If you'd like some inspiring examples of deep transformative work to change humanity's current relationship with the rest of the earth, check out these 21 changemakers who have received 2 year fellowship grants from the indigenous group NDN Collective. Each of their work was profiled yesterday on the NDN Collective blog.

Earth Catalyst email subscribers who have identified Indigenous issues as a primary interest will likely get this blog post recommended to them, but I wanted to highlight it for everyone here.

In addition to checking out the profiles written, I encourage you to do a web search for the names of these changemakers and see more of their work. For example, here's Amy Lynn Stiffarm's dissertation Perinatal Mental Health For Indigenous Women And Birthing People.

One line that stood out to me: "Needing to prioritize money over the wellbeing of birthing people and babies deeply disrupts the sacred period of bringing a child Earth Side."

May that sacred period be supported in the ways it deserves. Any map of global ecological transformation and challenges to sustainability will be richer and more meaningful with inclusion of studies like that and community organizing based on it.

And now, our daily summaries of over 200 selected updates from around the world of green tech and sustainability.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• Agriculture (13 stories) - Women-led innovations in sustainable agriculture: Genetic diversity preservation, regenerative trade models, and digital technologies transforming food systems across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa.

  
  

• Carbon (4 stories) - Enfinium's Welsh carbon capture pilot, EPA well regulations, Saudi Aramco's emissions dominance, and breakthrough carbon credit market data framework reshape carbon management landscape.

  
  

• Circular (9 stories) - Epoch Biodesign's $18.3M enzymatic breakthrough, Mycocycle's fungi transformation, and Mars' recycled packaging milestone drive circular economy innovations across plastics, construction, and consumer goods.

  
  

• Ecosystems (29 stories) - Amphibian extinction risks, coastal erosion, and ecosystem resilience highlight global climate challenges across diverse landscapes and species interactions

  
  

• Efficiency (2 stories) - Mass Save budget cuts amid rise of AI-powered building diagnostics technologies

  
  

• Finance (10 stories) - ISSB Standards, Crux Debt Platform, and Financial Shifts: Sustainability Reporting, Clean Energy Financing, and ESG Investment Trends Reshape Corporate Finance Landscape

  
  

• Grid (24 stories) - Battery storage surge drives grid transformation, with Tesla, Dominion, and utilities pioneering AI-powered, decentralized energy solutions across US, Australia, and global markets

  
  

• Indigenous (14 stories) - Indigenous Communities Lead Global Conservation, Defend Territories Through Innovative Strategies from Congo to Ecuador, Challenging Resource Extraction and Advancing Climate Resilience

  
  

• Industry (18 stories) - First Solar's production cuts, Shell's green hydrogen milestone, and emerging nuclear and battery technologies reshape industrial energy landscapes, with strategic shifts from Pow.Bio, Ascend Elements, and Shine Technologies driving innovation.

  
  

• Policy (48 stories) - Fracking, LNG Expansion, and Policy Shifts: Global Climate Governance Faces Mounting Challenges from Fossil Fuel Interests and Political Uncertainty

  
  

• Renewables (19 stories) - Fusion neutrons, Tandem PV's $50M boost, and global renewable milestones from UK, India, Australia, and US drive solar, storage, and clean energy innovation across sectors and continents.

  
  

• Transport (11 stories) - Hydrogen innovation, EV market shifts, and electric vehicle breakthroughs from BYD, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Hyundai reshape global transportation landscape amid competitive challenges and technological advancements.

Agriculture

Women-led innovations in sustainable agriculture: Genetic diversity preservation, regenerative trade models, and digital technologies transforming food systems across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa.

• How women innovators in Asia-Pacific are transforming food security, nutrition and climate action (Impact Hub) - Women entrepreneurs in Asia-Pacific are pioneering innovative solutions to address food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture through technology and regenerative practices.

• The Guardians of Diversity: The Work of Carolina Sansaloni (CGIAR) - Carolina Sansaloni leads critical wheat genetic diversity preservation efforts to enhance global food security and climate resilience.

• Åsa Domeij 2025 SLU alumna of the year (SLU) - Åsa Domeij, Head of Sustainability at Axfood and former politician, named SLU Alumna of the Year 2025 for her pioneering work in sustainable development.

• Regenerative brand GoodSAM Foods raises $9m to build up its ‘direct trade’ model with farmers (AgFunderNews) - Regenerative food brand GoodSAM Foods secures $9M Series A funding to expand direct trade model supporting smallholder farmers in Latin America and Africa.

• Slim margins, climate disasters, and Trump’s funding freeze: Life or death for many US farms (Grist) - USDA funding freeze threatens small farmers' survival, potentially accelerating agricultural consolidation and increasing carbon emissions amid climate disasters.

• The shortcut to less warming? It runs through a farm field (The Conversation) - Agricultural methane reduction through livestock management, food waste reduction, and dietary shifts offers a cost-effective pathway to mitigate climate change.

• Exposure to combination of pesticides increases childhood cancer risk – study (Guardian) - Exposure to multiple pesticides significantly increases childhood cancer risk in agricultural regions, with some mixtures raising cancer rates by up to 36%.

• Methane emissions are turbocharging climate change – these quick fixes could slow it down (The Conversation) - Quick, targeted interventions in agriculture, landfills, and livestock management could significantly reduce methane emissions and slow climate change.

• Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company and American Farmland Trust Partner to Advance Smart Solar Development (American Farmland Trust) - Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company partners to advance Smart Solar development, balancing renewable energy growth with farmland protection and agricultural viability.

