Todd Pyka’s Post

How the United States Is Addressing Climate Change 🌍. To equip Americans with the best available science and understanding of climate change impacts in the United States, President Biden announced yesterday the release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment (#NCA5). NCA5, is the US Government’s preeminent report on climate change impacts, risks, and responses. It is a congressionally mandated interagency effort that provides the scientific foundation to support informed decision-making across the United States. The report is well-timed, coming just ahead of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Summit (#COP28), which will start on November 30. The new web-based NCA Atlas allows Americans to explore climate projections in their own state or county to inform resilience, adaptation, and mitigation efforts. The report underscores the looming threat of intensified extreme weather 🌡️events, costing the U.S. billions annually and disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. The administration's initiatives include bolstering the electric grid with $3.9 billion, emphasizing innovation and renewable energy integration. The Environmental Protection Agency (#EPA) will channel $2 billion into community-led clean energy and climate resilience projects. #FEMA commits $300 million to fortify flood-affected communities, while the Department of the Interior (#DOI) invests $100 million in drought resilience and Native Hawaiian climate resilience. Furthermore, an array of grants totaling over $300 million will support conservation efforts and infrastructure upgrades, affirming a multifaceted approach to building climate resilience. Across the country, efforts to adapt to climate change and reduce emissions have expanded since 2018, and US emissions have fallen since peaking in 2007. However, without deeper cuts in global net #ghgemissions and accelerated adaptation efforts, severe climate risks to the #unitedstates will continue to grow. #decisionmaking #climatechange #energytransition #decarbonization #hydrogen. https://lnkd.in/g3bqR3xc

Climate Action Plans Anyone looking into climate actions plans will quickly realize that the space is flooded with guidance on corporate climate action planning. Often these guidelines and principles intersect, but they do have differences. For example the Climate Bonds Initiative transition plan guidance (https://lnkd.in/e6QDr-B6) doesn’t include guidance on policy engagement, while CSLN’s guidance believes its a key part of it (https://t.ly/WeJVY). To make this post useful, I will share different corporate climate action planning guidelines that I find interesting and point out the one I like the best: Transform To NetZero - Climate Transition Action Plans https://t.ly/vThga Climate Safe Lending Network - The Good Transition Plan Strategy Toolkit https://t.ly/9yrOd Climate Bonds Initiative - Guidance to assess transition plans https://t.ly/kYyVc CISL: Net Zero Framework for Business https://t.ly/cHZv0 GFANZ: Financial Institution Net-zero Transition Plans https://shorturl.at/lxY49 IGCC: CORPORATE CLIMATE TRANSITION PLANS https://shorturl.at/iGKRY ICAP - Investor Climate Action Plans https://lnkd.in/eweUVETZ Climate Transition Action Plans (WMBC, CDP, CERES, EDF) https://shorturl.at/jwEKU However, the climate planning guidlines I like best for their clarity and practicality are the ones provided by the CDP (Summary - https://shorturl.at/fACI7 - Technical Paper https://shorturl.at/fkMRV). The CDP sets 6 Key Guiding Principles for A Climate Transition Plan: ➡     Accountability: The plan has clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This includes effective governance mechanisms, where the board and C-suite executives are accountable for delivery of the plan. ➡     Internally coherent: The plan is integrated into the overall business strategy of the organization and linked to the profit and loss statement. ➡      Forward-looking: The plan’s orientation is focused on the near-and long-term future, trending towards 2050. An emphasis on the near-term (the next five-year timeframe) is critical to achieve long term climate ambitions, which should be supported by governance mechanisms. ➡     Time-bound and quantitative: The plan’s KPIs are quantifiable and are outlined for defined timeframes. ➡     Flexible and responsive: The plan is reviewed and updated regularly 6 , with a defined stakeholder (including shareholders) feedback mechanism (e.g., AGMs) in place. ➡      Complete: The plan covers the whole organization i.e., any exclusions from the plan must not be material to the company and/or the environment. CDP aligns their recommendations on a good climate action plan with TCFD recommendations (attached table). Between the aforementioned six principles and the TCFD alignment table, you got everything you need to introduce a credible corporate climate action plan! #climatechange #esg #sustainability #climaterisk #climatetransition #energytransition #sustainablebusiness

