A nation's fishing rights extend 200 nautical miles from its coastline. What does that mean for Pacific island countries if some of their remote islands disappear to sea level rise driven by climate change, changing their borders?

States from Kiribati to Tuvalu are mapping those islands in a bid to claim permanent exclusive economic zones - even if the outposts that now define them are swallowed by the waves, with sea level expected to rise at least a metre this century.

"I think there is growing support for the idea that these states who have contributed the least to climate change should not be penalised first," says Clive Schofield, of Sweden's Global Ocean Institute.

In the United States, Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos has chosen the person he wants to guide him on how to spend $10 billion to deal with climate change - more on the new CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund here.

And U.S. farmers, plenty of whom supported Donald Trump in the last election, are weighing up whether they can afford to get onboard with President Joe Biden's push for climate action.

The U.N. Statistical Commission, meanwhile, has done something remarkably interesting: added measures valuing nature's contributions - from clean air and water to a stable climate - to accounting standards.

How does that change the way we think? 

If Nepal's Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park were turned from forest into farmland, the move would no longer boost the economy, as under the old rules. Instead, it would create an $11-million annual deficit by cutting carbon storage 60% and water quality 88%.

In other unexpected news this week, some odd energy hogs - from indoor-grown marijuana to digital-only artworks - are reported to be driving up climate-heating emissions, hurting efforts to meet global goals to keep the planet safe.

And if you've ever needed a clear and simple explanation of what all those "net-zero" emissions goals mean, do check out (and share) our new video where our correspondent Kim Harrisberg talks you through it.

See you next week!

Laurie

Young negotiators inject 'new blood' into climate decision-making
Young climate activists are moving from the streets to negotiating seats of power - but plenty find obstacles in their way

Deep-sea gear helps Kenyan fishermen ride rough waves of climate change
With modern boats and diving kit, fishermen feel safer in stormy seas and are improving catches, while they are working in co-ops to boost business and protect the shore

No trees, no crops, no jobs: Burkina Faso's women fall back on hard labour
As climate change, tree losses and desertification mean farming no longer pays, women are turning to digging sand and gravel for construction to make a living

Wary US farmers weigh up joining Biden's climate fight
Some farmers are making climate-friendly green shifts - but the costs can be high. Will financial incentives persuade more to make the jump - especially those who backed Trump?

Islands, rocks and tuna: Pacific nations draw new battle lines against rising seas
Pacific states are rushing to formally lock in economic zones with fishing and mining rights around remote islands threatened by higher seas, as the planet warms

Green transition in islands hamstrung by debt, says Antigua & Barbuda PM
As COVID-19 adds to economic woes and climate shocks worsen, small island nations find themselves further in debt, and struggling to finance plans for greener energy

Who is the man Jeff Bezos chose to spend $10 billion as head of his Earth Fund?
Andrew Steer says he wants the fund to drive 'systemic change to address the climate and nature crises, with a focus on people'

U.N. puts nature's value on the balance sheet. Will it work?
Adopted this week by the U.N. Statistical Commission, the landmark accounting standards bring natural capital into economic decision-making

As Australian teens launch major climate lawsuit, this 86-year-old nun stands with them
Eight teens have brought a landmark court case that could make it harder for coal mines to be approved in Australia. Brigid Arthur, an octogenarian nun, didn't think twice when asked to support them

U.S. housing legacy puts some Black neighborhoods at higher flood risk
Impact of 1930s practice of "redlining" when banks and insurers refused loans in parts of cities mainly with large minority populations still lingers, says economist