From deadly floods in the Philippines to major climate lawsuits in the US and France, governments and global institutions faced mounting pressure over fossil fuels, accountability and accelerating extreme weather impacts.
Last week saw governments, courts and communities grappling with the urgent challenges of climate change.
US climate policy faces legal challenge
Seventeen health and environmental organizations and 13 US states announced plans to sue the Trump administration over the Environmental Protection Agency’s reversal of its endangerment finding. The rollback deregulates emission limits and raises public health concerns and threatens funding for environmental projects.
Deadly floods hit the Philippines
Floods and landslides struck southeastern Philippines killing seven people and displacing more than 3,000 residents. Torrential rains over several days affected nearly 10,000 people underscoring the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
UN calls for global fossil fuel dialogue
At the International Energy Agency Ministerial Meeting UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres criticized the world’s dependence on fossil fuels. He called for a global platform for honest dialogue on transitioning to clean energy involving governments businesses and civil society from both developed and developing countries to ensure a fast fair orderly and affordable shift.
US challenges UN climate resolution
The United States is urging UN member states to oppose a draft resolution from Vanuatu aimed at strengthening climate accountability. The proposal submitted last week calls for clear frameworks to hold countries responsible for climate violations.
UNFCCC 2026 climate weeks set
Upcoming Climate Weeks will take place in the Republic of Korea and Azerbaijan. Discussions are expected to focus on accelerating Paris Agreement commitments through a whole of society approach engaging governments businesses and civil society actors alike.
Landmark climate lawsuit in France
The Paris Judicial Court is handling a landmark case brought by French NGOs and the city of Paris against oil giant TotalEnergies. The lawsuit a first in France seeks to reduce the company’s oil and gas production to align with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
US threatens to exit IEA
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned that the country may leave the IEA over disagreements with its climate agenda. Wright stated that the US will push the agency to abandon its 2050 net zero goal or face US withdrawal.
Australian Court dismisses gas lawsuit
The Federal Court of Australia dismissed a case by the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility against gas producer Santos. The ACCR accused Santos of misleading claims about its net zero targets. Judge Brigitte Markovic’s detailed ruling is expected February 23.
Global climate politics extreme weather and landmark legal battles dominated headlines last week highlighting the urgency and complexity of tackling the climate crisis worldwide.
