Dr. Shannon Gibson 🌍 🕊️ ⚖️
@profsmgibson.bsky.social
Professor (teaching), University of Southern California | Enviro politics & justice, SDGs, Social movements | Director, Gibson Climate Justice Lab www.gcjlab.com | Scholar-activist
Pinned
How climate finance to help poor countries became a global shell game – donors have counted fossil fuel projects, airports and even ice cream shops
Wealthy countries promised billions of dollars to help developing nations adapt to climate change, but the result rests on a shaky foundation of fuzzy accounting.
theconversation.com
My latest with @theconversation.com looks at how weak definitions + creative accounting have distorted global climate finance into a global shell game — and what it means for the countries that need it most. #COP30 #climatejustice #GCJLab #climateaction
🔗 theconversation.com/how-climate-...
🔗 theconversation.com/how-climate-...
Reposted by Dr. Shannon Gibson 🌍 🕊️ ⚖️
Referring to the roughly 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists who attended the COP30 talks in Brazil, climate activist Harjeet Singh says "it's like inviting arsonists to tell us how to put out the fire."
“Inviting the Arsonists”: Climate Activist Slams Fossil Fuel Lobbyists at U.N. Talks
Nations are struggling to reach a final text agreement at the COP30 U.N. climate summit in Belém, Brazil. Decisions are made by consensus at COPs, requiring consent among 192 countries, and the bigges...
www.democracynow.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Referring to the roughly 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists who attended the COP30 talks in Brazil, climate activist Harjeet Singh says "it's like inviting arsonists to tell us how to put out the fire."
What if a COP Presidency started from maximum ambition instead of the weakest text?
What if, instead of forcing vulnerable countries to beg for scraps, the blockers had to publicly object to ambition?
Wouldn’t that be a process we could be proud of? #COP30 #UNFCCC #ClimateJustice 🌍
surl.li/dmjmeq
What if, instead of forcing vulnerable countries to beg for scraps, the blockers had to publicly object to ambition?
Wouldn’t that be a process we could be proud of? #COP30 #UNFCCC #ClimateJustice 🌍
surl.li/dmjmeq
Cop30’s watered-down agreements will do little for an ecosystem at tipping point
Delegates made minimal headway on timetable for replacing oil and gas or on firm commitments to reducing carbon emissions
surl.li
November 23, 2025 at 12:13 AM
What if a COP Presidency started from maximum ambition instead of the weakest text?
What if, instead of forcing vulnerable countries to beg for scraps, the blockers had to publicly object to ambition?
Wouldn’t that be a process we could be proud of? #COP30 #UNFCCC #ClimateJustice 🌍
surl.li/dmjmeq
What if, instead of forcing vulnerable countries to beg for scraps, the blockers had to publicly object to ambition?
Wouldn’t that be a process we could be proud of? #COP30 #UNFCCC #ClimateJustice 🌍
surl.li/dmjmeq
Reposted by Dr. Shannon Gibson 🌍 🕊️ ⚖️
COP30 TEXT ANALYSIS: One way to read dense COP text is to focus on the verbs. These are helpfully italicised – and for good reason.
MOSTLY INACTIVE: Carbon Brief analysis of the “global mutirão” text finds 69 inactive verbs, requiring no action, against 32 active verbs.
1/4
MOSTLY INACTIVE: Carbon Brief analysis of the “global mutirão” text finds 69 inactive verbs, requiring no action, against 32 active verbs.
1/4
November 22, 2025 at 8:21 PM
COP30 TEXT ANALYSIS: One way to read dense COP text is to focus on the verbs. These are helpfully italicised – and for good reason.
MOSTLY INACTIVE: Carbon Brief analysis of the “global mutirão” text finds 69 inactive verbs, requiring no action, against 32 active verbs.
1/4
MOSTLY INACTIVE: Carbon Brief analysis of the “global mutirão” text finds 69 inactive verbs, requiring no action, against 32 active verbs.
