Reports - Resources- a List
I needed a place to store the many reports that intersect with climate work. On this page reports from 2022 & 2023. For the 2024 reports, go here. The reports here are first shared on by Weekly(ish) Updates.
Reports directly below, Scroll for Resources.
Posted from December 2023
Land back. Native people the world over are the proven stewards of land and biodiversity. The violent dispossession of ancestral lands from Indigenous communities to be exploited for industry, mining, and deforestation proved the opposite, leaving ruined forests and waterways in its wake. The Land Back movement seems to remedy that destruction, and support the healing and restoration of the planet. Some news on this effort, from The Orange County Register, Indigenous tribes get Bolsa Chica Mesa land return, a first for Orange County. And from The Guardian, ‘A sense of home’: Native American land rights grow in industrial midwest. After Unesco recognized Ohio’s Indigenous ceremonial grounds, Native communities hope to spark a land return movement.
Honoring Forests. The sounds of the forest are their own symphony. Gas powered boats not only destroy that peace, but pollute air and water as well. The Indigenous Achuar people of Ecuador are way ahead in innovation and solution. from NPR, Why solar-powered canoes could be good for the future of the rainforest.
Innovation & Farming. The hardiness zones are moving as the US has experienced an average 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit of warming. This combined with soil degradation means todays farmers—especially young farmers—are at the front lines of innovating to restore the soil. Their efforts are making a difference, from WBEZ Chicago In Illinois, young, conservation-minded farmers race against climate change to save their soil.
Electrification!! Nice work, Alaska. The electric revolution is in full swing in Juneau. From EarthJustice, A Cold Alaska City Has Become a Heat Pump Hub. The ‘electrify everything’ movement is taking off in Juneau, Alaska. Another approach, in the lower 48, the Gila River tribal community is generating green electricity are protecting their water. From PV Magazine, Arizona Tribal community to cut irrigation canal water losses with solar canopy. Gila River Indian Community announced it has broken ground on a solar array that will cover a stretch of irrigation canal south of Phoenix.
Victory over dirty fuels and mining. A few important court wins to celebrate. From Billings Gazette, Coal mine expansion permit vacated by Montana Supreme Court. And in Panama, from the AP, Panama’s Supreme Court declares 20-year contract for Canadian copper mine unconstitutional.
Wildlife restoration. Many great stories here, too! Let’s talk next of frogs and bighorn sheep. From USA Today, Facing an uncertain future, 70 endangered yellow-legged frogs released in California lake. And from CBS Colorado, Rancher, conservationists reach deal to preserve 100,000 acres for native Colorado bighorn herd.
Faith Voices in the News
Climate, Resilience, and Community Development. Here’s a story to feel good about. Communities know how important resilience is to wellbeing and strength in challenging times. In Oakland, CA, Black churches are organizing around climate. From The Knee Deep Times, Can churches lift up climate resilience?
Faith Engagement makes a difference. This is something many in the faith community already know. If you are at work in the faith community to bring action and visibility to the climate effort, this will encourage you. This work matters!! A new study and great article from The Conversation, Faith communities are rallying to check climate change – their size and influence counts
COP28. On the eve of COP28, global faith leaders met together at a pre-gathering event, the Talanoa dialogue and interfaith services which began five years ago. Read about the gathering from the Lutheran World Federation, Talanoa dialogue brings faith communities together as COP28 opens.
Link to the latest news from COP28 and the faith community.
Posted from November 2023
Faith and Climate Action. A new report from the Journal of Climate Action, Research, and Policy lays out the benefits of involvement of faith communities is addressing the climate crisis and working toward solutions. Read an article about the study from The Conversation, Faith communities are rallying to check climate change – their size and influence counts. Read the study, From Grassroots to the UN — The Role of Faith in Climate Action.
Oil & Gas NetZero Status Report. A new report from IEA (International Energy Agency) assesses current trajectories and necessary changes in order for the oil and gas industry to meet necessary netzero emissions targets. Read about the report from CNBC, Oil and gas industry needs to let go of carbon capture as solution to climate change, IEA says. Read an article from Common Dreams, Greenpeace reaction to IEA report: The Oil and Gas Industry in Net Zero Transitions. Read the report, The Oil and Gas Industry in Net Zero Transitions.
Emissions still rising. Another report that looks and emissions to see that despite everything, emissions are still RISING. Read an article about the report from the AP, UN report says world is racing to well past warming limit as carbon emissions rise instead of plunge. Read more from Carbon Brief, UNEP: Humanity is still ‘breaking all the wrong records’ in fast-warming world. Read the UN Emissions Gap Report.
Energy Efficiency Status Report. Another report from IEA addresses how efforts toward energy efficiency are progressing toward essential goals. The report speaks to the “profound” transition underway, and the need to further the effort. Read an article about the report from Scientific American (Climatewire), Doubling Energy-Efficiency Gains Is Necessary to Meet Climate Goals. From Reuters, Energy efficiency must double in pace by 2030 to hit climate goals, IEA says. Read the report.
Flooding Worse than Previously Thought. A new study shows that flooding will be a far greater problem than believed. Already there is evidence of that globally, but the trend will be a worsening still of flooding. The warming earth means warming rain as well, with more rain falling instead of snow in upper altitudes. Read about the study from EcoWatch, Extreme Rainfall Increases Drastically With Global Warming, Study Finds. Read more from the AP, Warming causes more extreme rain, not snow, over mountains. Scientists say that’s a problem. Read the study.
Forests - Strategies of Resilience. Efforts to better fight wildfire are a key focus, and an unusual solution involves banana trees. Read an article about the study in Energy Wire, ‘Edible fire buffers’ could become a wildland firefighters best friend, study suggests. From USC Viterbi, Fighting Fire with…Bananas? Based on computer models, Barath Raghavan says the humble banana could prevent wildfire spread—and turn a tidy profit for local communities. Read the study.
Lancet Countdown Report 2023. This is a big annual report focusing on world health in the face of the climate crisis. Read about the report from the World Health Organization, Lancet Countdown report calls for climate-driven health action. Read about the report from the New York Times (gift link), Health Risks Linked to Climate Change Are Getting Worst, Experts Warn. The 8th update to a major international report shows more people are getting sick and dying from extreme heat, drought, and other climate problems. Read the report.
5th National Climate Assessment. In the midst of all the global studies, the 5th National Climate Assessment for the US is now final. Read about the Assessment from CNN, No place in the US is safe from the climate crisis, but a new report shows where it’s most severe. Read from the New York Times (gift link), The Toll of Climate Disasters Is Rising. But a U.S. Report Has Good News, Too. Read the assessment.
US Agricultural Map Updates. The heat is rising and the ranges of plants and animals are disrupted across the US (and globally). As a result, USDA hardiness zones for gardeners and farmers have changed. Those changes are reflected in the new hardiness zone maps. Read about the changes in NPR, 'It feels like I'm not crazy.' Gardeners aren't surprised as USDA updates key map. Read about the changes from Oregon State University Newsroom, New plant hardiness map, used by gardeners nationwide and based on OSU climate data, unveiled.
Malaria Spreading more widely. The World Health Organization has published its 2023 Malaria Report and the results are what researchers have been warning, as the planet warms, mosquito-borne deceases will expand in range. Read about the study in The Guardian, Climate crisis a ‘substantial risk’ to fight against malaria, says WHO. New report says disease-carrying mosquitoes thrive in rising temperatures, leading to transmission in hitherto unaffected areas. Read the report.
