in 2023 (235 days of extreme weather) and 2022 (241 days). The report was released recently at the Anil Agarwal Dialogue (AAD) 2025, conducted by CSE in Rajasthan.

• Clean Air & Sustainable Mobility

Pollution not just a winter worry, summer months are toxic too

New Delhi: With the exception of the Covid year of 2020, the summer months — from March till June — have recorded high levels of pollution, an analysis of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data from 2019 till 2024 has shown. Dust and ozone are among the main sources of pollution during the season. Currently, GRAP Stage I is in force in the city, with the air quality remaining ‘poor' on four of the past seven days. According to experts, the trends indicate that pollution is a year-round challenge for Delhi, and not just a winter issue. The CPCB data shows PM10 levels in the summer months in the past few years were almost double the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS). For instance, in 2024, the monthly average PM10 concentration was 179 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) in March, 201 µg/m³ in April, 248 µg/m³ in May and 195 µg/m³ in June. The daily NAAQS is 100 µg/m³ while WHO's daily safe limit is 45 µg/m³ for PM10. Similarly, the city failed to meet daily NAAQS for PM2.5 of 60 µg/m³ and WHO's daily safe limit of 15 µg/m³ in most of the summer months. In May 2024, for example, the monthly average for PM2.5 was 92 µg/m³, the data revealed. Ground-level ozone, whose standards are provided at hourly and eight-hourly intervals, remained high in the summer months, particularly during the afternoon hours. Likewise, the city recorded elevated levels of nitrogen oxides on many days during the summer months. Sunil Dahiya, founder and lead analyst at Envirocatalysts, said, "PM2.5 and PM10 levels during the summer months of March to June have consistently been at least 1.5 to two times the daily NAAQS and four-five times the WHO-recommended daily guideline levels. This clearly indicates that air pollution is not just a winter phenomenon in Delhi-NCR, but a year-round challenge." Dahiya said the primary sources of high pollution levels remain consistent throughout the year, including transport, energy, industry, construction and waste. "While stubble burning plays a significant role in winter, dust storms contribute to the problem during the summer months. High temperatures dry and loosen dust, leaving it easily re-suspended, which leads to elevated PM10 levels and a higher PM10 to PM2.5 ratio. This underscores the urgent need for dust-suppressing technologies and interventions around sensitive locations during these months. Such measures are essential until a more systematic and consistent solution for removing loose dust and capturing it at the source is implemented," he said. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy at Centre for Science and Environment, underlines two main concerns in the summer. "During these dry months, the impact of wind-blown dust increases. Secondly, ozone exceedance rises as gases in the air react under the influence of sunlight to form the harmful gas ozone. These gases come from vehicular and industrial sources." "Pollution is high during the summer even, though not as smoggy as in the winter. Though the regional impact of pollution is high, the impact of local pollution sources is significant. All priority solutions to control dust and emissions from vehicles and industries are known. These need to be implemented at scale for an effective reduction in pollution," she added.

• Director General Office

Oil, gas investments won’t inflate Africa’s contribution to global emissions – FG

The Federal Government has reassured the public that its ongoing efforts to attract investments in the oil and gas sector will not lead to a significant increase in Africa’s contribution to global emissions. It emphasized that such investments will not drastically affect the continent’s carbon footprint. The government reiterated its commitment to creating a favorable environment for hydrocarbon investments to combat energy poverty, stressing that Africa is not a major contributor to global emissions. The assurance was given by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, during a session at CERAWeek by S&P Global on Tuesday, themed “Policy and People: Pathways to a Just Transition.” A statement issued on Wednesday noted that the session, chaired by Vera Blei, Head of Market Report & Trading Solutions at S&P Global, included key speakers such as Scott Tinker, CEO of Tinker Energy Association, and Sunita Narain, Director-General of the Centre for Science and Environment. During the panel discussion, Verheijen pointed out that Africa and other low-income countries contribute only about 3-4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, compared to China and the United States, which are responsible for roughly 30 percent and 13 percent of global CO₂ emissions, respectively. Together, these two countries account for nearly 40 percent of global emissions. Verheijen emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a stable investment climate and addressing climate-related risks through transparent and clear policies. She also highlighted the importance of greater regional integration to attract capital and improve market efficiency. “We need to strengthen economic integration across African nations to create a larger, more attractive market for investment. By pooling resources, integrating markets, and collaborating across the continent and regional blocs, we can drive sustainable development,” she added. She also stressed the need for improved data collection and analysis in Africa to support informed decision-making and effective policy development. Verheijen concluded by advocating for a balanced approach to ensure that developing economies can use their natural resources to drive prosperity while also adopting climate solutions that enhance adaptability and sustainability.

