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Climate Summit; Nigerian Building Collapse; Coronavirus Pandemic; Crisis In Afghanistan. Aired 1-2a ET
Aired November 02, 2021 - 01:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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[01:00:38]
JOHN VAUSE, CNN ANCHOR: Hello again, everyone. I'm John Vause. You're watching CNN Newsroom live from Studio 7, at CNN World Headquarters in Atlanta. As world leaders meet for day two at the Climate Summit, we'll look at the global addiction to coal and the outsized role it has in carbon emissions.
Selling little girls to old men. The desperate and heartbreaking choice facing families amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
And Coronavirus vaccines to children and a link to a rare heart condition in adolescents by COVID-19 presents a far bigger risk of heart damage.
At the Glasgow Summit on Climate Change, world leaders have talked in very stark and blunt terms about the threat facing our planet and humanity. The U.N. Secretary General pointed to melting glaciers, extreme weather events, overheating oceans and rising sea levels have warned, we're digging our own graves.
Well, the tone and language was notable for reflecting the urgency of the crisis. What is more important is agreement on what to do and how to do it. And the first significant announcement of that expected when day two begins just a few hours from now.
According to the British government, more than 100 world leaders representing over 85 percent of the world's forests will commit to ending and reversing deforestation and land degradation within eight years.
Meantime, Downing Street defending a decision by the Prime Minister to return to London by private jet instead of taking the train which is more environmentally friendly.
A spokesperson said Boris Johnson's plane is among the most carbon efficient flying today. Mr. Johnson and U.S. President Joe Biden were among the leaders who spoke on day one of the summit, urging immediate action on reducing emissions and climate change.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JOE BIDEN, U.S. PRESIDENT: Glasgow must be the kickoff of a decade, a decade of ambition, and innovation to preserve our shared future.
ANGELA MERKEL, GERMAN CHANCELLOR (through translator): That's my clear PT. In the decade of action and the decade we are living in now, to be more ambitious nationally, to find instruments globally.
ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN SECRETARY-GENERAL: Either we stop it or it stops us.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VAUSE: Live now CNN's Phil Black following developments ahead of day two there in Scotland. So Phil, in many ways this summit, it's all about the money, in particular how much wealthy nations are willing to spend to help low income countries move to net zero emission. So what are the expectations on what that agreement could look like? And when will it come?
PHIL BLACK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, the agenda is one of the most delicate even emotive issues at these conferences or at these conferences because it is deliberately directly tied to a sense of justice, fairness, and trust. Central to the process is the idea that poor developing small countries did not cause this problem. But they often have the most to lose from it because they are geographic -- geographically vulnerable, or they simply don't have the financial power to spend their way out of it.
And they also want the opportunity to grow their economies and lift up their people's quality of life in the same way that rich countries have through burning carbon for several centuries now. And fundamentally rich countries do accept this responsibility. That is why more than 10 years ago, rich countries said that come 2020 we will mobilize every year $100 billion to help poorer, more vulnerable countries adapt to the impacts of climate change, but also develop their own green economy so that they can continue to prosper.
The problem is that 2020 deadline was not met. And it looks like it will not even be met at this conference. Indeed, the organizers, the UK are talking about a funding model that would see that amount of money mobilized every year by 2023. And that is a real source of consternation to smaller, developing vulnerable countries.
And the truth is also that it is and should only be the beginning at these conferences, they will also need to start addressing funding models that go beyond 2025 and are expected to target even greater sums of money.
So it is a real sticking point. And what it does do is it clogs up the process, because those poor vulnerable countries say well if you're not going to deliver on the money, how can we trust you as well when it comes to the promises you're making about cutting emissions? It's all intermittently links and really very important to the final outcome, John.
[01:05:03]
VAUSE: Also notice all it's at least after just the first day is the language and the tone of the words which are coming from these world leaders talking in very stark terms, but just how urgent this crisis is, how's the existential threat to humanity into the planet, which does seem to be a shift, at least in some of these world leaders like Boris Johnson, when it comes to taking action on climate change?
BLACK: Yes, these conferences are always defined to a significant degree by dire warnings about what will happen in the event of inaction. But this is different this time. There is no doubt. There is a much greater sense of urgency. The language that is being used is far more alarming.
But you can't say it over done not in the context of what the science says must be achieved and must be achieved very quickly within a very limited space of time. The science says that these countries have to really cut emissions deeply, cut them hard by the end of this decade, if the world has to have any chance of remaining on track to keeping global average temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, and therefore avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.
Because there is this disconnect between what the science says is necessary, and what some of the world's biggest polluters are actually promising to do or are not promising to do. You are hearing the host, UK, other ambitious countries like Europe, for example. But also those vulnerable countries, those ones that feel that climate change is an imminent existential threat. They're the ones that are really driving through the use of alarming language the idea that we are out of time and is time to act. These meaningless promises simply can't go on because the consequences what is at stake is simply too significant. John.