• Nature-Positive Solutions: Transforming Agrifood Systems for Resilience and Sustainability (CGIAR) - Comprehensive study reveals diverse agricultural challenges and nature-positive solutions across Kenya, Vietnam, India, and Colombia, emphasizing sustainable practices, gender empowerment, and localized interventions.

• BioByte: Digital Technologies for a Resilient Agri-food sector (Revolve Media) - BioByte conference explores how digital technologies like AI, sensors, and blockchain can enhance sustainability and efficiency in agri-food value chains.

• 14 voedselbossystemen (Koperwiek) - Dutch food forest project develops 14 diverse agroforestry and permaculture systems with multiple edible plant varieties and integrated camping experiences.

• Impossible Foods introduces Impossible Steak Bites (AgFunderNews) - Impossible Foods launches pre-cooked, protein-rich Impossible Steak Bites with lower saturated fat and zero cholesterol, targeting both meat-eaters and plant-based consumers.

Carbon

Enfinium's Welsh carbon capture pilot, EPA well regulations, Saudi Aramco's emissions dominance, and breakthrough carbon credit market data framework reshape carbon management landscape.

• Enfinium confirms plans for first carbon capture pilot project in Wales (BusinessGreen) - Enfinium plans first Welsh carbon capture pilot project at energy-from-waste facility, marking significant step in regional carbon reduction efforts.

• Class VI Well Compliance: A Must-Know Guide for Executives (Energy Central) - Executives must navigate EPA's Class VI well regulations for CO2 sequestration projects under strict environmental protection guidelines.

• Just 36 Companies Drove Half the World’s Climate-Altering Emissions in 2023: New Report (DeSmog) - Just 36 global companies, predominantly fossil fuel and cement producers, were responsible for half of the world's carbon dioxide emissions in 2023, with Saudi Aramco leading at 4.4% of global pollution.

• Bringing Order to Carbon Credit Data (RMI) - Researchers develop comprehensive, open-source data framework to bring transparency and standardization to the fragmented voluntary carbon credit market.

Circular

Epoch Biodesign's $18.3M enzymatic breakthrough, Mycocycle's fungi transformation, and Mars' recycled packaging milestone drive circular economy innovations across plastics, construction, and consumer goods.

• Plastic-eating enzymes redefine recycling: Why we invested in Epoch Biodesign (Extantia Capital) - Epoch Biodesign raises $18.3M to develop enzymatic technology that can break down and recycle previously unrecyclable plastic waste into virgin-grade materials.

• Why We Invested in Mycocycle: Nature-Inspired Circular Solutions for the Built World (Closed Loop Partners) - Mycocycle uses fungi to transform construction waste into low-carbon raw materials, offering a circular solution for the built environment's waste challenge.

• We Need Action on Electronic Waste (Eureka Recycling) - Minnesota faces critical e-waste management challenges, with only 15% of 133 million annual pounds of electronic waste being properly recycled, posing environmental and safety risks.

• Upcycling Old Fabric Into Fashion In One West African Community (Atmos) - West African creatives transform discarded family fabrics into innovative, community-driven fashion designs.

• We’ve raised an $18.3M Series A round to scale our breakthrough enzymatic recycling technology! (Epoch Biodesign) - Startup secures $18.3M Series A funding to scale enzymatic plastic recycling technology targeting complex waste streams.

• Epoch Biodesign Raises $18.3 Million to Use Enzymes to Tackle Hard-to-Recycle Plastic (ESG Today) - Epoch Biodesign secures $18.3M to develop enzymatic technology for breaking down hard-to-recycle plastics at low temperatures.

• How do we save a world choking on waste? Plastic-eating enzymes, of course. (Medium) - Epoch Biodesign develops AI-powered enzymatic processes to transform unrecyclable plastic and textile waste into reusable chemical precursors, raising $18.3M to scale biorecycling technology.

• From high school science project to $18.3M: AI-accelerated enzymes are coming for fast fashion’s plastic waste (TechCrunch) - U.K. startup Epoch Biodesign secures $18.3M to develop AI-accelerated enzymes that rapidly break down polyester and nylon plastics for sustainable fashion recycling.

• Mars Launches 100% Recycled Plastic Jars for M&Ms, Skittles (ESG Today) - Mars transitions to 100% recycled plastic packaging for M&Ms and Skittles, eliminating over 1,300 metric tons of virgin plastic annually.

Ecosystems

Amphibian extinction risks, coastal erosion, and ecosystem resilience highlight global climate challenges across diverse landscapes and species interactions

• The pot is already boiling for 2% of the world's amphibians (ScienceDaily) - 2% of amphibian species already face overheating risks, with potential for widespread extinction under 4°C global warming scenario.

• Jamestown Is Sinking (Places Journal) - Historic Jamestown faces existential threat from rising sea levels and coastal erosion, symbolizing the broader impacts of climate change on vulnerable landscapes.

• Protected: Rewilding Europe’s female landscape leaders are champions of change (Rewilding Europe) - Female conservation leaders drive transformative landscape restoration and biodiversity efforts across European wilderness regions.

• How sand mining is eroding rivers, livelihoods and cultures (The Conversation) - Unregulated sand mining in the Mekong River is causing severe ecological destruction, community displacement, and cultural erosion through aggressive resource extraction.

• The Impact of Climate Change on the US Ski Industry (Earth.org) - Climate change threatens US ski industry with shorter seasons, reduced snowfall, and potential $5 billion economic loss by 2050.

• Carolina wildfires followed months of weather whiplash, from drought to hurricane-fueled floods and back to drought (The Conversation) - Carolina wildfires erupted after months of extreme weather oscillating between drought and hurricane-fueled floods, highlighting regional climate volatility.