Plastic and more Plastic. The scourge of plastic on the planet is only growing according to scientists and recent studies. A few studies and articles here, from USA Today, Clouds are filled with microplastics, perplexing and concerning scientists. From SciTechDaily, New Study: The Ocean Is Emitting Millions of Pounds of Plastic Into the Atmosphere. From Nature, Progress on plastic pollution treaty too slow, scientists say. As national divisions widen over how to address the global waste crisis, researchers fight for more input into the process. And from University of Hawaiʻi News, Rise of microplastics discovered in placentas of Hawaiʻi mothers.
Over the limits—and still more pumping. A major report from the UN and partners details the depth of the peril we face from the ongoing production of fossil fuel. Read from Inside Climate News, Planned Fossil Fuel Production Vastly Exceeds the World’s Climate Goals, ‘Throwing Humanity’s Future Into Question’. Among the 20 top fossil fuel-producing countries, the U.S., Brazil and Saudi Arabia foresee significant increases in domestic oil production, while Russia, India and Indonesia all project substantial increases in coal. From the New York Times (gift link) Nations That Vowed to Halt Warming Are Expanding Fossil Fuels, Report Finds. And from Canada’s CBC, Despite climate pledges, Canada and other fossil fuel producers set to scale up production: report. Read the report.
Not having children. We already know from conversations that young people speak about a reluctance to start families due to their concerns about climate change and environmental disruptions. A new study lays out the factors studied. Read about the study from Phys.org, Ethical, environmental and political concerns about climate change affect reproductive choices, finds study. Read also from The Guardian, More people not having children due to climate breakdown fears, finds research. Read the research.
Herbarium Samples show effects of climate change. We often talk about climate changes in terms of modern measurement. A medieval herbarium offers samples much older for science to study. Read about it from The Guardian, ‘Inestimable importance’: 500-year-old cache of pressed flowers reveals new secrets. Thousands of specimens from the 1500s show huge changes to Bologna’s flora due to climate crisis and migration, say researchers. Read also from Phys.org, Comparison of herbaria collected by botanists over centuries shows impact of climate change. Read the research.
Fracking—Demonstrated Harms. It’s hard to miss the ongoing prophetic warnings and testimony from citizens across the country that have decried fracking for years. Studies move more slowly, but last month a big study from scientists and medical professionals details the harms. Read about the study in Gas Outlook (republished in DeSmog) New study finds overwhelming evidence of harms from fracking, a review of the scientific literature reveals enormous public health, environmental, and climate damage from fracking. Authors say that “no rules or regulations can make these practices safe.” Read the press release. Read the study.
Plastics full of toxic chemicals. Plastic manufacture continues not only unabated but multiplying. This despite the attention to the environmental harm plastics cause. Read about the latest study in New Atlas, Heaps of pharmaceuticals, toxic chemicals found in recycled plastics. Read an article from EcoWatch, ‘No Plastic Chemical Can Be Classified as Safe’: Study Finds Hundreds of Toxins in Recycled Plastics. Read the study.
Greenland - Glacier melt accelerating. The glacial melt continues and is accelerating everywhere. A new study looks specifically at Greenland, which will have an impact on sea level rise. Read about the study from ABC News Australia, University of Copenhagen study says Greenland's glaciers melting at five times previous rates over the last 20 years. Read about it also from Yale Communications 360, Greenland’s Glaciers Melting Twice as Fast as They Were 20 Years Ago. Read the study.
Emissions Regulations Essential. Whatever your take in on what regulations are needed or that none are, the measurable facts highlight that regulation works to address emissions and emissions goals. From The Guardian, Texas produces twice as much methane as better regulated neighbor, study finds. Data shared with Guardian reveals Texas oil and gas fields emitting far more methane than New Mexico, feeding calls for stiffer rules. Sadly the report and other articles are hidden behind paywalls. The report comes from Kayrros.
Posted from October 2023
New Red-light Warning Super-Study Report. Read about the report in the Kansas Reflector, Earth thundering toward planet unfit for humans, report finds. Research led by an Oregon State University scientist says big changes are needed now. Read the article also from Scientific American, Earth’s Latest ‘Vital Signs’ Show the Planet Is in Crisis. The overall picture of Earth’s health is grim, although there are bright spots: solar and wind power are on the rise, and deforestation has slowed. Published in the American Institute of Biological Sciences, read the report.
Crisis of fresh water—the economics. I missed this one last week. I should mention, too, as you sort through the deluge of information on these here internets, anything from World Wildlife Federation/WWF is trustable and important. WWF also offer reports that regular people like me can understand. This latest report targets freshwater systems. Read an article about the report from Mongabay, More action needed to protect freshwater ecosystems, report says. Read about the report from WWF, Water crisis threatens $58 trillion in economic value, food security and sustainability. Read the report.
WWF Forest Pathways 2023 Report. Another one from World Wildlife Federation/WWF. The latest Forest Pathways report sums up the situation as it is, but also offers hope for room to improve. An article about the report from Earth.com, We are off track to save our forests, but there's still time: WWF report. This next article from Mongabay speaks to what good things are happening with support of the WWF, but does not address the report directly, Group certification helps Malaysia’s Sabah aim for palm oil sustainability. Read about the report from WWF, We're off track to protect and restore forests by 2030. Here's how we can change course. New WWF Forest Pathways report provides a way forward. Read the report.
Warming Water and Marine Life. There are a few studies circulating right now addressing what is happening to our oceans because of the warming planet. Last year included news about the billions of missing snow crabs in the Pacific Ocean. The latest studies tell that the news is about as bad as it could be, from The Guardian, Billions of snow crabs in Alaska likely vanished due to warm ocean, study says. The crabs starved to death en masse because the change in water temperature increased their caloric needs, according to the NOAA. Read about the study also from NOAA, Research Confirms Link Between Snow Crab Decline and Marine Heatwave. Read the Study.
Green Latino Climate Justice Framework. This is a new report that also seeks endorsements. The report follows ongoing work to address the real and harmful impacts of the climate crisis on Latino/x communities, especially those engaged in agricultural and outdoor work. Read more about the report and the work of Green Latinos, here. Their main page, here. Read the report.
Impacts in your Neighborhood. The Climate Vulnerability Index compiles the risks and truths of climate change as it will/may impact where you and your neighbors live. A recent update to the index made news this last couple of weeks. Read an article from Yale Climate Connections How does climate change threaten your neighborhood? A new map has the details. All 10 of the country’s most at-risk counties are in the South, according to the Climate Vulnerability Index, and half of them are in Louisiana. Read an article from Phys.org, 'Climate vulnerability index' shows where action, resources are needed to address climate change threats.
Faith Attitudes on Climate Change. PRRI released their newest study: The Faith Factor in Climate Change: How Religion Impacts American Attitudes on Climate and Environmental Policy. Read about the study from Washington Post (gift link) U.S. faith groups do not view climate change as a crisis, new poll finds. Among White evangelicals, the view that the Earth is in crisis dropped — from 13 percent in 2014 to 8 percent, the Public Religion Research Institute found and from the Religious News Service RNS The white evangelical march toward climate disaster.
