Where are we on the environment? #15

November’s global events in five headlines, for those interested in the environment, sustainability and ecological transition.

1.

Deforestation in the Amazon is worsening: according to estimates, an area the size of Trentino-Alto Adige has been deforested in the last year, the highest amount since 2006.

2.

The French President Emmanuel Macron has declared his intention to build new nuclear power stations in France with the aim of «guaranteeing the energy independence» of the country and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

3.

A wooden and glass skyscraper has been built in Sweden: it is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world and according to its designers could have a positive impact on emissions.

4.

Fifty years ago, there were 12,500 speedboats on the Venice lagoon; now there are over 80,000. Sailing and rowing associations have protested to demand new regulations to protect buildings and avoid risks to sailing.

5.

The surprise agreement reached between the United States and China at COP26 does not contain any major new commitments and its contents are still light on details, but it is nonetheless seen as an important political signal: it demonstrates that China is still prepared to collaborate with other countries in the fight against climate change.