• ‘We know what it’s like’: How Appalachian towns are learning to help each other after floods (Yale Climate Connections) - Appalachian communities develop resilient mutual aid networks to respond to increasingly frequent and severe climate-driven floods.

• La Niña Event Likely ‘Short Lived’, WMO Says Following Third-Hottest February on Record (Earth.Org) - WMO predicts 60-70% chance La Niña will end by June 2025, following record-breaking global temperatures.

• Bills supporting the Oregon coast get their first hearing (Environment America) - Oregon legislators advance bills to protect critical coastal marine ecosystems like rocky habitats and eelgrass meadows through improved conservation and coordination.

• Turkey vultures in California are testing positive for rat poison (High Country News) - California turkey vultures show persistent rat poison contamination despite state restrictions, revealing widespread ecosystem risks.

• New forest exhibit: learn about the boreal forest in a new exhibit at the OMSI (OMSI) - Interactive exhibit showcases the critical ecological importance and environmental challenges of the boreal forest.

• Tropical Cyclone Alfred live updates: BoM tracking map forecast shows category 2 storm hitting Brisbane and south-east Qld; landfall in Queensland and NSW delayed as storm slows – latest news (Guardian) - Tropical Cyclone Alfred threatens Brisbane and south-east Queensland with potential landfall on Saturday, prompting widespread evacuations and emergency preparations.

• Hot frogs and sizzling salamanders: climate change is pushing amphibians to their limits (The Conversation) - Climate change threatens amphibian survival, with 2% already overheating and potentially 400 species at risk if global temperatures rise 4°C.

• Why the South Is America’s Newest Tinderbox (Heatmap News) - Southeastern U.S. faces escalating wildfire risks due to climate change, population growth, and complex forest management challenges.

• Weakening currents in the Atlantic may mean a wetter northern Australia and drier New Zealand (The Conversation) - Weakening Atlantic ocean currents could trigger significant rainfall shifts, causing wetter summers in northern Australia and drier conditions in New Zealand.

• Cyclone Alfred is slowing – and that could make it more destructive. Here’s how climate change might have influenced it (The Conversation) - Cyclone Alfred's unusual slow movement and southerly path highlight potential climate change impacts on tropical cyclone behavior and intensity.

• Is climate change supercharging Tropical Cyclone Alfred as it powers towards Australia? (Guardian) - Climate change may intensify Tropical Cyclone Alfred with warmer sea temperatures and increased potential for extreme rainfall and storm surge in Queensland.

• Global sea ice hit ‘all-time minimum’ in February, scientists say (Guardian) - Global sea ice reaches unprecedented record low in February, signaling alarming climate change impacts.

• Why are beavers being released into England’s rivers? What you need to know (Guardian) - England legally releases beavers into rivers for the first time in centuries, marking a milestone in ecosystem restoration and wildlife conservation.

• EEA photo competition 2025 : Environment&Me (EEA) - European Environment Agency launches 2025 'Environment&Me' photo competition inviting citizens to visually document their sustainable future journeys.

• Why some animals defy the odds to thrive in urban areas (The Conversation) - Urban environments are driving rapid behavioral and evolutionary adaptations in wildlife, enabling some species to thrive through increased boldness, earlier reproduction, and genetic changes.

• Seoul’s Trees, Forests, and Nature (Revolve Media) - Seoul seamlessly integrates urban landscapes with diverse green spaces, mountain trails, and forest parks, creating a unique ecological urban environment.

• ‘Omg, did PubMed go dark?’ Blackout stokes fears about database’s future (Nature) - Researchers discover 30-year bird nest made of plastic layers revealing environmental change and urban adaptation.

• Hidden Dragon (Nautilus) - Prizewinning underwater photograph reveals a tiny leafy seadragon's expert camouflage in South Australian seagrass, highlighting conservation challenges through innovative machine learning tracking.

• Losing more than a Forest Service job (HCN) - Seven dedicated U.S. Forest Service employees reflect on losing their jobs and the critical, often invisible work of maintaining public lands and wilderness trails.

• The space station is the ultimate industrial environment—cut off from the natural world. And that’s not healthy. (Anthropocene Magazine) - Space station's extreme cleanliness may compromise astronaut health due to critically low microbial diversity.

• ‘The entire coastline will be cemented over’: the tiny Italian town set to become a dock for giant cruise ships (Guardian) - Royal Caribbean plans to transform a quiet Italian coastal town into a major cruise ship port, sparking local environmental and cultural preservation concerns.

• Rodent for dinner? California officials urge residents to eat invasive nutria (Guardian) - California wildlife officials urge residents to eat invasive nutria as a method of population control and ecosystem protection.

• Researchers track Florida’s crocodiles to increase acceptance amid urbanization (Mongabay) - Florida researchers track crocodiles via satellite to understand urban habitat adaptation and minimize human-wildlife conflicts.

Efficiency

Mass Save budget cuts amid rise of AI-powered building diagnostics technologies

• Massachusetts cuts $500M from state’s energy efficiency program (Utility Dive) - Massachusetts cuts $500M from Mass Save energy efficiency program, reducing residential budgets while maintaining commitment to decarbonization goals.

• How Data is Changing Commissioning: From Tedious Testing to Data-Driven Efficiency (CopperTree Analytics) - Data-driven technologies like Fault Detection and Diagnostics and Automated Commissioning are revolutionizing building system testing by automating processes, reducing site visits, and improving efficiency.

