Josh Gabbatiss
@joshgabbatiss.bsky.social
Climate policy correspondent at Carbon Brief 🐸
josh.gabbatiss@carbonbrief.org ✉️
https://bsky.app/profile/carbonbrief.bsky.social
josh.gabbatiss@carbonbrief.org ✉️
https://bsky.app/profile/carbonbrief.bsky.social
Away from the main walkway, it was noticeable today that large swathes of the pavilion space were still under construction. A lot of the pavilions were empty.
November 11, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Away from the main walkway, it was noticeable today that large swathes of the pavilion space were still under construction. A lot of the pavilions were empty.
It's that time of year again – I'm in Belém for COP30 🐸🌴🥵
As usual I'm interested in all things climate finance. I will also be following the "action agenda", as well as loss and damage discussions.
The Carbon Brief team has an office in the media centre. Come and say hello if you're about!
As usual I'm interested in all things climate finance. I will also be following the "action agenda", as well as loss and damage discussions.
The Carbon Brief team has an office in the media centre. Come and say hello if you're about!
November 10, 2025 at 5:54 PM
It's that time of year again – I'm in Belém for COP30 🐸🌴🥵
As usual I'm interested in all things climate finance. I will also be following the "action agenda", as well as loss and damage discussions.
The Carbon Brief team has an office in the media centre. Come and say hello if you're about!
As usual I'm interested in all things climate finance. I will also be following the "action agenda", as well as loss and damage discussions.
The Carbon Brief team has an office in the media centre. Come and say hello if you're about!
Anyone who is in Budapest for the @journalismarena.eu Climate Arena Conference, I will be helping to run a session on how to investigate climate finance tomorrow at 14:30. Come and check it out!
October 9, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Anyone who is in Budapest for the @journalismarena.eu Climate Arena Conference, I will be helping to run a session on how to investigate climate finance tomorrow at 14:30. Come and check it out!
In the same interview Badenoch says the @thecccuk.bsky.social "wants us to eat insects", so perhaps we should take it all with a pinch of salt.
(Not only is this untrue, it has unpleasant echoes of the conspiracy-theorist, terminally online world that many of today's Conservatives seem immersed in)
(Not only is this untrue, it has unpleasant echoes of the conspiracy-theorist, terminally online world that many of today's Conservatives seem immersed in)
October 7, 2025 at 3:04 PM
In the same interview Badenoch says the @thecccuk.bsky.social "wants us to eat insects", so perhaps we should take it all with a pinch of salt.
(Not only is this untrue, it has unpleasant echoes of the conspiracy-theorist, terminally online world that many of today's Conservatives seem immersed in)
(Not only is this untrue, it has unpleasant echoes of the conspiracy-theorist, terminally online world that many of today's Conservatives seem immersed in)
One persistent reason that right wingers use to oppose climate action was voiced by Badenoch in a recent Spectator interview.
It's the idea that she supports climate action but the UK "cannot do it alone…other countries aren’t doing it".
In fact, the UK is far from alone in tackling climate change
It's the idea that she supports climate action but the UK "cannot do it alone…other countries aren’t doing it".
In fact, the UK is far from alone in tackling climate change
October 7, 2025 at 3:04 PM
One persistent reason that right wingers use to oppose climate action was voiced by Badenoch in a recent Spectator interview.
It's the idea that she supports climate action but the UK "cannot do it alone…other countries aren’t doing it".
In fact, the UK is far from alone in tackling climate change
It's the idea that she supports climate action but the UK "cannot do it alone…other countries aren’t doing it".
In fact, the UK is far from alone in tackling climate change
But the results also showed that not all councils are using SWEPs when temperatures rise.
Experts are concerned that extreme heat is still not being taken as seriously as extreme cold... this could be a concern as climate change drives increasingly hot weather.
Experts are concerned that extreme heat is still not being taken as seriously as extreme cold... this could be a concern as climate change drives increasingly hot weather.
