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COP26: 20 Nations to Stop Funding Fossil Fuel Projects Abroad; Fuel Price Hike Hitting Mexico's Most Vulnerable; OPEX+ Members Plan Only Modest Increase in Oil Production; Potential Coastal Floods in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina; ICC to Investigate Allegations of Crimes Against Humanity; Aaron Rodgers Reportedly Test Positive for Virus; Prosecutors Crack Down on Unruly Airline Passengers. Aired 4:30-5a ET

Aired November 05, 2021 - 04:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[04:30:00]

PHIL BLACK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Does not stop countries from subsidizing those fuels within their own borders. And the pledge to move away from coal does not include the biggest users of coal -- the United States, China, India, for example. So, good but not quite good enough is in many ways how you could characterize much of progress that has been made at this conference.

And it is really distilled by that figure you just mentioned, 1.8 degrees. That is the predicted rise in average global temperature according to the International Energy Agency if you factor in all the progress that has been made at this conference. On one hand it is hugely positive because going into this conference, the United Nations said we were on track for 2.7 degrees of average global warming, which is a climate catastrophe. And this is the first time that there has been a credible estimate that suggests we would achieve something below 2 degrees of global warming.

But the goal is 1.5, and as it stands, that is still significantly off track. And where the gap is, is in the short-term commitments. What countries are prepared to do this decade in order to dramatically reduce their emissions -- Kim.

KIM BRUNHUBER, CNN ANCHOR: All right, thanks so much for your reporting there in Glasgow, Phil Black. Appreciate it.

The rising cost of fuel is affecting countries all over the world and that has ripple effect as residents pay more for gas, they also pay more for everything that depends on gas. In an effort to lower prices, Mexico's President created a new and controversial government-run oil company. CNN's Rafael Romo has the details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RAFAEL ROMO, CNN SENIOR LATIN AMERICAN AFFAIRS EDITOR (voice over): On a recent morning in Mexico City, people lined up for what has long been a monthly ritual, filling up their LP gas tanks

Like many Mexicans, Alejandra Navarrete complains about how expensive LP gas has become.

It affects all of us Mexicans, LP gas is very expensive but we still need to buy it she says.

I am spending twice as much as before this man says.

How far is this going to go this woman wonders?

ROMO: According to figures by the Mexican government, LP gas increased by more than 20 percent from September of 2020 to the same month this year by comparison. Inflation went up by 6 percent. In fact, analysts with the country central banks say, a typical price increases observed in some products maybe explain by global factors including the price hike in this fuel.

ROMO (voice-over): President Andres Manuel Obrador acknowledged over the summer the price of LP gas has risen well above inflation which breaks a campaign promise. His solution has been controversial.

The president created Gas Bienestar or Welfare Gas. A new LP gas company under PEMEX, Mexico's government run oil company. He says there are only five big companies that supply LP gas to almost half the country. Companies that according to the president operate with very high profit margins. But analysts say the problem is not lack of competition but high global demand that has caused prices to spike everywhere.

ADRIAN CALCANEO, MISTREAM AND NGL HIS MARKET: All of the increases is a consequence, a direct consequence of the global situation with supply and demand.

ROMO: At the end of August, the Mexican government announced with great fanfare, the first Gas Bienestar truck had begun delivering the fuel in the lower middle-class neighborhood in Mexico City. But as if to prove President Lopez Obrador wrong, LP gas sold by the government's company went up 11 percent in its first month of operation, even higher than some private providers.

And the problem is the ripple effect that high LP gas prices are having throughout the Mexican economy. Even in staples like Tortillas.

Back at the LP gas tank exchange depot, Alejandra Navarrete hopes the president's idea can make a difference but has a wait and see attitude.

There is a lot of talk but no results she says. As she puts the full tank in her car to go back home, she says all she hopes is that next month's trip for a refill won't leave her again with an empty pocket.

Rafael Romo, CNN, Mexico City.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BRUNHUBER: The White House says the world's major oil exporters seem unwilling to increase supply as gasoline prices soar. President Biden recently appealed to OPEC and Russia to boost production but received a flat no. U.S. officials say they are monitoring fuel prices and may take unilateral action if necessary. CNN's Eleni Giokos has more from Dubai.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

ELENI GIOKOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: OPEC plus countries, 23 nations that account for 50 percent of the world's oil supply have decided to not increase production of oil.