Sea Ice Takes Another Dive. The melt continues, with sea ice finding increasing record lows. Read an article about the study from the BBC Antarctic sea-ice at 'mind-blowing' low alarms experts. And an article from Axios, Antarctic sea ice hits lowest seasonal peak on record. Read the study from Nature: Record low Antarctic sea ice coverage indicates a new sea ice state.
Faith Attitudes on Climate Change. PRRI released their newest study: The Faith Factor in Climate Change: How Religion Impacts American Attitudes on Climate and Environmental Policy. Read about the study from Washington Post (gift link) U.S. faith groups do not view climate change as a crisis, new poll finds. Among White evangelicals, the view that the Earth is in crisis dropped — from 13 percent in 2014 to 8 percent, the Public Religion Research Institute found and from the Religious News Service RNS The white evangelical march toward climate disaster.
Newest 1.5 Roadmap. Yes. We can still make it. But we must focus, focus, focus. This was the takeaway from a new study released by the IEA this week. Read an article about the study in The Guardian, ‘Staggering’ green growth gives hope for 1.5C, says global energy chief. IEA’s Fatih Birol says uptake of solar power and EVs is in line with net zero goal but rich countries must hasten their broader plans. Read an exploration of what we need to do from The Conversation, The green energy surge still isn’t enough for 1.5 degrees. We’ll have to overshoot, adapt and soak up carbon dioxide. Read the study.
Forests benefit from human activities. Many faith traditions note the importance of human stewardship and caretaking of the living earth. A new study brings some measurables around that truth. Read about the study from Mongabay, Forest restoration can fare better with human helping hand, study shows. Studies like this one bring hope to the conversation so many are engaging around forest restoration and protection, from Phys.org, In Shawnee National Forest, a debate swirls around how to best protect trees amid climate change and wildfires. Read the study.
Fracking, Water & Aquifers. A report from the New York Times (gift link). Monster Fracks’ Are Getting Far Bigger. And Far Thirstier. Giant new oil and gas wells that require astonishing volumes of water to fracture bedrock are threatening America’s fragile aquifers.
Planetary Limits Exceeded. From the AP, Earth is outside its ‘safe operating space for humanity’ on most key measurements, study says. From Smithsonian Magazine, Humans Have Exceeded Six of the Nine Boundaries Keeping Earth Habitable. Scientists find we are “well outside the safe operating space for humanity” in a new study meant to assess the health of our planet. Read the study: Earth beyond six of nine planetary boundaries.
Extraction needs Community Consent. A new report out from Oxfam tackles the imperative that communities give consent before mineral mining is allowed on their lands. Mongabay has great reporting on this, with two articles. Both from Mongabay, How Canada’s growing presence in Latin America is hurting the environment and Rechargeable battery industry needs better mining regulations, report says. Read the report, Recharging Community Consent: Mining companies, battery minerals, and the battle to break from the past
Posted from September 2023
Carbon Credit Offset Schemes. While billions have been invested in carbon credit programs, deforestation has continued at a devastating pace. An article about the study from Common Dreams, Study Exposes Forest Carbon Credit Schemes to Offset Fossil Fuels as 'Pipe Dream'. Read an article from Engineering and Technology, Carbon credits ineffective at protecting global forests, research finds. Read the (ongoing) study.
Exxon Knew. More on the investigations surrounding companies such as Exxon include a report from WSJ (paywall) Inside Exxon’s Strategy to Downplay Climate Change. Internal documents show what the oil giant said publicly was very different from how it approached the issue privately in the Tillerson era. To read about this report and other aspects of ongoing investigations into what Exxon knew, read about the news from The Guardian, New files shed light on ExxonMobil’s efforts to undermine climate science and NPR Exxon minimized climate change internally after conceding that fossil fuels cause it. Big credit, too, to the ongoing series of reports from Inside Climate News.
State of the Climate—Latest Report. The a yearly international report and assessment from the American Meteorologist Society, the report analyzes 2022 and it’s not good. Read about the report from Common Dreams, NOAA Finds Carbon Concentrations Highest in 800,000 Years as Sea Level Rise Hits Record. The new global report states that burning fossil fuels is "the main driver of increasing atmospheric CO2." Read an article from NOAA, International report confirms record-high greenhouse gases, global sea levels in 2022. Read the report State of the Climate.
Failing 1.5. A new report shows nations, corporations, and society is/are off-track and failing to make the headway we need to protect the planet and creation. A story about the report from The Guardian, ‘A critical moment’: UN warns world will miss climate targets unless fossil fuels phased out. An article from UN News, Window to reach climate goals ‘rapidly closing’, UN report warns. Read the report.
Private Equity & Environmental Racism. The newest report from the Private Equity Climate Risks Project investigates KKR which substantial fossil fuel portfolio holdings. Read an article about the report from Inside Climate News: Private Equity Giant KKR Is Funding Environmental Racism, New Report Finds. The climate impacts of the private equity industry create significant harm to BIPOC communities in Texas, Louisiana and British Columbia, Canada, it found. Read the report.
7 TRILLION. Subsidies for Fossil Fuels highest ever. When the IMF raises alarms, you know the money problem is way off track. Read an article about the report from Yale Environment 360, Global Fossil Fuel Subsidies Reached $7 Trillion in 2022, an All-Time High. Read the report.
Big Ag and Amazon Deforestation. Read an article about the report from Inside Climate News, Agribusiness Giant Cargill Is in Activists’ Crosshairs for Its Connections to Deforestation in Bolivia. A new report finds that the grain-trading behemoth has purchased soy grown on recently deforested land. Cargill responded that the purchases came from land cleared earlier, and says it investigates all allegations. Read about the report from report author Global Witness (includes a link to the report as PDF download) Empty promises: Cargill, soy, banks and the destruction of Bolivia’s Chiquitano forest.
Posted from August 2023
Find some studies and more for forests here: Forest Stories: restoring the sacred & addressing climate.
Air Pollution and Global Health. Many studies on the effects of air pollution and this is an important one again showing that air pollution increases suffering and disease and lowers life expectancy. And the poor as well as people of color are hardest hit (see from Yale News Health burden of air pollution differs across racial groups). From Phys.org Air pollution greatest global threat to human health, says benchmark study.
Hurricane impacts on People of Color. There are many studies that measure what is obvious. This is one of those. Climate justice = racial justice = economic justice for many reasons only one of which is disproportionate storm impacts, and these impacts are real and measurable. An article from Ecowatch: Deadlier Atlantic Hurricanes Killing More People of Color in the U.S., Study Finds. An article from The Guardian: Tropical storms killing more Americans as climate crisis deepens, study finds. Named tropical storms and hurricanes, which have become more intense, have caused about 20,000 more deaths from 1988 to 2019. Read the study. Read also about the impacts of climate disasters on people who experience poverty and homelessness from Time: Tropical Storm Hilary and Maui Fires Show Climate Change is Worsening Homelessness.
High emissions from wealthy 10%. A major chunk of climate emissions in the US come from a small percentage of wealthy households. From The Hill: 40 percent of US climate emissions attributed to richest households: study. From Yale Environment 360: Wealthiest 10 Percent of Americans Responsible for 40 Percent of U.S. Emissions. Read the study from PLOS Climate: Income-based U.S. household carbon footprints (1990–2019) offer new insights on emissions inequality and climate finance
Posted from July
Nature Positive Solutions - Start Now. A report from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) written together with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development delves into Nature Positive solutions for food production and food systems. Read about the report from WWF here Life at the speed of change. Read the report.