VAUSE: It is six minutes past five in the morning and Phil you get extra credit in heaven for making this early. Thank you. Phil Black live for us there in Scotland, we appreciate it. Well, a global addiction to coal is one of the biggest if not the biggest obstacle to reducing carbon emissions and reaching that goal of limiting temperatures increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
A worldwide energy crunch has driven the cost of coal to record highs with governments and utility companies driving up prices just to keep the lights on and factories open. The transition from coal to renewable energy will be as difficult it seems as it is crucial.
Right now there are still more coal fired plants being built than there are old ones being shut down. And coal is a dominant source by a big margin of the world's electricity supply. South Africa is heavily reliant on coal, its state run power sector, massively in debt. And right now the country's negotiating with a handful of wealthy countries to transition to renewables over price tag that could be around $15 billion, but that might just be a model for the rest of the world. CNN's David McKenzie takes us out into the coal mines of eastern South Africa.
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DAVID MCKENZIE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Treacherous steps into the blackness with illegal miners.
(on camera): So we're going deep into this mind, it's a disused mine. But coal is so important in this country, that even the old mines people will go down like this in dangerous conditions and get what they can.
(voice-over): What Anthony Bonginkosi can get just $3 for a bag of coal to support his grandmother and sister. Here they work with little ventilation for life. If they get trapped, no one will come to help.
ANTHONY BONGINKOSI, ARTISANAL MINER: We have lost a lot of them others with the collapse of the mine, others with the gases that came underground.
MCKENZIE: That's dangerous work.
BONGINKOSI: Yes. Yes. When you inhale that gas you want even more given 50 steps or 10 steps you just collapse. If you come, won't come.
MCKENZIE: So why do you still do it?
BONGINKOSI: I don't have a choice because I have to save my hunger. And not only me, those who follow me. I may die alone here. But what about those who, who are depending on me.
MCKENZIE: South Africa is a country dependent on coal. With hundreds of thousands of jobs linked to these mines, and its monopoly power utility and shaky economy almost entirely anchored on coal fired plants.
Eskom is one of Africa's biggest polluters, but it's all relative.
(on camera): South Africa has contributed very little historically to emissions that have caused climate change. Why move away from coal at all?
ANDRE DE RUYTER, GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ESKOM: You know, there's this saying that the Stone Age didn't in because of a lack of stones. And I'm convinced that given current technological cranes the coal age won't in because of a lack of coal.
MCKENZIE: To avoid a climate catastrophe, climate scientists say the renewable age needs to be pushed by the entire world, even by countries like South Africa that contributes around just 1 percent of annual emissions globally.
MARCUS NEMADODZI, KOMATI GM: Eskom has made a decision not anymore.
[01:10:02]
MCKENZIE: To commit to the transition, Eskom says it will shut down aging coal plants like Komati.
(on camera): What will it mean when the last monitor goes off for you?
NEMADODZI: Man, it's said and also an opportunity. So I will be ready when that happens.
MCKENZIE: But the move to renewables takes time and costs money. $50 billion to $60 billion in South Africa alone says Eskom.
NEMADODZI: So this will become useless.
MCKENZIE: So rich countries will need to finance the transition as part of their climate commitments. Despite Eskom's mountains of debt and history of corruption allegations.
RUYTER: I think it's not only realistic, it's an imperative. If you look at the position that South Africa unfortunately occupies, given our size for South Africa to be the 12th largest carbon emitter in the world, we I think are a poster child of what needs to be done in order to transition away from coal to more sustainable forms of electricity generation.
MCKENZIE: They are saying that maybe South Africa needs to stop using coal.
BONGINKOSI: Yes.
MCKENZIE: Because of climate change.
BONGINKOSI: Yes.
MCKENZIE: What do you think about that?
BONGINKOSI: Sure. Sure. What can I say about that it's make me scared just because of we have a lot of people who depend on the coal. So we can't live without it.
MCKENZIE: David McKenzie, CNN, Ermelo, South Africa.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
VAUSE: Mark Howden is director of the Australian National University's Institute for Climate Energy, and Disaster Solutions. Marc, welcome back. It's been a while.
MARK HOWDEN, DIRECTOR, ANU INSTITUTE FOR CLIMATE, ENERGY AND DISASTER SOLUTIONS: Thank you.
VAUSE: OK, so COP26, for many will not be considered a success, if it ends without an agreement, and a plan on how to stop burning coal and move the world quickly towards renewable energy. But how does that happen? Well, according to the Global Energy Monitor more than 500 coal fired plants are either under construction right now, or have been announced and will soon be under construction. We're burning more coal than ever before.
HOWDEN: Yes, well, it's a real challenge, isn't it? And we've seen the particularities of the Northern Hemisphere energy crunch, actually driving increased demand for coal and increased prices. And so it's sending exactly the wrong signals at the same time as the Glasgow Conference of Parties.