1/4
Reposted by Dr. Shannon Gibson 🌍 🕊️ ⚖️
if anyone still believed that climate diplomacy is a smooth, orderly ritual, #COP30 delivered a sharp reality check.The final plenary was suspended because one delegation - a courageous and razor-sharp Colombian negotiator -refused to let the “Truth COP” end with a procedural sweep-under-the-carpet
November 22, 2025 at 5:48 PM
if anyone still believed that climate diplomacy is a smooth, orderly ritual, #COP30 delivered a sharp reality check.The final plenary was suspended because one delegation - a courageous and razor-sharp Colombian negotiator -refused to let the “Truth COP” end with a procedural sweep-under-the-carpet
🚨 Breaking: Colombia, echoing objections from Panama and Uruguay, has blocked consensus on the Mitigation Work Programme. With key concerns unresolved, the #COP30 closing plenary is now suspended until further notice. Frontline priorities are on the table. #climatejustice
November 22, 2025 at 5:18 PM
🚨 Breaking: Colombia, echoing objections from Panama and Uruguay, has blocked consensus on the Mitigation Work Programme. With key concerns unresolved, the #COP30 closing plenary is now suspended until further notice. Frontline priorities are on the table. #climatejustice
Colombia has entered the chat at #COP30!!! Reemphasizes many procedural issues at plenary and ignoring of countries wishing to speak. Officially objects to the mitigation work program unless just transition away from fossil fuels is included. #climatejustice
November 22, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Colombia has entered the chat at #COP30!!! Reemphasizes many procedural issues at plenary and ignoring of countries wishing to speak. Officially objects to the mitigation work program unless just transition away from fossil fuels is included. #climatejustice
🎥 Live now: The closing plenary at #COP30 is underway 🌍
This is the moment when global climate justice must be front and centre — not sidelined.
🔗 www.youtube.com/live/Poxx7Vs...
#ClimateJustice #JustTransition #GlobalSouth #1Point5Degrees
This is the moment when global climate justice must be front and centre — not sidelined.
🔗 www.youtube.com/live/Poxx7Vs...
#ClimateJustice #JustTransition #GlobalSouth #1Point5Degrees
🔴 COP30: Closing Ceremony | UN Climate Change
YouTube video by UN Climate Change
www.youtube.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:24 PM
🎥 Live now: The closing plenary at #COP30 is underway 🌍
This is the moment when global climate justice must be front and centre — not sidelined.
🔗 www.youtube.com/live/Poxx7Vs...
#ClimateJustice #JustTransition #GlobalSouth #1Point5Degrees
This is the moment when global climate justice must be front and centre — not sidelined.
🔗 www.youtube.com/live/Poxx7Vs...
#ClimateJustice #JustTransition #GlobalSouth #1Point5Degrees
🚨 #COP30 “Mutirão” text drops — and we've got serious #climatejustice concerns:
❌ No mention of fossil fuels or a phase-out roadmap. The draft omits any explicit reference to fossil fuels, despite earlier language and expectations for a pathway away from oil, gas and coal
❌ No mention of fossil fuels or a phase-out roadmap. The draft omits any explicit reference to fossil fuels, despite earlier language and expectations for a pathway away from oil, gas and coal
November 22, 2025 at 3:07 PM
🚨 #COP30 “Mutirão” text drops — and we've got serious #climatejustice concerns:
❌ No mention of fossil fuels or a phase-out roadmap. The draft omits any explicit reference to fossil fuels, despite earlier language and expectations for a pathway away from oil, gas and coal
❌ No mention of fossil fuels or a phase-out roadmap. The draft omits any explicit reference to fossil fuels, despite earlier language and expectations for a pathway away from oil, gas and coal
🌍 Big news: the governments of Colombia and the Netherlands are co-hosting the First International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels, 28-29 April 2026 in Santa Marta, Colombia — a major coal-export port.
fossilfueltreaty.org/first-intern... #fossilfueltreaty #COP30
fossilfueltreaty.org/first-intern... #fossilfueltreaty #COP30
Colombia and The Netherlands Announce First International Conference for Fossil Fuel Phase Out — The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative
fossilfueltreaty.org
November 22, 2025 at 2:58 PM
🌍 Big news: the governments of Colombia and the Netherlands are co-hosting the First International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels, 28-29 April 2026 in Santa Marta, Colombia — a major coal-export port.
fossilfueltreaty.org/first-intern... #fossilfueltreaty #COP30
fossilfueltreaty.org/first-intern... #fossilfueltreaty #COP30
My latest with @theconversation.com looks at how weak definitions + creative accounting have distorted global climate finance into a global shell game — and what it means for the countries that need it most. #COP30 #climatejustice #GCJLab #climateaction
🔗 theconversation.com/how-climate-...
🔗 theconversation.com/how-climate-...
How climate finance to help poor countries became a global shell game – donors have counted fossil fuel projects, airports and even ice cream shops
Wealthy countries promised billions of dollars to help developing nations adapt to climate change, but the result rests on a shaky foundation of fuzzy accounting.
theconversation.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
My latest with @theconversation.com looks at how weak definitions + creative accounting have distorted global climate finance into a global shell game — and what it means for the countries that need it most. #COP30 #climatejustice #GCJLab #climateaction
🔗 theconversation.com/how-climate-...
🔗 theconversation.com/how-climate-...