September 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM
But the results also showed that not all councils are using SWEPs when temperatures rise.
Experts are concerned that extreme heat is still not being taken as seriously as extreme cold... this could be a concern as climate change drives increasingly hot weather.
Experts are concerned that extreme heat is still not being taken as seriously as extreme cold... this could be a concern as climate change drives increasingly hot weather.
The main tool councils have to help people sleeping rough during dangerously hot periods is the “severe weather emergency protocol” (SWEP).
I found that heat-related SWEP activations reached record levels this year – unsurprising, given the periods of intense heat we have seen this summer.
I found that heat-related SWEP activations reached record levels this year – unsurprising, given the periods of intense heat we have seen this summer.
September 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM
The main tool councils have to help people sleeping rough during dangerously hot periods is the “severe weather emergency protocol” (SWEP).
I found that heat-related SWEP activations reached record levels this year – unsurprising, given the periods of intense heat we have seen this summer.
I found that heat-related SWEP activations reached record levels this year – unsurprising, given the periods of intense heat we have seen this summer.
Sometimes context is important...
E.g. Do birds collide with solar panels? The evidence is patchy, but it seems they sometimes do.
But here's how some numbers for annual US bird collisions stack up:
Solar panels ☀️ 300000
Fossil fuel plants 🏭 14500000
Buildings 🪟 676500000
Cats 😿 2650000000
E.g. Do birds collide with solar panels? The evidence is patchy, but it seems they sometimes do.
But here's how some numbers for annual US bird collisions stack up:
Solar panels ☀️ 300000
Fossil fuel plants 🏭 14500000
Buildings 🪟 676500000
Cats 😿 2650000000
August 28, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Sometimes context is important...
E.g. Do birds collide with solar panels? The evidence is patchy, but it seems they sometimes do.
But here's how some numbers for annual US bird collisions stack up:
Solar panels ☀️ 300000
Fossil fuel plants 🏭 14500000
Buildings 🪟 676500000
Cats 😿 2650000000
E.g. Do birds collide with solar panels? The evidence is patchy, but it seems they sometimes do.
But here's how some numbers for annual US bird collisions stack up:
Solar panels ☀️ 300000
Fossil fuel plants 🏭 14500000
Buildings 🪟 676500000
Cats 😿 2650000000
...Even if solar power expands in line with the UK government net-zero plans – and those of the previous US administration – it would still cover just ~1% of farmland.
And if that sounds like a lot, bear in mind it would be supplying, together with wind power, ~80% of those nations' electricity.
And if that sounds like a lot, bear in mind it would be supplying, together with wind power, ~80% of those nations' electricity.
August 28, 2025 at 2:49 PM
...Even if solar power expands in line with the UK government net-zero plans – and those of the previous US administration – it would still cover just ~1% of farmland.
And if that sounds like a lot, bear in mind it would be supplying, together with wind power, ~80% of those nations' electricity.
And if that sounds like a lot, bear in mind it would be supplying, together with wind power, ~80% of those nations' electricity.
❌ Solar power is ‘a serious threat to agriculture and food security’
✅ Ultimately, solar panels take up relatively little land…less than golf courses in many countries. Some farmers may not like them – but others see them as a welcome source of revenue...
✅ Ultimately, solar panels take up relatively little land…less than golf courses in many countries. Some farmers may not like them – but others see them as a welcome source of revenue...
August 28, 2025 at 2:49 PM
❌ Solar power is ‘a serious threat to agriculture and food security’
✅ Ultimately, solar panels take up relatively little land…less than golf courses in many countries. Some farmers may not like them – but others see them as a welcome source of revenue...
✅ Ultimately, solar panels take up relatively little land…less than golf courses in many countries. Some farmers may not like them – but others see them as a welcome source of revenue...
❌ Solar farms actually produce more CO2 emissions than they save
✅ In no way is this true. Even accounting for CO2 produced during the manufacture and shipping of solar panels, the emissions are nowhere near those of fossil fuels.
