Reposted by Joe ThwaitesClimate Defiance @climatedefiance.bsky.social · 24/09/2026HUGE UPDATE: we halted Amazon's panel at Climate Week. We shut it down so hard that every guest and every speaker had to leave the premises. No one was able to return. Their whole event lasted less time than their warehouse workers' pee break. 25751257
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesCenter for Global Development @cgdev.org · 09/09/2026Climate finance rules still rely on country classifications set in 1992. But do they reflect today’s realities? New CGD research finds nine major emerging economies account for around 30% of GHG emissions since 1850, challenging the traditional developed/developing divide. go.cgdev.org/3VkBkHKcgdev.orgNot Fit for Purpose: Why Climate Classifications of Developed and Developing Countries Have to ChangeOur new research presents a comparative analysis of historical emissions from numerous datasets using different measures of emissions, different classifications of developed and developing countries, ... 011
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesJoe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 28/07/2026To complement the tracker, my new @nrdc.org piece examines recent developments in international public #climatefinance including: 📊New reporting 🏦What's going on at MDBs and climate funds 🌏Adaptation finance 💸Recent country pledges It's a mixed bag, with reasons for concern but also areas of hope.nrdc.orgMidway Through a Tumultuous 2026, Where Do We Stand on International Public Climate Finance?Climate finance is in a period of flux, but there are pathways to scaling up funding to meet the moment. 011
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 28/07/2026To complement the tracker, my new @nrdc.org piece examines recent developments in international public #climatefinance including: 📊New reporting 🏦What's going on at MDBs and climate funds 🌏Adaptation finance 💸Recent country pledges It's a mixed bag, with reasons for concern but also areas of hope.nrdc.orgMidway Through a Tumultuous 2026, Where Do We Stand on International Public Climate Finance?Climate finance is in a period of flux, but there are pathways to scaling up funding to meet the moment. 011
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesJoe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 27/07/2026Confused about #climatefinance? Our new resource @nrdc.org provides a snapshot of progress towards the four globally agreed goals: 1️⃣$1.3tn all intl flows by 2035 2️⃣$300bn mobilized by 2035 3️⃣3x #UNFCCC fund outflows by 2030 4️⃣3x adaptation finance by 2035 We'll update with new data as it comes out.nrdc.orgInternational Climate Finance Goals TrackerThis tracker collates data on progress toward the four globally agreed-upon climate finance goals. 175
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 27/07/2026Confused about #climatefinance? Our new resource @nrdc.org provides a snapshot of progress towards the four globally agreed goals: 1️⃣$1.3tn all intl flows by 2035 2️⃣$300bn mobilized by 2035 3️⃣3x #UNFCCC fund outflows by 2030 4️⃣3x adaptation finance by 2035 We'll update with new data as it comes out.nrdc.orgInternational Climate Finance Goals TrackerThis tracker collates data on progress toward the four globally agreed-upon climate finance goals. 175
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesEd Zitron @edzitron.com · 07/07/2026Today’s free newsletter has a very simple message: The AI industry can not (and will not) be bailed out - AI is not too big to fail, OpenAI is not AIG, this is not 2008, and all of this is nothing like the Dot Com Bubble. And when it fails, we must let AI burn. www.wheresyoured.at/let-ai-burn/wheresyoured.atLet AI BurnIf you liked this piece, you should subscribe to my premium newsletter. It’s $70 a year, or $7 a month, and in return you get a weekly newsletter that’s usually anywhere from 5,000 to 18,000 words, in... 331658429
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesGrantham Research Institute at LSE @granthamlse.bsky.social · 23/06/2026We regret that our event on Extreme Heat: Improving governance and strengthening action around the world has been cancelled due to the red extreme heat warning issued by the UK Met Office. Our apologies to everyone who was planning to attend the event. 7719981152
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 24/03/2026@nrdc.org and @e3g.bsky.social have launched a tracker for countries' multiyear climate finance commitments to developing countries. We'll be updating it regularly as new pledges come in, and hope it can be a useful resource for govts, media and civil society.nrdc.orgClimate Finance Commitments TrackerThis new tool keeps tabs on countries’ multiyear climate finance commitments. 192