If you’re following #COP30 like we are, I highly recommend The COP Out podcast with @fisherdanar.bsky.social — especially the latest episode with my friend and once upon a time COP15 fellow PhD researcher @laurengifford.bsky.social — podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
The COPOut Podcast
Politics Podcast · During each episode, CECE Director Dana R. Fisher will host a panel of guest experts who will share their unique perspectives on the state of climate action, the path towards more e...
podcasts.apple.com
November 17, 2025 at 7:14 PM
If you’re following #COP30 like we are, I highly recommend The COP Out podcast with @fisherdanar.bsky.social — especially the latest episode with my friend and once upon a time COP15 fellow PhD researcher @laurengifford.bsky.social — podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
Check out this great piece by @calmatters.org with some of my perspective on @governor.ca.gov presence at #COP30 #climateaction #climatejustice calmatters.org/environment/...
Newsom brings California to the heart of the Amazon — and the U.N. climate conference
U.N. negotiations among nations over curbing climate change don't include California, but Gavin Newsom sees a chance for leadership anyway.
calmatters.org
November 11, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Check out this great piece by @calmatters.org with some of my perspective on @governor.ca.gov presence at #COP30 #climateaction #climatejustice calmatters.org/environment/...
As we make our way into Day 2 of #COP30 here's a look at our assessment of climate ambition in @theconversation.com. Just a few weeks later, much remains the same. #climateaction #climatejustice theconversation.com/trumps-words...
Trump’s words aren’t stopping China, Brazil and many other countries from setting higher climate goals, but progress is slow
A review of countries’ new climate pledges shows who is leading efforts to protect the climate their economies were built on and who is sliding.
theconversation.com
November 11, 2025 at 4:54 PM
As we make our way into Day 2 of #COP30 here's a look at our assessment of climate ambition in @theconversation.com. Just a few weeks later, much remains the same. #climateaction #climatejustice theconversation.com/trumps-words...
The Gibson Climate Justice Lab is back for our 5th year viewing the UN climate talks! At our presentation last week USC we said #COP30 need a rebranding from the "implementation COP"....and it got one! We are now the "COP of TRUTH!" according to President Lula of Brazil.
November 10, 2025 at 7:59 PM
The Gibson Climate Justice Lab is back for our 5th year viewing the UN climate talks! At our presentation last week USC we said #COP30 need a rebranding from the "implementation COP"....and it got one! We are now the "COP of TRUTH!" according to President Lula of Brazil.
Reposted by Dr. Shannon Gibson 🌍 🕊️ ⚖️
“Meet the early-career scientists planning to leave the United States”
“Funding to start a laboratory is generally lower in those countries than it is in the United States, but the career prospects seem more stable”
#academia #postdocs 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“Funding to start a laboratory is generally lower in those countries than it is in the United States, but the career prospects seem more stable”
#academia #postdocs 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Meet the early-career scientists planning to leave the United States
Decreased funding, reduced opportunities and growing uncertainty has made life tough for international postdocs living in the US.
www.nature.com
July 29, 2025 at 9:44 AM
“Meet the early-career scientists planning to leave the United States”
“Funding to start a laboratory is generally lower in those countries than it is in the United States, but the career prospects seem more stable”
#academia #postdocs 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“Funding to start a laboratory is generally lower in those countries than it is in the United States, but the career prospects seem more stable”
#academia #postdocs 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Dr. Shannon Gibson 🌍 🕊️ ⚖️
As the U.S. withdraws from the Paris Agreement (again), China and the E.U. step up, vowing to strengthen climate targets. theconversation.com/us-governmen... By Shannon Gibson @dornsife.usc.edu 🌎#climatesky
US government may be abandoning the global climate fight, but new leaders are filling the void – including China
Trump’s efforts haven’t sunk global efforts to fight climate change – instead, new leaders are stepping up and working together, even within the US.
theconversation.com
July 30, 2025 at 6:48 PM
As the U.S. withdraws from the Paris Agreement (again), China and the E.U. step up, vowing to strengthen climate targets. theconversation.com/us-governmen... By Shannon Gibson @dornsife.usc.edu 🌎#climatesky
My latest in @theconversation.com — as the U.S. abandons climate leadership, who’s stepping into fill the gaps?
(Spoiler alert: It’s China.)
theconversation.com/us-governmen...
(Spoiler alert: It’s China.)
theconversation.com/us-governmen...
US government may be abandoning the global climate fight, but new leaders are filling the void – including China
Trump’s efforts haven’t sunk global efforts to fight climate change – instead, new leaders are stepping up and working together, even within the US.
theconversation.com
July 30, 2025 at 8:54 PM
My latest in @theconversation.com — as the U.S. abandons climate leadership, who’s stepping into fill the gaps?
(Spoiler alert: It’s China.)
theconversation.com/us-governmen...
(Spoiler alert: It’s China.)
theconversation.com/us-governmen...
Reposted by Dr. Shannon Gibson 🌍 🕊️ ⚖️
This month, as Earth Day celebrations unfold around the country, we remember the importance of community-based organizations providing critical services to us all. Thank you for working towards a world where we can all breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live on clean land.