✅ In no way is this true. Even accounting for CO2 produced during the manufacture and shipping of solar panels, the emissions are nowhere near those of fossil fuels.
August 28, 2025 at 2:49 PM
❌ Solar farms actually produce more CO2 emissions than they save
✅ In no way is this true. Even accounting for CO2 produced during the manufacture and shipping of solar panels, the emissions are nowhere near those of fossil fuels.
✅ In no way is this true. Even accounting for CO2 produced during the manufacture and shipping of solar panels, the emissions are nowhere near those of fossil fuels.
❌ Solar power is expensive
✅ The costs of building solar projects have plummeted, making them cheaper than fossil fuels.
And solar is not to blame for high energy bills (despite what certain politicians and newspapers may say).
✅ The costs of building solar projects have plummeted, making them cheaper than fossil fuels.
And solar is not to blame for high energy bills (despite what certain politicians and newspapers may say).
August 28, 2025 at 2:49 PM
❌ Solar power is expensive
✅ The costs of building solar projects have plummeted, making them cheaper than fossil fuels.
And solar is not to blame for high energy bills (despite what certain politicians and newspapers may say).
✅ The costs of building solar projects have plummeted, making them cheaper than fossil fuels.
And solar is not to blame for high energy bills (despite what certain politicians and newspapers may say).
❌ Solar power is unreliable
✅ In fact, solar can reliably be expected to generate electricity during the day – and its utility is clearly demonstrated by its rapid ascent as a source of global power. The IEA reckons it will be the world's largest source of electricity by 2033.
✅ In fact, solar can reliably be expected to generate electricity during the day – and its utility is clearly demonstrated by its rapid ascent as a source of global power. The IEA reckons it will be the world's largest source of electricity by 2033.
August 28, 2025 at 2:49 PM
❌ Solar power is unreliable
✅ In fact, solar can reliably be expected to generate electricity during the day – and its utility is clearly demonstrated by its rapid ascent as a source of global power. The IEA reckons it will be the world's largest source of electricity by 2033.
✅ In fact, solar can reliably be expected to generate electricity during the day – and its utility is clearly demonstrated by its rapid ascent as a source of global power. The IEA reckons it will be the world's largest source of electricity by 2033.
We have assessed 16 common claims made about solar power by media outlets, local campaigners and politicians...
Some are misleading or exaggerated... 🤔
While others are categorically false ❌
I'll run through some examples of the claims we have factchecked...
Some are misleading or exaggerated... 🤔
While others are categorically false ❌
I'll run through some examples of the claims we have factchecked...
August 28, 2025 at 2:49 PM
We have assessed 16 common claims made about solar power by media outlets, local campaigners and politicians...
Some are misleading or exaggerated... 🤔
While others are categorically false ❌
I'll run through some examples of the claims we have factchecked...
Some are misleading or exaggerated... 🤔
While others are categorically false ❌
I'll run through some examples of the claims we have factchecked...
Among other things, people with lower carbon footprints – who contribute less to climate change – are more likely to experience extreme heat in England.
Similarly, people in more deprived neighbourhoods – often in inner city areas – are also more likely to face high temperatures.
Similarly, people in more deprived neighbourhoods – often in inner city areas – are also more likely to face high temperatures.
August 12, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Among other things, people with lower carbon footprints – who contribute less to climate change – are more likely to experience extreme heat in England.
Similarly, people in more deprived neighbourhoods – often in inner city areas – are also more likely to face high temperatures.
Similarly, people in more deprived neighbourhoods – often in inner city areas – are also more likely to face high temperatures.
NEW ANALYSIS - English neighbourhoods that are home to the most minority-ethnic people are 15 times more likely to face extreme heat than the least diverse areas.
Heatwaves are getting more severe – but the effects of rising temperatures are not being felt equally...
➡️ buff.ly/boWI6M1
Heatwaves are getting more severe – but the effects of rising temperatures are not being felt equally...