But what the science says is very clear. If we're to stick to 1.5 degrees, there simply is no space for coal in that. Every scenario has very significant reductions in the amount of coal that's dug up and burnt. And we need to replace that with other energy sources such as renewables. And we're well on the way in many parts of the world to doing that.
VAUSE: You touched on this energy prices are at sky high right now, as the shift happened from coal to renewables. How painful will that be? How will it affect sort of everyday life for everyone?
HOWDEN: Well, interestingly, I think what we're seeing it with the current energy crunch, and the reliance on particular sources of gas, and increased coal and coal prices, I actually think that will tend to drive a more rapid transition to renewables, because people will say, we don't want those dependencies. We actually want reliable and low cost electricity to actually power our systems.
But in terms of what that would mean for people, well, obviously, people like those ones, who just on your show from South Africa, and they have to be looked after. We have to have just transitions so that those people actually find effective alternative jobs and preferably better jobs. And right across the board, I think that's trick here. That's the solution is actually to make this transition to better options, cheaper options, more reliable, cleaner options, better jobs. And if we do that, effectively, it will pretty much drive itself.
VAUSE: Yes, we heard from the Australian Prime Minister at COP26. He's a big, big fan, a self-declared fan of coal. He boasted that Australia will cut carbon emissions, I think the numbers by 35 percent by the end of the decade, that would beat the actual commitments that they made during the Paris Climate Accord.
So we don't know how that will happen, because there are very few details. We don't know even if that will in fact happen. What we do know is that the Australian government says coal exports will continue beyond 2030 precisely what every expert is warning against. So the grand scheme of things, Morrison's announcement about exceeding those Paris goals. Is that kind of like small beer compared to the harm being done by coal exports?
HOWDEN: Well, interestingly, the coal exports only exists because there's a demand from other countries for that coal and if you close down that demand, then you'll close down exports. And ultimately, that's what's going to happen in terms of climate change. I think more and more countries will commit to net zero. They will actually start to take coal out of their own systems, and that will reduce the demand for Australian coal.
[01:15:01]
The question here is whether we just let that happen by itself without adequate planning and without adequate transition arrangements for those people engaged in the coal related industries, or whether we actually take a proactive policy stance, make it an ease the way for those transitions and make it a more just an effective transition. So those are the policies which I think are in front of us.
VAUSE: Mark, thank you very much. We appreciate you being with us. Mark Howden from the Australian National University, I have some good insights into what the future may hold. Thank you, sir.
HOWDEN: Thank you.
VAUSE: Well, coming up here on CNN Newsroom. Nigerian rescue workers combing through rubble after residential building collapses in an upscale Lagos neighborhood. The race to save lives details in a moment. Also, COVID vaccines for kids, millions of doses being shipped across the U.S. ahead of decision by regulators. What the risks for children who get vaccinated, and what are the risks for those who don't.
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VAUSE: Rescuers are against time in Nigeria hoping to find survivors 15 hours after a residential building collapse in Lagos. At least five people are now confirmed dead. There are fears many may be trapped under the rubble. (INAUDIBLE) emergency crews were slow to arrive. The government launches an investigation into the cause of the collapse is now ongoing.
The global pandemic may be winding down but the latest numbers reflect the huge toll it has taken worldwide. Johns Hopkins University reports the world has now surpassed 5 million COVID related deaths. The World Health Organization says new cases and deaths are increasing for the first time in two months.
The U.S. government is preparing to publish a new mandate that all private businesses with more than 100 employees are required full vaccinating or weekly test. It makes good on a policy President Biden announced in September. And Austria is doing something similar with rising cases in the workplace. The majority of workers in Austria must be fully vaccinated. They must show recent negative COVID test or proof of recovery.
A CDC Advisory Committee is set to meet in the coming hours to vote on the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine on children ages five to 11 in the U.S., it comes at a pivotal time as the American Academy of Pediatrics reports nearly 101,000 children tested positive for COVID last week. CNN's Bianca Nobilo shows us how the countries around the world are dealing with vaccinating children.
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BIANCA NOBILO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Brave faces for the most part of these three to 11-year-old children in China getting their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
I feel more relieved once she gets the shot. It's always safer to vaccinate rather than not. China targeting the young and its latest vaccination push as new outbreaks rippled through the country, some have them spread by children in schools.
[01:20:02]
Earlier this year, it approved emergency use of its Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines for children as young as three. Many countries around the world facing similar challenges and grappling with the question of just how to ensure children's safety. The World Health Organization has only said the Pfizer vaccine is suitable for children 12 and up, pending the availability of additional data on other vaccines. And most countries have so far refrained from vaccinating children under 12. But some governments are aiming younger.
The risks are too great they say from unvaccinated children of not only getting sick themselves but spreading the virus in the community. In September, Cuba began giving shots to children as young as two using vaccines developed in country. Nicaragua is also doling out the Cuban shots to toddlers, sometimes decorating vaccine stations with balloons and games to make the experience more child friendly.
