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Countries' new climate pledges fall short of emissions reduction targets

Duration: 0:11:51

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its latest Emissions Gap Report, which warns that countries' new climate commitments are not enough to limit global warming to the levels agreed upon in the Paris Agreement. The report states that global temperatures are on track to rise by at least 2.7°C by the end of the century, far exceeding the 1.5°C target. The updated commitments made by countries fall far short of what is required to achieve the Paris Agreement's temperature goals. The report calls on countries to urgently implement emission reduction actions to address the widening emissions gap. The report's findings were released ahead of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.

Language: Chinese
Topics: EnvironmentUnited Nations Environment Programme

Climate change: drown or freeze?

Duration: 0:35:00

Alexander Chernokulsky, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Climate Theory of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Lyudmila Vavilonskaya on the air of the Latvian radio 4 .

Language: Russian
Topics: Climate changeEnvironment

European particulate air pollution death rate in 2019 lowest in 30 years

Duration: 0:11:17

A report released on November 15th, 2021, by the European Environment Agency revealed that air pollution caused more than 300,000 premature deaths in the 27 EU countries in 2019, the lowest number in 30 years. The report highlights that the number of deaths could be halved if EU countries comply with the World Health Organization's air quality standards. The reduction in deaths is attributed to better air quality resulting from government measures and improved weather conditions. Ozone, a gas that can protect human health by blocking ultraviolet radiation, but can also be harmful to health, contributed to a 10% decrease in death rates in the EU. However, many EU countries still have air pollution that exceeds the EU and WHO standards. The report also highlights that air pollution is a major cause of heart disease and stroke, followed by lung disease, and can also hinder children's lung development, exacerbate respiratory infections, and trigger asthma.

Language: Chinese
Topics: EnvironmentWorld Health Organization

After 2040, which tourist ski resorts in France lack the most snow, attracting attention

Duration: 0:06:54

The global climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable due to global warming, leading to concerns among readers of the Figaro newspaper about which ski resorts will be affected by lack of snow by 2040. Some ski resorts are already experiencing a decline in snowfall due to milder winters, leading some industry experts and researchers to suggest the need for a new tourism model. France's ski resorts have seen a decrease in average snowfall from the 1970s, and a comparison of snowfall data between 2014 and 2070 shows that some resorts will be more at risk than others. However, resorts situated at high altitudes, such as those above 2450-2700m, are less likely to be affected. The ski industry will need to adapt to a changing climate and develop alternative economic activities to reduce dependence on winter sports.

Language: Chinese
Topics: Climate changeEnvironmentFrance

U.S.-China Climate Pledges and India's Coal Reliance

Duration: 0:11:52

The climate summit in Glasgow showcased the determination of countries to control greenhouse gas emissions. China and the US made commitments to strengthen their climate actions, despite political and economic tensions. However, China's agreement with India to reduce the use of coal was weakened, and its emissions are still twice as high as the US and four times as high as India's. Japan pledged to reduce its use of coal. The UN's document on climate change for the first time highlighted coal as a major driver of global warming, with India opposing the motion. The agreement reached called for the gradual reduction of coal use and the end of inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels. To achieve the target of controlling global warming by 1.5°C, emissions must be reduced by 10-45% by 2030, with wealthy nations required to submit new emissions plans by 2025.

Language: Chinese
Topics: Climate changeEnvironment

Ocean temperatures set to break records in 2021

Duration: 0:11:02

A report released in January 2022 by a group of 14 international research teams including the United States, China, and Italy, stated that the global warming caused by CO2 and CH4 has increased due to the rise in sea temperature. The ocean temperatures have been continuously rising for the last three years, making 2021 the warmest year on record since modern ocean observations began. The report highlights that over 90% of global warming occurs in the oceans, and ocean heat content changes are the best indicators of global warming. The main cause of ocean warming is attributed to the increase in greenhouse gases, and its effects could last for at least a century. The report also mentions the influence of natural events like La Niña, which is a natural climate phenomenon, on ocean warming. However, the impact of La Niña is temporary and does not affect the long-term impact of human activities on climate change. The report also warns of the possibility of extreme weather events continuing due to global warming.