➡️ buff.ly/boWI6M1
August 12, 2025 at 11:54 AM
NEW ANALYSIS - English neighbourhoods that are home to the most minority-ethnic people are 15 times more likely to face extreme heat than the least diverse areas.
Heatwaves are getting more severe – but the effects of rising temperatures are not being felt equally...
➡️ buff.ly/boWI6M1
Heatwaves are getting more severe – but the effects of rising temperatures are not being felt equally...
➡️ buff.ly/boWI6M1
It has been a decade since the Paris Agreement.
And with COP30 in Brazil on the horizon, there have been calls for major reform at the UN climate talks.
We asked 16 experts - including former negotiators and COP veterans - what they think should change at these events.
➡️ buff.ly/JWL8AQN
And with COP30 in Brazil on the horizon, there have been calls for major reform at the UN climate talks.
We asked 16 experts - including former negotiators and COP veterans - what they think should change at these events.
➡️ buff.ly/JWL8AQN
August 12, 2025 at 8:00 AM
It has been a decade since the Paris Agreement.
And with COP30 in Brazil on the horizon, there have been calls for major reform at the UN climate talks.
We asked 16 experts - including former negotiators and COP veterans - what they think should change at these events.
➡️ buff.ly/JWL8AQN
And with COP30 in Brazil on the horizon, there have been calls for major reform at the UN climate talks.
We asked 16 experts - including former negotiators and COP veterans - what they think should change at these events.
➡️ buff.ly/JWL8AQN
The letter says, very clearly:
"We will seek to strike down all contracts signed under AR7. Should you choose to participate, you should treat any long-term revenue streams and politically and commercially unsafe."
"Let me be clear: If you enter bids into AR7, you do so at your own risk."
"We will seek to strike down all contracts signed under AR7. Should you choose to participate, you should treat any long-term revenue streams and politically and commercially unsafe."
"Let me be clear: If you enter bids into AR7, you do so at your own risk."
July 18, 2025 at 9:52 AM
The letter says, very clearly:
"We will seek to strike down all contracts signed under AR7. Should you choose to participate, you should treat any long-term revenue streams and politically and commercially unsafe."
"Let me be clear: If you enter bids into AR7, you do so at your own risk."
"We will seek to strike down all contracts signed under AR7. Should you choose to participate, you should treat any long-term revenue streams and politically and commercially unsafe."
"Let me be clear: If you enter bids into AR7, you do so at your own risk."
On Wednesday, Reform's Richard Tice wrote to energy companies saying the party would "seek to strike down" existing subsidies for renewables if it takes power.
24 hours later he was on the BBC suggesting people had "misread" the letter and "a legally binding contract is a legally binding contract".
24 hours later he was on the BBC suggesting people had "misread" the letter and "a legally binding contract is a legally binding contract".
July 18, 2025 at 9:52 AM
On Wednesday, Reform's Richard Tice wrote to energy companies saying the party would "seek to strike down" existing subsidies for renewables if it takes power.
24 hours later he was on the BBC suggesting people had "misread" the letter and "a legally binding contract is a legally binding contract".
24 hours later he was on the BBC suggesting people had "misread" the letter and "a legally binding contract is a legally binding contract".
After years of campaigning, members of "Woodsbury Locals Say NO To Solar" breathe a sigh of relief as they gaze over their pristine, panel-free fields.
They won. The solar developers won't turn this village into a sea of glass.
On the horizon, a convoy of lorries full of uranium rumbles into view.
They won. The solar developers won't turn this village into a sea of glass.
On the horizon, a convoy of lorries full of uranium rumbles into view.
July 18, 2025 at 9:13 AM
After years of campaigning, members of "Woodsbury Locals Say NO To Solar" breathe a sigh of relief as they gaze over their pristine, panel-free fields.
They won. The solar developers won't turn this village into a sea of glass.
On the horizon, a convoy of lorries full of uranium rumbles into view.
They won. The solar developers won't turn this village into a sea of glass.