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesWilton Park @wiltonpark.bsky.social · 03/02/2026💬 ‘They have this amazing capacity and expertise for managing the world’s oceans.’ Ruth Davis on why small island developing states (SIDS) are key to building healthier oceans around the world. 🤝 @odi.global I UK FCDO I RESI #biodiversity #conservation 023
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesLeo Hickman @leohickman.carbonbrief.org · 23/01/2026I've attended many climate COPs over the years and it seems some nations... *cough* ...are very well versed indeed in this now-declassified "Simple Sabotage Field Manual" first issued by the CIA in 1944 57228
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesChris Aylett @chrisaylett.bsky.social · 14/11/2025China has little incentive to position itself as a climate leader and risk assuming 'climate finance' obligations But China is still channelling large sums into climate-relevant projects around the world @katelogan.bsky.social + Lily Hartzell explain backchannel1.substack.com/p/chinas-del...backchannel1.substack.comChina’s Delicate Dance on Climate FinanceWhen it comes to China’s role in accelerating climate finance and the global clean energy transition, the world is grappling with several competing realities. 163
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 09/12/2025The more finance, the sooner, the better. Although the deadline is a decade away and the baseline may not be settled, rich countries can’t be complacent and must immediately get to work scaling up their support for adaptation. Colleagues @worldresources.bsky.social mapped out ways to do this:wri.orgReaching $120 Billion in International Adaptation Finance Is Possible — Here’s What It TakesAs COP30 triples the adaptation finance goal to $120 billion, we explore what banks, governments and private finance must do to meet it by 2035. 070
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 09/12/2025Recognising this, the goal calls for increasing the trajectory of adaptation finance provision. This addresses an issue of previous climate finance goals where funding grew slowly before jumping as the deadline loomed. Hockey stick graphs are not usually good in climate! @michaelemann.bsky.social 130
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 09/12/2025Both options would lead to a higher share of adaptation finance as part of the $300B goal in 2035 (~32% or ~41%) compared to its share of climate finance under the $100B goal in 2022 (28% of $115.9B). They're also well above projected 2030 levels. In short, the new goal requires increase from BAU. 130
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 09/12/2025The decision doesn't specify a baseline year. Likely options are 2022 (latest reporting year) or 2025 (end of prior doubling goal and year decision adopted). 2022 levels: $32.4Bx3=$97B 2025 figures aren't due til 2027. They'll likely be higher than 2022. If the doubling goal is met: ~$40Bx3=$120B 130
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 09/12/2025The new #adaptationfinance goal complements the international climate finance goals (NCQG) agreed at COP29 last year. Because it was set within the framework of the #NCQG, developed countries take the lead, all #MDB outflows can count, and other countries are encouraged to contribute voluntarily.nrdc.orgInternational Climate Finance Goals: Where Are We, Where Do We Need to Be, and How Do We Get There?Nearly a year since governments agreed on a set of new international climate finance goals, here’s an assessment of progress and what COP30 needs to deliver to keep on track. 130
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 09/12/2025Some thoughts on the new #adaptation #climatefinance goal agreed @cop30brazil.bsky.social: It wasn’t the 2030 goal that developing countries wanted, but it does address the concern that adaptation finance would stagnate after 2025, when the previous Glasgow goal of doubling from 2019 levels is due🧵 182
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 05/12/2025One for @edzitron.com from @darrencullen.bsky.social www.spellingmistakescostlives.com/single-post/...spellingmistakescostlives.comCHATGPT MAGIC-8 BALLAfter much research and development I have finally made an offline version of ChatGPT. Now you can save water and electricity while carrying one of the world's most powerfully annoying AI chatbots in ... 020