[04:05:00]

This is despite the push by U.S. President Joe Biden for them to increase the amount of oil in the market to alleviate the pressure on households and to ensure that the economic recovery is not derailed.

Now, what we have seen coming through is the OPEC nation said that this is a balancing act and that they're happy with the current supply demand scenarios. Take a listen to what the Energy Minister of Saudi Arabia had to say.

ABDULAZIZ BIN SALMAN AL SAUD, SAUDI ENERGY MINISTER: With regard to the U.S. yes, we've been having discussions at all levels. And we still believe that we are what -- we are doing is the right job. And the most convenient job.

GIOKOS: And the reality is this is a huge dichotomy between the conversations that are being had a COP26 about committing to an energy transitioning to net zero and moving away from fossil fuels, like oil. And then of course, importantly, the fact that many people and actually the whole world is still reliant on the use of oil for energy needs. And it's very indicative of the energy crises that are currently playing out in Europe and the United States as well.

The reality is you can't just switch off the taps to oil that there needs to be a transition and for many of these countries that took such a hard hit during the height of COVID-19, where oil prices dropped to below zero, some are trying to capitalize on the current revenue streams on an industry that's clearly going to come to an end in the next few decades.

If the climate agenda is something that countries do, in fact, stick to now. What the U.S. could consider doing is tapping into their strategic petroleum reserves to try and alleviate some of the pressure in the United States. But still, this is a very difficult situation, a big conversation between the climate change agenda and the desperate need and reliance on oil.

Eleni Giokos, CNN, Dubai.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

BRUNHUBER: U.S. economists are hopeful the October jobs report -- which will be released in just a few hours -- will indicate the nation's job growth is back on track. It will expect some 450,000 jobs were added to the economy last month. That would be a massive jump compared to September and August when hiring had been disappointingly low. Economists say the decline of COVID cases is likely playing a major role in the anticipated rebound.

And ahead of the jobs report, the markets are, well, basically flat there. Dow futures are down slightly. The Nasdaq and S&P both up a little.

Well, cold temperatures are seeping into parts of the U.S. this weekend. Meteorologist Derek Van Dam has the latest -- Derek.

DEREK VAN DAM, CNN METEOROLOGIST: We can say good-bye to the growing season across the Southeast because we are starting off on a very chilly Friday throughout this area. In fact, a frosty Friday for many locations. The National Weather Service has freeze warnings, and advisories where you see the shading of blue and purple. Just north of the Atlanta region, but this includes Nashville and Little Rock, Arkansas. These are the areas they could expect temperatures to flirt with the freezing mark overnight or slightly below as well.

The other big storm we're monitoring is a powerful low-pressure system that is going to develop right near the coast of the Carolinas as well as the coastal areas of Georgia and Florida. Lots of winds piling in from the northeast, so that will drive in some Atlantic Ocean waters. That brings the potential for some coastal flooding. That is why we have coastal flood advisories and warnings across the coastal regions of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. So, something to monitor.

One thing's for sure. This is going to be an impressive system as it slides to the north and east through the course of the weekend. It will bring heavier rain bands do this area with the potential for several inches of rain from Charleston to the outer banks, as well as Florida peninsula. The other side of the country, the Pacific Northwest, storm after storm after storm lining up once again, a very wet weekend in store for places like Portland, Seattle, all the way to San Francisco. You can see the abundant moisture. We have rainfall totals in excess of the foot for some of the higher elevations cross a cascade.

Temperatures for the most part in the 50s across the eastern third of the country with the exception of south Florida. You can see warmth starts to make a reentry into our forecast by the middle of next week.

BRUNHUBER: And Derek Van Dam, thank you so much for that.

Now, some people saw an incredible show in the night sky this week. So, here's a look at the dazzling colorful show that happened because of a geomagnetic storm. The Southern Lights as seen from Christchurch, New Zealand, and the Northern Lights as seen from Edmonton in Canada. Now because of that geomagnetic storm caused by a strong solar flare, the lights were on full display at lower and higher latitudes than usual.