Language: Chinese
Topics: Climate changeEnvironmentLa Niña

Episode 15 - The Ocean Conference and the danger of plastic pollution

Duration: 0:25:35.294694

This podcast episode, hosted by Beatriz Matos and Maria Clara, features Lara, a campaign manager focused on marine plastic pollution. The discussion revolves around the recent United Nations Ocean Conference held from June 7 to July 1, which gathered representatives from 159 countries to address ocean protection, resulting in over 2000 voluntary commitments from governments, businesses, and civil society. These commitments aim to enhance marine conservation, including efforts to combat plastic pollution, with Brazil represented by its Ministry of the Environment through a national coastal conservation program. The conversation highlights the severe impacts of plastic waste on marine life and humans, with Brazil recognized as the largest producer of single-use plastics in Latin America. Lara explains how these plastics not only harm marine ecosystems—where marine animals mistake plastic for food—but also pose health risks to humans through microplastics found in air, water, and food. The podcast stresses that relying solely on recycling is insufficient to address the plastic pollution crisis, as the scale of plastic production and disposal far exceeds recycling efforts. Ultimately, the episode underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and promoting more comprehensive solutions for ocean health.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: UN Ocean Conference and marine plastic pollutionBrazil's role in ocean conservation and plastic waste issues

Is there metal in the water?

Duration: 0:41:45.430204

The podcast episode discusses concerns about contaminants, specifically metallic pollutants, potentially present in treated drinking water, which exceed permissible limits. The host, Letícia Sarturi, a scientist with expertise in immunology and biochemistry, introduces Professor Derval dos Santos Rosa, who leads a research project focused on ecological solutions to decontaminate water. Professor Rosa shares his background in chemistry and engineering and emphasizes his long-standing commitment to environmental issues, particularly regarding plastic waste and its impact. His current research aims to address the presence of soluble metallic particles in the environment, which can cause various health problems. He describes a collaborative research project involving approximately 20 experts from various universities, including those in Brazil and abroad. The team's work encompasses understanding the phenomena related to metal contamination and developing practical filtration devices to remove harmful ions from drinking water. The discussion highlights the importance of science in tackling societal problems and emphasizes that researchers are driven by a passion for their work and commitment to finding solutions to environmental challenges.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: EnvironmentEnvironmental Solutions for Water Contamination

Environment is the Means #18: Fragmented climate agenda could bring even more impacts to the environment

Duration: 0:28:16.156735

The radio program "Ambiente" aired by Rádio USP features a conversation with Olivia Ainbinder, a lawyer specializing in climate change and environmental law. Olivia discusses her journey into politics, her experience working with the Instituto Talanoa, and their project "Política por Inteiro," which monitors environmental policies and climate change using artificial intelligence to analyze government actions. She mentions her previous roles in various organizations and her founding of an initiative focused on climate change law. The conversation shifts to the challenges in Brazilian environmental policy, highlighting the fragmented nature of climate change agendas among legislators. Olivia points out that although there are groups like the Parliamentary Front for Environmentalists, a cohesive "climate caucus" is lacking. She notes that climate issues are often overshadowed by competing priorities in Congress, such as health and education, which complicates the legislative process. Olivia emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change, referencing a recent report from the IPCC warning that the world is approaching unacceptable warming levels. The discussion wraps up with Olivia advocating for increased awareness and action in the legislative sphere, stressing the importance of monitoring both executive and legislative actions to safeguard environmental policies.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: AI in Climate Change Monitoring: "Política por Inteiro" ProjectChallenges in Brazilian Environmental Policy and Legislative Action

Environment is the Means #159: Groundwater supplies 75% of cities in São Paulo and generates billions of reais annually

Duration: 0:28:38.282449

The radio program "Ambiente ao Ar" discusses daily environmental issues, and in this episode, host Marcelo welcomes Professor Ricardo Hirata to talk about groundwater. Professor Hirata, a renowned expert in geosciences with a long career in research and academia, shares insights on the importance of managing groundwater recharge amid climate change. He explains that groundwater is a crucial yet often overlooked resource in São Paulo, where 75% of municipalities rely partially or fully on it. Despite its invisibility, groundwater supplies drinking water, agricultural irrigation, and industrial needs, contributing significantly to public and private water resources. Hirata highlights the challenges of over-extraction and contamination of groundwater, noting that about 70% of wells in São Paulo are illegal, contributing to unsustainable water use. This situation is part of the "tragedy of the commons," where individual solutions (like private wells) lead to collective harm due to overuse and lack of regulation. The conversation also prompts a shift towards managed aquifer recharge (MAR), a practice that could enhance groundwater replenishment and ensure a sustainable water supply. Hirata is optimistic about implementing MAR to address the challenges posed by climate change and mismanagement of water resources. The episode serves to educate the public and policymakers about the critical role of groundwater and the need for better management practices.

Language: Brazilian Portuguese
Topics: The Importance of Groundwater Management in São PauloA Key Strategy for Sustainable Water Resources
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