Finance

ISSB Standards, Crux Debt Platform, and Financial Shifts: Sustainability Reporting, Clean Energy Financing, and ESG Investment Trends Reshape Corporate Finance Landscape

• What every company should know about ISSB | Join us next week (Watershed) - Experts to explain ISSB sustainability reporting standards and compliance requirements for global companies.

• Crux launches debt capital marketplace (Latitude Media) - Crux launches innovative debt capital marketplace for clean energy projects, expanding beyond tax credit transfers to provide comprehensive financing solutions.

• Sumitomo Mitsui Becomes First Japanese Bank to Exit Net Zero Banking Alliance (ESG Today) - Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group becomes first Japanese bank to exit UN-backed Net-Zero Banking Alliance amid global trend of financial institutions withdrawing from climate commitments.

• M&G to Adopt “Sustainability Improvers” Label for Climate-Focused Fund Range (ESG Today) - M&G Investments adopts UK's new "Sustainability Improvers" label for climate-focused funds to enhance investment transparency and sustainability reporting.

• Revealed: how Wall Street is making millions betting against green laws (Guardian) - Wall Street investors increasingly finance massive lawsuits against governments' environmental regulations, winning billions through controversial investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms.

• Over 40% of Senior Executives Prioritizing ESG in Career Decisions: Survey (ESG Today) - Over 40% of senior executives prioritize ESG factors in career decisions, with stronger sustainability focus compared to junior employees.

• Assent Launches Platform to Help Suppliers Manage Sustainability Data Requests (ESG Today) - Assent launches new sustainability platform enabling suppliers to efficiently manage and share complex compliance and sustainability data requests across multiple customers.

• Community Event: Corporate Debt in Climate Tech (Enduring Planet) - Climate tech entrepreneurs explore strategic debt financing options to fuel growth while minimizing equity dilution.

• Teacher Union Questions Investment in Tesla (Yahoo! Finance) - Teacher union raises concerns about Tesla investment risks and potential impact on pension funds.

• Emerging Risks in Energy Trading, and Best Practices for Navigating Them (POWER) - Energy trading firms face escalating regulatory pressures to implement sophisticated AML and KYC controls amid growing global financial crime risks.

Grid

Battery storage surge drives grid transformation, with Tesla, Dominion, and utilities pioneering AI-powered, decentralized energy solutions across US, Australia, and global markets

• Energy Vault Advances ‘Own & Operate’ Growth Strategy in Australia with Award of New South Wales Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) for 125 MW, 1.0 GWh Stoney Creek BESS (Energy Vault) - Company secures 14-year long-duration battery storage contract in New South Wales to support renewable energy grid stability and decarbonization efforts.

• Dominion needs batteries, not gas (SELC) - Dominion Energy should prioritize battery storage over new gas plants to meet future electricity needs while complying with zero-carbon requirements by 2045.

• Tesla Powerwall 3 Now Available In South Africa (CleanTechnica) - Tesla launches Powerwall 3 in South Africa, offering enhanced home energy storage with up to 13.5 kWh capacity and potential annual savings of R29,351 for solar-equipped households.

• Are your battery systems missing revenue opportunities? This startup wants to help (Renewable Energy World) - AI-powered startup Powerline develops digital twin technology to help battery system owners maximize revenue opportunities through advanced performance optimization.

• Leveraging VPPs to Prepare Utilities for Extreme Weather (POWER) - Virtual power plants offer utilities a decentralized strategy to manage grid demand during extreme weather by aggregating distributed energy resources like solar, batteries, and electric vehicles.

• Power for data centers could come at ‘staggering’ cost to consumers (Floodlight) - Harvard report warns data centers' massive electricity demands could lead to billions in consumer cost increases, driven by AI and tech expansion.

• Congress airs its load growth concerns (Latitude Media) - Congressional hearing highlights grid interconnection challenges, tensions between federal energy ambitions and regional electricity realities.

• New Mexico House Passes Advanced Grid Technology Act (Advanced Energy United) - New Mexico House passes bill to modernize grid technology, potentially reducing electricity costs and improving clean energy integration.

• With electricity price spikes coming to Illinois, environmental and industry groups pitch reform (Renewable Energy World) - Illinois environmental groups propose grid reforms and data center regulations to address electricity price spikes and reliability challenges.

• Companies Tell Congressional Committee That Renewable Energy Is Needed to Keep Up With Demand (Inside Climate News) - Utility experts warn that repealing renewable energy tax credits could hinder grid modernization and increase electricity costs amid surging energy demand.

• POWER Announces Debut of New Data Center POWER eXchange (DPX) Conference Focused on Power Demand for Digital Transformation (POWER) - New Data Center POWER eXchange conference to address critical power infrastructure challenges for rapidly growing data center electricity demand.

• When the coal plant don’t work: Report counts 6,000 hours of outages at Eraring over 2024 (RenewEconomy) - Australia's largest coal power plant Eraring experienced 6,000 hours of outages in 2024, undermining its reliability and justification for continued operation.

• America's Grid Battery Boom is Just Getting Started (Distilled) - US grid battery storage capacity surges 65% in 2024, with California and Texas leading record-breaking deployment of 10.9 GW of new utility-scale battery projects.

• Utilities may soon pay you to help support a greener grid (Grist) - Utilities develop innovative algorithms to compensate households for providing grid flexibility through home batteries, electric vehicles, and smart devices.

• National Grid’s Manuel Saadallah on integrating renewables and modern grid challenges (Renewable Energy World) - National Grid expert highlights critical grid modernization strategies for integrating renewable energy sources and managing complex infrastructure challenges.

