Introducing EarthOne – AsiaOne’s Fresh Take on Green News
Why the new EarthOne section matters
AsiaOne’s latest splash, “EarthOne”, isn’t just a sidebar. It’s a full‑blown, science‑backed feed that celebrates our planet while calling for action. Think of it as a climate-friendly little corner where you can dive into articles you might otherwise miss.
Barack Obama’s Glasgow Call‑to‑Action
Recently, former President Barack Obama stepped back into global headlines, floating a rather blunt reminder for the next generation: don’t let the planet pay the price for yesterday’s missteps.
Key Takeaways from the Glasgow Speech
- Time is Ticking: Obama wasn’t shy about saying “time is really running out.”
- Youth Rights: He echoed the frustration of young climate advocates, assuring them that their concerns are valid.
- Historic Misses: “Folks in my generation have not done enough,” he confessed, hinting at a grand apology to the ages.
- World Leaders on Their Aisles: Naming China and Russia’s absence from the talks, Obama highlighted the disappointment that has global leaders scanning blinkers.
- Republican Roadblocks: With a wink, he nudged back‑home politicians, warning that US progress can’t stall on the policy sidelines.
Where the Summit Stands
His remarks came just as the UN conference went into its big second week, a critical juncture where negotiators aim to tighten the 2015 Paris Agreement. The goal? A clearer, stronger pledge that turns promises into tangible action.
In the end, Obama’s message was a gentle nudge—no subtle— that the United States is ready to join the table with sincerity, comfort, and a genuine dose of accountability.
<img alt="" data-caption="US former President Barack Obama gives a speech during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, on Nov 8, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”5d211440-4719-48e3-8779-a4fdcc4dd369″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/obama2.jpg”/>
Obama Drops a Climate Reality Check (and a Firestarter for the Youth)
Last week’s panel brought a sharp sting: the U.S. has lost its collective chin in tackling climate debt. The former president, Trump, who was less than a champion for climate action, fell into the same tax‑payer‑driven follies that have since hardened global politics and buried long‑term stewardship under nationalism.
The U.S. Gaffe
In his Oscar‑winning speech, Obama pointed out that the political inertia built during the pandemic, the rise of insular national pride, and a four‑year lull in decisive American leadership have all helped to kidnap “global cooperation.” He warned: we’re living in a time when international teamwork has gone on strike.
Island Leaders Call Out the Delay
Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama had a stern word for the U.N.’s big‑budget friends. He reminded humanity that the promised $100 billion per year for vulnerable islands—a pledge announced in 2020—has not been handed over. Instead, the pledge’s secretaries say the money will only be available in 2023. “What we’re saying is that the USA isn’t paying its fair share,” Bainimarama stated, then added, “Now we, the dreams of the future, are told to give up petroleum and watch the horizon.”
- “Failing to pay climate finance is as embarrassing as it is costly.”
- “The hardest hit have to wait for the help they really need.”
Obama’s Optimistic Jolt for Biden
Obama, half hopeful, highlighted his firm conviction that President Joe Biden will coax Congress into a climate change investment bill—a staggering $555 billion in federal spending. He labeled the opposition as “strong, very bright—two opposing parties that have decided to sit on the sidelines, which means our body politic is now virtually trespassing on the shore of science.
“The biggest hurdle for Biden is not the budget, but the fact that one of our major parties has chosen to hate climate science with the intensity of a solar flare,” Obama teased.
Addressing the Youth—Keep the Fire Alive
During a follow‑up portion of the event, Obama perched in front of a chorus of young activists, a world brimming with curiosity. He was all about keeping their frustrations alive and not letting them melt into silence.
He said: “I want you to stay angry. I want you to stay frustrated. Channel that anger. Keep pushing harder and harder. Because that’s what’s required to tackle the climate challenge.”
Obama’s message was clear: the youth of the planet cannot be complacent. They must keep the frustration flowing like an unstoppable wave and harness that power into concrete action. This generation is the ultimate force that could shift the most stubborn political tides toward greener horizons.
In Short
- Obama critiques U.S. climate debt and calls on Biden to fix it.
- Fiji’s Prime Minister points out delays, reminding the world that climate funding is still stalled.
- Youth activists are urged to stay angry, to stay bold, and keep the momentum for change flowing.