EMMA BALTODANO, MOTHER (through translator): We've always been vaccinated since we were little, and we weren't afraid. It's all about protecting ourselves and being healthy. That's the best thing we can do to take care of our children.
NOBILO: Other countries raising the cutoff a little higher, Argentina giving doses of the Sinopharm vaccine to kids three and up, just as the UAE is doing. And El Salvador using the same shots beginning at six years of age, the same age children in Cambodia are eligible to be vaccinated using the Sinovac vaccine.
A pediatric vaccine expert at the CDC in the U.S. sums up the benefits of vaccinating the young as the U.S. is rolling out the Pfizer vaccine to children as young as five.
DR. AMANDA COHN, PEDIATRIC VACCINE EXPERT, U.S. CDC: The question is pretty clear. We don't want children to be dying and COVID even if it is far fewer children than adults, and we don't want them in the ICU.
NOBILO: Bianca Nobilo, CNN, London.
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VAUSE: Dr. Jorge Rodriguez is a specialist in internal medicine. He is also a viral researcher. He is with us again from Los Angeles. Welcome back.
DR. JORGE RODRIGUEZ, BOARD-CERTIFIED INTERNAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST AND VIRAL RESEARCHER: Thank you, John. My pleasure.
VAUSE: So what are the possible side effects here for children vaccinated with either the Moderna or the Pfizer vaccine is increased risk for a rare heart condition in adolescence. It's called myocarditis. I think that's right pronunciation. That does seem to be a different link here. But how common is this? How concerned should parents be?
RODRIGUEZ: Well, I think parents need to be vigilant. They don't need to be overly concerned. Myocarditis happens one to 20 in every 100,000 people in the general population. And it's been noted in adolescents aged 18 to 29 in around the same rate. So in children, you know, we have to be vigilant about it, it is not something that occurs more frequently than in the general population. But if a child gets a vaccine, any vaccine, in this case, the COVID vaccine and they start developing chest discomfort, racing hearts, they should consult their pediatrician. And that's the first thing that a parent needs to do if they have any questions whether the child should get this very safe vaccine.
VAUSE: Compare the riskier of myocarditis to a, from a vaccine, compared to the risk of heart damage, which you could occur from COVID-19.
RODRIGUEZ: Well, it appears that the risk from heart damage as far as we know from COVID is much greater, much, much greater than by myocarditis from the vaccine. And another thing, you know, 6 million children in the United States have already gotten COVID. We know that they survived it, but we don't know what the long term side effects are going to be. And one of those is perhaps pulmonary problems, perhaps heart problems. What we know is that COVID kills and that this vaccine is a safe vaccine.
VAUSE: You're the final go ahead from the CDC for these vaccines is just I guess, hopefully a few hours away. Millions of vaccine doses are now heading to pharmacies and surgeries around the country. The White House is expecting this vaccination program up and running by November 8.
But according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, it's almost an even split between parents who say they will definitely get their five to 11 year old vaccinated, and those who say they definitely will not do that. It's 27 percent, 30 percent against. That is a big chunk somewhere in the middle. But what are the implications if there is a very slow and a very low vaccination rate among kids?
RODRIGUEZ: Well, the first implication is that winter is coming. And traditionally winter is going to be a much more virulent season to get any vaccinate. I mean to get any virus at all, because we're mostly indoors. Also, even though things are better John, we have to remember that the baseline where we are now is higher than it even was a year ago.
So if things go bad, they're going to go very bad quickly. And we see the snowballing getting a vaccine in December or January for children, may be a little bit too late because it's going to take at least a month for that vaccine to have any effect. So that's the downside from -- the downside for waiting.
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VAUSE: You the pandemic has now claimed more than 5 million lives worldwide in less than two years. It seems that moment kind of passed with barely a mention. On top of that the cases again, state arise, how do you explain why most of us seem kind of blase to 5 million dead people?
RODRIGUEZ: John, you know what, I wish I could explain that. When you stop thinking about the number, it is horrendous, you know, but unless it affects you, you really don't, you know, seem to matter. And one thing about this epidemic is the fact that we really don't see the horrible death. People that die of AIDS are isolated from their families so that -- we can't even have, you know, testimonials to say, Oh, my God, that's horrible, like we can't about different types of cancers. It's in the abstract. We lose our family, we mourn our family, but we can't really tell the story of how horrible it was because we were not with them. Maybe that's contributing to the blase nature of this horrible number 5 million dead.
VAUSE: Yes, it just kind of came in when. Jorge Rodriguez, thank you so much, sir. Really appreciate it.
RODRIGUEZ: Thank you, sir.
VAUSE: Well, it's been called the Venice of Africa and it's now in danger of being washed away how climate change is slowly destroying this ancient city. Also ahead.
