If your company sells to enterprise-scale customers, some big new requirements you'll face soon just got published this week. And they're based on science.

Science based targets, like everything in science, should evolve with new evidence. And as of this week, the evidence says there's more heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere now than any time in the past 800,000 years.

In that context, the Science Based Targets Initiative has issued new guidelines for reporting. (Almost 11,000 corporations around the world have signed on to SBTi, from Comcast to McKinsey to McLaren Racing. I'll put a link in comments below that you can use to see which of your customers have signed on.)

Two key changes to in the new draft SBTi guidelines:

1. Companies are now explicitly required to set Scope 2 (purchased energy) targets to promote the adoption of zero-carbon energy.

2. Large companies must set Scope 3 value chain emissions goals, which means everyone who sells to a large company reporting to SBTi is likely going to need to come up with a plan to reduce your emissions, and thus help your enterprise customers meet their Scope 3 reduction goal.

Between SBTi, the EU's CSRD, and California's reporting requirements - the pressure to report and reduce emissions is significant. SBTI's announcement seems to suggest a tightening of the specificity of those requirements, including Scope 3 goals and plans. That's good news.

What are we going to do about it? We offer summaries of 200 selected updates from around the world of green tech and sustainability. (Email subscribers get 3 picked out just for you.) Connect your work to one of these and let's all deepen and accelerate our efforts to transform the global economy today.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• Agriculture (15 stories) - Riparian Buffers, Microplastics, and Gender Equity Highlight Global Agricultural Challenges in Sustainable Food Production and Technology Innovation

  
  

• Carbon (7 stories) - Record CO2 Levels Trigger Global Alarm: InPlanet's Rock Weathering, UN Warnings, and Blockchain Verification Highlight Urgent Climate Challenges

  
  

• Circular (2 stories) - ZymoChem's bio-based nylon breakthrough and Kamikatsu's pioneering zero-waste model showcase circular economy innovation in textiles and municipal waste management.

  
  

• Ecosystems (22 stories) - Global biodiversity crisis intensifies: UN framework, wildlife trade challenges, and strategic ecosystem restoration efforts highlight complex conservation landscape

  
  

• Efficiency (5 stories) - Building science breakthroughs, heat pump innovations, and record utility efficiency investments drive transformative energy performance across sectors

  
  

• Finance (4 stories) - Prime Coalition and CNote boost community bank impact, BlackRock realigns EU sustainability funds, Arcmont launches €475M impact lending strategy with APG and TIAA

  
  

• Grid (14 stories) - Quantum-secure grid innovations: Southwest Power Pool, AI optimization, and massive battery investments reshape energy infrastructure across global markets

  
  

• Indigenous (12 stories) - Indigenous Innovation and Resilience: From Water Quality Monitoring in Ukraine to Dam Removal in Klamath, Tribal Communities Drive Environmental Justice and Technological Solutions

  
  

• Industry (13 stories) - Green Hydrogen, Battery Innovation, and Energy Transition: Grangemouth's Transformation, ARENA's Lithium Investment, and Emerging Battery Technologies Reshape Industrial Landscape

  
  

• Policy (70 stories) - State Legislatures and Advocacy Groups Reshape Climate Policy Landscape, with Environmental Defense Fund Leadership Transition and Innovative CDR Strategies

  
  

• Renewables (22 stories) - Global Solar Surge: Viridian, JA Solar, Trina Storage, and Astronergy Drive Renewable Energy Transformation Across Continents

  
  

• Transport (12 stories) - AI-powered battery tech, multi-gear EVs, and rapid battery swapping drive electric vehicle innovation across global markets, with startups like Pulsetrain, Ample, and Coreshell advancing charging

Agriculture

Riparian Buffers, Microplastics, and Gender Equity Highlight Global Agricultural Challenges in Sustainable Food Production and Technology Innovation

• Stop Toxic Runoff – Act Now for Clean Water! (Prairie Rivers Network) - Illinois proposes mandatory riparian buffers to combat agricultural runoff and protect water quality through state legislation.

• The Soybean Innovation Lab Is Set to Close in April After Trump Cuts (Inside Climate News) - USAID's Soybean Innovation Lab to Close in April After Trump's Foreign Aid Cuts, Halting Critical Agricultural Development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Microplastics: are they poisoning crops and jeopardising food production? (The Conversation) - Study suggests microplastics could reduce crop photosynthesis by 7-12%, potentially threatening global food production.

• Top 50 Farmers (Koperwiek) - Dutch farm recognized in Europe's inaugural Top 50 Farmers initiative for pioneering regenerative agriculture and agroforestry practices.

• Colombia: Only 26% of rural women own the land they work (Via Campesina) - Colombian rural women produce nearly 50% of food but only own 26% of the land they work, highlighting systemic gender inequity in agricultural ownership.

• Babylon Micro-Farms Recognized in This Year’s FoodTech 500, Ranking #34 (Babylon Micro-Farms) - Innovative vertical farming startup ranks 34th in global FoodTech 500, recognized for sustainable, technology-driven agricultural solutions.

• Brazil: Peasant Women Highlight Health Impacts of Pesticides and Demand Public Policies for Diversified, Local Production (Via Campesina) - Brazilian peasant women expose health risks of pesticides and demand agroecological policies prioritizing local, sustainable agriculture.

• Catch up on all the #8M25 mobilizations worldwide (La Via Campesina) - Global peasant women's movement highlights agricultural challenges, demands rights, and calls for systemic transformation on International Day of Struggle.

• Did you hear about the federal freeze harming farmers and small businesses? (NPR) - Federal freeze halts $1.8 billion in clean energy funds, impacting 25,000 agricultural contracts and rural business sustainability.

• It's time to scale (Better Meat Co) - South American meat company signs largest supply deal to date for 90 tons monthly of Rhiza mycoprotein, signaling massive scaling potential.

• Eat Just seizes the moment as avian flu fuels surge in demand for egg alternatives (AgFunderNews) - Eat Just's plant-based egg alternative surges in popularity amid avian flu disruptions and market volatility.