From +1.5% to -7% annual emissions: The current state of climate action calls for a major course correction   This is the main message from our latest joint publication with the World Economic Forum. Now is the time to double down on near-term climate action prioritizing solutions that promise immediate outsized impact to avoid catastrophic effects on livelihoods, eco-systems and economies caused by run-away climate breakdown.   Without much more dramatic action, 1.5C will slip out of reach 1. 1.5C now calls for 7% p.a. emissions reductions, more than Covid impact, while the current trend is 1.5% p.a. increase 2. Only 35% of emissions are covered by national net zero commitments by 2050, and only 7% by sufficiently supportive policies (e.g., transition plans covering all relevant sectors) 3. Corporate climate action is progressing far too slowly; <20% of top 1,000 companies have 1.5C science-based targets, and <10% also have comprehensive public transition plans 4. Green technologies and infrastructure are not scaling fast enough; ~40% of technologies needed to achieve 1.5C are early-stage and not cost-competitive in the near future 5. The funding gap remains enormous; >50% of funding needs are unmet, with major gaps in early technologies/infrastructure and developing countries (the funding gap being twice as large in developing economies as in developed ones)   While this assessment of the global climate action is incredibly sobering it is absolute paramount to remember that whether 1.5C remains achievable or not, every tenth of a degree matters greatly, as the detrimental impacts of global warming scale exponentially.   To keep the 1.5 degree within reach, we put forward 6 key priorities to drive near-term climate action 1. Unlock bolder, more rapid, national commitments and actions 2. Deploy carbon pricing and border taxes, and support actions in nature, agriculture, and food 3. Remove obstacles to the transition, such as permitting times, supply chain risks, and skill gaps 4. Shift corporate focus to bolder targets, transparency for themselves and their supply chains, and near-term climate action (emission reductions) 5. Strengthen incentives to massively scale-up high-impact technologies and necessary infrastructure 6. Raise climate financing for the Global South, together with ambitious mitigation action   If you interested in knowing more about our work, you can find the publication here: https://lnkd.in/duZSag9s   It has been an absolute pleasure to be part of the team working on this joint collaboration with the World Economic Forum.   #climateaction #netzero #bcg #worldeconomicforum #parisagreement  

Yesterday I launched the End Climate Silence newsletter, which each Thursday will raise a climate-communications issue and give researched advice on how to solve it. If this work connects to yours, please go to End Climate Silence dot org, scroll down, and hit "subscribe." Here's the first post (also excerpted below): https://lnkd.in/e7emAmnm ——— This week my recommendation is to avoid the phrase “reduce emissions” and to start using the phrase “phase out fossil fuels” in its place.    This recommendation has a great deal of research behind it, and its importance was highlighted for me this week, when I read a report released in November 2023 by the NGO Potential Energy in partnership with the Yale Program in Climate Communication. Titled “Later is Too Late: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Messaging that Accelerates Climate Action in the G20 and Beyond,” this report really embodies a contradiction at the heart of our current climate politics.    On its surface, “Later is Too Late” paints a rosy picture of global support for climate action. On average, over the twenty-three countries that Potential Energy surveyed, well over two-thirds majorities support clean energy targets and limits on carbon emissions. 71% agreed with the statement, “I support immediate action by the government to address climate change.” And 78% agreed with the even stronger statement, “It is essential that our government does whatever it takes to limit the effects of climate change.” This seems big. 78% of respondents saying that governments should do “whatever it takes” to limit the effects of climate change indicates very wide support for what may seem, by implication, like pretty radical policies. Combined with the finding that 71% of people support “immediate action by the government to address climate change,” it may well appear that a revolution in our energy systems—or indeed a full systems change—would be imminent if governments started listening more democratically to the will of the people.    And yet when you continue more deeply into the report you discover something quite different. Out of eighteen policies, framed in three different ways, and tested across twenty-three countries—support for phasing out fossil fuels—arguably the sine qua non of halting global heating—comes in . . . dead last.    Now, I don’t want to overplay this finding. Support for phasing out fossil fuels, globally, still stands a bit over 55%. That’s a majority position. The problem is, though, that in the United States only 45% support phasing out fossil fuels, according to Potential Energy, and that minority is not created only by partisan polarization. According to the Pew Research Center, a mere 48% of Democrats support running the economy on 100% climate-safe energy. This widespread, self-contradictory position—held by vast majorities who want...

🌍📝 CLIMATE CRISIS CHRONICLES: RISING EMISSIONS AND THE IMPERATIVE FOR GLOBAL SOLUTIONS. ✍️The World Meteorological Organization's recent report serves as a sobering reality check, exposing the glaring gap between rhetoric and action in the fight against climate change. Despite numerous international agreements and pledges, the rise in heat-trapping gases persists, posing a grave threat to the stability of our planet's climate. The acknowledgment that atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide reached record highs in 2022 should be a wake-up call for nations gearing up for climate talks. The incremental decreases in the rate of carbon dioxide accumulation provide little solace when considering the overarching trajectory of global emissions. The bulletin's spotlight on the potential diminishing effectiveness of carbon sinks, notably tropical forests and oceans, raises concerns about a feedback loop that could exacerbate climate change. The risk of the Amazon rainforest becoming a net emitter of carbon dioxide underscores the delicate balance that climate systems are teetering on. What Should Be Done: 🌍Nations must reassess and strengthen their commitments to reducing emissions. This involves setting more ambitious targets aligned with the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 🌍Investment in renewable energy so as to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. Substantial investments in solar, wind, and other clean technologies are imperative to disentangle our reliance on fossil fuels. 🌍Prioritize the preservation and restoration of vital carbon sinks. Robust conservation efforts for tropical forests and increased protection of marine ecosystems are essential components of a comprehensive strategy. 🌍Invest in and deploy innovative technologies such as carbon capture and storage to actively reduce existing atmospheric greenhouse gas levels. 🌍Climate change is a global challenge requiring collaborative solutions. Nations should share knowledge, technology, and resources to collectively address the shared threat. 🌍Governments and organizations should engage in comprehensive public awareness campaigns to foster support for climate-friendly policies and practices. Informed and motivated citizens can be powerful advocates for change. 🌍Embed climate considerations into all policy domains. From economic policies to urban planning, integrating climate consciousness is crucial for a holistic approach. 🌍Strengthen monitoring and accountability mechanisms. Initiatives like GHGSat's satellite for monitoring industrial emissions should be expanded and supported to ensure transparency and compliance. ⏳CONTINUED IN THE COMMENT SECTION⏳ ©®™✓ 📠✉️ agricconsultant995@gmail.com #YourFavouriteFarmer 24/7 👑 #climateaction #climatechangesolutions #climateresilience World Meteorological Organization

