The world, the universe and us COP30: The world's climate future hinges on this meeting
20 snips
Nov 7, 2025 
Simon Evans, a climate journalist at Carbon Brief, and Rupert Read, a climate philosopher and director of the Climate Majority Project, delve into the pressing challenges of COP30. They discuss the shortcomings of past climate pledges and the impact of the U.S.'s absence, highlighting the role of subnational actors. The guests debate the effectiveness of the COP process and propose alternative approaches like climate clubs. They also stress the need for prioritizing adaptation over mitigation, scrutinizing adaptation metrics and associated finance shortfalls.
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Paris' Ratchet Hasn't Delivered
- The Paris ratchet mechanism was meant to raise ambition every five years but new pledges have barely moved the needle.
- Simon Evans says recent pledges reduce projected warming this century by only ~0.3°C, leaving us near 2.5°C.
US Absence Isn't The Whole Story
- The US absence at COP30 matters but isn't the whole story; many other countries continue progress.
- Simon Evans notes clean energy investment is now twice fossil fuel investment despite political setbacks.
Perception Lags Actual Progress
- Public and media discourse has drifted from climate realities, inflating costs and fears about net zero.
- Evans highlights cheap clean energy and record investment as underreported progress since Paris.