• Steal This Powerful BLUETTI Home Backup System — As Low As $3850! (CleanTechnica) - BLUETTI offers powerful home backup battery system with EP800 and B500 batteries, providing energy independence and substantial tax credits for as low as $3,850.

• New big battery joins approval queue amid rush to secure sites in popular New England REZ (RenewEconomy) - 400MW Gara battery energy storage system enters approval process in New England Renewable Energy Zone, signaling continued renewable infrastructure development.

• Delta leans in to life after coal, names partner for Vales Point battery project (RenewEconomy) - Delta Electricity partners with Samsung to explore battery storage project at Vales Point coal power station, signaling strategic transition beyond coal.

• Grid Connections 2025: Who’s going where in Australia’s energy transition (RenewEconomy) - Australia's energy sector sees significant leadership transitions across renewable, grid, and policy organizations in early 2025.

• Neoen enjoys surge in battery storage earnings as it waves goodbye to public listing (RenewEconomy) - French renewable energy developer Neoen reports surging battery storage earnings ahead of going private with Brookfield's $11 billion acquisition.

• Will Trump tariffs delay utility transmission, power plant plans? (Utility Dive) - Trump administration tariffs could potentially disrupt utility transmission and power plant infrastructure projects by increasing equipment costs and supply chain complexity.

• Sungrow’s Logger1000 Achieves the EN 18031 EU Cybersecurity Certification by TÜV SÜD (TaiyangNews) - Sungrow's Logger1000 becomes one of the first PV industry products to obtain rigorous EN 18031 EU cybersecurity certification from TÜV SÜD.

• The US energy market has its troubles, though it may not be a ‘national emergency’ (The Conversation) - US energy market faces challenges with grid reliability, refinery limitations, and increasing electricity demand, but not a true national emergency.

• U.S. Natural Gas-Directed Rigs Decreased for 2nd Consecutive Year in 2024 (CleanTechnica) - U.S. natural gas-directed rigs declined by 32% in 2024, driven by record-low gas prices and reduced drilling activity in Haynesville and Appalachia regions.

Indigenous

Indigenous Communities Lead Global Conservation, Defend Territories Through Innovative Strategies from Congo to Ecuador, Challenging Resource Extraction and Advancing Climate Resilience

• FRENCH- Mbou-Mon-Tour (MMT) (Equator Initiative) - Local Congolese NGO Mbou-Mon-Tour pioneers community-led forest conservation and wildlife protection in Mai-Ndombe province.

• SPANISH – Comuna Playa de Oro (Equator Initiative) - Afro-Ecuadorian community of Playa de Oro preserves 10,000 hectares of biodiverse Chocó forest through sustainable agriculture, ecoturism, and community resilience.

• SPANISH – RED TICCA “Territorios de Vida en Argentina” (Equator Initiative) - Argentine Indigenous Network Empowers Native Communities to Protect Ancestral Territories and Biodiversity Through Collective Political Action.

• Clash of worlds for the Amazon’s Cinta Larga: Interview with author Alex Cuadros (Mongabay) - Brazilian journalist Alex Cuadros explores how the Cinta Larga Indigenous group was transformed by forced contact with Western society, revealing complex dynamics of capitalism, resource extraction, and cultural erosion in the Amazon.

• Insights from the Global South: Shaping Climate Research Through CGIAR’s Mobility Academy (CGIAR) - Climate Mobility Academy trains African researchers to understand and address climate-induced migration through firsthand community engagement and interdisciplinary research.

• Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek Breaks Ground on a Mercury Care Home (Indigenous Services Canada) - Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek breaks ground on specialized Mercury Care Home to address community health impacts from historical river system contamination.

• Yakama Nation Tribal Council and SEFS leadership meet to discuss the continued support of students in earth sciences, fisheries and environmental science (UW SEFS) - Yakama Nation Tribal Council and University of Washington leadership collaborate to strengthen indigenous environmental education and career pathways.

• MEET THE 2024-26 NDN CHANGEMAKERS (NDN Collective) - Indigenous fellowship program supports 21 leaders across Turtle Island in transforming communities, defending lands, and revitalizing Indigenous cultures.

• Facing possible eviction, North Sumatra farmers contest palm oil giant (Mongabay) - North Sumatra farmers challenge palm oil company's eviction attempt through human rights commission intervention.

• Indonesian court blocks palm oil expansion, but leaves Indigenous land rights in limbo (Mongabay) - Indonesian Supreme Court blocks palm oil expansion in Papua, preserving rainforest but failing to secure Indigenous land rights.

• Indigenous leaders optimistic after resumed U.N. biodiversity conference in Rome (Mongabay) - Indigenous leaders celebrate unprecedented progress at U.N. biodiversity conference with new Cali Fund promising equitable genetic resource benefit sharing.

• International Women’s Day: How Women Are Saving the World (Faircado) - Women are pivotal climate solution drivers, wielding significant influence through consumer choices, political engagement, and sustainable leadership across global sectors.

• United Women in Faith Celebrates Women’s History Month, Honors Founding Mothers (UWFaith) - Methodist women's organization celebrates Women's History Month by honoring founding mothers and continuing legacy of social justice leadership.

• ‘We Can Be That Voice’ — Building Community Through Bold Protests (The Revelator) - San Diego animal rights activists protest goldfish races at local bar, highlighting community-driven protest and animal welfare.

Industry

First Solar's production cuts, Shell's green hydrogen milestone, and emerging nuclear and battery technologies reshape industrial energy landscapes, with strategic shifts from Pow.Bio, Ascend Elements, and Shine Technologies driving innovation.