Pace of Electrification - A Progress Report. Read an article from Grist about the report, To reach net-zero emissions, American homes need an electric makeover, A new report says U.S. households need to buy 14 million extra heat pumps, induction stoves, and other electric alternatives in the next three years. Read about the report from Rewiring America, Pick up the pace. Read the report.
Plastic Overshoot Day. When did we all the plastic earth can manage per year? On July 28, when upwards of 68 thousand tons of the stuff had been produced. (My feeling is any day of plastic is one too many…) Read an article from Common Dreams, Plastic Overshoot Day Spotlights Growing 'Climate Nightmare' of Global Waste - "Simply praying that we can recycle our way out of this problem will not cut it." Read an info summary Plastic Overshoot Day: Report 2023 Read the Report.
Coal at All Time High. Despite tremendous efforts of so many, the recent coal report from the IEA brings bad news indeed. From CNBC IEA says coal use hit an all-time high last year — and global demand will persist near record levels. Read also the report.
Benzene and Gas Appliances. Air pollution is a real consequence of gas in the home as well as what spews and seeps from wells, storage, and transport. Yet another study. Read an article about the study in Yahoo News New study reveals the home appliance that spews more benzene than secondhand smoke: ‘You’re at an elevated risk [of cancer]’ Read an article from NPR Gas stoves pollute homes with benzene, which is linked to cancer Read the study.
Vegan Diet & Climate Impacts. A new study shows a that vegans have a measurably lower carbon footprint than meat eaters. Read about the study in The Conversation Vegan diet has just 30% of the environmental impact of a high-meat diet, major study finds, and the New York Times (gift link) Save the Planet, Put Down that Hamburger. Read the study, Vegans, vegetarians, fish-eaters and meat-eaters in the UK show discrepant environmental impacts
Global Crop Failure Risk. A new report in Nature Communications, read an article about the report in Vice Scientists Raise Alarm Over Risk of 'Synchronized' Global Crop Failures. Read an essay about the report from one of the report authors in Carbon Brief: Scientists Raise Alarm Over Risk of 'Synchronized' Global Crop Failures. Read the report.
Exponential Growth for Renewables. Some good news! A surge in renewable energy projects keeps the planet on track for net-zero. Read an article from CleanTechnica about the report One-Third Of All Electricity Will Come From Renewables By 2030. Read a summary of the report from report author RMI: Global power system on track for the IEA’s ambitious net-zero pathway. Read the report.
Unlivable Planet. This report looks at the cost of burning fossil fuels in human lives as temperatures humans cannot survive burst through the ‘climate niche’ and force climate migration. An article about the report from ProPublica: Climate Crisis Is on Track to Push One-Third of Humanity Out of Its Most Livable Environment Read the report.
Emissions from Logging too high. A new study that gives some hard numbers around just how much impact logging and timber harvest has on carbon emissions. Read an article about the study from Mongabay Timber harvests to meet global wood demand will bring soaring emissions: Study Read and article about the study from The Hill The wood industry releases more carbon than Russia — and we’re mostly not counting its emissions: study Read the study.
Divestment and Pensions. A new report from stand.earth and the University of Waterloo. Read an article about the report from CommonDreams US Public Pensions Are Paying Huge Price for Not Divesting From Fossil Fuels, Report Shows Read the press release: U.S. public pensions could be $21 billion richer right now Read the report.
UN Global Resilience Report. A Special Edition of the Global Assessment Report from the UNDRR (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction). “Growing disaster risks and a confluence of shocks are creating domino effects across economies and undermining sustainable development on all fronts, according to a new report by the United Nations.” Read the press release New report shows climate disasters are reversing global development at unprecedented rates. Read the report.
Posted in June 2023
Statistical Review of World Energy report. There are changes of authorship this year and following for the World Energy Report. This is an industry report and has been produced annually by BP. Going forward will be produced by the Energy Institute—an industry group. The report indicates that despite the rise of renewables, energy consumption in general is rising, so fossil fuels are as plentiful as ever, comprising 82% of the mix and causing an increase of .08% in emissions for 2022. Read an article about the report it The Guardian Greenhouse gas emissions from global energy industry still rising – report and from Reuters Renewables growth did not dent fossil fuel dominance in 2022, report says. Read the report.
Fossil Fuels & Racism. A new study out helps illuminate the connection between burning fossil fuels and impacts experienced based on factors such as race. Read an article about the study from Greenpeace New Study: Fossil Fuels Disproportionately Impact Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Poor Communities Throughout The Supply Chain Read the study: Fossil fuel racism in the United States: How phasing out coal, oil, and gas can protect communities.
Fossil Fuel Subsidies & the Transition Economy. A new report from the World Bank shows that the millions-each-minute paid in subsidies globally needs to be redirected to fight climate change. Read an article about the report from The Guardian Vast fossil fuel and farming subsidies causing ‘environmental havoc’ Read another article from Common Dreams: World Bank Confirms Reallocating Fossil Fuel, Factory Farm Subsidies Key to Solving Climate Crisis. Read the World Bank Press Release: Trillions Wasted on Subsidies Could Help Address Climate Change. Read the report.
Gender Equity & Climate Change. Women’s health and empowerment is an essential component to address climate change. Yet there is a lot of work to bring gender equity globally. A new report details the issue. Read an article about the report from CNN Nine out of 10 people are biased against women, UN report finds and from the UN A Decade of Stagnation: New UNDP data shows gender biases remain entrenched. Read a quick reminder as to why women’s empowerment is essential. Read the report.
Four State Climate Action Report. A report from Taproot.earth speaks to strategies of climate equity and alignment from Appalachia and the Gulf into the Global south. Read an article about the report from The Grist: How climate justice could look different — and the same — in the Gulf Coast and Appalachia Read the report.
Shifting Paths - Tornados. This isn’t a report so much as just really good information. But the fact is that storms are worsening, the path is widening, and the storms are causing more damage. Read an article about the information from CNBC Tornado alley is widening, putting millions more people and properties at risk. Read up about Severe Storm, Supercell, and Tornado Trends
Earth Boundaries Breached. A devastating study published in Nature last week. Read about the report in The Guardian Earth’s health failing in seven out of eight key measures, say scientists; from Euro News ‘Sick’ planet: Earth is past almost all of its safe limits for humans, scientists say. Read the report: Safe and just Earth system boundaries
Posted from May 2023 and prior
Plastics May 2023 Report. A few reports in a row as this week as new studies coincide with a first-ever meeting of international diplomats to discuss a ‘plastics treaty.’ Read a report about this study (and others) from the Grist The global plastics treaty can fight climate change — if it reduces plastic production. Also a press release New report calls for at least 75% reduction of plastics by 2050, reveals dire connection between plastic and climate. Read the report: Stemming the Plastic-Climate Crisis
Plastics, Next Steps. Like it or not, plastic is everywhere. Ridding ourselves of it will not be easy, and our children’s children’s children will bear this burden. With the reality of that burden in view, the UN has issued a report examining the business and economic solutions. Read an article from The Grist about the report: UN calls on governments to reduce, reuse, recycle — for real this time Read an article from The Guardian about the report: Plastic pollution could be slashed by 80% by 2040, UN says Read the report: Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy
Plastics, UN Report. Like it or not, plastic is everywhere. Ridding ourselves of it will not be easy, and our children’s children’s children will bear this burden. With the reality of that burden in view, the UN has issued a report examining the business and economic solutions. Read an article from The Grist about the report: UN calls on governments to reduce, reuse, recycle — for real this time Read an article from The Guardian about the report: Plastic pollution could be slashed by 80% by 2040, UN says Read the report: Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy
Plastics, Forever Toxic. A new peer-reviewed report from GreenPeace. Read the report explainer from GreenPeace. Read an article about the report from The Guardian: Recycled plastic can be more toxic and is no fix for pollution, Greenpeace warns. Read the report: Forever Toxic: The science on health threats from plastic recycling
Canadian perspectives. A report from Tearfund /A Rocha Canada (thank you, Samuel!). Of church-going Christians, survey said 91% are worried about climate change and nature loss, and 92% believe that caring for creation is an essential act of discipleship and the Church’s mission.