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesNRDC @nrdc.org · 26/11/2025#COP30 saw new 2035 climate targets, boosted adaptation funding, increased support for transitioning away from fossil fuels, and more progress on forest protection. It’s time to put these commitments into action. on.nrdc.org/4rodmHinrdc.orgCOP30: World Continues to Take Action on ClimateEven with some bumps along the way, countries across the globe rallied behind the need to accelerate the transition toward a climate-resilient, fossil fuel–free, prosperous economy. 0106
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesEd King @ed-king.bsky.social · 04/11/2025Yes, budgets are tight but Europe cannot afford to fail on #climate finance at #COP30, writes former German diplomat Norbert Gorissen... backchannel1.substac... 032
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesProject Syndicate @projectsyndicate.bsky.social · 14/11/2025Climate finance is not charity; it is one of the most powerful investments that one can make in sovereignty, energy security, equity, and future competitiveness, @gwagner.com explains. bit.ly/3LKPLjzbit.lyHow to Measure Climate ProgressGernot Wagner thinks tackling the problem is justified on social and economic grounds, not existential ones. 0124
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesJoe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 14/11/20252035 might seem like a long way off, but the institutional reforms, development of revenue mechanisms, and investment planning must begin now if we're to stay on track. Governments need to be clear about what they want to do to keep up momentum to deliver $1.3 trillion.nrdc.orgInternational Climate Finance Goals: Where Are We, Where Do We Need to Be, and How Do We Get There?Nearly a year since governments agreed on a set of new international climate finance goals, here’s an assessment of progress and what COP30 needs to deliver to keep on track. 011
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesJoe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 14/11/2025The AGF experience shows what happens when governments fail to build a good process to take forward ideas to raise finance. $1.3tn is a much bigger goal, so this time we can't let this process peter out. The Roadmap is not perfect but it's a good basis to craft a balanced process to scale finance. 131
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesMattias Söderberg @matsod.bsky.social · 15/11/2025We should learn from history! Thanks @joethwaites.bsky.social for the good reminder. The new "Baku to Belem Roadmap" must be followed up, so that it becomes possible to scale up the funding. I hope for a decision at #COP30 021
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 14/11/20252035 might seem like a long way off, but the institutional reforms, development of revenue mechanisms, and investment planning must begin now if we're to stay on track. Governments need to be clear about what they want to do to keep up momentum to deliver $1.3 trillion.nrdc.orgInternational Climate Finance Goals: Where Are We, Where Do We Need to Be, and How Do We Get There?Nearly a year since governments agreed on a set of new international climate finance goals, here’s an assessment of progress and what COP30 needs to deliver to keep on track. 011
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 14/11/2025The AGF experience shows what happens when governments fail to build a good process to take forward ideas to raise finance. $1.3tn is a much bigger goal, so this time we can't let this process peter out. The Roadmap is not perfect but it's a good basis to craft a balanced process to scale finance. 131
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 14/11/2025At COP29, a new set of climate finance goals were agreed. The CMA asked the COP29 and 30 Presidencies 🇦🇿&🇧🇷 to produce a Baku to Belem Roadmap to $1.3T to set out how this new goal can be met. The Roadmap was released last week and the big question @cop30brazil.bsky.social is what will happen now?unfccc.intBaku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T | UNFCCCPlease use this shareable version responsibly. Consider sharing in a digital format before printing onto paper. 120
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 14/11/2025The AGF's 2010 report put forward a swathe of ideas, including solidarity levies on shipping and aviation. COP16 "took note" of the report and then...nothing. No systematic effort to follow up any of the recommendations. Fast forward to 2020 and developed countries fell short of the $100bn goal. 140