• First Solar To Cut Series 6 Production From SE Asia Factories (TaiyangNews) - First Solar reduces Southeast Asian module production by 1 GW due to US policy uncertainty and global market challenges.

• Refineries and Hydrogen | Oil and gas and the chemical sector. (Energy Central) - Shell's REFHYNE project successfully demonstrates 10MW green hydrogen production at a German refinery, showcasing industrial-scale electrolysis viability.

• The Battery Race Behind Defense Innovation (Addionics) - Advanced battery technologies are transforming defense capabilities by enabling longer-lasting, high-performance power solutions for drones, soldier equipment, and space-based applications.

• Cost-benefit analysis of Hydrogen Infrastructure projects (Energy Central) - Comprehensive cost-benefit analysis reveals critical financial considerations for developing hydrogen infrastructure projects across multiple sectors.

• Tripling Nuclear Energy Capacity by 2050: Maximizing a High-Energy Future for Data Centres, Refineries, Manufacturing, and Beyond (POWER) - World Nuclear Association advocates tripling nuclear energy capacity by 2050, highlighting potential for powering data centers, refineries, and industrial applications beyond traditional electricity generation.

• Pow.Bio unveils new continuous fermentation demo facility in Alameda, CA (AgFunderNews) - Pow.Bio launches advanced continuous fermentation facility in Alameda, promising to revolutionize biomanufacturing with cost-effective, high-efficiency production processes.

• Nuclear Power Renaissance Underway in West Texas (POWER Magazine) - West Texas pioneers innovative molten salt nuclear reactor technology at Abilene Christian University, promising more efficient and safer nuclear power generation.

• Facing headwinds, Ascend shifts plans for battery recycling in Kentucky (Canary Media) - Battery recycler Ascend Elements modifies Kentucky plant plans, shifting from cathode active materials to precursor materials and lithium carbonate production amid market challenges.

• A Quantum-Enabled Space Economy: What Is That? (CleanTechnica) - Department of Energy launches Quantum Space Collaboration to explore quantum computing, sensing, and communications in space for energy innovation and resource exploration.

• SolarPower Europe Launches International Solar Manufacturing Initiative (TaiyangNews) - SolarPower Europe launches International Solar Manufacturing Initiative to boost global demand for European solar products and strengthen PV supply chain competitiveness.

• Bowen unveils $250m package for green fuels from canola, sugarcane, tallow and cooking oils (RenewEconomy) - Australia launches $250m investment package to develop low-carbon fuels from agricultural feedstocks like canola and sugarcane.

• A fusion firm that's already making money — but not from selling power (Canary Media) - Fusion startup Shine Technologies generates revenue by selling neutrons for industrial imaging and medical isotopes, positioning itself as a unique player in the fusion technology landscape.

• Cranky Stepdad vs Hydrogen For Energy: How To Respond To Enthusiasts (CleanTechnica) - Comprehensive debunking reveals hydrogen for energy is inefficient, costly, and misleading across multiple sectors.

• Kentucky battery recycling plant retools (Canary Media) - Kentucky battery recycling plant Ascend Elements adjusts strategy, cancels federal grant to focus on domestic battery supply chain development.

• Low Solar Glass Prices Pull Down Xinyi Solar’s FY2024 Net Profit (TaiyangNews) - Xinyi Solar's net profit plummets 73.8% in FY2024 due to sharp solar glass price declines and market challenges.

• Making money with fusion (Canary Media) - Fusion startup Shine Technologies generates revenue through alternative strategies while pursuing commercial nuclear fusion technology.

• Liberia to start industrial shrimp fishing, worrying artisanal fishers (Mongabay) - Liberia plans to launch industrial shrimp fishing, sparking concerns among artisanal fishers about potential economic and ecological disruption.

• US SMR deals remain elusive for NuScale (Utility Dive) - NuScale struggles to secure small modular reactor deals despite advanced commercial discussions and ongoing regulatory approval efforts.

Policy

Fracking, LNG Expansion, and Policy Shifts: Global Climate Governance Faces Mounting Challenges from Fossil Fuel Interests and Political Uncertainty

• Massive new Kimberley fracking industry could keep Woodside gas plant going until 2070 (RenewEconomy) - Proposed massive Kimberley fracking project threatens unique ecosystem and could extend Woodside's LNG plant operations until 2070, potentially adding up to 11% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.

• Thousands resist Tilbury Expansion public comment period (Stand.earth) - Over 14,000 British Columbians petition against Tilbury LNG expansion, citing environmental and health risks from fossil fuel infrastructure.

• How Federal Money Is Decreasing Industrial Air Pollution in Pennsylvania (Moms Clean Air Force) - Pennsylvania secures $400 million in federal funds to reduce industrial air pollution and cut carbon emissions by over 5.2 million metric tons by 2030.

• We Must Stop Subsidising Fossil Fuels and Tax them Instead: A Shipping Levy is the Best Way to get Serious this Year (Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative) - Global shipping carbon levy of $150 per tonne could counteract massive fossil fuel subsidies and drive maritime decarbonization.

• Lawmaker seeks ban of toxic fuel at Portland racetrack after Guardian story (Guardian) - Oregon lawmaker proposes banning toxic leaded fuel at Portland racetrack to protect children's health after investigative report reveals cognitive impairment risks.

• Florida sugar company’s environmental claims are ‘greenwashing’, lawsuit says (Guardian) - Florida Crystals faces lawsuit alleging greenwashing through environmentally harmful sugarcane burning practices that disproportionately impact minority communities.

• What Trump Said During His Speech to Congress (Heatmap) - Trump boasts about ending environmental restrictions and fossil fuel expansion during Congressional speech while announcing new tariffs.