• Director General Office

Africa's Energy Future: FG Reaffirms Commitment to Create Enabling Environment for Hydrocarbon Investments

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments to address energy poverty, emphasizing that Africa is not a net contributor to global emissions. The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, made this statement on Tuesday in Houston Texas, United States during a session at CERAWeek by S&P Global, themed "Policy and People: Pathways to a Just Transition." The session, chaired by Vera Blei, Head of Market Report & Trading Solutions at S&P Global, featured key speakers including Scott Tinker, CEO of Tinker Energy Association, and Sunita Narain, Director-General of the Centre for Science and Environment. Africa’s Role in Global Emissions Nigeria, along with other African and middle-income countries, continues to advocate for a just energy transition amid the global push for net-zero emissions. Under its "Decade of Gas" initiative, the Nigerian government has adopted natural gas as a transition fuel to support economic growth while reducing carbon emissions. Verheijen highlighted that Africa and other low-income countries contribute only about 3–4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, in contrast to China and the United States, which account for approximately 30% and 13% of global CO2 emissions, respectively. Together, both countries are responsible for nearly 40% of global emissions.

• Director General Office

Olu Veheijen reaffirms FG’s commitment to combating energy poverty

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to creating an enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments to tackle energy poverty, emphasizing Africa’s minimal contribution to global emissions. Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, made the statement on Tuesday in Houston, Texas, during a session at CERAWeek by S&P Global. The session, titled “Policy and People: Pathways to a Just Transition,” was chaired by Vera Blei, Head of Market Report & Trading Solutions at S&P Global. Key speakers included Scott Tinker, CEO of Tinker Energy Association, and Sunita Narain, Director-General of the Centre for Science and Environment. Verheijen highlighted that Africa, along with other low-income countries, contributes only 3-4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, contrasting sharply with China and the United States, which account for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions. “Nigeria, through its “Decade of Gas” initiative, is leveraging natural gas as a transition fuel to support economic growth while reducing carbon emissions.” Olu Verheijen emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a stable investment climate and addressing climate-related risks through transparent, long-term policies. She stressed the importance of regional integration to attract investment and enhance market efficiency, calling for stronger economic cooperation across African nations. “We need to integrate markets, pool resources, and collaborate to create a larger, more attractive market for investment,” she said. Verheijen also stressed the importance of better data collection and analysis to inform policy decisions. She noted that even if Africa experiences rapid economic growth, the continent will remain a minor contributor to global emissions, with the bulk of emission reductions coming from developed nations. She emphasized that a balanced approach is crucial for developing economies to use their natural resources for prosperity while adopting climate solutions that ensure adaptability and sustainability. “Through strategic investments and policy reforms, Nigeria and Africa aim to address energy poverty, attract investment, and contribute to a sustainable global energy transition,” she said.

• Director General Office

FG committed to creating enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments — Tinubu’s aide

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments to address energy poverty in the country, emphasizing that Africa is not a net contributor to global emissions. The Special Adviser (SA) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, Ms. Olu Verheijen, made this assurance during a session at CERAWeek by S&P Global, themed “Policy and People: Pathways to a Just Transition.” The session, which took place on Tuesday in Abuja and was chaired by Vera Blei, Head of Market Report & Trading Solutions at S&P Global, featured key speakers, including Scott Tinker, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tinker Energy Association, and Sunita Narain, Director-General of the Centre for Science and Environment. Verheijen noted that Nigeria, along with other African and middle-income countries, has continued to advocate for a just energy transition amid the global push for net-zero emissions. She stated that Nigeria has adopted natural gas as a transition fuel to support economic growth while reducing carbon emissions. According to her, Africa and other low-income countries contribute only about 3–4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, in contrast to China and the United States, which account for approximately 30% and 13% of global CO₂ emissions, respectively. She emphasized that both countries are responsible for nearly 40% of global emissions.