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ANNA COREN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The bright pink dress squeals of laughter and childhood games, a ruse to the horrors unfolding in this undisputable environment.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VAUSE: The unthinkable choice facing families in Afghanistan why they say they're selling their children.
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VAUSE: You're watching see the newsroom. Welcome back everyone. I'm John Vuase. Now to Afghanistan and the harsh reality of a humanitarian crisis which is only getting worse. In towns and villages across the country, many are going hungry. A widespread shortage of food is seeing desperate families selling their youngest daughters in order to survive. CNN's Anna Coren live now from Hong Kong with on this exclusive report. Anna.
COREN: Hey John, this is a really difficult story to watch. But we think it's so important for the world to know what is happening in Afghanistan right now.
In our exclusive report, CNN witnesses the tragic fate that these little girls are facing and they are helpless. It's important to also note that the parents gave us full access and permission to speak to the children and show their faces because they say they cannot change the practice themselves.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) [01:29:13]
JOHN VAUSE, CNN ANCHOR: You're watching CNN NEWSROOM. Welcome back everyone.
I'm John Vause.
Now to Afghanistan and the harsh reality of a humanitarian crisis which is only getting worse. In towns and villages across the country, many are going hungry. A widespread shortage of food is seeing desperate families selling their youngest daughters in order to survive.
CNN's Anna Coren live now from Hong Kong with more on this exclusive report, Anna.
ANNA COREN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, John. This is a really difficult story to watch. But we think it is so important for the world to know what is happening in Afghanistan right now.
In our exclusive report, CNN witnesses the tragic fate that these little girls are facing. And they are helpless. It is important to also note that the parents gave us full access and permission to speak to the children and show their faces because they say they cannot change the practice themselves.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COREN (voice over): In this arid, desolate landscape not a scrap of vegetation in sight. Plus a makeshift camp for some of Afghanistan's internally displaced.
Among its residents, 9-year-old Parwana. Her bright pink dress, squeals of laughter and childhood games. A ruse to the horrors unfolding in this unhospitable environment.
Parwana's family moved to this camp in Badghis Province four years ago after her father lost his job. Humanitarian aid and menial work earning $3 a day providing the basic staples to survive.
But since the Taliban takeover, two and a half months ago, any money or assistance has dried up. And with eight mouths to feed, Parwana's father is now doing the unthinkable.
"I have no work, no money, no food, I have to sell my daughter," he says. "I have no other choice."
Parwana, who dreams of going to school and becoming a teacher, applies makeup. A favorite pastime for little girls, but Parwana knows she is preparing for what awaits her.
"My father has sold me, because we don't have bread, rice and flour. He has sold me to an old man."
The white bearded man, who claims he is 55 years old, comes to collect her. He has bought Parwana for 200,000 Afghanis -- just over U.S.$2,000.
Covered up, Parwana whimpers as her mother holds her.
"This is your bride, please take care of her," says Parwana's father.
"Of course, I will take care of her," replies the man.
His large hands grabbed her small frame. Parwana tries to pull away.
And he carries her only bag of belongings, again, she again resists, digging her heels into the dirt. But it is futile. The fate of this small helpless child has been sealed.
Child marriage is nothing new in poor, rural parts of Afghanistan. But human rights activists are reporting an increase in cases because of the economic and humanitarian crisis engulfing the country.
HEATHER BARR, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: These are devastating decisions that no parent should ever have to make. And it really speaks to what an extraordinary breakdown is happening in Afghanistan right now.
COREN: For months the U.N. has been warning of a catastrophe. As Afghanistan, a war-ravaged, aid-dependent country descends into a brutal winter. Billions of dollars in central bank assets were frozen after the Taliban swept to power in August. Banks are running out of money, wages haven't been paid for months while food prices soar.
According to the U.N., more than half the population doesn't know where their next meal is coming from. And more than three million children, under the age of five face acute malnutrition in the coming months.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The people of Afghanistan need a lifeline.
COREN: And while a billion dollars has been pledged by U.N. donors to help the Afghan people, less than half those funds have been received as the international community holds off recognizing the Taliban government.
ISABELLE MOUSARD CARLSEN, HEAD OF OFFICE, U.N. OCHA: The people of Afghanistan will be dying of hunger in the next couple of months. And not just a few. This is just making people more and more vulnerable. And we cannot accept that.
COREN: Sentiment shared by the Taliban.
MAWLAWI ABDUL HAI MOBASHER, TALIBAN OFFICIAL FOR REFUGEES, (through translator): We are asking aid agencies to come back to Afghanistan, and help these poor people. Otherwise, the crisis will worsen.
COREN: For this family in the neighboring Ghor Province, they're trying to sell two daughters. 9-year-old Litan (ph) and 4-year-old Zetan (ph) a U.S.$1,000 each.
"Do you know why they are selling you?", the journalist asks Zetan.
"Because we are a poor family, and don't have any food to eat," she says.
"Are you scared," he asks?
"Yes I am."
