Good COP, bad COP?

Dear [Name],

COP30 – the annual UN climate conference – starts in just a few weeks, on 10 November. Three decades after the Rio Earth Summit which set COP in motion, it’s back in Brazil.

After rumours that Keir Starmer would not be representing the UK this year, Downing Street announced last week that the prime minister would be attending – proof that public pressure works!

In October’s newsletter, we look ahead to COP and round up this month’s top climate stories.

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COP – what’s on the agenda?

After two years in petro-states, will COP’s return to Brazil mark a break from greenwashing and a step towards real climate action? Under President Lula da Silva, deforestation of the Amazon has slowed dramatically – but the government continues to license oil drilling in the Amazon.

So what should you watch out for at this year’s COP?

Host nation Brazil says this year’s summit will focus on turning words into action — with countries’ emissions-reduction pledges in the spotlight.
Belém – the ‘metropolis of the Amazon’ – will host the talks. Many campaigners will set their sights on the protection of the rainforest, one of the world’s greatest carbon sinks.
Indigenous peoples have been promised more meaningful representation this year. Over 3,000 Indigenous delegates are expected – the highest number ever – and a new forum has been set up to bring them more directly into the process.

Watch this space – we will bring you vital updates from this year’s conference in a bonus COP30 edition of our newsletter!

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Climate in the news – radio silence from politicians

October has brought a slew of climate headlines – but judging by our politicians, you’d think everything was hunky-dory! Here’s a roundup of some of the key stories:

The month started out with Storm Amy, which hit harder and faster than expected, leaving tens of thousands of homes without power and bringing gusts of up to 96 mph. Read more.
The Earth reached its first climate tipping point earlier than expected. International scientists found that many warm-water coral reefs have passed the point of no return, with the majority now set to decline. This impacts the livelihoods of hundreds of millions who depend on them. Read more.
The UK’s independent Climate Change Committee has warned the UK government to prepare for 2°C of warming by mid-century. And any construction set to last decades should be built to withstand 4°C of warming. Read more.
Record levels of CO2 entered the atmosphere in 2024. Read more.
A Guardian investigation found that towns in flood-risk zones may have to be abandoned because they have become uninsurable. In Worcestershire’s Tenbury Wells, public buildings can no longer be insured – and another flood could put many out of use. Read more.

In better news, YouGov polling found that a majority of Reform voters support renewable energy. With the right message, ambitious climate action can appeal to all sections of the electorate.

Thanks for reading – stand by for an extra special COP30 bulletin this November as the conference gets underway in Brazil!

With very best wishes

Beccy, Ben, Jamie, Peter, Steve & William

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