What is the difference between Climate Mitigation and Climate Adaptation? Please like, comment, share, and follow for more insightful articles about the most pressing Sustainability Issues of our time. #ClimateAdaptation #ClimateChange #ClimateMitigation #Sustainability

Exciting developments in climate action! Explore the groundbreaking #SBTi report on Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM). Learn how the innovative 'money-for-tonne' approach is spearheading a paradigm shift in the way organizations think about #carbonremoval strategy, thus sparking immediate climate action potential. Read more in our latest blog, out now ⤵️ #CarbonManagement #Sustainability #ClimateChange #CarbonMarkets #FinancialInstitutions #BeyondValueChain #VoluntaryCarbomMarket https://lnkd.in/gNRpRSh3

Understanding the Vital Difference Between Climate Mitigation and Climate Adaptation In the face of accelerating climate change, it has become increasingly imperative for societies worldwide to develop effective strategies to confront its impacts. Two key approaches have emerged in this battle: climate mitigation and climate adaptation. While both are vital components of any comprehensive response to climate change, they differ significantly in their objectives, methodologies, and timelines. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike as they navigate the complex landscape of climate action. #ClimateChange #ClimateMitigation #ClimateAction #SDGs #ESG #Sustainability #SDGs2030 #CSR https://lnkd.in/eRKfRMQb

In the era of climate change and sustainability, understanding and managing your GHG emissions is not just a "nice-to-have" - it's a necessity. And we're here to help you navigate this journey. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of GHG emissions, then the second blog in our Decarbonization series titled "What You Need to Know When Developing a GHG Inventory" is for you! Let's get started on crafting your climate strategy. Stay tuned for more in our series as we continue to demystify the world of decarbonization. Let's create a sustainable future together! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gcVKUWkf #Decarbonization #ClimateStrategy #Sustainability

Here’s a New Year’s Resolution for the Climate Community – Stop Deluding Yourself. The World Resource Institute is like a dog with a bone. In this case the bone is the notion that global warming can still be limited to 1.5 degrees C. We can only hope that going beyond that limit doesn’t permanently damage the environment, because beyond it we will go. The State of Climate Action 2023 report offers 42 progress benchmarks. Sadly, only one benchmark is on track: the percentage share of EVs in light-duty vehicle sales. Six others are going in the right direction but off track. These include zero-carbon electric generation, EV fleet metrics, ruminant meat productivity, reforestation, and the percentage share of global GHG emissions under mandatory corporate climate risk disclosure. Twenty-four metrics are going in the right direction but are well off track. Key ones include GHG agriculture emissions, natural gas and coal in electric generation, and total global climate finance. Six benchmarks need to make a complete U-turn including carbon intensity of steel production and the share of kilometers traveled by passenger cars. Insufficient data exists for five metrics. Don’t ask me why you create a metric that can’t be measured. 1.5 degrees C was a worthy and perhaps a necessary goal. However, at this point it’s unachievable. The rationale response: reassess and realign your goals. I’d start by using the 42 metrics to conduct a “post-mortem.” I know climate activists will say – we must limit warming to 1.5 degrees C or the world as we know it will end. It may wreak havoc, but it’s better to accept and plan for it, than to close your eyes and wish it weren’t so. Here’s the reality: financing levels will invariably fall short of desired targets. Fossil fuels will not be quickly phased out. And because of insufficient grid infrastructure investments, even clean power generation isn’t likely to reach its longer-term targets. That segues into the two major roadblocks to achieving any climate change goal: infrastructure and the need to significantly change human behavior. Infrastructure upgrades require decades even when the will and sufficient funds exist. Major shifts in human behavior take generations, and there is little society can do to accelerate it. The climate community needs to admit that these roadblocks exist and integrate them within the strategy. Generally, that means finding solutions that require neither. Here’s an example. Weaning society off of fossil fuels will happen gradually and take decades. However, getting society to make slight behavioral modifications to reduce their energy consumption can realistically be accomplished in a much shorter period of time. Focus on those types of solutions and we’ll be more likely to achieve future targets. #climatechange #globalwarming #stateofclimate Image by macrovector on Freepik