Another family in Ghor Province borrowed money from their 70-year-old neighbor. Now he's demanding it back, but they have nothing to give, except their 10-year-old daughter, Magul.
"My daughter doesn't want to go and is crying all the time. I am so ashamed," he says. Terrified, she threatens to take her life.
[01:34:58]
COREN: "If they push me to marry the old man, I will kill myself. I don't want to leave my parents."
Days later, she discovers the sale has been finalized. Another Afghan child sold into a life of misery.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COREN: It is just horrifying to imagine what these girls will be subjected and the future that awaits them.
John, and update to young Magul there, the 10-year-old in our story who threatened to kill herself. She will be handed over to the 70- year-old man who has bought her in the coming days.
Now the United Nations is predicting that unless this aid crisis is addressed, you know, in the coming weeks and months, that possibly up to 97 percent of the Afghan population will be living below the poverty line.
And as we know John, the international community is refusing to recognize the Taliban government. And with that holding up, you know, billions of dollars in reserves and some of that could be going to the people of Afghanistan.
They are doing this because they are trying to hold the Taliban to account particularly over their human rights record in relation to women and girls, among many other things.
But in punishing the Taliban, the international community is also fundamentally punishing Afghan's most vulnerable people including these little girls who could end up, you know, suffering the same fate as Magul and Parwana who you were seeing.
VAUSE: If you can watch that story, and still not care, you don't have a heart. Anna, thank you. Anna Coren live for us in Hong Kong.
And we will be right back in a moment. You're watching CNN.
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VAUSE: Back now to the biggest story in the world, COP26. The second day of critical climate talks will begin soon in Glasgow.
More than 100 world leaders are hoping that by the end of this two- week long summit, they will have agreement on a plan to move away from fossil fuels, drastically cut carbon emissions and save the planet.
Day one was filled with big promises and dire warnings about what might happen without urgent action.
In his remarks, U.S. President Joe Biden tried to reassert American leadership on climate, and he apologized for the Trump administration.
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JOE BIDEN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And, I guess I shouldn't apologize, but I do apologize for the fact that the United States 00 in the last administration pulled out of the Paris Accords and put us sort of behind the eight-ball a little bit.
This is the challenge of our collective lifetimes. The existential threat to human existence, as we know it. And every day we delay, the cost of inaction increases.
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[01:39:56]
VAUSE: But, the leaders from the smallest nations which are facing the greatest threats delivered some of the most impassioned pleas.
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IBRAHIM SOLIH, MALDIVES PRESIDENT: The Maldives, is often cited as one of those low-lying countries that could disappear ultimately (ph) because of the climate crisis.
Our islands are slowly being inundated by the sea, one by one. If we do not reverse this trend, the Maldives will cease to exist by the end of this century.
WAVEL RAMKALAWAN, SEYCHELLES PRESIDENT: We are already gasping for survival. When I hear the expression "rise in sea level", I am scared, because it brings home the awareness that my country's Granitic Islands will lose all of the economic activities happening around the coast.
GASTON BROWNE, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA PRIME MINISTER: It takes a single storm, a few hours, to destroy the economy and infrastructure of an entire small island state which lack the necessary financial and other resources to rebound and rebuild.
Please, this is now the perennial experience that small island developing states suffer, through no fault of their own.
JOSAIA VOREQE BAINIMARAMA, FIJI PRIME MINISTER: We Pacific nations have not travel to the other end of the world to watch our future sacrificed at the altar of appeasement of the world's worst emitters. The existence of our low-lying neighbors is not on the negotiating table.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VAUSE: Michael Mann is distinguished professor of atmospheric science at Penn State University. His most recent book is "The New Climate War: The Fight To Take Back Our Planet".
Michael, welcome back. It's good to have you with us.
MICHAEL MANN, PROFESSOR, PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY: Thanks. It's good to be with you.
VAUSE: Ok. So many of the speeches from the world leaders on this day, on this first day rather, focused on future generations. Our children, their children.
Here's the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
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BORIS JOHNSON, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: If we failed, they will not forgive us. They will know that Glasgow was the historic turning point when history failed to turn.
They will judge us with bitterness and with resentment that eclipses any of the climate activists of today. And they will be right.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VAUSE: You know, what happens and what comes out of this conference is obviously key but overall, would you say the tone and the language at least has to shifted to reflect the urgency of the crisis?
MANN: I would say so. I frankly found that remarkable. Remarkable language to hear from Boris Johnson. Who would've guessed a couple of years ago that he would be so strident in the way that he characterizes the climate crisis. And I think you are exactly right.
I think the Youth Climate Movement, youth climate protesters like Greta Thunberg and literally millions of children around the world, who have demonstrated on the streets to raise awareness about climate change has shifted the conversation.
And we see that in the tone that has been set, now what we have to see is that the actions measure up with the words.
VAUSE: On day India announced net zero carbon emissions by 2070. That came as a bit of surprise because just a few days ago, India's environment minister dismissed the idea of net zero.
