AsiaOne’s Fresh New Eco‑Corner: EarthOne
At AsiaOne, we’ve opened a brand‑new section called EarthOne just for everything that keeps our planet happy. Think eco‑tips, science updates, and stories that make you feel good about protecting Earth. Dive in and see what’s new!
Why Kids Are Now, Not Then
Greta Thunberg and her fellow youth crusaders hit the podium in Milan with a strong message: we’ve heard the talk, but the action is still stuck in the “blah‑blah‑blah” phase.
- Three decades since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, and the planet’s still feeling the heat.
- The UN just dropped a stark warning: the world’s on track to spiral out of control if we keep doing “the same old thing.”
- Greta’s rally: “We’re not getting a planet B. Change isn’t just possible—it’s necessary.”
Massive Youth Gather in Milan
About 400 fire‑hot activists from 190 countries converged in Italy this week to chew on climate solutions. They’re talking straight to ministers in a pre‑COP26 roundtable, hoping some of their ideas survive into the big event in Glasgow.
There’s a bit of a tension—Greta told the youth gathering that “leaders cherry‑pick us to make it look like they’re listening, but we’re not getting heard.” Still, the goal remains: push the planet toward real, doable change.
What’s the Stakes?
Energy prices are sky‑high, and people are worried that a push toward green reforms will hit wallets hard. But the message is clear: wait or want to stay stuck? We can’t. The upcoming UN summit might be the turning point if the right voices get into the mix.
– Cut to the chase, we’re all in this together. Let’s not just talk about changing the planet’s destiny—let’s actually get it.
Greta Thunberg Rolls Into Milan for Youth Climate Summit
Picture: The Swedish firebrand waltzes into the Youth4Climate pre‑COP26 event on September 28, 2021, ready to stir the pot in Milan, Italy.
The Big Deal: COP26 and the 1.5°C Promise
The United Nations is gearing up for the COP26 summit, which brings together almost 200 nations that signed the 2015 Paris Agreement. The goal? To tighten global warming limits to a jaw‑dropping 1.5°C—no room for the “things get warmer by a smidge” approach.
Why the Youth Are Turning Up
“Young people need to start getting involved in the actual negotiations,” says Rose Kobusinge, a fresh‑fresh delegate from Uganda. “We want 1.5 (degrees) and we won’t go beyond that.”
Key Takeaway
- Greta is on‑the‑grounds to remind leaders that climate action isn’t just a buzzword.
- Teenagers and activists are pushing for a strict 1.5°C ceiling.
- It’s not just rhetoric—it’s about real, actionable policy.
“Money speaks”
Pre‑COP26: The Biggest Climate Debates Before the Big Party
On Thursday, just before the summer heat‑waves even have a chance to brag about their records, about 50 climate ministers will dive into a handful of gnarly roadblocks:
- Speed vs. Style – Some leaders want a quick roll‑out to zero‑carbon, others prefer a more leisurely “We’ll do it when we’re ready” approach.
- Who pays? – The debate isn’t just about policy; it’s also about who keeps the electric bill afloat.
- Missing Updates – Even the heavy hitters—China, India, and a pile of other G20 giants—haven’t handed in fresh short‑term game plans.
What the Big Names Are Saying
Buckingham Palace’s COP26 President Alok Sharma pumped up a video message, shouting, “This is the moment for the world’s biggest economies and CO₂ emitters to step up!”
Meanwhile, activists are queuing up their most heated chants:
- Oscar Soria (Avaaz) chants, “If the rich don’t shuffle that debt and sling $500 billion ($679 billion) into climate action, these talks can’t enter the “happened” section of history.”1
- Vanessa Nakata from Uganda reminds the crowd, “We expected that $100 billion deal by 2020—still want the stash.”
Why It All Matters
The numbers aren’t just cold digits; they’re the currency of real change. Think of it this way: if your electricity bill rises, you want the big nations to show up with a bag of beans, not just polite town‑hall chats.
And on the day the summit kicks off, folks will be watching closely: Will the fee‑for‑future promises equal peanuts, or will they actually pull the plug on fossil fuels?
TL;DR
Pre‑COP26 is the pre‑party for climate headaches: speed, who pays, and the missing action plans from the world’s biggest polluters. Activists demand big bucks and big steps; leaders are showing a mix of enthusiasm and let‑downs. The focus remains: can we swap hot weather for a cooler tomorrow?
1. Bold: Oscar Soria, Avaaz – over 500 billion, 2020‑2024. 2. Bold: Vanessa Nakata – 100 billion pledge. 3. Note: Numbers reflect current statements.