#EarthDay
#EarthDay
April 18, 2025 at 2:17 PM
This month, as Earth Day celebrations unfold around the country, we remember the importance of community-based organizations providing critical services to us all. Thank you for working towards a world where we can all breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live on clean land.
#EarthDay
#EarthDay
📣 Recently quoted in this piece in
@teenvogue.com about the near year-round fire threat we now face in Los Angeles due to #climatechange
www.teenvogue.com/story/school...
@teenvogue.com about the near year-round fire threat we now face in Los Angeles due to #climatechange
www.teenvogue.com/story/school...
Your School Burned to the Ground. What Happens Now?
A growing number of students are losing their schools to environmental disasters.
www.teenvogue.com
February 3, 2025 at 6:43 PM
📣 Recently quoted in this piece in
@teenvogue.com about the near year-round fire threat we now face in Los Angeles due to #climatechange
www.teenvogue.com/story/school...
@teenvogue.com about the near year-round fire threat we now face in Los Angeles due to #climatechange
www.teenvogue.com/story/school...
Always look forward to our annual #UNFCCC recaps on Scholar's Circle on KPFK. Here's our latest with the good, the bad and the ugly of what went down at #COP29!
scholarscircle.org/scholars-cir...
scholarscircle.org/scholars-cir...
Scholars' Circle - COP29 , its outcome and looking ahead - December 1, 2024
COP 29 in Azerbaijan has just ended. These annual meetings are intended to advance the cause of combating climate change. And while the meetings did result in an agreement, there has been intense crit...
scholarscircle.org
December 3, 2024 at 11:14 PM
Always look forward to our annual #UNFCCC recaps on Scholar's Circle on KPFK. Here's our latest with the good, the bad and the ugly of what went down at #COP29!
scholarscircle.org/scholars-cir...
scholarscircle.org/scholars-cir...
Reposted by Dr. Shannon Gibson 🌍 🕊️ ⚖️
My latest in the Global Policy Journal>>>
#COP29 featured a sea of inequities between nations and between competing interests. It's clear #climate needs are being outmaneuvered by climate-causing interests.
www.globalpolicyjournal.com/blog/02/12/2...
#ClimateFinance #NCQG
#COP29 featured a sea of inequities between nations and between competing interests. It's clear #climate needs are being outmaneuvered by climate-causing interests.
www.globalpolicyjournal.com/blog/02/12/2...
#ClimateFinance #NCQG
COP29: Global Climate Policy, Like it’s the 1990s
Martha Molfetas argues that regardless of recent events, it is still cheaper to save the planet than destroy it.
www.globalpolicyjournal.com
December 2, 2024 at 9:42 PM
My latest in the Global Policy Journal>>>
#COP29 featured a sea of inequities between nations and between competing interests. It's clear #climate needs are being outmaneuvered by climate-causing interests.
www.globalpolicyjournal.com/blog/02/12/2...
#ClimateFinance #NCQG
#COP29 featured a sea of inequities between nations and between competing interests. It's clear #climate needs are being outmaneuvered by climate-causing interests.
www.globalpolicyjournal.com/blog/02/12/2...
#ClimateFinance #NCQG
Happy to be interviewed about the #COP29 climate outcomes on KCBS radio in San Francisco today! 10 am segment, part 3: www.audacy.com/stations/kcb...
www.audacy.com
December 1, 2024 at 11:02 PM
Happy to be interviewed about the #COP29 climate outcomes on KCBS radio in San Francisco today! 10 am segment, part 3: www.audacy.com/stations/kcb...
Check out my latest piece!
The world is on track to overshoot the 1.5°C warming limit this year, but it's not too late. Countries are making progress on renewable energy and setting new goals for 2025. An environmental studies professor explains why she sees hope 🌎#cop29
(@profsmgibson.bsky.social @uscdornsife.bsky.social)
(@profsmgibson.bsky.social @uscdornsife.bsky.social)
UN climate negotiations end on shaky geopolitical ground, but I see reasons for hope
National leaders may be struggling to agree, but businesses see the economic benefits of clean energy, states are cutting emissions, and people everywhere are more cognizant of their actions.
buff.ly
November 28, 2024 at 12:01 AM
Check out my latest piece!
My latest in @theconversation.com on why there are still reasons to have hope after #COP29 - theconversation.com/un-climate-n...
UN climate negotiations end on shaky geopolitical ground, but I see reasons for hope
National leaders may be struggling to agree, but businesses see the economic benefits of clean energy, states are cutting emissions, and people everywhere are more cognizant of their actions.
theconversation.com
November 27, 2024 at 3:29 PM
My latest in @theconversation.com on why there are still reasons to have hope after #COP29 - theconversation.com/un-climate-n...