Critics though say 50 years is too much of a long timeline. Is this is a case though of don't let the great be the enemy of the good because at least India's made the announcement?
MANN: I think that is right. And I also think that there is some haggling going on here. There is politics going on here. Who would have guessed? You know, it is essential that the developed world, that the major industrial economies of the world, those of us who created this problem, in the first place, need to provide funding and resources, to the developing world, to the global south, so that they can afford to develop their economies, in a way that doesn't mortgage the planet.
We need them to skip the fossil fuel stage of their economy. We need them to leapfrog, directly to clean energy, to renewable energy. And to do that, they're going to need financing. And they're going to need assistance.
And I think that India and other countries right now in these negotiations are trying to ensure that the wealthiest countries of the world do pony up. We have heard the number $100 billion a year in assistance is probably necessary, if that's going to happen. If we're going to help these developing economies skip the fossil fuel stage.
And so, I think that is what this is about.
VAUSE: Yes. Modi was pushing for a trillion dollars overall from those wealthier nations, which seems about right. Unless there is a dramatic cut in carbon emissions, we are heading for an increase of close to 3 degrees Celsius -- or 2.7 degrees, which will mean a rising sea level that will leave downtown Durban in South Africa underwater.
[01:45:01]
VAUSE: Buckingham Palace could see water, basically up to its first floor if you look at this possible scenario is. And the famous Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, that would -- actually it will be totally underwater and submerged and gone.
But many smaller island nations are facing an almost total loss of land. For them, this climate summit, the decisions made here, will most likely determine if they continue to exist.
Here's the prime minister of Barbados. Listen to this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MIA MOTTLEY, BARBADOS PRIME MINISTER: 2 degrees, yes, is a death sentence for the people of Antigua and Barbuda, for the people of the Maldives, for the people of Dominique and Fiji, for the people of Kenya and Mozambique. And yes, for the people of Samoa and Barbados. We do not want that dreaded death sentence.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VAUSE: There seems to be an attitude among some world leaders, you know, that when it comes to 1.5 degrees, near enough is good enough. But clearly for other nations, it is all about their existence. Anything over 1.5 degrees, really, means they won't be there.
MANN: Yes. That's right. I mean, you know, we talk about what constitutes dangerous climate change, is it 1.5 degrees Celsius? Is it 2 degrees Celsius? We warm the planet 1.2 degrees Celsius at this point. We've got a few tenths to go before we hit 1.5. But if you are Puerto Rico, if you are the western states -- California and the western U.S., if you are Australia, if you are any of these locations, around the world, that have been subjected to the devastating impact of climate change, in the form of unprecedented extreme weather events -- heat waves, wildfires, floods, superstorms -- dangerous climate change has arrived.
And so at this point, it is a matter of how bad we are willing to let it get. And for these low lying island nations, any additional warming, literally submerges them.
VAUSE: In terms of real action, what are you looking for from these countries, from these world leaders to -- which would essentially, make this COP26 a success?
MANN: We need a commitment to end any new funding of fossil fuel infrastructure. The International Energy Agency, by no means, a cheerleader for the renewable energy industry. They've been quite conservative when it comes to their projections of renewable energy.
And yet, they have said that there can be no new fossil fuel infrastructure, if we are to hold the warming of the planet below that dangerous 1.5 degrees Celsius. And so that means that when you have countries like the United States, the E.U., the U.K. making these bold pledges to lower carbon emissions, you know, by 50 percent, or more, within this decade well, you know, that is fine. Those are the commitments that we need.
But if you are still funding new oil and gas pipelines and you are still investing in overseas coal, that is fundamentally inconsistent with this pledge.
VAUSE: Michael, thank you for being with us, we really appreciate it.
MANN: Thank you.
VAUSE: Protesters spent the first day of COP26 slamming world leaders for inaction on climate change. Activists from the British charity, Oxfam posed as world leaders in a pipe band because it's Scotland, get it.
The big heads band include U.S. President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel as well as world leaders from France, Canada, Italy, India, Russia and China.
These industrialized nations are some of the world's highest greenhouse gas emitters. Oxfam says they're asking leaders to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and deliver funding to developing nations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
And right now there is just one country, which is meeting its obligations and doing enough on climate change. The climate action tracker monitors 39 individual countries and the E.U. and records their efforts to limit global warning to that 1.5 degree mark. So which country is it? Gambia. For many countries (ph) climate change is already having a devastating impact. With each passing day the people of St. Louis, Senegal are watching as their homes are either slowly damaged or destroyed and historic buildings are eroded away by rising sea levels and many there are already climate refugees.
Here's CNN's Fred Pleitgen reporting in from the city known as the Venice of Africa.
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FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): The fisherman's lives have always been tough here in Saint Louis in northern Senegal, fighting for survival on the harsh Atlantic ocean.
Now, because of climate change, the sea that has always provided for their livelihood is destroying their existence.