• Top 50 Farmers wants to create the ‘celebrity chefs’ of regen ag—and get farmers paid more in the process (AgFunderNews) - Top 50 Farmers initiative aims to elevate regenerative agriculture by creating 'celebrity farmer' recognition program across Europe to inspire and support sustainable farming.

• Projectleider nieuwe/startende boerderijen gezocht (Herenboeren Nederland) - Seeking a passionate project leader to support the expansion of cooperative, nature-driven farms across the Netherlands.

• Local food for schools helps farmers and kids. So why is Trump cutting funding? (Guardian) - Trump administration cuts $1bn in local food funding for schools, threatening farmers' livelihoods and children's nutrition programs.

• The Deadly Story of a Life-Giving Element (Nautilus) - Author Jack Lohmann explores the complex history of phosphorus, revealing its critical role in life cycles, environmental destruction, and the interconnected nature of existence through the lens of phosphate mining on Nauru.

Carbon

Record CO2 Levels Trigger Global Alarm: InPlanet's Rock Weathering, UN Warnings, and Blockchain Verification Highlight Urgent Climate Challenges

• Carbon Dioxide Levels Highest in 800,000 Years (Yale e360) - Global carbon dioxide levels reach unprecedented high, surpassing 800,000-year record and signaling critical climate crisis.

• Woodside’s bid to expand a huge gas project is testing both major parties’ environmental credentials (The Conversation) - Woodside's massive gas project expansion threatens climate goals and marine ecosystems, sparking political debate over environmental credentials.

• InPlanet named a Top 10 Most Innovative Company in Latin America by Fast Company for 2025 (Fast Company) - InPlanet named Top 10 Most Innovative Company in Latin America for pioneering Enhanced Rock Weathering technology to remove carbon and regenerate tropical agricultural soils.

• Bill to Protect Mahomet Aquifer from Carbon Pollution Passes House Committee (Prairie Rivers Network) - Illinois House Committee advances bipartisan bill protecting Mahomet Aquifer from potential carbon sequestration risks.

• Record Sea Levels, Ocean Heat, CO2 Concentrations in 2024 a ‘Wake-Up Call’ For Humanity, Warns UN Weather Agency (Earth.org) - UN warns 2024 climate data reveals unprecedented global warming with record CO2 levels, ocean heat, and sea-level rise signaling critical planetary distress.

• Atmosperhic CO2 Is at an 800,000-Year High (Heatmap News) - World Meteorological Organization reports atmospheric CO2 levels are at highest point in 800,000 years, with global temperatures 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels.

• This is CDR: Open Carbon Protocol - Collaborative CDR Protocol Development (Open Carbon Protocol) - Blockchain-based platform develops collaborative, decentralized methodology for transparent and scalable carbon removal credit verification.

Circular

ZymoChem's bio-based nylon breakthrough and Kamikatsu's pioneering zero-waste model showcase circular economy innovation in textiles and municipal waste management.

• lululemon & ZymoChem Announce New Collaboration on Bio-Based Nylon (lululemon) - Athletic apparel brand partners with ZymoChem to develop sustainable, bio-based nylon for performance clothing.

• Introducing Japan’s First Zero-Waste Town (Atmos) - Japanese mountain town Kamikatsu pioneers zero-waste living with 81% recycling rate, inspiring global sustainable practices through innovative 45-category waste sorting system.

Ecosystems

Global biodiversity crisis intensifies: UN framework, wildlife trade challenges, and strategic ecosystem restoration efforts highlight complex conservation landscape

• Why biodiversity matters more than you think. (UNEP) - Global Biodiversity Framework aims to halt ecosystem decline and secure sustainable development by protecting nature's critical interconnected systems.

• Southern elephant seals are adaptable – but they struggle when faced with both rapid climate change and human impacts (The Conversation) - Southern elephant seals demonstrate remarkable adaptability but face existential threats from rapid climate change and human exploitation.

• New paper resolves a half-century old debate about how to conserve biodiversity in natural areas (Anthropocene Magazine) - Large contiguous forests are significantly better for biodiversity conservation than fragmented landscapes, resolving a half-century scientific debate.

• 1,100 Communities at Risk of Urban Wildfire (The Wildlife News) - 1,100 U.S. communities face high urban wildfire risk, with majority outside Western states and non-forest landscapes posing significant threat.

• ‘Like kidnapping your grandpa’: why relocating orangutans threatens their survival (Guardian) - Research reveals relocating orangutans often causes more harm than good, with animals struggling to adapt and frequently returning to their original territories.

• Both legal and illegal wildlife trade ‘need better monitoring’: Interview with Alice Hughes (Mongabay) - Global wildlife trade involves over 70,000 species with minimal monitoring, risking biodiversity through unregulated exotic pet markets and online platforms.

• Earth’s lungs are choking on plastic and smoke – scientists hope to unblock them (The Conversation) - Scientists explore how microplastics and climate change are disrupting photosynthesis, threatening global food production and carbon absorption.

• World Rewilding Day: Four species bouncing back from the brink of extinction (Mongabay) - Four critically endangered species—including finches, zebra sharks, and giant anteaters—successfully reintroduced to their native habitats through strategic rewilding efforts.

• Rain gave Australia’s environment a fourth year of reprieve in 2024 – but this masks deepening problems: report (The Conversation) - Despite four years of relatively good environmental conditions due to rainfall, Australia faces deepening ecological challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, and persistent environmental degradation.

• New Delhi transforms degraded lands into biodiversity parks (Mongabay) - New Delhi transforms seven degraded urban lands into thriving biodiversity parks, offering climate resilience and ecological restoration.

• Beyond the screen: DCEFF 2025 (Mongabay) - 2025 Environmental Film Festival showcases documentaries exploring conservation, human-wildlife coexistence, and environmental justice through powerful storytelling.

• 17 dead as Cyclone Jude wreaks havoc in East Africa (Mongabay) - Cyclone Jude devastates East Africa, killing 17, displacing over 10,500, and causing widespread infrastructure damage across Mozambique, Madagascar, and Malawi.

