COP24 climate conference: World facing 'greatest threat in thousands of years'

Updated 5:59 a.m. ET, December 17, 2018
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6:38 a.m. ET, December 3, 2018

David Attenborough: “The collapse of our civilizations is on the horizon”

Renowned nature broadcaster Sir David Attenborough addresses world leaders.

“Right now we’re facing a man-made disaster on a global scale, our greatest threat in thousands of years: climate change,” he says.

In the weeks leading up to COP24, the UN asked members of the public to send their thoughts on climate change. Attenborough is there to represent the people.

“I am only here to represent the voice of the people to deliver our collective thoughts, concerns, ideas and suggestions,” he says.

“The people have spoken. Leaders of the world you must lead. If we don’t take action the collapse of our civilizations and the extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon.”

Watch Christiane Amanpour's 2016 interview with Attenborough

6:14 a.m. ET, December 3, 2018

A "just transition" away from coal

In his opening speech Michal Kurtyka, COP 24 President and Secretary of State in the Ministry of Environment, notes Poland’s reliance on coal for energy.

He calls for a “just transition” to help communities dependent on fossil fuels change their lifestyle.

5:47 a.m. ET, December 3, 2018

Hottest years on record

The past four years have the been the hottest on record, according to a report published last week by the World Meteorological Organization.

You can read about it here.

5:11 a.m. ET, December 3, 2018

UN chief sets out the scale of the climate challenge

Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, says “Climate change is running faster than we are and we must catch up sooner rather than later before it is too late.”

Speaking at the opening of COP24 he highlights just how much needs to be done.

4:49 a.m. ET, December 3, 2018

G20 commits to Paris Agreement – US reiterates decision to withdraw

President Donald Trump attends G20 summit in Buenos Aires, November 30
President Donald Trump attends G20 summit in Buenos Aires, November 30 Saul Loeb/AFP

At the weekend, G20 leaders agreed on a statement that includes a section on climate, saying that signatories to the Paris climate accord reaffirm the agreement “is irreversible and commit to its full implementation, reflecting common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in light of different national circumstances.”

“We will continue to tackle climate change, while promoting sustainable development and economic growth,” the document reads.

But a separate clause puts the United States alone, saying it “reiterates its decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, and affirms its strong commitment to economic growth and energy access and security, utilizing all energy sources and technologies, while protecting the environment.”

4:40 a.m. ET, December 3, 2018

How much has been achieved since the Paris Agreement?

Climate author Mark Lynas paints a stark picture of the world's commitment to the Paris Agreement and efforts to tackle global warming.

This will be a big issue on the agenda at COP 24.

Read his opinion article here:

Why the Paris Agreement won't save us from climate change

4:26 a.m. ET, December 3, 2018

Climate protests

On Sunday, tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Brussels as part of the "Claim the Climate" march.

This followed similar climate protests in London, Berlin and Cologne, all urging delegates meeting at COP24 to set more ambitious targets to limit carbon emissions.

Climate protest in Brussels, December 2.
Climate protest in Brussels, December 2. Nicolas Maeterlinck/Belga/AFP

3:52 a.m. ET, December 3, 2018

Climate conference in Poland's coal capital

COP 24 is happening in Katowice. It's a small city right in the middle of Silesia, one of the biggest coal-producing regions in Europe.

80% of Poland's electricity comes from coal power.

You can read more about it here:

3:11 a.m. ET, December 3, 2018

What to watch out for today at COP24

Today we'll see the official opening ceremony, and what's known as the "high-level segment for heads of state and government."

It's notable that the heads of the world's biggest carbon-emitting countries won't be speaking today.