• Director General Office

FG committed to creating enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments — Tinubu’s aide

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments to address energy poverty in the country, emphasizing that Africa is not a net contributor to global emissions. The Special Adviser (SA) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, Ms. Olu Verheijen, made this assurance during a session at CERAWeek by S&P Global, themed “Policy and People: Pathways to a Just Transition.” The session, which took place on Tuesday in Abuja and was chaired by Vera Blei, Head of Market Report & Trading Solutions at S&P Global, featured key speakers, including Scott Tinker, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tinker Energy Association, and Sunita Narain, Director-General of the Centre for Science and Environment. Verheijen noted that Nigeria, along with other African and middle-income countries, has continued to advocate for a just energy transition amid the global push for net-zero emissions. She stated that Nigeria has adopted natural gas as a transition fuel to support economic growth while reducing carbon emissions. According to her, Africa and other low-income countries contribute only about 3–4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, in contrast to China and the United States, which account for approximately 30% and 13% of global CO₂ emissions, respectively. She emphasized that both countries are responsible for nearly 40% of global emissions. “Even if Africa experiences exponential economic growth and reaches middle-income status, the continent will still not be a major contributor to global emissions. The bulk of emission reductions will have to come from developed nations, which must diversify their energy sources and invest heavily in carbon removal and reduction technologies,” she explained. Related News CSW69: Women can lead future sustainable cities — Minister US: Man shot by dog while lying in bed Drama as Kogi SDP produces two parallel excos Verheijen further assured Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a stable investment climate and addressing climate-related risks through clear and transparent policies. “In Nigeria, we are ensuring that we create an enabling environment for investments. On climate change, we recognize the importance of risk perception in our markets and are committed to transparent policies that stand the test of time, enabling the deployment of capital,” she stated. She also underscored the need for greater regional integration to attract capital and enhance market efficiency, stating that this could be achieved by pooling resources, integrating markets, and leveraging collaboration across the continent and regional blocs. “We need to strengthen economic integration across African nations to create a larger, more attractive market for investment. By pooling resources, integrating markets, and leveraging collaboration across the continent and regional blocs, we can drive sustainable development,” she said. Speaking further, Verheijen stressed the importance of better data collection and analysis in Africa to support informed decision-making and policy development. She noted that a balanced approach is necessary to ensure that developing economies can utilize their natural resources to drive prosperity while also adopting climate solutions that enhance adaptability and sustainability. She affirmed that through strategic investments and policy reforms, Nigeria and the broader African continent aim to bridge energy poverty, attract investment, and contribute to a more sustainable global energy transition. Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel now

• Director General Office

Oil & Gas Investments Won’t Make Africa Largest Contributor To Global Emission- Verheijen

The federal government has said that it is making efforts to create enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments to bridge energy poverty, adding that the continent is not a net contributor to global emission. The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Olu Verheijen said this on Tuesday during a session at the CERAweek by S&P Global. The session was with the theme, “Policy and People: Pathways to a just transition.’ The session was chaired by Head of Market Report & Trading Solutions, S&P Global, Vera Blei. It also featured speakers including the Chief Executive Officer of Tinker Energy Association, Scott Tinker and the DG, Centre for Science and Environment, Sunita Narain. Nigeria and other African and Middle income countries are seeking a just energy transition amidst intense push for net zero emissions. The Nigerian government adopted gas as its transition fuel under the theme, ‘the Decade of Gas.’ Veheijen said Africa and low income countries contribute a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, typically around 3-4 per cent. China and the United States accounts for about 30 per cent and 13 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Both countries account for about 40 per cent of global emissions. She said, “In Nigeria, we are making sure that we create an enabling environment for investments and on climate change we consider the perception of risk to our markets and that is clear transparent policies that stands the test of time and can allow to deploy capital.

• Director General Office

Presidential aide: Developed nations largely responsible for global emissions — not Africa