• Microplastic within humans now a health crisis: Interview with ‘Plastic People’ filmmakers (Mongabay) - Documentary 'Plastic People' reveals microplastics have infiltrated human bodies, with researchers finding alarming evidence of contamination in brains, placentas, and organs, signaling a global environmental and health crisis.

• Esmeraldas oil spill in Ecuador devastates rivers and wildlife refuge (Mongabay) - Massive oil spill in Ecuador's Esmeraldas province devastates rivers, wildlife refuge, and mangrove ecosystem, threatening local biodiversity and communities.

• Why are the British flooding parts of their coast? (Mongabay) - British strategically flood coastal farmland to restore salt marshes, creating natural flood barriers and carbon sinks while reviving lost ecosystems.

• Global outcry as petitioners demand no mining expansion in orangutan habitat (Mongabay) - Nearly 200,000 global petitioners demand Jardine Matheson halt gold mine expansion threatening critically endangered Tapanuli orangutan habitat in Indonesia.

• As mountain glaciers melt, risk of catastrophic flash floods rises for millions − World Day for Glaciers carries a reminder (The Conversation) - Mountain glaciers' rapid melting increases catastrophic flash flood risks for nearly 10 million people worldwide.

• The Extraordinary, Imperiled Science at the End of the Earth (Nautilus) - Antarctic scientific research faces critical threats as polar ice melts and federal personnel are cut, jeopardizing crucial global climate and cosmic research.

• New Study Reinforces Worries About Pulses of Rapid Sea Level Rise (Inside Climate News) - New North Sea peat study reveals potential for rapid sea level rise of up to 3.3 feet per century during early Holocene, reinforcing concerns about future climate-driven sea level changes.

• Planned port project threatens protected Amazonian mangrove biodiversity and local livelihoods (Mongabay) - Proposed Alcântara Port Terminal in Brazil threatens critical Amazonian mangrove ecosystem, biodiversity, and local Quilombola communities' livelihoods.

• Sustainable Public Spaces: The Role of Landscape Architecture In Urban Resilience (Earth.org) - Landscape architects are crucial in designing resilient urban spaces that address climate challenges, enhance biodiversity, and improve community well-being through innovative green infrastructure.

• In Malawi reserve, contraceptives help balance lion and prey populations (Mongabay) - Malawi wildlife reserve uses lion contraceptives to manage population and maintain ecological balance in restored ecosystem.

Efficiency

Building science breakthroughs, heat pump innovations, and record utility efficiency investments drive transformative energy performance across sectors

• S2E6:The Practice and Philosophy of Building Science – A Discussion with Alex Meaney and Nate Adams (Heat Pump Podcast) - Experts explore cutting-edge building science, heat pump design challenges, and critical HVAC performance insights.

• SC Home Energy Makeover – Let’s Take This Statewide!! (SACE) - Low-income South Carolina homeowner reduces energy bills by 74% through comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades and solar installation.

• How astronauts make their drinking water #nasa (NASA) - Astronauts transform urine into potable water using advanced space mission recycling technologies, inspiring climate-resilient wastewater solutions.

• Utility energy efficiency investment hit record $8.8B in 2023: ACEEE (Utility Dive) - U.S. utilities set a record $8.8 billion energy efficiency investment in 2023, with five states driving 90% of the spending increase.

• Get a More Complete View of Building Performance with Occupancy Tracking (Gridium) - New occupancy tracking feature enables building managers to correlate energy use, costs, and occupancy data for more informed operational decisions.

Finance

Prime Coalition and CNote boost community bank impact, BlackRock realigns EU sustainability funds, Arcmont launches €475M impact lending strategy with APG and TIAA

• Maximizing Impact: Prime Coalition’s Partnership with CNote (CNote) - Prime Coalition partners with CNote to strategically deploy cash deposits supporting impact-driven community banks and credit unions.

• BlackRock Enhances Sustainability Characteristics of $92 Billion of Funds Ahead of ESMA ESG Fund Naming Rules (ESG Today) - BlackRock prepares $92 billion in funds for new EU sustainability naming rules by enhancing investment characteristics and removing ESG terms.

• Arcmont Secures €475 Million Investment Mandates from APG, TIAA for New Impact Lending Strategy (ESG Today) - Arcmont launches €475 million impact lending strategy with APG and TIAA, targeting sustainable investments in climate, health, and economic growth.

• FDO staff to hold silent auction (WWU) - Faculty Development Office staff to organize silent auction fundraiser for Holli Brawley Scholarship.

Grid

Quantum-secure grid innovations: Southwest Power Pool, AI optimization, and massive battery investments reshape energy infrastructure across global markets

• Southwest Power Pool is ‘well positioned’ to meet long term adequacy challenges, but it might cost hundreds of billions of dollars (Renewable Energy World) - Southwest Power Pool projects $88-$263 billion investment needed to maintain grid reliability through 2050 with increasing renewable energy and storage capacity.

• The journey to quantum-safe utility communications begins today (Renewable Energy World) - Utilities must proactively adopt quantum-resistant encryption to protect grid communications against emerging quantum computing cyber threats.

• How Virtual Power Plants Enhance Grid Operations and Resilience (POWER) - Virtual power plants enhance grid flexibility by aggregating distributed energy resources to balance supply and demand, reducing infrastructure costs and enabling consumer participation in energy markets.

• How Hybrid Cloud and Edge Computing are Transforming the Energy Sector (POWER) - Hybrid cloud and edge computing are revolutionizing energy sector operations by enabling real-time data processing, enhancing grid resilience, and optimizing performance across oil & gas, utilities, and renewable energy segments.

• Powering the grid: The impact of electric vehicles on India’s energy infrastructure (Energy Central) - India's electric vehicle transition challenges power grid stability, requiring strategic charging infrastructure and smart grid technologies to prevent network overload.

• ‘Fix garbage data’ – This startup uses AI to help utilities reduce inefficiencies (Renewable Energy World) - AI startup Senpilot develops intelligent solutions to help utilities optimize grid operations, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance infrastructure management through advanced data processing.