All right. Still ahead, the international criminal court says it will investigate alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela.

[04:10:00]

Now families of those killed or detained in anti-government protests are hoping it will finally get justice.

Plus, he is one of the best players in the NFL, but Aaron Rodgers won't be playing Sunday. He reported lily tested positive for COVID. And while that's only part of the start of the story, we'll explain later. Stay with us.

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This BRUNHUBER: Shouts of justice and liberty are ringing out in Venezuela after the International Criminal Court announced it will investigate alleged crimes against humanity by the Maduro government. It's the first probe of its kind in Latin America, and families of those killed or detained during anti-government protests are welcoming the decision. CNN's Isa Soares reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ISA SOARES, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): For families mourning their lost loved ones, this moment couldn't come soon enough.

"We hope that he will make room to listen to the victims, that he will receive the hundreds of relevant complaints that exist in Venezuela. And I insist, that is why we are here, appealing to his good faith, and asking him to meet with the victims."

On Wednesday, the International Criminal Court announced it was opening an investigation into whether crimes against humanity were committed in Venezuela in 2017, when the U.N. Human Rights Office says security forces used excessive force to crack down on people protesting the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

The U.N. says that more than 120 died, and thousands more people were arbitrarily detained, claims CNN hasn't been able to verify.

Adreina Baduel's father, a former defense minister and retired general, was jailed for allegedly conspiring against Maduro. Raul Baduel died last month of complications from COVID-19 in a Caracas prison.

The U.N. Human Rights Office called for an independent investigation and the release of prisoners who'd been arbitrarily detained.

Wednesday, the ICC's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, signed a memorandum of understanding with Maduro and said the ICC would establish the truth.

KARIM KHAN, CHIEF PROSECUTOR, INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT: I am fully aware of the fault lines that exist in Venezuela, the geopolitical divisions that exist. We are not political. We are guided by the principles of legality and the rule of law.

SOARES (voice-over): The ICC opened a preliminary examination into the Maduro government in February of 2018. And Khan says this moves that investigation into the next phase. Meanwhile, Maduro says he respects the next step. NICOLAS MADURO, VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT (through translator): We respect your decision as a state, though we have made it clear we do not share it. We have signed an agreement that guarantees, in an effective way, cooperation, positive complementarity, mutual support, and constructive dialogue to reach truth and justice between Venezuela, with its institutions, and the International Criminal Court prosecutor's office. Thank you very much, prosecutor.

SOARES: This is the International Criminal Court's first full investigation into possible crimes against humanity in Latin America. And even if it drags on for years, the families say the investigation is a step in the right direction to bring justice for their loved ones.

Isa Soares, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BRUNHUBER: Police in western Australia have charged a 36-year-old man in connection with the kidnapping of 4-year-old Cleo Smith. The suspect appeared in court on Thursday where he was charged with various offenses including forcibly taking a child under 16. Police found Cleo in a locked house nearly three weeks after she vanished from her family's camp site. Officials released audio of the moment she was rescued. Listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've got her. Hey Bubby.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi Bubby.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hello. Bring the camera in.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I've Got you, Bubby. What's your name? What's your name, sweetheart?

CLEO SMITH: My name is Cleo.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Your name is Cleo?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRUNHUBER: Police say they believe the suspect acted spontaneously and alone.

Well, prosecutors are coming down hard on some of the unruly passengers on U.S. commercial flights. Coming up, how many people could face jail time for fighting on planes. Stay with us.

[04:20:00]

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BRUNHUBER: Green Bay Packer superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers won't be playing this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Rodgers is out due to COVID protocols -- according to the team's head coach. The NFL network and ESPN say that he's tested positive for coronavirus, and also reported he wasn't vaccinated. Which makes earlier statement from the former MVP all the more perplexing. Listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you vaccinated? And what's your stance on vaccinations?