Olu Verheijen, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on energy, says developed nations, not Africa, are largely responsible for global emissions and must take the lead in reducing their carbon footprint. Verheijen spoke on Tuesday during a session at CERAWeek by S&P Global, themed ‘Policy and People: Pathways to a Just Transition’. The session, chaired by Vera Blei, head of market report and trading solutions at S&P Global, featured Scott Tinker, chief executive officer of Tinker Energy Association, and Sunita Narain, director-general of the Centre for Science and Environment. Verheijen said Africa needs better data collection and analysis to support informed decision-making and policy development. Advertisement She said a balanced approach is necessary to allow developing economies to use their natural resources for economic growth while adopting climate solutions that promote sustainability. “Even if Africa experiences exponential economic growth and reaches middle-income status, the continent will still not be a major contributor to global emissions,” she said. “The bulk of emission reductions will have to come from developed nations, which must diversify their energy sources and invest heavily in carbon removal and reduction technologies.” Advertisement Verheijen reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to fostering an investment-friendly environment for hydrocarbons to address energy poverty. She said under Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative, the government has adopted natural gas as a transition fuel to support economic growth while reducing carbon emissions. Verheijen noted that Africa and other low-income countries contribute only about 3–4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, while China and the United States account for approximately 30 percent and 13 percent of global CO₂ emissions, respectively. She said China and the US are responsible for 40 percent of global emissions.

• Director General Office

Oil, gas investments won’t inflate Africa’s contribution to global emissions – FG

The Federal Government has allayed fears that its ongoing drive to attract investments in the oil and gas sector will result in a significant rise in Africa’s contribution to global emissions. It emphasised that such investments will not dramatically impact the continent’s carbon footprint. It also reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments to address energy poverty, emphasising that Africa is not a net contributor to global emissions. The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, gave the assurance on Tuesday during a session at CERAWeek by S&P Global, themed “Policy and People: Pathways to a Just Transition.” A statement issued on Wednesday noted that the session, chaired by Vera Blei, Head of Market Report & Trading Solutions at S&P Global, featured key speakers including Scott Tinker, CEO of Tinker Energy Association, and Sunita Narain, Director-General of the Centre for Science and Environment. Speaking during the panel session, Verheijen highlighted that Africa and other low-income countries contribute only about 3–4 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, in contrast to China and the United States, which account for approximately 30 per cent and 13 per cent of global CO₂ emissions, respectively. Together, both countries are responsible for nearly 40 per cent of global emissions.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

Doubts over climate funding as donors squeeze aid

There are growing doubts about a pledge by rich nations to provide more climate finance to poorer nations, as foreign aid budgets are slashed and the US guts environmental spending. Richer nations committed at the UN COP29 summit in November to boost spending on climate action in developing countries to $300 billion a year by 2035, an amount decried as woefully inadequate. Since then, President Donald Trump has frozen US contributions to the global pot and withdrawn from a funding deal to help developing nations transition to clean energy, among other climate initiatives. The UK, meanwhile, has trimmed overseas aid to raise defence spending, following a slew of similar cuts by climate-friendly governments in Europe. Diplomats and analysts say it remains unclear where the axe may fall, but there are fears that money earmarked for climate finance could be on the chopping block. Laetitia Pettinotti, a climate economist from the think tank ODI Global, told AFP that signs are not good and cuts could be expected. "It's really hard to see where the money is going to come from," she said. - Difficult road - With the United States halting its climate action, expectations have fallen largely on the European Union, historically the third-largest producer of greenhouse gases, and the biggest contributor to climate finance. But the 27-nation bloc is under budget strain, facing US tariffs and trying to ramp up military spending to defend itself and Ukraine, and reduce strategic reliance on Washington. Recent elections meanwhile have seen right-wing populists hostile to climate policies make gains across the continent. France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom have all announced recent aid cuts as economic and security priorities shift and budget pressures take hold. The EU "needs to find a new way to prioritise its limited resources, for very legitimate reasons", said Li Shuo, a climate analyst at the Asia Society Policy Institute. "This will make the climate finance discussion very difficult." Azerbaijan, which hosted the COP29 summit where the $300-billion deal was brokered, is seeking reassurances at a two-day meeting of climate negotiators in Tokyo that ends on Thursday. Yalchin Rafiyev, the country's top climate diplomat, said he would be asking developed nations if the cuts impacted money "they were thinking or planning to allocate for climate or not". "We are not sure yet. There was not any concrete kind of climate fund cuts that we have heard from any of the parties. There was only some worrying trends," he told AFP. He added: "We are opposed to any kind of action that can reduce the funding for climate action." Brazil, which is hosting this year's COP30 summit, said it was exploring ways to raise the enormous sums needed for developing countries to wean off fossil fuels and adapt to global warming. According to independent experts, these countries -- excluding China -- will require $1.3 trillion a year in outside assistance by 2035 to meet their climate needs. Under the Paris Agreement, developed countries -- those most responsible for global warming to date -- are obligated to pay climate finance, but other countries do make their own voluntary contributions. "Climate finance for developing countries was already insufficient, but the recent cuts to foreign aid budgets represent a renewed challenge," the COP30 presidency said in a written statement to AFP. - 'Not looking good' - Donors have struggled to meet their climate finance pledges at the best of times, even for commitments well below the $300 billion pledged last year. Developed nations provided about $116 billion in 2022, the latest year for which official OECD climate finance figures are available. The US provided about 10 percent of that money. Trump's spending freeze means other contributors will have to make up the difference. Other ways to possibly plug the shortfall -- such as greater lending from multilateral development banks like the World Bank -- are also in doubt. "You're going to hear more and more that there simply isn't money out there to fill up such a big pot... it's not looking good," Avantika Goswami, climate change lead at the Centre for Science and Environment in India, told AFP.