Banking on Climate Chaos. The 2023 report is as damning as it gets, and I mean that biblically. The report makes clear the continued entrenchment of banks in fossil fuel investment. Read a press release from Sierra Club, Banking on Climate Chaos Report: World's Biggest Banks Continue to Pour Billions into Fossil Fuel Expansion Read from National Catholic Reporter: Citigroup shareholder support holds steady for Catholic sisters' resolution on climate, Indigenous rights. View some of the raw numbers. Read the report.
Displacement in Extreme Weather Events. A report from the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR. Visit the main site for the UN Refugee Agency. "Some 70% of refugees & 80% of conflict IDPs come from countries that are highly vulnerable to climate losses and damages in life-supporting sectors." Read the report.
East Africa Drought - It's Climate Change. World Weather Attribution scientists show that the worsened conditions of drought in East Africa are today are a result of human-caused climate change. Read an article from Inside Climate News An Agricultural Drought In East Africa Was Caused by Climate Change, Scientists Find Read the report.
Human Rights Report - Dakota Access Pipeline. A report out of the University of Colorado offers key findings around the Social Cost and Material Loss: The Dakota Access Pipeline. "The controversy surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) showcased for a generation the consequences of failing to account for the total impacts of development on and near indigenous lands, including a failure to respect human rights." Read the report.
American Climate Perspectives shows the majority of Americans care about climate change. The study headline is "The more you know the more you care.' Read about the study from EcoAmerica. The report is short and very accessible. Read it here.
UN World Water Development Report 2023. Partnerships and cooperation for water This report didn't seem to make the regular folks news cycle, but you can read more about the report here.
6th Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This is the Synthesis Report of the 6th Assessment Report from the UN. This report synthesizes the three earlier reports released over the last year + from the three IPCC Working Groups. Read about the report, Nations approve key UN science report on climate change and some analysis from The Guardian Humanity at the climate crossroads: highway to hell or a livable future? The choice in the new IPCC report is stark: what we do in the next few years will determine our fate for millennia Read the Synthesis Report of the Sixth Assessment Report
Track Emissions in real time. World Emissions Clock This is a tool that shows you emissions now and in the future, you can adjust the calculator to show you emissions from different countries and in different sectors. Fabulous tool! Read about the tool Tracking emissions by country and sector
Conservation Finance. I want to share about something called Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) coming out of Canada. This is a 'first of it's kind Indigenous Finance Model,' read deep from Mongabay: Indigenous funding model is a win-win for ecosystems and local economies in Canada A summary nutshell from Mongabay, "Twenty-seven First Nations spent nearly C$109 million ($79 million) toward 439 environmental and economic development projects in their territories, including initiating research, habitat restoration, and guardian programs, that attracted returns worth C$296 million ($214 million)." The project began in 2007 in the Great Bear Sea, the success of that funding model proved itself, and is now being replicated in four more locations in Canada. Read a press release by Coastal First Nations and Nanwakolas Council Federal government commits to developing conservation finance model for Great Bear Sea. Read also an article from WWF Securing Sustainable Financing for Conservation Areas.The WWF article includes information on PFP and other efforts. Read the report: 15 Years of Conservation Finance in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii 2007-2022.
‘Plasticosis’ Plastic Killing Seabirds Make no mistake, the plastic industry is not scaling back production despite the deluge of plastic in everything. According to reporting from Mongabay "It’s estimated that there are currently about 450 million metric tons of plastic produced each year, and production is projected to double by 2045." A new study issues a series of warnings, Common Dreams writes about the study, that Cleanup of Oceans 'Futile' If Plastic Production Continues at Current Rate: Scientist The study also finds that a growing plastic smog, now estimated to be over 170 trillion plastic particles afloat in the world’s oceans. And that's just the oceans. The resulting plastic catastrophe is effecting the health of an estimated 1,200 species, including seabirds. ‘Plasticosis’: the new disease killing seabirds and likely many other species.
Fossil Fuel Emissions 2022 Report March 2023. The reporting on emissions from 2022 is out with a new report from EIA. The baddest news? Global energy-related CO2 emissions grew by 0.9% or 321 Mt in 2022, reaching a new high of over 36.8 Gt. The reality is that this would have been even worse if not for what clean energy buildouts there actually were. Read an article about the report from EcoWatch Continued Rise in Carbon Emissions Offset by Renewable Energy Surge, IEA Says. And Read the report, this link includes key summary facts.
Native Seeds Report. With the interest in re-wilding, restoring damaged or burned land, and encouraging everyone to plant native gardens, the need for wild seed is great. Read about the report in High Country News: The recipe for restoring damaged lands is missing one key ingredient: seeds The report is technical, but it dives into the issue of how to ensure a good flow of seeds for essential re-wilding projects. An Assessment of Native Seed Needs and the Capacity for Their Supply: Final Report
Faith Centered Guides for Conversation and Action. These aren't reports so much as resources for congregations and faith based organizations, but they are comprehensive enough that I'm putting them in the report category as well. Read an article from Earthbeat about the guides: Two guides issued at COP15 help faith groups regrow forests, restore environment. The COP15 they are referring to here is the COP15 Biodiversity Conference in December 2022, confusing, I know. But these are fresh and ready to be incorporated into studies, curriculums and sermons. One guide from WWF, the UN and more centers forest restoration, Tree growing for conservation and ecosystem restoration: A guide for faith-based actors. The other comes from The Center for Earth Ethics, Values, Culture and Spirituality: Ecosystems Restoration Conversation Guide
100% Clean Power by 2035. Yes, it's possible and a new report from the Evergreen Collective explains how. Read about the report from WaPo How Biden can meet his 100% clean electricity goal. Read the report.
Food Industry Consolidation. Read about the report from Civil Eats, As Grocery Stores Get Bigger, Small Farms Get Squeezed Out. Read the USDA Report.
2022 Global Heat. NOAA, NASA, the World Meterological Association and other huge agencies all released reports this week that assessed the climate changes of 2022. NASA says 2022 was the 5th warmest year, NOAA says 6th warmest. A good summary of both reports in the Washington Post Multiple agencies concur: ’22 was one of Earth’s hottest years. As the reports cover similar territory, I am pulling out the NOAA report, Assessing the Global Climate in 2022.Read the report.
Record High Ocean Heat in 2022. Not a full report, but a recent study by scientists showed Oceans surged to another record-high temperature in 2022. Read the study, Another Year of Record Heat for Oceans.