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 14/11/2025History doesn't repeat, but it rhymes, a #climatefinance story: After the $100bn climate finance goal was agreed in 2009, the UN Secretary General created a High-Level Advisory Group on Climate Change Financing (AGF) to study potential sources of revenue to meet the new goal, led by the PMs of 🇪🇹&🇳🇴web.archive.orgHigh-Level Advisory Group on Climate Change Financing - Final Report 1157
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesDamian Carrington @dpcarrington.bsky.social · 14/11/2025China and Saudi Arabia among nations receiving climate loans, analysis reveals - Investigation by Guardian and @carbonbrief.org finds just a fifth of funds to fight global heating went to poorest 44 countries #COP30 #climatecrisis www.theguardian.com/global-devel...theguardian.comChina and Saudi Arabia among nations receiving climate loans, analysis revealsInvestigation by Guardian and Carbon Brief finds just a fifth of funds to fight global heating went to poorest 44 countries 0129
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesJonathan Beynon @jonathanbeynon.bsky.social · 14/11/2025If you thought that climate change was all the fault of 'developed' countries, think again! That's NOT what data on GHG emissions since 1850 actually suggests. Old distinctions between developed and developing countries are no longer fit for purpose. Time to move on. www.cgdev.org/blog/emissio...cgdev.orgEmissions Myth-Buster: We All Know That Developed Countries Are Responsible for Climate Change, Right? Wrong!The belief that developed countries are primarily responsible for climate change runs deep. UNFCCC climate negotiations—which have been characterized by deep divisions between “developed” and “develop... 013
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesJosh Gabbatiss @joshgabbatiss.bsky.social · 13/11/2025Analysis by @joethwaites.bsky.social concludes this would mean a steep acceleration in the growth rate of adaptation finance Developing countries ideally want this to be grant-based finance, so that would mean e.g. more development aid going to climate adaptation projects bsky.app/profile/joet... 031
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesJosh Gabbatiss @joshgabbatiss.bsky.social · 13/11/2025An influential team called the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance has laid out what it calls an "entirely feasible path" to mobilising $1.3tn by 2035. This was the aspirational goal agreed at last year's COP. Half of the finance in their pathway comes from the private sector. 13517
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 12/11/2025g) Finally, the option to quantify the #ParisAgreement Art 9.4 aim for "balance" as 50:50 adaptation:mitigation. Assuming the current proportion of public finance in the $300bn as in the $100bn (80%, $240bn), this would mean $120bn in 2035. Very similar to tripling 2025 levels by 2035! 020
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 12/11/2025Then there's other tripling formulations: c) Tripling 2022 levels (i.e. latest data) by 2030: lower baseline year, lower goal d) Tripling 2025 levels by 2035: allowing a decade rather than five years e) & f) Including private mobilized finance leads to ~$10bn higher goals in the delivery year. 110
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 12/11/2025a) Tripling the 2025 doubling by 2030 requires a 25% annual growth rate in #adaptation finance, well above the 15% seen between 2019 and 2022. b) Continuing the 15% historic growth rate gets $77bn in 2030, then $157bn by 2035 due to compounding effects. Probably unlikely given political situations 110
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 12/11/2025Countries at #COP30 are discussing a potential new #adaptationfinance goal. I've updated the calculations from our August blog on potential options - removing some scenarios that haven't gained traction and adding others that have. 174
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesNRDC @nrdc.org · 03/11/2025International climate finance drives climate action, but current efforts fall short of supporting developing countries as they transition and adapt to climate change. At COP30 later this month, world leaders must strengthen climate investments to secure a livable future. nrdc.orgInternational Climate Finance Goals: Where Are We, Where Do We Need to Be, and How Do We Get There?Nearly a year since governments agreed on a set of new international climate finance goals, here’s an assessment of progress and what COP30 needs to deliver to keep on track. 0123
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesMichael E. Mann @michaelemann.bsky.social · 31/10/2025"You can’t reboot the planet if you crash it" | My commentary on Bill Gates' flawed new climate missive for @thebulletin.org: thebulletin.org/2025/10/you-...thebulletin.orgYou can’t reboot the planet if you crash itWhat Gates is putting forward aren’t legitimate arguments that can be made in good faith. They are shopworn fossil fuel industry talking points. 591160448
