Simon Evans
@drsimevans.carbonbrief.org
Press Gazette energy & envt journalist of the year 2022
Press Awards envt journalist of the year 2025 (shortlisted)
Deputy Editor + Senior Policy Editor Carbon Brief
https://bsky.app/profile/carbonbrief.org
carbonbrief.org
simon.evans@carbonbrief.org
Press Awards envt journalist of the year 2025 (shortlisted)
Deputy Editor + Senior Policy Editor Carbon Brief
https://bsky.app/profile/carbonbrief.org
carbonbrief.org
simon.evans@carbonbrief.org
#COP30 opening speech: President Lula called for a roadmap away from fossil fuels
"We need roadmaps that will enable humankind, in a fair & planned manner, to overcome its dependence on fossil fuels, halt & reverse deforestation, & mobilise resources to achieve these goals."
"We need roadmaps that will enable humankind, in a fair & planned manner, to overcome its dependence on fossil fuels, halt & reverse deforestation, & mobilise resources to achieve these goals."
November 11, 2025 at 9:25 AM
#COP30 opening speech: President Lula called for a roadmap away from fossil fuels
"We need roadmaps that will enable humankind, in a fair & planned manner, to overcome its dependence on fossil fuels, halt & reverse deforestation, & mobilise resources to achieve these goals."
"We need roadmaps that will enable humankind, in a fair & planned manner, to overcome its dependence on fossil fuels, halt & reverse deforestation, & mobilise resources to achieve these goals."
COP30 agenda fight averted: Yesterday, COP pres André Corrêa do Lago used opening plenary to explain how a truce was reached
Presidency will consult on 4 key issues:
* Finance
* Trade
* 1.5C ambition
* Emissions reporting
He will update in plenary on Wed
Presidency will consult on 4 key issues:
* Finance
* Trade
* 1.5C ambition
* Emissions reporting
He will update in plenary on Wed
November 11, 2025 at 8:34 AM
COP30 agenda fight averted: Yesterday, COP pres André Corrêa do Lago used opening plenary to explain how a truce was reached
Presidency will consult on 4 key issues:
* Finance
* Trade
* 1.5C ambition
* Emissions reporting
He will update in plenary on Wed
Presidency will consult on 4 key issues:
* Finance
* Trade
* 1.5C ambition
* Emissions reporting
He will update in plenary on Wed
Interesting to see the LDCs (Least Developed Countries) still supporting two of the issues behind the averted COP30 agenda fight:
* Agenda item on climate finance from developed countries ("Art. 9.1")
* Substantive outcome to "keep 1.5C on track"
www.ldc-climate.org/...
* Agenda item on climate finance from developed countries ("Art. 9.1")
* Substantive outcome to "keep 1.5C on track"
www.ldc-climate.org/...
November 11, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Interesting to see the LDCs (Least Developed Countries) still supporting two of the issues behind the averted COP30 agenda fight:
* Agenda item on climate finance from developed countries ("Art. 9.1")
* Substantive outcome to "keep 1.5C on track"
www.ldc-climate.org/...
* Agenda item on climate finance from developed countries ("Art. 9.1")
* Substantive outcome to "keep 1.5C on track"
www.ldc-climate.org/...
COP29 president Mukhtar Babayev has just officially handed the baton over to COP30 president André Corrêa do Lago
November 10, 2025 at 1:52 PM
COP29 president Mukhtar Babayev has just officially handed the baton over to COP30 president André Corrêa do Lago
UPDATE 10 Nov: Two further items have been proposed for the COP30 agenda
* Zimbabwe wants a discussion on climate and health
* Kyrgyzstan wants to talk about climate and mountains
Don't forget you can track these updates via our Text Tracker
www.carbonbrief.org/interactive-...
* Zimbabwe wants a discussion on climate and health
* Kyrgyzstan wants to talk about climate and mountains
Don't forget you can track these updates via our Text Tracker
www.carbonbrief.org/interactive-...
November 10, 2025 at 9:18 AM
UPDATE 10 Nov: Two further items have been proposed for the COP30 agenda
* Zimbabwe wants a discussion on climate and health
* Kyrgyzstan wants to talk about climate and mountains
Don't forget you can track these updates via our Text Tracker
www.carbonbrief.org/interactive-...
* Zimbabwe wants a discussion on climate and health
* Kyrgyzstan wants to talk about climate and mountains
Don't forget you can track these updates via our Text Tracker
www.carbonbrief.org/interactive-...
I should have mentioned – you can keep track of COP30 documents as they are published via our text tracker:
www.carbonbrief.org/interactive-...
11/10
www.carbonbrief.org/interactive-...
11/10
November 9, 2025 at 9:01 PM
I should have mentioned – you can keep track of COP30 documents as they are published via our text tracker:
www.carbonbrief.org/interactive-...