Global Water Report 2022. The Global Water Monitor is a massive organization with tremendous tools. A great resource just in general, with a sophisticated mapping and water data tool that is above my paygrade but worth it. Read an article about the 2022 report from The Conversation New report shows alarming changes in the entire global water cycle. Read the report.
Clean Energy Revolution. The IEA, International Energy Association, publishes many reports. This recent one is the Energy Technology Perspectives 2023 with some great news about the rapid expected scale-up of clean energy. Read an article about the report from CNBC IEA says clean energy manufacturing set for substantial growth as world enters ‘new industrial age’ Link to the report soft landing page. Read the pdf report.
US Plan to Decarbonize all Transport. This plan/blueprint is comprehensive! It was hard to find an article with simple basics. From Electrek about the plan In a first, the US government unveils a plan to decarbonize all transport. Read the pdf blueprint. Read the pdf decarbonization plan.
EPA: New year? New set of Strategic Action Plans. Most people know this report from 2021 addressing Shows Disproportionate Impacts of Climate Change on Socially Vulnerable Populations. In 2022, the EPA developed an Equity Action Plan, and starting 2023 there is new strategic research on the docket.
Reports from 2022 and earlier:
Biodiversity: COP15 2022 Outcomes Report. In December 2022 almost 200 countries met to address the biodiversity crisis. People of faith were also active at the conference, Religion has more than a moral role to play in protecting creation, faith groups say. A couple of articles about the outcomes here, from the UN (accessible): COP15 ends with landmark biodiversity agreement; and from Carbon Brief (more detailed): COP15: Key outcomes agreed at the UN biodiversity conference in Montreal. Read the summary report.
Keystone Pipeline Record Leak Report. Bloomberg produced the report (paywall) Keystone Has Leaked More Oil Than Any Other Pipeline in US Since 2010 following yet another leak in the pipeline December 2022. Read about that report from The Hill.
Finance. Banking on Climate Chaos. This report is a big one from Rainforest Action Network, comprehensive for 2022, published in April. Read an article about the report from Marketwatch: ‘Pouring gasoline on the fire’: JPMorgan, Citi and other U.S. banks lead rise in lending to oil and gas. Read the report. Rainforest Action Network released an update in November 2022. Read an article about that update in Marketwatch: JPMorgan Chase and 5 other U.S. megabanks behind one-third of global funding to expand coal, oil and gas. And another article:Over a Trillion Financed in Fossil Fuel Expansion; Billions by US Banks Since the Paris Agreement. Read the report.
Billionaires and Carbon Emissions, a report from Oxfam, November 2022. Read an article from CNN: Billionaires emit a million times more greenhouse gases than the average person, study finds. Accessible summary from Oxfam: A billionaire is responsible for a million times more greenhouse gas emissions than the average person. Read the report.
Global Humanitarian Overview, UN Report. Read about the report in in The Guardian: One in 23 people will require humanitarian relief in 2023, UN warns. Read the appeal from the UN: UN appeals for record $51.5 billion to help 230 million on the brink in 2023. Read a summary and the report.
A new 'views of religion & climate' report dropped this week. One was a report from PEW Research Center that focused on views held by religious people - Read an article from the AP about the report Poll: Religious Americans less worried about climate change. Read the report: How Religion Intersects With Americans’ Views on the Environment To give some wider context, look at a report from August this year that surveyed a wider portion of the population from Yale Communication - Exploring support for climate justice policies in the United States
Global Carbon Budget 2022 just dropped. This is a really big report and quite technical. The worst part is that emissions are still going up. Read an article about the report from the Washington Post, World has nine years to avert catastrophic warming, study shows. and from NPR, Are climate change emissions finally going down? Definitely not. Read an analysis of the report from Carbon Brief, Analysis: Global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels hit record high in 2022. Read the report.
Living Amazon Report 2022, another one hot off the press. Read an article about the report from Mongabay, Deforestation is pushing Amazon to ‘point of no return’: WWF report. Read the report.
5th National Climate Assessment - Draft. And another new one. While still in the draft phase, the full 5th National Climate Assessment for the US is now available for public comment and review. Read an article about the assessment from Washington Post: Climate change threatening ‘things Americans value most,’ U.S. report says. More info I’m sure is to come. Reviewers must register and the comment period closes on January 27, 2023. The 4th National Climate Assessment was published in 2018.
Valuation of Nature in Agricultural Systems. This is a really interesting article attached to a brain-melting report. The article is worth the read, though, to know the degree to which we really are looking at restorative agriculture as a re-valuing of production and the relationships of production. The Third Agrarian Revolution: from production and consumption to relations.
Sustainable Food Cold Chains. This report is a little niche-y, but it centers itself on the impact of effective food transportation to avoid spoilage, and packs a punch in that direction. Read an article about the report from Ecogreennews, UN calls for investment in sustainable food cold chain to decrease hunger, others. Read the report.
UN World Water Development Report 2022 - focused on groundwater this is an annual report which was published this year in March. Read an article about the report from The Guardian, Better use of groundwater could transform Africa, research says. Find the report here.
Global Food Policy Report: Climate Change and Food Systems, published in May 2022 is cited in numerous other reports. I can't find an article about the report itself, but the report is published by IFPRI and can be found here.
OPEC. Yes, oil producers write reports, too. This one offers a different perspective on extraction and proliferation of oil and gas. Read an article from The Hill about the report: OPEC forecasts fossil fuel surge through midcentury Read the report OPEC's 2022 World Oil Outlook 2045
Agribusiness - Industrial Ag report. One thing here that is really impressive is a statement that the Ag industry has to change--from the Ag industry. This particular report comes through a UK initiative, Sustainable Markets Initiative. Read an article about the report: Big agriculture warns farming must change or risk ‘destroying the planet’ Read the Report, Scaling Regenerative Farming; An Action Plan. Full Report. or Executive Summary.
Decarbonizing Health Care. A series of reports, also from the UK based Sustainable Markets Initiative, that offer an 'overview of practical recommendations and actions' to decarbonize the health care and pharma industry. This effort rose from COP26, and is an extensive collaboration with the World Health Organization and big Pharma companies. Read an article about the reports from Yahoo news Seven pharma CEOs announce new joint action to accelerate net zero healthcare. Find links to the reports here Health Systems Task Force White Papers.
Heatwaves, Economies, and Inequality. An article about the report from The Guardian. Climate crisis study finds heatwaves have cost global economy $16tn Direct link to the report: Globally unequal effect of extreme heat on economic growth.
Emissions Gap & Necessary Reductions. An article about the report from The Carbon Brief: UNEP: Meeting global climate goals now requires ‘rapid transformation of societies’ The report from UNEP: Emissions Gap Report 2022: The Closing Window – Climate crisis calls for rapid transformation of societies
Extreme Heat and Livability. An article about the report from the Washington Post: Extreme heat could make parts of Asia, Africa uninhabitable in decades The Report, from the UN, Red Cross & Red Crescent: Extreme heat: Preparing for the heat waves of the future
2022 IEA Energy Report. The International Energy Agency has their latest report out full of measurables regarding emissions, fossil fuels, and renewables. I couldn't find an explainer article that wasn't paywalled, but here is the IEA Press Release: World Energy Outlook 2022 shows the global energy crisis can be a historic turning point towards a cleaner and more secure future. and the report: World Energy Outlook 2022.