• Time for AEMO to get real and stop ringing the alarm bell on gas shortages (RenewEconomy) - AEMO forecasts declining gas consumption with potential for significant battery storage and electric vehicle integration challenging traditional gas market projections.

• National Wealth Fund: Solihull secures £9m for town centre heat network (BusinessGreen) - Solihull Council secures £9m National Wealth Fund investment to develop low-carbon town centre heat network.

• Too many cooks spoil the battery broth: Delays and added costs for landmark storage project (RenewEconomy) - Neoen's Blyth battery project faces delays and added costs due to complex multi-supplier equipment compatibility challenges.

• Startup Introduces New Climate Change Tool For Rural Electric Cooperatives (CleanTechnica) - Rhizome launches gridCAVA, an affordable AI-powered climate change assessment tool for rural electric cooperatives to enhance grid resilience.

• Four new giant batteries to be built in W.A. as world’s biggest isolated grid navigates transition from coal (RenewEconomy) - Western Australia to build four giant batteries totaling 654 MW, accelerating grid transition from coal by 2027.

• US storage up 33% in 2024 (Latitude Media) - US energy storage installations surge 33% in 2024, reaching 12.3 gigawatts with growth driven by Texas and California grid-scale and residential markets.

• Announcing Grid Edge Innovation Forum – May 27 (Advanced Energy United) - Grid Edge Innovation Forum explores AI's transformative potential for enhancing grid reliability, interconnection, and energy management at DTECH Data Centers event.

• LPO shows signs of life with $56.8M Palisades disbursement (Utility Dive) - DOE disburses $56.8M loan to Holtec for restarting Michigan's Palisades nuclear plant, signaling continued support for nuclear energy.

Indigenous

Indigenous Innovation and Resilience: From Water Quality Monitoring in Ukraine to Dam Removal in Klamath, Tribal Communities Drive Environmental Justice and Technological Solutions

• CEOBS’ citizen science water quality hackathon for Ukraine (CEOBS) - Ukrainian students develop innovative citizen science solutions to monitor and address water quality challenges during ongoing conflict.

• Natural building material could be used for safer refugee housing (Yale Climate Connections) - Jute-based 'jutin' material offers climate-resilient, affordable housing solution for Bangladesh refugee camps.

• Raúl Grijalva: A patriot for public lands (HCN) - Congressman Raúl Grijalva, a champion for public lands and Indigenous sovereignty, leaves behind a transformative legacy of environmental advocacy and tribal rights protection.

• Live near Geraldton in WA? Come to a workshop (First Nations Clean Energy Network) - Geraldton workshop empowers Indigenous community to engage with renewable energy opportunities and partnerships.

• Alaska Natives want the US military to clean up its toxic waste (Grist) - Alaska Native activists urge UN investigation into toxic military waste contaminating Indigenous lands and threatening community health.

• ‘Unprecedented’ Supreme Court bill threatens Indigenous rights in Brazil (Mongabay) - Brazilian Supreme Court justice proposes unprecedented bill undermining Indigenous land rights and constitutional protections.

• SAFETY ALERT (Penobscot Nation) - Tribal safety alert warns community members about dangerous river conditions during spring thaw, urging adult supervision and caution near water.

• How the Klamath Dams Came Down (Grist) - Indigenous-led campaign successfully removes four Klamath River dams, marking largest dam removal in U.S. history and restoring critical salmon habitat.

• Una sentencia histórica sobre los derechos de los pueblos indígenas aislados golpea a la industria petrolera (Inside Climate News) - Landmark Inter-American Court ruling orders Ecuador to protect uncontacted indigenous peoples' territories from oil industry expansion by implementing precautionary measures.

• Kalonji Changa: “African Art of War as a Tool for Liberation” (Happily Natural Day) - Kalonji Changa explores the African Art of War as a strategic approach to liberation and cultural empowerment.

• Colombia Gold Miners Improve Pay, Win Worker Rights (Solidarity Center) - Colombian gold miners secure first-ever contract with wage increases and worker rights protections through union negotiation.

• Vlog: The Right to Migrate (UUSC) - Unitarian Universalist Service Committee advocates for migrant rights through community accompaniment and support programs for asylum-seekers.

Industry

Green Hydrogen, Battery Innovation, and Energy Transition: Grangemouth's Transformation, ARENA's Lithium Investment, and Emerging Battery Technologies Reshape Industrial Landscape

• Grangemouth could be converted into leading green fuels hub, Swinney says (Guardian) - Scotland's first minister proposes transforming Grangemouth oil refinery into a green fuels and chemicals hub, potentially creating up to 1,200 jobs despite current refinery closure.

• Livium — Ascending the Battery Value Chain (CleanTechnica) - Australian agency ARENA invests AU$30 million in Livium to develop advanced lithium-ion battery cathode powder manufacturing, aiming to boost domestic battery value chain capabilities.

• Res Integra joins forces with Ohmium for green hydrogen project in Sicily (Energy Central) - Res Integra partners with Ohmium to develop a 700-tonne annual green hydrogen project in Sicily powered by solar PV.

• Iconic fossil fuel smokestacks are being taken down one brick at a time (RenewEconomy) - Synergy methodically deconstructs decades-old fossil fuel power station smokestacks in Western Australia, replacing industrial infrastructure with batteries and renewable energy.

• AI will forever change the energy industry workforce, and that’s not a bad thing (Renewable Energy World) - AI is set to transform the energy industry workforce by enhancing productivity, creating new roles, and complementing human intelligence rather than replacing workers.

• Grangemouth Scotland, Project Willow, e-methanol and e-ammonia . (Energy Central) - Grangemouth, Scotland's Project Willow proposes £6.6bn investment to create 480 jobs through e-methanol for jet fuel and e-ammonia for shipping by 2035.

• How to Crash America’s Manufacturing Renaissance (Heatmap News) - Republican efforts to repeal EV tax credits and rollback EPA regulations could potentially halt America's electric vehicle manufacturing renaissance.