11/10
www.carbonbrief.org/interactive-...
11/10
Finally, EU wants to discuss “reporting under Art 13”, which is where countries report their emissions and what they’re doing to cut them
Many developing countries have yet to do this as required…suspect this a way to put on them in response to calls for more finance…
9/
Many developing countries have yet to do this as required…suspect this a way to put on them in response to calls for more finance…
9/
November 9, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Finally, EU wants to discuss “reporting under Art 13”, which is where countries report their emissions and what they’re doing to cut them
Many developing countries have yet to do this as required…suspect this a way to put on them in response to calls for more finance…
9/
Many developing countries have yet to do this as required…suspect this a way to put on them in response to calls for more finance…
9/
Then, small island states (AOSIS) want to discuss how to “accelerate implementation & drive ambition toward 1.5C”
They say current stocktake ("GST") cycle of checking progress every 5yrs is too slow & want a new “process” (they suggest various options for this)
8/
They say current stocktake ("GST") cycle of checking progress every 5yrs is too slow & want a new “process” (they suggest various options for this)
8/
November 9, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Then, small island states (AOSIS) want to discuss how to “accelerate implementation & drive ambition toward 1.5C”
They say current stocktake ("GST") cycle of checking progress every 5yrs is too slow & want a new “process” (they suggest various options for this)
8/
They say current stocktake ("GST") cycle of checking progress every 5yrs is too slow & want a new “process” (they suggest various options for this)
8/
Next, Honduras, Suriname & PNG want to discuss finance to “reverse” deforestation…
…but confusingly, the proposed agenda item says it's about implementation of the "full global stocktake" agreed at COP28 (they just want a specific focus on cash for trees)
7/
…but confusingly, the proposed agenda item says it's about implementation of the "full global stocktake" agreed at COP28 (they just want a specific focus on cash for trees)
7/
November 9, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Next, Honduras, Suriname & PNG want to discuss finance to “reverse” deforestation…
…but confusingly, the proposed agenda item says it's about implementation of the "full global stocktake" agreed at COP28 (they just want a specific focus on cash for trees)
7/
…but confusingly, the proposed agenda item says it's about implementation of the "full global stocktake" agreed at COP28 (they just want a specific focus on cash for trees)
7/
LMDC proposal 2:
They also want to discuss "unilateral trade-restrictive measures" – such as EU's CBAM – which they say "increase cost of worldwide climate action" & "hinder" developing-country efforts. This has been around a while, but has never yet made it onto agenda.
6/
They also want to discuss "unilateral trade-restrictive measures" – such as EU's CBAM – which they say "increase cost of worldwide climate action" & "hinder" developing-country efforts. This has been around a while, but has never yet made it onto agenda.
6/
November 9, 2025 at 8:29 PM
LMDC proposal 2:
They also want to discuss "unilateral trade-restrictive measures" – such as EU's CBAM – which they say "increase cost of worldwide climate action" & "hinder" developing-country efforts. This has been around a while, but has never yet made it onto agenda.
6/
They also want to discuss "unilateral trade-restrictive measures" – such as EU's CBAM – which they say "increase cost of worldwide climate action" & "hinder" developing-country efforts. This has been around a while, but has never yet made it onto agenda.
6/
So, the LMDCs want to put the focus squarely on developed countries' obligation to provide finance, not only towards the $300bn, but an aspirational $1.3tn, too
Here's their justification for putting Art 9.1 on the agenda:
5/
Here's their justification for putting Art 9.1 on the agenda:
5/
November 9, 2025 at 8:29 PM
So, the LMDCs want to put the focus squarely on developed countries' obligation to provide finance, not only towards the $300bn, but an aspirational $1.3tn, too
Here's their justification for putting Art 9.1 on the agenda:
5/
Here's their justification for putting Art 9.1 on the agenda:
5/
LMDC proposal 1:
Art 9.1 says developed countries are obliged ("shall", see pic) to provide climate finance
COP29 agreed a new climate finance goal of $300bn/yr, but this was not directly linked to Art 9.1; instead, it allows for other sources, beyond developed-country cash
4/
Art 9.1 says developed countries are obliged ("shall", see pic) to provide climate finance
COP29 agreed a new climate finance goal of $300bn/yr, but this was not directly linked to Art 9.1; instead, it allows for other sources, beyond developed-country cash
4/
November 9, 2025 at 8:29 PM
LMDC proposal 1:
Art 9.1 says developed countries are obliged ("shall", see pic) to provide climate finance
COP29 agreed a new climate finance goal of $300bn/yr, but this was not directly linked to Art 9.1; instead, it allows for other sources, beyond developed-country cash
4/
Art 9.1 says developed countries are obliged ("shall", see pic) to provide climate finance
COP29 agreed a new climate finance goal of $300bn/yr, but this was not directly linked to Art 9.1; instead, it allows for other sources, beyond developed-country cash
4/
Agenda fights are on real issues, but may also be proxy battles or bargaining chips, where concessions can be traded
Let's dig in, first, 2x additions from the "Like-Minded Developing Countries", inc China, India, Saudis, Bolivia etc:
* finance ("Art. 9.1")
* trade
3/
Let's dig in, first, 2x additions from the "Like-Minded Developing Countries", inc China, India, Saudis, Bolivia etc:
* finance ("Art. 9.1")
* trade
3/
November 9, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Agenda fights are on real issues, but may also be proxy battles or bargaining chips, where concessions can be traded
Let's dig in, first, 2x additions from the "Like-Minded Developing Countries", inc China, India, Saudis, Bolivia etc:
* finance ("Art. 9.1")
* trade
3/
Let's dig in, first, 2x additions from the "Like-Minded Developing Countries", inc China, India, Saudis, Bolivia etc:
* finance ("Art. 9.1")
* trade
3/
#COP30 AGENDA FIGHT: Battle looms over which issues to discuss at COP30 (an "agenda fight")
Proposed late additions to agenda:
* trade
* finance
* deforestation
* ambition
* reporting
Hence, now on 4th version of agenda (!)