[01:49:50]
PLEITGEN: Shef Zar (ph) and his family live in what's left of their house -- half destroyed by a storm surge, knowing full well the rest of the building could be washed away anytime.
"We don't have anywhere to go," he says. "If we had the means we would move. Where we are living is not safe. We are powerless."
Because of its geography, Saint Louis is known as the Venice of Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage site, once the capital of Senegal, now facing attrition due to the global climate emergency. As erosion takes its toll on the historic buildings, and the people dwelling in them.
(on camera): Fishing is a profession that spans generations here in Saint Louis. But thousands of fishermen and their families have already been displaced by global warming as rising sea levels have destroyed many houses here on the coastline.
(voice over): There is nothing left of where fishermen's Abdullah e- Torez (ph) house once stood. He says many who lost their homes have become climate refugees.
"There are a lot of young people, who have already fled to Spain, because they are homeless", he says. They have lost their jobs, many of them are going.
Others have had to move to this tent camp miles away from the ocean. Living in poverty with little hope for improvement.
25-year-old Haddi Fauz (ph) says the situation is unbearable. "We are really tired," she says "there's nothing here. You see I am washing my clothes now because I did not have any soap before, that's why I'm doing it now. Really we are dying."
Rising sea levels are a threat to coastal areas around the world already causing an increase in severe flash flooding and storm surges like in the New York and New Jersey area after Hurricane Ida in September.
The world needs to act fast or risk having to completely abandon some coastal regions in the future, especially in the U.S. says climate scientist, Anders Levermann.
ANDERS LEVERMANN, CLIMATE SCIENTIST: The entire East Coast of the U.S. because of changes in the ocean currents, sea level is rising twice as fast than the East Coast of the U.S. than globally.
PLEITGEN: What is a dangerous projection for the world is already grim reality here in Senegal, where the ocean that has defined the lives of this community for so long, is now drifting them into an uncertain future.
Fred Pleitgen, CNN, Saint-Louis, Senegal.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VAUSE: Still to come -- the head of Barclays (INAUDIBLE) abruptly resigns after an investigation into his ties to the late sex offender and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
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VAUSE: In Croatia, they lit candles, laid flowers, visited the graves of loved ones on Monday. All part of All Saints' Day, which is a national holiday in this predominantly Catholic country.
Catholics have been honoring the dead on November 1st each year since the 9th century.
All Saints' Day is also observed in Poland. Last year COVID-19 meant gatherings were put on hold.
Well, the CEO of Barclays Paint Jes Staley has resigned as British regulators investigate his ties to late sex offender and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
CNN's Anna Stewart has details.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANNA STEWART , CNN CORRESPONDENT: Barclay's said it's disappointed with the outcome, and that Jes Staley has run the bank with commitment and skill over the last six years. But he has stepped down with immediate effect after the bank learned of the preliminary result of a regulatory probe on Friday evening.
[01:54:56]
STEWART: The FDA (ph) and the PRA, two British financial regulators launched this investigation in February of last year. It's looking at how does Staley characterize his relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein to Barclay's bank.
And how the bank then disposed that relationship to the regulators. Now, the relationship in question was a professional one, and it relates to when Staley was the head of JPMorgan's private bank and Epstein was a clients and this is over two decades ago.
(INAUDIBLE) was asked about the relationship last year, and he says obviously I thought I knew him well. And I did not. and for sure with hindsight of what we all know now, I deeply regret having had any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Well the preliminary conclusions have not been made public. Barclays has said there's been no in that scenes alleged crimes.
(INAUDIBLE) intends to contest the conclusions and he and the board have decided that it's best he steps down.
The FPA and the PRA wouldn't comment, saying the investigation is ongoing. As of today Barclay's former head of global markets (INAUDIBLE) is taking over as CEO, subject to regulatory approval. As Staley is entitled to 12 months notice. Barkley's will be paying out his $3.3 million dollar salary. No decision there has been made yet regarding bonus pay.
Anna Stewart, CNN -- London.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VAUSE: We finish with a footnote to a story from last week. Tech billionaire Elon Musk has responded to an interview here on CNN with the director of the World Food Programme David Beasley. He directly challenged Musk and the other uber wealthy to save millions of people from dying from starvation by giving up a tiny fraction of their fortune, $6 billion to be precise.
Musk has now responded on Twitter. "If WFP can describe on this Twitter thread exactly how $6 billion will solve world hunger, I will sell tesla stock right now and do it. Beasley responded it would not solve world hungry, and for the record he never said it would. But it could save 42 million people, who are at risk right now dying of starvation.
He tweeted this. "We can be anywhere, earth or space. But I suggest in the field, where you can see the WFP's people and processes and technology at work." So over to you Elon.
Thank you for watching CNN NEWSROOM. I'm John Vause. Please stay with us, the news continues after a very short break with my colleague and friend, Rosemary Church.
I'll see you here tomorrow.
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