• Recommendations for Direct Pay for IRA Projects (MNIPL) - Nonprofits navigating IRA tax credit uncertainty should document projects early, aim for 2025 completion, and work with tax professionals to mitigate potential policy changes.

• The fact that humans can only survive on Earth doesn’t bother Trump – and I know why | George Monbiot (Guardian) - Trump's environmental policies suggest a nihilistic desire to destroy Earth's habitability rather than merely serve corporate interests.

• European governments are not broke, they’re simply siding with billionaires (350.org) - European governments prioritize billionaire interests over public welfare and climate action by cutting overseas aid and maintaining fossil fuel subsidies.

• Growing Trump-Putin detente could spell trouble for the Arctic (The Conversation) - Trump-Putin potential Arctic deal threatens multilateral cooperation and could reshape geopolitical resource management.

• ‘Misguided & lazy’ staff cuts at NOAA will hurt global science, experts warn (Mongabay) - NOAA staff cuts threaten global scientific collaboration and critical climate data sharing across international organizations.

• Reducing Consumer Costs in California (Climate Center) - California proposes performance-based regulation to reduce electricity costs and align utility incentives with clean energy goals.

• ‘Without us, no scrutiny’: Indonesia’s independent media count cost of US funding cuts (Mongabay) - U.S. funding cuts to Indonesian independent media threaten environmental reporting and scrutiny of mining and industrial projects.

• Where There’s Smoke, There’s “Advanced Recycling:” Moms Make News (Moms Clean Air Force) - Ohio activists expose black smoke and health risks from "advanced recycling" facility, prompting environmental investigation.

• The Muskovites Are at the Gates: Is the Republic Doomed? (Energy Central) - Trump and Musk's aggressive federal government restructuring threatens democratic institutions, infrastructure projects, and national security through hasty personnel cuts and policy reversals.

• Contrasentido? (Energy Central) - Trump administration's potential rollback of Inflation Reduction Act threatens U.S. clean energy momentum, risking economic and global leadership losses.

• A data-driven approach to solving an invisible energy crisis (Latitude Media) - Peoples Energy Analytics uses data-driven approach to help utilities identify and assist customers struggling with energy bills before crisis strikes.

• The ozone hole is healing, thanks to global reduction of CFCs (ScienceDaily) - MIT study confirms Antarctic ozone layer is healing with 95% confidence due to global reduction of ozone-depleting substances.

• UK government eyes plan for 'prosperous and sustainable' shift away from North Sea oil and gas (BusinessGreen) - UK Department seeks strategic roadmap for transitioning North Sea oil and gas workers and infrastructure towards clean energy opportunities.

• After 30 Years, Biodiversity COP16.2 Delivers Hope for Vulnerable Countries (NRDC) - After 30 years, UN Biodiversity COP16.2 establishes landmark financial mechanism to support Global South's ecosystem conservation efforts.

• Good Climate News Roundup – February 2025 (LCV) - State-level climate champions advance clean energy, challenge federal cuts, and hold polluters accountable despite national political challenges.

• The US Has Never Been More Divided on Climate. Here’s How to Build Bridges (and It May Surprise You) (DeSmog) - Innovative psychological research reveals potential for bridging political divides on climate change by listening empathetically and acknowledging shared anxieties.

• New York gets closer to implementing gas ban in new buildings (Canary Media) - New York advances gas ban in new buildings by 2026, but omits recommended EV charging, battery storage, and solar provisions in draft building code.

• IPCC report timeline still undecided after ‘most difficult’ meeting in China (Carbon Brief) - IPCC meeting in China ends without agreement on seventh assessment report timeline, with countries divided over publication schedule and US technical support unit facing potential withdrawal.

• A ‘Trojan Horse’ for Toxic Chemicals (Inside Climate News) - Scientists reveal polymeric flame retardants break down into toxic molecules, challenging assumptions about chemical safety and regulatory exemptions.

• Supreme Court sides with San Francisco, requiring EPA to set specific targets in water pollution permits (The Conversation) - Supreme Court limits EPA's flexibility in water pollution permits, requiring specific numeric targets for pollutant discharges.

• Tariffs Likely to Crater Canadian Crude Exports to the US, Marathon Tells Investors (DeSmog) - Marathon Petroleum signals potential pivot away from Canadian crude exports due to Trump's new 10% energy tariffs, threatening Alberta's oil industry.

• COP16 biodiversity summit in Rome OKs finance pathway; big obstacles loom (Mongabay) - COP16 biodiversity summit approves $200 billion funding pathway by 2030, but faces significant implementation challenges without legally binding commitments.

• ‘It’s All Been Scrapped’: Women in Wildland Firefighting Bootcamps Canceled After DEI Cuts (Inside Climate News) - Women's wildland firefighting bootcamps canceled nationwide as part of broader DEI program elimination, impacting recruitment and support for female firefighters.

• Real Property Tax Law § 575-b Held Unconstitutional by New York Trial Court: What This Means for Assessment of Renewable Energy Projects (Energy Central) - New York Trial Court Declares Renewable Energy Property Tax Law Unconstitutional, Creating Uncertainty for Solar and Wind Project Assessments.

• Exclusive: NIH to terminate hundreds of active research grants (Nature) - NIH begins mass termination of research grants targeting DEI, transgender, and China-related studies amid politically motivated review.

• DEADLINE: EJN Biodiversity Media Grants (SEJ) - Earth Journalism Network offers media grants to boost biodiversity storytelling and raise awareness about the critical links between biodiversity loss and climate change.