The Lancet Countdown 2022 Report. This is one of the most important reports published each year. An article from BBC about the report: COP27: Climate change threatening global health - report The report: The 2022 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: health at the mercy of fossil fuels
The State of Climate Action. Read an article about the report from The Guardian: Cut meat consumption to two burgers a week to save planet, study suggests. Read the report: The State of Climate Action 2022
Pledges in Emissions not meeting needs: Not a report, but a statement from the United Nations on Climate Change addressing the inadequacy of current reduction pledges. Two articles from The Guardian dig into the subject. Current emissions pledges will lead to catastrophic climate breakdown, says UN and Goal of limiting global heating to 1.5C ‘more fragile’ than ever, says Cop27 chair. And here is the press release: Climate Plans Remain Insufficient: More Ambitious Action Needed Now
And in general find UN Climate Reports here.
Challenges of Carbon Offsets. Not a report, but a run down addressing carbon offsets, the challenges, the hype...from EcoWatch, Carbon Offsets 101: Why We Can’t Offset Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis
UNICEF Children and Climate: An article about the report from Common Dreams: 2 Billion Kids to Face Extreme Heatwave Threat by 2050, Warns UNICEF The Report: The coldest year of the rest of their lives Protecting children from the escalating impacts of heatwaves
Global Food Footprint. An article about the report from Washington Post: Here’s exactly how your diet affects the planet, a landmark study finds The Report: The environmental footprint of global food production
Amazon Tipping Points. Read an article about the report in Mongabay: The Amazon will reach tipping point if current trend of deforestation continues Read the report by Red Amazónica de Información Socioambiental Georreferenciada (RAISG) here: Amazonia against the clock: Regional assessment on where and how to protect 80% by 2025
Climate Pledges - US Utilities. The Sierra Club has released a report detailing the lack of progress in the US for drawing down emissions. Read an article about the report from The Texas Tribune: Texas Indigenous leaders target banks in fight against natural gas export terminals in Rio Grande Valley Read the report: The Dirty Truth About Utility Climate Pledges Also, related to this the Indigenous Environmental Network has published a report on Climate Finance in anticipation of COP27. Find it here.
Sagebrush Loss & Conservation. An article about the report from High Country News: The West is losing 1.3 million acres of sagebrush steppe each year The Report: A Sagebrush Conservation Design to Proactively Restore America’s Sagebrush Biome
Microplastics on Israel's Coast. An article about the Report from The Times of Israel: More than 2 million tons of microplastics pollute Israel’s coast, say researchers. The report: Mediterranean microplastic contamination: Israel's coastline contributions
No New Fossil Fuels. New fossil fuels ‘incompatible’ with 1.5C goal, comprehensive analysis finds. This article from Carbon Brief details new studies to show "here is a “large consensus” across all published studies that developing new oil and gas fields is “incompatible” with the 1.5C target" The main report, from International Institute for Sustainable Development aligns with a previous report from EIA and findings of the UN IPCC.
Plastics. An excellent webinar from Beyond Plastics continues their great work in talking about the environmental and health problems that come with plastic and the fracking practices of production. Check out the webinar Fracked Plastics: Petrochemical, Policy & Public Health which speaks to the problem of plastics, and concerns especially for the new plant under construction in Pennsylvania.
Entertainment Industry, USC Annenberg has published a study of climate change as depicted in the entertainment industry. Read their breakdown and conclusion, A Glaring Absence: The Climate Crisis is Virtually Nonexistent in Scripted Entertainment, as well as the full report.
The WWF, World Wildlife Foundation, Living Planet Report is out, and the news is bad. Our species are in freefall. Read the report. And also this great explainer from The Guardian. Animal populations experience average decline of almost 70% since 1970, report reveals.Entertainment Industry, USC Annenberg has published a study of climate change as depicted in the entertainment industry. Read their breakdown and conclusion, A Glaring Absence: The Climate Crisis is Virtually Nonexistent in Scripted Entertainment, as well as the full report.
Ecosystem Restoration for People, Nature and Climate, a new report from UN Climate. The report covers what is happening in ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, urban areas, mountains and more, as well as why restoration is necessary.
Oil Leases in Congo. A new report has bubbled up (I could not find a direct link to this report, does anyone have that?) that further speaks to the problems posed by increased oil and gas leases in the Congo. Indigenous peoples are speaking out against the sales, and the CFR has a pretty good explainer.
Oil Companies and massive expansion. A new report from Global Energy Tracker shows oil companies around the world are moving ahead with massive expansion projects.“This report shows that some of the world’s biggest consumers of fossil fuels are doubling down on oil, even as the climate crisis intensifies. And for governments endorsing these new pipelines, the report shows an almost deliberate failure to meet climate goals.” Baird Langenbrunner, Researcher and briefing author. More about this also in the Guardian.
Russia and Energy: A deep Dive. While this isn’t technically published as a report, it is darn helpful and in depth reporting from Carbon Brief with information and links covering Russia’s energy sector.
World Hunger Crisis. Again, not strictly a report but a ton of links and information about hunger in 2022, hot spots and the effects of climate change and the war on Ukraine on global hunger from the World Food Programme.
National Evangelical Association With the recent statement by the NEA that creation is a Christian concern came a report with a lot of information around the Evangelical view of the changing climate, and especially the Evangelical perspectives for the Biblical Basis for Christian Engagement. A helpful resource.
From the UN & World Meteorological Organization The 2022 'United in Science' report with a rundown of where we are according to global scientists. Find Key Take-aways here. (such as that ocean temperatures over the last 5 years have been higher than any previous 5 year period on record) Find the Report here.
Oxfam - Hunger Oxfam released its newest report, Hunger in a heating world: How the climate crisis is fuelling hunger in an already hungry world detailing how hunger is growing on the earth's climate 'hotspots,' including Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Guatemala, Haiti, Kenya, Madagascar, Niger, Somalia and Zimbabwe. Download Briefs in English, Spanish, and/or French. This article from The Guardian also has more general information from and about the report.
New Resource from World Council of Churches: A third edition, actually, of Cooler Earth. It's filled with great multi-denominational info: "This document can be of interest to a broad variety of readers (see Chapter Six for a good overview):
decision-makers in churches, heads of finance, and synod members
specialized ministries
heads of child/youth ministries
ecumenical sister agencies
child-focused organization
UN agencies
intefaith partners
youth groups (a summary for young audiences is available here.)
IPCC Report: Impacts Assessment 2022: The Working Group II contribution to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report assesses the impacts of climate change, looking at ecosystems, biodiversity, and human communities at global and regional levels. It also reviews vulnerabilities and the capacities and limits of the natural world and human societies to adapt to climate change.
Global Fossil Fuel Registry: A new public database online tracks a fossil fuel registry of emissions and reserves. Information about the registry here.
Resources
There’s lots of overlap, but here are some collected resources:
Climate Impacts - Presentations by state. EcoAmerica continues to offer great resources for information to-hand. Find here list of ready-to-go presentations breaking down climate impacts for every state.
Human Health and Climate. Find also from EcoAmerica resources titled Climate Rx, which offers articles that give information as to the health effects from climate and climate-caused health concerns and issues.