• Debunking The Myth: Hydrogen Is Not A Zero Emissions Fuel (CleanTechnica) - Hydrogen is not a zero-emissions fuel due to carbon-intensive production, significant methane leakage, and nitrogen oxide pollution during combustion.

• Ingénieur projet Produit H/F (Tiamat) - French startup develops sodium-ion battery technology to enable sustainable energy storage without critical minerals.

• Ingénieur en électrochimie H/F (TIAMAT Energy) - French startup seeks electrochemistry engineer to develop innovative sodium-ion battery technology for sustainable energy storage and decarbonization.

• Acheteur industriel H/F (Tiamat Energy) - Innovative battery manufacturer seeks experienced industrial buyer to support sodium-ion battery supply chain development and strategic sourcing.

• Technicien en chimie et sciences des matériaux H/F (Tiamat Energy) - Innovative French startup seeks skilled chemistry technician to support sodium-ion battery research and development in Amiens.

• EIA forecasts Alaska crude oil production will grow in 2026 for the first time since 2017 (EIA) - Alaska's crude oil production is set to grow in 2026 for the first time since 2017, driven by new Nuna and Pikka oil projects on the North Slope.

Policy

State Legislatures and Advocacy Groups Reshape Climate Policy Landscape, with Environmental Defense Fund Leadership Transition and Innovative CDR Strategies

• LCV Names Pete Maysmith Next President (LCV) - Environmental advocacy organization names Pete Maysmith as new president, succeeding Gene Karpinski after leading significant electoral and campaign operations.

• This is CDR: 2025 State-Level Carbon Removal Policy Action with Chris Neidl (IEA) - State legislatures emerge as pivotal policy laboratories for advancing carbon dioxide removal (CDR) through innovative, complementary legislation beyond federal frameworks.

• “Not silver bullets”: COP30 CEO downplays impact of yearly climate summits (Climate Change News) - COP30 CEO emphasizes continuous climate action over annual summits, critiquing overexpectations of UN climate conferences.

• Only 15 countries have met the latest Paris agreement deadline. Is any nation serious about tackling climate change? (The Conversation) - Only 15 countries met the Paris Agreement emissions reduction deadline, highlighting global inaction on climate change.

• Why sizzling cities are mapping hot spots street by street (Yale Climate Connections) - Reno leads U.S. cities in heat mapping project, revealing dramatic temperature variations between neighborhoods through citizen science.

• Farmer’s house in danger from climate change, court told in RWE case (Guardian) - Peruvian farmer sues German coal giant RWE in landmark climate lawsuit seeking flood defense contributions for glacier-threatened home.

• Mozambique and Tanzania strengthen South-South cooperation in early warning and disaster preparedness (UNDRR) - Mozambique and Tanzania collaborate on disaster risk management through South-South knowledge exchange and early warning system improvements.

• Gutting EPA research division would expose people to dangerous pollution and shield powerful polluters (SELC) - Proposed dissolution of EPA's research division threatens public health by removing scientific oversight of industrial pollution.

• Statement: EPA Axes All Environmental Justice Staff (Dogwood Alliance) - EPA Eliminates Entire Environmental Justice Staff, Potentially Exposing Vulnerable Communities to Increased Pollution.

• IRA Tax Credits Provide Powerful Incentives for Investing in Sustainable Technology Design (HMFH) - Inflation Reduction Act offers substantial tax credits for municipalities investing in clean energy systems, enabling non-profit entities to access financial incentives for sustainable building design.

• The GROMADA project: citizen science for environmental protection and accountability in Ukraine (CEOBS) - Ukrainian citizen science project explores environmental monitoring and legal accountability during wartime through participatory research and international collaboration.

• How a lack of period product regulation harms our health and the planet (The Conversation) - Lack of regulation exposes menstruators to harmful chemicals in period products, posing significant health and environmental risks.

• Canada's largest sustainable community takes shape (Volts) - Edmonton's Blatchford transforms former airport into Canada's largest sustainable, net-zero emissions community targeting 30,000 residents.

• myenergi calls on businesses to #AcelerateAction following International Women’s Day (myenergi) - Renewable energy tech company champions gender equality in engineering, highlighting progress and calling for continued action to support women in the sector.

• Speakers announced for LA Climate Week panel | March 2025 (CTrees) - Experts to discuss natural climate solutions at Los Angeles Climate Week panel featuring leading scientists from wildfire, earth system science, and remote sensing domains.

• Tell Congressman LaHood to Protect Clean Energy Funding for Our Communities! (Prairie Rivers Network) - Congressman LaHood urged to preserve critical clean energy funding for Illinois communities, protecting tax credits, rural energy programs, and environmental initiatives.

• British Columbia Turns Its Back On Tesla & Musk (CleanTechnica) - British Columbia excludes Tesla from government EV charger and battery rebate programs due to Elon Musk's political stance.

• CCC Update: Some Ways to Fight the Power (Charleston Climate Coalition) - Local activists mobilize against EPA deregulation and Dominion's gas plant plans while promoting sustainable community development.

• Extreme Weather Events in 2024 Led to Highest Number of New Displacements Since 2008 (Earth.org) - Record 824,500 people displaced by 617 extreme weather events in 2024, marking highest global climate-related migration since 2008.

• EPA Abandons Its Mission: Moms Make News (Moms Clean Air Force) - EPA leadership under Lee Zeldin dismantles critical environmental protection standards, sparking widespread activist and media criticism.

• 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲’𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝘆 – 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳? (Energy Central) - Climate advocates criticized for ineffective strategies as WMO reports record greenhouse gas levels and Paris Agreement target exceeded in 2024.

• How DOGE Cuts Threatens Science That Could Save the Planet (The Revelator) - DOGE-led budget cuts threaten federally funded scientific research that could yield critical discoveries for climate, biodiversity, and technological innovation.

• More “Beautiful, Clean Coal” Power Coming To US Thanks To America’s Ayatollah (CleanTechnica) - US administration plans to revive coal power plants despite environmental concerns and economic unviability, potentially undermining renewable energy transition.

