Last Week in Climate: US Quits UN Relief Fund, 1.59°C Above Pre-Industrial Levels in February, China Bets on Renewables and Coal, Cyclone Alfred, and More
A roundup of what happened, why it matters, and key context for climate change news during the week of March 2-8.
Welcome to “Last Week in Climate,” a series on Reality Studies that recaps the biggest news in climate from the last week. Using a “smart brevity” format, Last Week in Climate recaps are designed to keep you up-to-date on the latest news and provide key context.
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1. U.S. Pulls Out of Global Climate Relief Fund
👉 The Trump administration abruptly quit the UN’s new climate damage fund, halting a promised $17.5 million contribution meant to help poorer nations cope with climate disasters
Context: This follows orders barring US scientists from contributing to a major UN climate report, part of a broader rollback of American climate commitments.
Why it matters: America’s exit undermines international climate aid and trust. Developing countries counting on U.S. support for climate adaptation face a funding gap, raising concerns about stalled progress on global climate cooperation.
What now? Other nations may need to step up funding as U.S. leadership recedes.
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2. Global Heat Stays High Despite La Niña’s Return
👉 February 2025 was the third-warmest February on record, with global temperatures about 1.59°C above pre-industrial levels
Doubling down: This comes on the heels of a record-hot January. A weak La Niña pattern emerged in December, typically a cooling influence, yet temperatures remained “anomalously high” for a La Niña year.
Why it matters: Even a cooling Pacific pattern barely dented the planet’s fever, underscoring the potency of global warming.
Mounting concerns: The World Meteorological Organization warns this La Niña will likely be short-lived, ending by May. In other words, any brief respite in warming may vanish, raising the stakes for preparedness as the world potentially heads back into another warming El Niño phase later this year.
3. China Bets Big on Renewables but Keeps Coal Burning
👉 China’s government unveiled major new climate projects in its latest economic plan
Ambitious goals: The world’s top emitter will fast-track offshore wind farms and vast “new energy bases” in its deserts to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and hit carbon-neutral by 2060. Plans even include a massive hydropower dam in Tibet (raising downstream fears).
At the same time: Beijing admitted it will boost coal output in the near term to safeguard energy needs.
Why it matters: China’s dual approach highlights the balance between economic growth and climate action. The renewable build-out is crucial for global climate goals, given China’s size.
Yes but: Expanding coal use could delay emissions cuts. The world is watching whether China can accelerate clean energy enough to offset its coal dependence—and meet its targets on time.
4. Cyclone Alfred Pummels Australia’s East Coast
👉 Powerful tropical cyclone Alfred struck Queensland, Australia, over the weekend, bringing destructive winds and torrential rain.
At its peak: Alfred knocked out power for over 300,000 people in and around the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Response: Officials ordered evacuations in low-lying areas as some spots saw up to 40cm (15.75in) of rain. The storm weakened after landfall but still caused flash floods, school closures, and at least one death in neighboring New South Wales.
Why it matters: Alfred is the region’s most severe storm in years, underscoring the growing threat of extreme weather in a warming climate. Australia has faced back-to-back climate disasters (fire, flood, now cyclone), testing infrastructure and disaster readiness. The cyclone’s widespread disruption—alongside community resilience in its aftermath—has reignited debate on climate adaptation and preparedness in coastal cities.
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5. Brazil Warns Trump’s Climate Retreat Is a ‘Triple Negative’
👉 Speaking in New Delhi, Brazil’s environment minister Marina Silva cautioned that the return of Donald Trump’s “America First” approach poses a “triple negative” threat to climate action.
Evidence: Silva cited the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and funding cuts as undermining climate finance, eroding international trust, and weakening cooperation among countries
Response: Brazil, host of this year’s COP30 summit, vowed to push back by rallying multilateral efforts and respect for science.
Why it matters: This frank warning from a major emerging economy highlights global alarm at U.S. policy reversals. If rich nations backslide on climate commitments, developing countries may struggle to meet goals with less support. Silva’s “triple negative”—less action, money, and trust—captures the domino effect one nation’s retreat can have on the global climate fight. It sets an urgent tone ahead of climate talks Brazil will lead.