Underinvestment in cities puts billions at risk
Swift adaptation needed to combat rising temperatures and extreme weather
06 June 2024
$
80
billion
Fossil fuel companies have raked in over US$80 billion through shadowy investment tribunals
50
%
Countries missed deadlines to submit their climate plans over 50% of the time up to 2023
$
42
billion
Carbon-intensive ultra-processed foods are subsidised by up to $42.5 billion a year
$
33
billion
Least developed countries spent $33 billion servicing debts in 2021 – but received just $20 billion in climate finance
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And we encourage journalists to explore the hidden handbrakes and follow up with contributors to shine a light on how the handbrakes are preventing the steps we need to take. You can connect with our press officer Jon Sharman via [email protected].
What are people saying about hidden handbrakes?
"I love the imagery of an invisible handbrake because when you see it, and it's not invisible any more, you can do something about it"
Gabrielle Walker
Co-founder CUR8 and Rethinking Removals
NYC Climate Week
G20 nations raked in $50 billion in debt repayments from poor countries since Covid, report finds
"The world needs to take the brakes off when it comes to climate action. That means addressing deeply embedded aspects of the economic, legal and financial status quo."
Tom Mitchell
IIED executive director
“When it comes to this, the role of the media is to expose the handbrakes in order to be able to try and release those handbrakes."
Megan Rowling
Deputy climate editor Thomson Reuters Foundation
London Climate Action Week
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‘Hidden handbrakes’ are invisible obstacles that are slowing down climate action. Read our overview to find out more.
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