• CTIPs? How the New Acronym Can Turn Europe’s Minerals Diplomacy Around (CleanTechnica) - EU launches Clean Trade and Investment Partnerships (CTIPs) to strategically diversify critical minerals supply chains and support resource-rich countries' industrial development.

• Indiana utilities want ratepayers to fork out for small nuclear reactors (Canary Media) - Indiana legislators consider controversial bills allowing utilities to charge ratepayers for small nuclear reactor planning costs, even if projects never materialize.

• Three years into the Ukraine war, is Europe’s energy system cleaner? (Canary Media) - Three years after Ukraine invasion, Europe dramatically reduced Russian gas imports and increased renewable electricity, but full decarbonization remains elusive.

• Don't Miss Out! Listen to the Latest Episode of Political Climate Today! (Political Climate) - EPA's controversial policy moves and clean energy tax credits spark debate in latest podcast episode.

• This Australian coal community is co-designing its own green future (Climate Change News) - Australian coal town Collie pioneers community-led green transition with $700 million investment in new industries, retraining, and economic diversification.

• SBTi Releases Initial Draft of New Corporate Net Zero Standard (ESG Today) - SBTi proposes updated Corporate Net-Zero Standard with stricter Scope 3 emissions targets, zero-carbon electricity requirements, and enhanced progress tracking.

• LiveEO | EUDR Timeline: Key Dates and Milestones in the EU's Deforestation Regulation (LiveEO) - EU's groundbreaking Deforestation Regulation sets new global standards for sustainable trade by mandating rigorous supply chain transparency and environmental compliance across key commodities.

• Guest post: Why action on extreme heat in Indian cities is falling short (Carbon Brief) - Indian cities struggle with short-term heat responses, lacking comprehensive long-term resilience strategies despite increasing extreme heat risks.

• Celebrating One Year of Europe’s Green Buildings Law (Revolve Media) - EU's Green Buildings Law marks a pivotal milestone in reducing building-related emissions and promoting energy efficiency across European member states.

• Debunking “Fix Our Forests Act” Misinformation Factsheet (John Muir Project) - Republican-backed "Fix Our Forests Act" threatens environmental protections by mandating massive logging projects under the guise of wildfire prevention, while actually weakening key environmental laws.

• Judge blocks Trump administration from terminating $14 billion in ‘green bank’ grants (Renewable Energy World) - Federal judge blocks Trump EPA from terminating $14 billion in green bank grants, citing insufficient fraud claims.

• ‘Solar for Y’all’ faces hazy future in Louisiana (Renewable Energy World) - Louisiana's $156 million Solar for Y'all program faces uncertain future amid EPA funding disputes and potential Trump administration cuts.

• Maryland General Assembly Starts the Process of ‘Making Polluters Pay’ (CCAN Action Fund) - Maryland advances landmark bill to study climate change costs and potentially make fossil fuel companies pay for environmental damages.

• Nonprofit organizations, cities nationwide challenge Trump administration’s federal funding freeze (SELC) - Nonprofit organizations and cities sue Trump administration to unfreeze critical federal grants supporting community environmental, housing, and agricultural projects.

• Jury delivers verdict finding Greenpeace entities liable for more than US$660 million in Energy Transfer SLAPP trial (Greenpeace) - US jury finds Greenpeace entities liable for $660 million in Energy Transfer SLAPP lawsuit, challenging free speech and protest rights.

• Canada’s new leader culls carbon tax seen as burden on voters (Climate Change News) - Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney eliminates consumer carbon tax to appeal to voters while maintaining industrial emissions pricing.

• Revoking EPA’s endangerment finding – the keystone of US climate policies – won’t be simple and could have unintended consequences (The Conversation) - EPA's attempt to revoke the 2009 endangerment finding faces complex legal, scientific, and procedural challenges that could potentially backfire on the fossil fuel industry.

• Albanese to rush through new laws to protect Tasmania’s salmon industry from legal challenge (Guardian) - Albanese plans to rush through legislation protecting Tasmania's salmon industry from legal challenges despite environmental concerns about endangered Maugean skate.

• Trump’s EPA aims to cut pollution rules projected to save nearly 200,000 lives: ‘People will be hurt’ (Guardian) - Trump's EPA plans to roll back 31 pollution regulations, potentially risking nearly 200,000 lives and $254 billion in annual health benefits.

• Critics warn staff cuts at federal agencies overseeing US dams could put public safety at risk (Renewable Energy World) - Staff cuts at federal dam agencies raise critical public safety concerns about infrastructure maintenance and emergency response.

• New dams call into question Cambodia’s commitment to REDD+ projects (Mongabay) - Cambodia approves new dams in Cardamom Mountains, undermining REDD+ forest conservation projects and carbon credit initiatives.

• “We will not back down:” Court tells Greenpeace to pay billion dollar damages bill to oil and gas company (RenewEconomy) - US court orders Greenpeace to pay $660 million in damages for pipeline protest campaign against Energy Transfer Partners.

• Meet the people behind the latest gas lobby group claiming to “educate and inform” consumers (RenewEconomy) - New gas lobby group "Australians For Natural Gas" launched by fracking executive, former politician, and libertarian lobbyist to promote industry interests.

• Rep from American Samoa calls for opening protected Pacific waters to tuna fishing (Mongabay) - U.S. Congresswoman from American Samoa urges reopening Pacific marine protected areas to industrial tuna fishing, sparking conservation controversy.

• Biggest winner of Bowen’s capacity tender faces more scrutiny after opponents force referral to IPC (RenewEconomy) - Valley of the Winds wind farm project faces Independent Planning Commission review after receiving widespread local opposition.

• Guest Post – Transforming Reporting into Strategy: Navigating Europe’s Omnibus Package (ESG Today) - European Commission proposes simplified sustainability reporting framework, reducing mandatory requirements for companies and emphasizing strategic transformation over compliance.

• LCV Union Statement on LCV’s Next President (LCV) - Environmental advocacy organization transitions leadership with Pete Maysmith succeeding Gene as president amid challenging political landscape.