AARON RODGERS, GREEN BAY PACKERS QUARTERBACK: Yes, I've been immunized. You know, there's a lot of -- a lot of conversation around it, around the league and a lot of guys who have made statements and I've made statements, owners who made statements. You know, there's guys on the team that haven't been vaccinated. I think it's a personal decision. I'm not going to judge those guys.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRUNHUBER: He may be one of those guys. So, what does this mean now for the Packers and their star quarterback? Well, sports broadcaster and CNN contributor Bob Costa spoke earlier with our Chris Cuomo on what protocols Rodgers should be undergoing. Here they are.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BOB COSTA, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Well, he is not vaccinated. What happened, Chris, was that at some point during training camp or just before, he petitioned the NFL to be listed as vaccinated. He had apparently sought some sort of homeopathic remedy. The NFL rejected that petition, so he has officially been unvaccinated the entire season, and the proof of that is that unvaccinated players -- and they comprise now only 5 percent of NFL rosters -- unvaccinated players have to be tested every single day. Vaccinated players are tested once a week.

There are also other obvious protocols involving unvaccinated players. They're not supposed to travel on team charters. They have to get there separately. They're not allowed to leave their rooms for any other reasons except team meetings and the games themselves when they're on the road. They have to be separated by 6 feet in the locker room. And have special lockers often with plexiglass between them. They're supposed to wear masks at all times when at a team facilities. So, it would be obvious that the team had to know because they're testing him every day.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BRUNHUBER: Now, CNN hasn't been able to confirm Rodgers' vaccination status. We have reached out to the Packers and Rodgers's agent but haven't received response yet.

Pushing, shoving, punching, all happening more and more often on U.S. airline flights. But as the number of violent incidents approaching new records, prosecutors are starting to zero in on some of the suspected offenders. CNN's Pete Muntean reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PETE MUNTEAN, CNN AVIATION CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The most egregious acts of inflight violence are now being turned over to federal prosecutors. For the first time, the Federal Aviation Administration says it has sent the cases of more than three dozen unruly passengers to the Department of Justice. They could face up to 20 years in jail.

SARA NELSON, PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF FLIGHT ATTENDANTS: That's what needs to happen.

MUNTEAN (voice-over): Sara Nelson heads the Association of Flight Attendants. Flight crews have reported 5,033 unruly incidents this year alone. The FAA has initiated enforcement in 227 cases. Now, it is asking prosecutors to put 37 of those passengers behind bars.

NELSON: We know this works and the Justice Department just has to take action. Put some people in jail and have people understand their severe consequences if you act out like this on a plane and put everyone in jeopardy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sit down now.

MUNTEAN (voice-over): The FAA says it has no tolerance for passengers who throw punches and shout down flight crews.

[04:25:00]

The FAA's newest fleet of passengers aired first on CNN. The agency cannot bring criminal charges but the Justice Department can. The ad shows the notice offenders open when their case turns criminal.

STEVE DICKSON, FAA ADMINISTRATOR: We're pulling out the stops we have --

MUNTEAN (voice-over): FAA Chief Steve Dickson says more federal investigators are meeting flights at the gate. Last week, police and the FBI were waiting in Denver for the man now charged for allegedly punching an American Airlines flight attendant in the face.

DICKSON: The crews are there for passenger safety. And this is about a behavior that's not appropriate in an aviation environment and we need to get it under control.

MUNTEAN: The FAA and the DOJ just issued a rare joint statement on this. They say they are committed to working more closely. The Association of Flight Attendants says this year's unruly passenger incidents are on pace to exceed all unruly incidents in the history of aviation. What's driving the spike? 70 percent, the FAA says, are over the federal mask mandate.

Pete Muntean, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BRUNHUBER: India was all aglow on Thursday to celebrate Diwali. The age-old festival of lights. In that's despite poor air quality in New Delhi after the first day of the event. Candles and fireworks, which may have contributed to the smog. India's people from different faiths and cities and villages across the country took part in the festivities which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Hence at the India/Pakistan border, Indian forces left their weapons behind and instead exchanged sweets with soldiers from Pakistan. Great to see.

Well, thanks for joining us. I'm Kim Brunhuber. "EARLY START" with Christine Romans and Laura Jarrett is up next. Please do stay with us.

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