This must be resolved before negotiations begin 🧵
1/
Proposed late additions to agenda:
* trade
* finance
* deforestation
* ambition
* reporting
Hence, now on 4th version of agenda (!)
This must be resolved before negotiations begin 🧵
1/
November 9, 2025 at 8:29 PM
#COP30 AGENDA FIGHT: Battle looms over which issues to discuss at COP30 (an "agenda fight")
Proposed late additions to agenda:
* trade
* finance
* deforestation
* ambition
* reporting
Hence, now on 4th version of agenda (!)
This must be resolved before negotiations begin 🧵
1/
Proposed late additions to agenda:
* trade
* finance
* deforestation
* ambition
* reporting
Hence, now on 4th version of agenda (!)
This must be resolved before negotiations begin 🧵
1/
A reminder of what happened last time a UK govt tried to reduce bills by "cutting the green crap"
Analysis: Cutting the ‘green crap’ has added £22bn to UK energy bills since 2015
www.carbonbrief.org/...
Analysis: Cutting the ‘green crap’ has added £22bn to UK energy bills since 2015
www.carbonbrief.org/...
November 5, 2025 at 8:18 PM
A reminder of what happened last time a UK govt tried to reduce bills by "cutting the green crap"
Analysis: Cutting the ‘green crap’ has added £22bn to UK energy bills since 2015
www.carbonbrief.org/...
Analysis: Cutting the ‘green crap’ has added £22bn to UK energy bills since 2015
www.carbonbrief.org/...
Alongside the "carbon budget delivery plan", govt has put out a methane action plan, investor prospectus & response to CCC
I've compiled the key docs here:
docs.google.com/spre...
2/2
I've compiled the key docs here:
docs.google.com/spre...
2/2
October 29, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Alongside the "carbon budget delivery plan", govt has put out a methane action plan, investor prospectus & response to CCC
I've compiled the key docs here:
docs.google.com/spre...
2/2
I've compiled the key docs here:
docs.google.com/spre...
2/2
BREAKING: Govt has published a new plan to hit UK climate goals out to 2035
(Unlike prev govt's plans) it says it'll deliver **100%** of required reductions under the sixth carbon budget 2033-2037, 96% of the 2030 NDC and 99% of the 2035 NDC
We'll have full details tomorrow
1/2
(Unlike prev govt's plans) it says it'll deliver **100%** of required reductions under the sixth carbon budget 2033-2037, 96% of the 2030 NDC and 99% of the 2035 NDC
We'll have full details tomorrow
1/2
October 29, 2025 at 3:39 PM
BREAKING: Govt has published a new plan to hit UK climate goals out to 2035
(Unlike prev govt's plans) it says it'll deliver **100%** of required reductions under the sixth carbon budget 2033-2037, 96% of the 2030 NDC and 99% of the 2035 NDC
We'll have full details tomorrow
1/2
(Unlike prev govt's plans) it says it'll deliver **100%** of required reductions under the sixth carbon budget 2033-2037, 96% of the 2030 NDC and 99% of the 2035 NDC
We'll have full details tomorrow
1/2
A final, comical epilogue to all this is that govt updated its offshore wind load factors *in July* & it's been sitting online, in public view, ever since
But for (you can speculate), Telegraph thinks it's FRONTPAGE NEWS in October
www.gov.uk/government/p...