• Greenpeace must pay at least $660m over Dakota pipeline protests, says jury (Guardian) - North Dakota jury orders Greenpeace to pay $660m in damages over Dakota pipeline protests, threatening environmental activism.

• LRQA Acquires Energy Transition Consulting Firm EcoEngineers (ESG Today) - LRQA expands energy transition consulting capabilities by acquiring EcoEngineers, a specialized firm advising businesses on low-carbon strategies and carbon market regulations.

• SOA Announces Leadership Transition—Founder & CEO Daniela Fernandez to Step Down (SOA) - Founder and CEO Daniela Fernandez steps down after 10 years of transformative leadership in global youth-led ocean sustainability movement.

• You’re Invited: The 89 Percent Project & Spanish-language webinar on Latin America (Covering Climate Now) - Global journalism initiative launches The 89 Percent Project to highlight worldwide public support for stronger climate action.

• Simon Michaux’s Purple Delusion: The Pseudoscience of Doom (CleanTechnica) - Simon Michaux's apocalyptic energy transition analysis is systematically debunked as pseudoscientific, inefficient, and fundamentally disconnected from real-world technological solutions.

• Mass Call: Rising to Meet the Moment | Dayenu (Dayenu) - Jewish climate organization launches national campaign to mobilize state and local climate action, emphasizing community organizing, policy advocacy, and spiritual resilience.

• EPA Deregulation Would Be a ‘Tragedy’ for Health, Experts Say (Inside Climate News) - EPA's proposed environmental regulation rollbacks threaten public health, with experts warning of increased mortality, respiratory diseases, and toxic exposures.

• Trump cuts threaten Louisiana’s “Solar for Y’all” program (Canary Media) - Louisiana's community solar program faces potential defunding as Trump administration seeks to roll back Biden-era climate grant initiatives.

• Federal Funding Opportunities and Guidance – March 19, 2025 (Environmental Protection Network) - Federal grantees receive comprehensive guidance on navigating potential grant terminations, seeking legal support, media engagement, and advocacy strategies.

• Thobile Chittenden (Wellbeing Project) - Thobile Chittenden leads global network transforming economies to prioritize people, planet, and future generations through community-driven solutions.

• Europe's sustainability compass in times of uncertainty- EEA Newsletter March (EEA) - European Union shows progress on zero pollution targets, but stronger action needed to address persistent environmental challenges.

• Indiana ratepayers could be stuck with nuclear costs, advocates warn (Canary Media) - Indiana consumers face potential nuclear project costs even if small modular reactors are never built.

• Is Europe’s energy cleaner? (Canary Media) - Three years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe has made significant progress in reducing fossil fuel dependence and transforming its energy system.

• About 1% of children have genetic paternity other than that recorded by history (Nature) - Genetic study reveals only about 1% of children have genetic paternity different from recorded family history.

• Answers to common questions about the EU Omnibus proposal (Watershed) - EU's Omnibus proposal seeks to simplify CSRD reporting requirements, potentially reducing data points and aligning with global standards while delaying implementation timelines.

• Morocco Textile Workers Achieve Dignity, Worker Rights (Solidarity Center) - Nearly 2,000 Moroccan textile workers in Casablanca gain union representation, securing improved wages, health care, and workplace dignity.

• What does Maga-land look like? Let me show you America's unbeautiful suburban sprawl | Alexander Hurst (Guardian) - Sprawling suburban landscapes of America reveal the aesthetic and cultural desolation underlying the MAGA movement's geographical and political expansion.

• Myanmar Factory Workers Strike for Decent Wages, End to Abuse (Solidarity Center) - Myanmar factory workers strike against low wages, workplace abuse, and military intimidation, demanding better working conditions and reinstatement of fired colleagues.

• West Africa Union Health Care Campaign Celebrates Sierra Leone Funding Boost (Solidarity Center) - West African unions successfully advocate for increased health care funding in Sierra Leone, pushing for better healthcare access and worker rights.

• How to test your well water for contaminants (EWG) - Private well owners must proactively test water annually for contaminants like nitrates, heavy metals, and PFAS to ensure family health and safety.

Renewables

Global Solar Surge: Viridian, JA Solar, Trina Storage, and Astronergy Drive Renewable Energy Transformation Across Continents

• ‘Purchaser-caused’ certificates are key to driving renewable energy growth (Utility Dive) - Energy attribute certificates must prioritize direct causation to drive meaningful renewable energy growth.

• Why rising energy prices boosts the argument for microgeneration (myenergi) - Rising energy prices accelerate UK households' adoption of microgeneration solar technologies as a strategy for energy independence and cost reduction.

• TOPCon Cells For Viridian’s New Roof-Integrated Solar Panels (TaiyangNews) - Viridian Solar launches new roof-integrated solar panels with TOPCon cells, offering 23.6% efficiency and enhanced fire safety for residential and housing markets.

• Astronergy and INSOELEC SOLAR strengthen their partnership in Peru with a 3.2MW project (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy and INSOELEC SOLAR collaborate on a 3.2MW solar plant in Peru's Ica region, generating 1,070 MWh annually and reducing 580 tons of CO₂ emissions.

• “The Biggest Transformation in the Global Economy Since the Industrial Revolution” (CleanTechnica) - Global cleantech revolution poised to transform the world economy more dramatically than the Industrial Revolution, with renewable energy, electric vehicles, and technological innovation driving unprecedented systemic change.

• Opposition to energy bill won’t slow down solar momentum, says myenergi (myenergi) - Despite government opposition to the New Homes Solar Generation Bill, solar adoption in the UK continues to surge, with 220,000 systems installed last year and growing consumer interest in renewable energy technologies.

• JA Solar Wins “PV Growth Driver - C&I - KSA 2025” Award, Reinforcing Commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 (TaiyangNews) - JA Solar receives "PV Growth Driver - C&I - KSA 2025" award, reinforcing commitment to Saudi Arabia's renewable energy transformation.