On the horizon, a convoy of lorries full of uranium rumbles into view.
The figures, obtained by @carbonbrief.org via FOI, have been covered by @adamvaughan.bsky.social today in the Times...
June 30, 2025 at 10:41 AM
The figures, obtained by @carbonbrief.org via FOI, have been covered by @adamvaughan.bsky.social today in the Times...
More than £500m of the aid counted as "climate finance" last year is the result of accounting changes made by the Conservatives, by my estimate.
Labour has maintained these changes – and it's easy to see why.
Without them, the UK would have to double its climate finance next year to meet the goal
Labour has maintained these changes – and it's easy to see why.
Without them, the UK would have to double its climate finance next year to meet the goal
June 30, 2025 at 10:41 AM
More than £500m of the aid counted as "climate finance" last year is the result of accounting changes made by the Conservatives, by my estimate.
Labour has maintained these changes – and it's easy to see why.
Without them, the UK would have to double its climate finance next year to meet the goal
Labour has maintained these changes – and it's easy to see why.
Without them, the UK would have to double its climate finance next year to meet the goal
+NEW ANALYSIS+
I got hold of the latest data from the UK government on how much climate aid it has handed to developing countries.
Climate aid rose to £3bn last year, meaning the UK is on track for its 5-year £11.6bn goal.
But the headline figures hide a more complex story...
➡️ buff.ly/kOof5CH
I got hold of the latest data from the UK government on how much climate aid it has handed to developing countries.
Climate aid rose to £3bn last year, meaning the UK is on track for its 5-year £11.6bn goal.
But the headline figures hide a more complex story...
➡️ buff.ly/kOof5CH
June 30, 2025 at 10:41 AM
+NEW ANALYSIS+
I got hold of the latest data from the UK government on how much climate aid it has handed to developing countries.
Climate aid rose to £3bn last year, meaning the UK is on track for its 5-year £11.6bn goal.
But the headline figures hide a more complex story...
➡️ buff.ly/kOof5CH
I got hold of the latest data from the UK government on how much climate aid it has handed to developing countries.
Climate aid rose to £3bn last year, meaning the UK is on track for its 5-year £11.6bn goal.
But the headline figures hide a more complex story...
➡️ buff.ly/kOof5CH
I asked DESNZ for an update on the long-delayed appointment of a permanent chair for the Climate Change Committee.
Prof Piers Forster has now been "interim" chair for 2 years.
➡️ "Aiming for" permanent chair to be announced before summer recess (22 July)
➡️ Meanwhile, Forster will continue as chair
Prof Piers Forster has now been "interim" chair for 2 years.
➡️ "Aiming for" permanent chair to be announced before summer recess (22 July)
➡️ Meanwhile, Forster will continue as chair
June 30, 2025 at 10:12 AM
I asked DESNZ for an update on the long-delayed appointment of a permanent chair for the Climate Change Committee.
Prof Piers Forster has now been "interim" chair for 2 years.
➡️ "Aiming for" permanent chair to be announced before summer recess (22 July)
➡️ Meanwhile, Forster will continue as chair
Prof Piers Forster has now been "interim" chair for 2 years.
➡️ "Aiming for" permanent chair to be announced before summer recess (22 July)
➡️ Meanwhile, Forster will continue as chair
Final text from the review of the Warsaw International Mechanism for loss & damage – which ended this afternoon – has been released
Parties failed to agree so it's just an "informal note" filled with "placeholders" – including on key things developing countries wanted such as a push for more money.
Parties failed to agree so it's just an "informal note" filled with "placeholders" – including on key things developing countries wanted such as a push for more money.
June 25, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Final text from the review of the Warsaw International Mechanism for loss & damage – which ended this afternoon – has been released
Parties failed to agree so it's just an "informal note" filled with "placeholders" – including on key things developing countries wanted such as a push for more money.
Parties failed to agree so it's just an "informal note" filled with "placeholders" – including on key things developing countries wanted such as a push for more money.