Net-Zero Toolkit for congregations. The Scottish Episcopal Church has released its new updated Net-Zero toolkit. Here is the announcement about the Toolkit, here is a more detailed article with more information about how local churches can use the toolkit, a more direct link to the brass tacks about the toolkit, as well as the Net-Zero Scottish Episcopal Church action plan (PDF).
Creation Minute. A video resource from Rev. Dr. Bob and Anita Dygert-Gearheart, who last year authored a creation justice curriculum Wake Up World, available online and at Cokesbury. From Anita: “"A MINUTE FOR MOTHER EARTH"! Each month you will receive four free video clips—just 60–90 seconds long—to help your congregation recognize God’s call in the midst of climate-related issues.” Contact Anita to sign up adygertgearheart@hotmail.com See a sample video here.
Love your mother - a lovely boost in Earthbeat for the book Love Your Mother by Episcopalian and Environmental Educator Mallory Duff. The book features the stories of 50 Women Change-Makers for Climate Justice.
Climate and Faith - Steps to Take. Blessed Tomorrow has a few resources worth looking at, and today I want to mention a fact-sheet spelling out 5 Steps to Climate Communication, and a guide publication. Moving Forward: A Guide to Climate Action For Your Congregation and Community
Climate Hazard and other Real-Time Interactive Map. This is a WOW tool from Climate.gov, the CMRA, or Climate Mapping for Resilience and Adaptation, It tracks climate-related hazards in real time across the US.
NOAA Voices - Oral History Archives. Another WOW resource, this one is a library of oral histories, it's just filled with listenable stories archived from Elder Samoan Fishermen, the Deepwater Horizon disaster, and so much more.
Climate Curriculum Grades 6-12 from Yale Communications. You can download tools and lesson plans free, only a sign up is required. This is not faith-based, but it can be so helpful to have information from a trusted source you can modify or explore with your youth group.
Opinion Surveys from Yale Climate Communications. A great resource for looking up what folks are thinking in your parish and beyond. This tool generates factsheets about what folks think about Global Warming and Renewable Investment.
Climate Denial Help. An app! For your youth, and my boomer husband is also enjoying it. It's a teaching game called Cranky Uncle. The app walks you through disinformation practice as poor Uncle gets crankier and crankier. It's fun, and a great tool for talking to the cranky amongst us.
United Church of Canada takes on the latest realities of the 6th IPCC report with a call to action for Earth Week April 16 - 23. Resources and ideas for the week are here: Together for the Love of Creation: Earth Week 2023
Earth Day Sunday Resources from Creation Justice Ministries. Downloadable here: Sowing Seeds - 2023 Earth Day Sunday Resource.
Track Emissions in real time. World Emissions Clock This is a tool that shows you emissions now and in the future, you can adjust the calculator to show you emissions from different countries and in different sectors. Fabulous tool! Read about the tool Tracking emissions by country and sector
Creation Justice worship resources for use between Easter and Pentecost in 2023 called “New Life is Breaking Forth” from the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement. The series focuses on lectionary gospel texts for inspiration and provides resources for planning your Earth Sunday worship, an Eastertide series of services, and/or other coordinated events.
Seasons of Creation for 2023. Getting ready! A new theme for 2023 was announced, Let Justice and Peace Flow, with a onepager available in different languages.
Carbon Fast for Lent, Climate Stewards (USA version) (UK version)
Christianity and Climate Change, a video series with study guide, by Tearfund Canada
Small group curriculum: Now in print, Rev. Bob and Anita Dygert-Gearheart, Climate Crisis Curriculum for people of faith is now in print! Learn more about the authors, Wake Up, Take Heart: A Creation Care Study for the Local Church Find Wake Up World online and in print at Barnes and Noble and Cokesbury!
Lent Reflections/Resources from eco-congregation Scotland: From the Tree to the Tree: major reflections
Lent ideas. A Rocha has suggestions for A Greener Lent 2023. This download is a simple one-pager with do-able ideas for congregations, find it here.
Congregation Curriculum Intergenerational activities for Creation Care, Harmony, is a curriculum for engaging youth and the whole congregation, written by Rev. Crystal Paul-Watson and her mother Lavanda Paul. Find on Barnes and Noble and at Cokesbury.
Faith Centered Guides for Conversation and Action. These aren't reports so much as resources for congregations and faith based organizations, but they are comprehensive enough that I'm putting them in the report category as well. Read an article from Earthbeat about the guides: Two guides issued at COP15 help faith groups regrow forests, restore environment. The COP15 they are referring to here is the COP15 Biodiversity Conference in December 2022, confusing, I know. But these are fresh and ready to be incorporated into studies, curriculums and sermons. One guide from WWF, the UN and more centers forest restoration, Tree growing for conservation and ecosystem restoration: A guide for faith-based actors. The other comes from The Center for Earth Ethics, Values, Culture and Spirituality: Ecosystems Restoration Conversation Guide
Trace a raindrop: Seriously, this is the coolest thing I have seen in a while. The River Runner interactive map lets you 'Click to drop a raindrop anywhere in the contiguous United States and watch where it ends up'. There is also an international version.
Spotlight on Agroforestry. There's some really great reporting out there and Mongabay has a series on Agroforestry that is worth adding to your resource and reading list.
Faithful Stewardship Tips - A newsletter through the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement features accessible, congregation-friendly Creation Justice tips each month for bulletins and more. You can find the gathered tips online also, as a resource or regular inbox mailing.
Global Religions - Eco-focus. I've posted this link before, but it's one of those where reminders are great. At the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology you can find a list of bloggers and writers from across the world sharing green, ecological teachings and contexts.
What are Atmospheric Rivers? NOAA has your answer. Atmospheric Rivers: What are they and how does NOAA study them?
The Climate Impact of Your Neighborhood, Mapped. A visual representation that answers the question: what do emissions look like where you live? (Paywall)
Learn about your watershed, from the USGS, as well as find your local waterway from the EPA.
Climate Reality Trained Leaders, check out the HUB for toolkits and resources for COP27. Already there is a great set posted in the 'Climate Reality Leaders' thread, focused on Australia and the Pacific, including an explainer and curated slidedeck.
24 Hours of Reality - recordings! Good snippets and stories to encourage you and help you tell the story of climate action. This year's featured stories and solutions to the climate crisis featured folks familiar to the Climate Cafe Multifaith, including Justin J. Pearson and Gary Reusche. View all recordings on the global solutions page.
A neat little Heat Pump Explainer in English and Spanish from the Sierra Club includes information and downloadable materials.
Electrify Now has great webinars on all things electrification, their youtube page has a library of past events, a trove of fantastic information from water heaters to carbon sequestration.
Emissions Tracker. A new tool launched to track emissions from top emission sites, 72,000 of the top emitters, including gasfields, landfills, airports and more .Al Gore helped launch a global emissions tracker that keeps big polluters honest Find the climate trace map here.
Gas leaks - all the emissions are bad enough, but everywhere there are leaks. Pipelines everywhere are leaking for all sorts of reasons, and not just the big pipelines, pipelines through cities and towns, too. This article lists different reports: States are spending billions to stem gas leaks, it's not working.
Find reports here that are archived from my Weekly(ish) at JustCreation.org. Reports here are from 2022 & 2023, find reports archived from 2024 here.
Just a reminder, these links are mostly third-party. The goal here is to amplify the effort of many and learn more together. Links are not endorsements.