But for
www.gov.uk/government/p...
October 29, 2025 at 1:05 PM
A final, comical epilogue to all this is that govt updated its offshore wind load factors *in July* & it's been sitting online, in public view, ever since
But for (you can speculate), Telegraph thinks it's FRONTPAGE NEWS in October
www.gov.uk/government/p...
But for
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Porter's quote does not even feature in the print version of the article, which I guess might have saved her a few blushes?
October 29, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Porter's quote does not even feature in the print version of the article, which I guess might have saved her a few blushes?
But the only "expert" quoted by Telegraph in support of its claims is climate-sceptic "independent energy consultant" Kathryn Porter, who gets things completely wrong
Again, contrary to Porter, the updated assumption means govt can buy MORE capacity at upcoming auction, not less
Again, contrary to Porter, the updated assumption means govt can buy MORE capacity at upcoming auction, not less
October 29, 2025 at 1:05 PM
But the only "expert" quoted by Telegraph in support of its claims is climate-sceptic "independent energy consultant" Kathryn Porter, who gets things completely wrong
Again, contrary to Porter, the updated assumption means govt can buy MORE capacity at upcoming auction, not less
Again, contrary to Porter, the updated assumption means govt can buy MORE capacity at upcoming auction, not less
The Telegraph claims that this updated assumption means "higher subsidies" (false) & that the change will make it harder to meet govt targets (false, it will make it easier, because the auction can buy more capacity for the same "budget"), citing "experts"
October 29, 2025 at 1:05 PM
The Telegraph claims that this updated assumption means "higher subsidies" (false) & that the change will make it harder to meet govt targets (false, it will make it easier, because the auction can buy more capacity for the same "budget"), citing "experts"
FACTCHECK: The frontpage of today's Daily Telegraph has a very confused story about offshore wind, which is all sorts of wrong
It says a technical change means higher subsidies & fewer new windfarms from the upcoming AR7 auction
Oopsie!
This is the opposite of the truth 🧵
It says a technical change means higher subsidies & fewer new windfarms from the upcoming AR7 auction
Oopsie!
This is the opposite of the truth 🧵
October 29, 2025 at 1:05 PM
FACTCHECK: The frontpage of today's Daily Telegraph has a very confused story about offshore wind, which is all sorts of wrong
It says a technical change means higher subsidies & fewer new windfarms from the upcoming AR7 auction
Oopsie!
This is the opposite of the truth 🧵
It says a technical change means higher subsidies & fewer new windfarms from the upcoming AR7 auction
Oopsie!
This is the opposite of the truth 🧵
Lol Matthew Lynn also once said that the iPhone "won't make a long-term mark on the industry", as I delighted in discovering a few years ago
interactive.carbonbrief.org/factcheck/el...
interactive.carbonbrief.org/factcheck/el...
October 28, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Lol Matthew Lynn also once said that the iPhone "won't make a long-term mark on the industry", as I delighted in discovering a few years ago
interactive.carbonbrief.org/factcheck/el...
interactive.carbonbrief.org/factcheck/el...
AR7 analysis: How much offshore wind will the govt be able to contract at the upcoming CfD auction?
It depends on the "strike price", but roughly…
6GW at £70/MWh
5GW at £80/MWh
4GW at £90/MWh
THREAD
1/6
It depends on the "strike price", but roughly…
6GW at £70/MWh
5GW at £80/MWh
4GW at £90/MWh
THREAD
1/6
October 27, 2025 at 4:35 PM
AR7 analysis: How much offshore wind will the govt be able to contract at the upcoming CfD auction?
It depends on the "strike price", but roughly…
6GW at £70/MWh
5GW at £80/MWh
4GW at £90/MWh
THREAD
1/6
It depends on the "strike price", but roughly…
6GW at £70/MWh
5GW at £80/MWh
4GW at £90/MWh
THREAD
1/6
NEW: UK govt issues "budget"* for the upcoming AR7 auction for new renewable energy capacity
Up to £900m a year for offshore wind
Up to £180m a year for floating offshore wind
* NB the budget IS NOT the impact on bills, it is only 1 part of eqn
1/2
Up to £900m a year for offshore wind
Up to £180m a year for floating offshore wind
* NB the budget IS NOT the impact on bills, it is only 1 part of eqn
1/2
October 27, 2025 at 2:16 PM
NEW: UK govt issues "budget"* for the upcoming AR7 auction for new renewable energy capacity
Up to £900m a year for offshore wind
Up to £180m a year for floating offshore wind
* NB the budget IS NOT the impact on bills, it is only 1 part of eqn
1/2
Up to £900m a year for offshore wind
Up to £180m a year for floating offshore wind
* NB the budget IS NOT the impact on bills, it is only 1 part of eqn
1/2