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesTim Baxter @timinclimate.naruresearch.com.au · 30/10/2025I quite enjoyed a lot of the takedowns of Bill Gates' EA brain snap on climate. It is really deadassed in a number of ways. But no-one mentioned the most important thing. He isn't *just* full of shit. He knows he is full of shit. I can prove it: timinclimate.medium.com/even-bill-ga...timinclimate.medium.comEven Bill Gates knows he is full of shitDid you hear about that “one low-income country set out to cut emissions by banning synthetic fertilizers”? 1523688
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesKetan Joshi @ketanjoshi.co · 29/10/2025notes on gatesnotes, in a thread "A new way to look at the problem" - er, no, he's been running this line for DECADES On the headline: you can absolutely guarantee anyone presenting themselves as telling tough, hard truths is about to deliver some self-aggrandising nonsense 20642190
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 29/10/2025Ahead of #COP30, where are we on the three quantified international climate finance goals agreed at #COP29 last year? I review progress and assess what needs to happen to stay on track here:nrdc.orgInternational Climate Finance Goals: Where Are We, Where Do We Need to Be, and How Do We Get There?Nearly a year since governments agreed on a set of new international climate finance goals, here’s an assessment of progress and what COP30 needs to deliver to keep on track. 052
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesNRDC @nrdc.org · 16/09/2025For decades, Robert Redford lent his voice to protecting wild places and clean air and water and fighting against climate change. He brought environmental issues into the cultural spotlight and inspired generations to act. Thank you, Bob. 💚 04717
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesJake Schmidt - NRDC @jakeschmidt.bsky.social · 04/09/2025What Could a New Adaptation Finance Goal Look Like? At COP30 countries should set an int'l adaptation finance goal. Here is analysis of the 7 potential scenarios that have been proposed. www.nrdc.org/bio/joe-thwa... from @joethwaites.bsky.social @adellethomas.bsky.social 022
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 28/08/2025The #COP21 goal to double provision of adaptation finance is due this year. Heading into #COP30, governments are considering what could come next. In this @nrdc.org piece, @adellethomas.bsky.social and I explore seven potential options for a new adaptation finance goal: www.nrdc.org/bio/joe-thwa...nrdc.orgWhat Could a New Adaptation Finance Goal Look Like?Exploring seven potential scenarios for a new climate adaptation finance goal. 012
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesAlbert Pinto @70sbachchan.bsky.social · 29/07/2025why is the so IMF passive aggressive about countries doing industrial policy ? title a report "Handle with Care" jeeeeez check out these questions for naughty countries! @nathanlane.bsky.social @jwmason.bsky.social imf.org/en/Publicati... 072
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 23/07/2025Lots of commentary on the #ICJ advisory opinion on obligations of States in respect of #climate change. One thing I haven't seen discussed yet, which could have major implications for climate negotiations where developed or developing country status is key to so many obligations, is para 226: 1197
Joe Thwaites @joethwaites.bsky.social · 17/07/2025Tom Evans @globalsolidaritylevies.org and I were recently on @chathamhouse.org's Climate Briefing podcast to talk about the 4th Financing for Development conference, solidarity levies, and the Baku to Belém Roadmap to $1.3 trillion #climatefinance Listen here: www.chathamhouse.org/2025/07/clim...chathamhouse.orgThe Climate Briefing: FFD4, solidarity levies and the Baku to Belém RoadmapAnna Åberg and Ruth Townend speak to Joe Thwaites and Tom Evans to explore the most important questions and issues around climate finance. 010
Reposted by Joe ThwaitesDavid McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 28/06/2025I wrote a piece for @the-independent.com on the future of development policy. focus on 👉🏿 goals not budgets 👉🏿mutual interest not charity 👉🏿universal values not preaching www.independent.co.uk/voices/aid-b... #ffd4 #acm25independent.co.ukGlobal aid is about more than money and charity – it helps us allThe world has done extraordinary things when we’ve had a vision to match our resources, writes David McNair 052