• Asia Pacific Solar PV News Snippets: Fraunhofer ISE At TaiyangNews India Solar Manufacturing Conference & More (TaiyangNews) - Fraunhofer ISE joins India's solar manufacturing conference to discuss developing a resilient and sustainable solar PV industry beyond China.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: Trina’s Elementa 2 ESS Gets EPD Certification & More (Taiyangnews) - Trina Storage's Elementa 2 energy storage system achieves groundbreaking 20-year full lifecycle EPD certification, setting new sustainability standards in the industry.

• Ultra-Deep Geothermal Drilling & The Rise Of Black Swan Risks (CleanTechnica) - Ultra-deep geothermal drilling technologies face significant technical challenges and black swan risks in accessing extreme underground heat for energy generation.

• Zero Carbon: Renewables for a Prosperous Africa (247Solar) - Africa can achieve prosperity and energy independence by leveraging its vast renewable resources and manufacturing its own clean energy equipment.

• Fewer, bigger turbines approved as huge green hydrogen project wins first federal head-start funding (RenewEconomy) - Australian green hydrogen project secures $814 million in federal funding, reducing wind turbine count while increasing individual turbine capacity near Kalbarri.

• Responsable R&D H/F (Tiamat) - French startup seeks R&D leader to advance sodium-ion battery technology for sustainable energy storage and decarbonization.

• Australia Installed 3 GW Rooftop Solar Capacity In 2024 (TaiyangNews) - Australia installed 3 GW of rooftop solar capacity in 2024, maintaining its leadership in residential solar adoption with over 4 million installations nationwide.

• BloombergNEF Raises 2025 Solar Installation Forecast To Around 700 GW DC (BloombergNEF) - Global solar PV installations projected to reach 698 GW DC in 2025, with China leading at 368 GW DC and module prices dropping 60% since 2022.

• Beginner’s Guide to Residential Solar Panels in Massachusetts (Neeeco) - Massachusetts homeowners can significantly reduce electricity bills and carbon footprint by installing residential solar panels with attractive state and federal incentives.

• The State Of Solar Encapsulation Component Market (TaiyangNews) - Solar encapsulation market sees EVA dominating at 42%, with EPE gaining ground to 38% and POE at 11-14%, reflecting evolving module technology trends.

• Chinese Solar Cell Maker Drinda Shipped 33.74 GW In 2024 (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar cell maker Drinda shipped 33.74 GW in 2024, increasing overseas market share to 23.85% despite 47% revenue decline.

• Brazil’s Eternit Discontinues Solar PV Production Business (TaiyangNews) - Brazil's Eternit exits solar PV production due to intense competition from low-priced Chinese solar products.

• Ameresco Works Side-By-Side with Students to Install Innovative Bi-facial Solar System on Career Center in Ohio (Ameresco) - Solar project at Ohio Career Center reduces energy costs while providing hands-on training for students in renewable energy installation.

• Geothermal heating and cooling is gaining momentum (Latitude Media) - Geothermal heating and cooling technology poised for breakthrough with potential to serve 7 million U.S. homes in next decade, offering twice the efficiency of air-source heat pumps.

• Introducing Our AI Chatbot: Find the Best Incentives Instantly! 🚀💡 (YouTube) - AI-powered chatbot helps users instantly discover solar incentives and navigate clean energy platform.

Transport

AI-powered battery tech, multi-gear EVs, and rapid battery swapping drive electric vehicle innovation across global markets, with startups like Pulsetrain, Ample, and Coreshell advancing charging speed, efficiency, and performance.

• Pulsetrain Raises €6.1 Million for Solution to Extend EV Battery Life up to 80% (ESG Today) - Pulsetrain secures €6.1 million seed funding to develop AI-powered EV battery technology that can extend battery life by up to 80%.

• Some More Proof That EVs Can Benefit From Transmissions (CleanTechnica) - Multi-gear electric vehicles can improve performance, efficiency, and reduce motor size by leveraging transmission technology similar to e-bikes.

• EV Battery Swapping To Earth: How Do You Like Me Now? (CleanTechnica) - Ample launches 5-minute EV battery swapping system in Tokyo, targeting commercial vehicles and demonstrating potential for grid efficiency and rapid electrification.

• This Video Makes Great Points About E-Bike Safety (CleanTechnica) - Expert video highlights critical e-bike safety strategies for urban cyclists, emphasizing route selection, visibility, traffic law adherence, and situational awareness.

• EVs Need To Compete Better With Old Cars (CleanTechnica) - Electric vehicle manufacturers must develop more affordable, flexible options that compete with the economic advantages of maintaining older, cheaper vehicles.

• The Driven Podcast: Will everything go electric? (RenewEconomy) - AEVA expert Chris Jones discusses electric vehicle market trends and consumer policy preferences in latest podcast episode.

• Coreshell Raises $24 Million to Scale Low-Cost Silicon EV Batteries (ESG Today) - Coreshell secures $24 million to scale U.S.-produced, fast-charging silicon EV batteries with lower costs and higher energy density.

• Gas shortage warnings pushed out three years as households and businesses go electric (RenewEconomy) - Australian households and businesses shifting to electric solutions push gas shortage warnings back by three years, reducing national gas consumption.

• Why BYD Keeps Shocking the World (Heatmap News) - Chinese EV manufacturer BYD unveils breakthrough 1,000-volt charging platform promising 249-mile range in just five minutes, potentially revolutionizing electric vehicle charging speed.

• Life cycle assessment of e-/bio- methanol and e-/grey-/blue- ammonia for maritime transport (Energy Central) - Life cycle assessment reveals e-methanol and bio-methanol as promising maritime decarbonization solutions, with significant emissions reductions dependent on electricity grid mix and sustainable biomass sourcing.

• Tesla Vandalism Hurts The Cause More Than It Helps (CleanTechnica) - Vandalism against Tesla vehicles counterproductively undermines anti-Musk activism by creating sympathy and potential martyrdom narratives.

• New British EV Startup Aims to Take Europe by Storm (CleanTechnica) - British EV startup Perseus plans to challenge Tesla in European premium electric vehicle market with tech-focused compact SUV by 2027.