• Climate Change and Green Economy

Doubts over climate funding as donors squeeze aid

There are growing doubts about a pledge by rich nations to provide more climate finance to poorer nations, as foreign aid budgets are slashed and the US guts environmental spending. Richer nations committed at the UN COP29 summit in November 2024 to boost spending on climate action in developing countries to US$300 billion (S$400 billion) a year by 2035, an amount decried as woefully inadequate. Since then, President Donald Trump has frozen US contributions to the global pot and withdrawn from a funding deal to help developing nations transition to clean energy, among other climate initiatives. Britain, meanwhile, has trimmed overseas aid to raise defence spending, following a slew of similar cuts by climate-friendly governments in Europe. Diplomats and analysts say it remains unclear where the axe might fall, but there are fears that money earmarked for climate finance could be on the chopping block. Dr Laetitia Pettinotti, a climate economist from think-tank ODI Global, told AFP that signs are not good and cuts could be expected. “It’s really hard to see where the money is going to come from,” she said. Difficult road With the United States halting its climate action, expectations have fallen largely on the European Union, historically the third-largest producer of greenhouse gases, and the biggest contributor to climate finance. But the 27-nation bloc is under budget strain, facing US tariffs and trying to ramp up military spending to defend itself and Ukraine, and reduce strategic reliance on Washington. Recent elections, meanwhile, have seen right-wing populists hostile to climate policies make gains across the continent. France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Britain have all announced recent aid cuts as economic and security priorities shift and budget pressures take hold. The EU “needs to find a new way to prioritise its limited resources, for very legitimate reasons”, said Mr Li Shuo, a climate analyst at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington. “This will make the climate finance discussion very difficult.” ‘Worrying trends’ Azerbaijan, which hosted the COP29 summit where the US$300 billion deal was brokered, is seeking reassurances at a two-day meeting of climate negotiators in Tokyo that ends on March 13. Mr Yalchin Rafiyev, the country’s top climate diplomat, said he would be asking developed nations if the cuts impacted money “they were thinking or planning to allocate for climate or not”. “We are not sure yet. There was not any concrete kind of climate fund cuts that we have heard from any of the parties. There was only some worrying trends,” he told AFP. He added: “We are opposed to any kind of action that can reduce the funding for climate action.” Brazil, which is hosting 2025’s COP30 summit, said it was exploring ways to raise the enormous sums needed for developing countries to wean off fossil fuels and adapt to global warming. According to independent experts, these countries – excluding China – will require US$1.3 trillion a year in outside assistance by 2035 to meet their climate needs. Under the Paris Agreement, developed countries – those most responsible for global warming to date – are obligated to pay climate finance, but other countries do make their own voluntary contributions. “Climate finance for developing countries was already insufficient, but the recent cuts to foreign aid budgets represent a renewed challenge,” the COP30 presidency said in a written statement to AFP. ‘Not looking good’ Donors have struggled to meet their climate finance pledges at the best of times, even for commitments well below the US$300 billion pledged in 2024. Developed nations provided about US$116 billion in 2022, the latest year for which official climate finance figures are available from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The US provided about 10 per cent of that money. Mr Trump’s spending freeze means other contributors will have to make up the difference. Other ways to possibly plug the shortfall – such as greater lending from multilateral development banks like the World Bank – are also in doubt. “You’re going to hear more and more that there simply isn’t money out there to fill up such a big pot... It’s not looking good,” Ms Avantika Goswami, climate change lead at the Centre for Science and Environment in India, told AFP. AFP