• Trump Administration Intends to Terminate Lease for Army Corps’ Florida Headquarters (Inside Climate News) - Trump administration plans to terminate lease for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Florida headquarters, potentially disrupting Everglades restoration and hurricane response efforts.

• North Dakota Supreme Court denies Greenpeace entities’ petition for venue change in Energy Transfer SLAPP trial (Greenpeace) - North Dakota Supreme Court rejects Greenpeace's petition for venue change in Energy Transfer SLAPP lawsuit.

• Discover, Learn, Take Action: Summer Opportunities for Youth from the Exchange Partner Network (NYC Climate Exchange) - Diverse summer youth programs offer environmental learning opportunities across partner networks.

• The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act Will Protect Voters’ Freedom to Vote (LCV) - John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act aims to protect voting rights and combat voter suppression across the United States.

• New York’s Climate Law Is a Beacon in Trump’s Smog (Earthjustice) - New York's groundbreaking Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act sets ambitious emissions reduction targets and provides legal tools to challenge fossil fuel infrastructure.

• USDA’s Purge of Climate Data is Illegal and Reckless, Doing Immediate Harm to Farmers, Lawsuit Alleges (Inside Climate News) - USDA faces lawsuit for illegally removing critical climate and agricultural data from public websites, potentially harming farmers' ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

• Our Power News – Love for our climate movement (350.org) - Global climate movement highlights grassroots activism, renewable energy progress, and community-driven efforts to challenge fossil fuel industries and promote energy justice.

• This Is CDR: Tracking Europe's Evolving CDR Policy Landscape-Alexis Dunand (Carbon Gap) - Europe's new Carbon Removal Policy Tracker reveals uneven CDR policy progress across European countries, highlighting gaps in governance, deployment incentives, and comprehensive carbon removal strategies.

• Promise to phase out lead from UK game shooting has failed, study finds (Guardian) - UK game shooting organizations fail to voluntarily phase out toxic lead shot by 2025, study reveals widespread continued use despite health and environmental risks.

• Does a Hudson Valley Village Have a Plan to Tame or Encourage Tourism in Its Parks? It Depends on Who You Ask (Inside Climate News) - Hudson Valley Village Debates $86 Million Fjord Trail Expansion Amid Tourism Growth and Environmental Concerns.

• Readiness for Recovery and Reconstruction of Resilient Housing and Critical Infrastructure Masterclasses (UNDRR) - UN-led masterclass to share global expertise on resilient housing and infrastructure recovery strategies for disaster-affected communities.

• Day of Transition Practise 2025 Programme (Transition Network) - Global movement hosts collaborative online event exploring regenerative practices and community transformation in 2025.

• EWG statement on West Virginia bill advancing to ban harmful food dyes, chemicals (EWG) - West Virginia Senate advances groundbreaking bill to ban seven harmful food dyes and two toxic chemicals from state's food supply.

• Continued funding freeze will necessitate furlough for most Pasa staff (Pasa Sustainable Agriculture) - Prolonged federal funding freeze forces organization to implement phased employee furlough to maintain financial stability.

• Supreme Court Takes Up Nuclear Waste in Texas (Inside Climate News) - Supreme Court to hear case challenging Nuclear Regulatory Commission's authority to license temporary nuclear waste storage facility in Texas.

Renewables

Fusion neutrons, Tandem PV's $50M boost, and global renewable milestones from UK, India, Australia, and US drive solar, storage, and clean energy innovation across sectors and continents.

• Wisconsin startup brings new approach to fusion (Canary Media) - Wisconsin fusion startup generates revenue by selling neutrons while advancing clean energy technology.

• Perovskite Solar Technology Firm Tandem PV Raises $50 Million (TaiyangNews) - Perovskite solar technology startup Tandem PV secures $50 million to advance commercial-scale manufacturing of high-efficiency tandem solar panels.

• Northern Lighthouse Board Seeking Solar Panel Supply For 4 Years (TaiyangNews) - Northern Lighthouse Board seeks 800 solar panels annually for 4 years to power remote marine navigation equipment in coastal UK environments.

• Renewable Energy Will Be A Key Part of More Ambitious NDCs (GEAPP) - India's updated NDCs highlight renewable energy's critical role in transport electrification and ambitious climate action by 2030.

• Solar-Powered Domino’s and 5 Other Encouraging Signs of Progress in the Southeast (SACE) - Southeastern states showcase clean energy progress through solar-powered Domino's, electric school buses, EV charging expansion, and energy-efficient appliance upgrades.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: Top PV Rank For Trina In Sustainable Fitch Ratings & More (Taiyangnews) - Trinasolar achieves top global ESG rating from Sustainable Fitch, ranking first among solar module manufacturers in Asia-Pacific.

• Energy Breakthroughs Are Reshaping Our World (Energy Central) - Transformative renewable, storage, and nuclear technologies are rapidly reshaping global energy infrastructure towards a sustainable, net-zero emissions future.

• Demand for renewable energy projects remains strong, but supply is growing: LevelTen Energy (Utility Dive) - Renewable energy project supply grows, eroding developer profits amid market shifts and rising costs.

• Why Solar Might Be Better Off Than You Think (Heatmap News) - Solar industry experts discuss ongoing momentum and permitting challenges at Intersolar conference, highlighting potential for continued growth despite regulatory hurdles.

• Clean Energy Group Newsletter, March 2025 (Clean Energy Group) - Solar+storage at affordable housing can improve resident health, reduce energy burdens, and provide economic returns while supporting critical services during power outages.

• Canadian electricity company to refurbish and expand hydro stations across Northern Ontario (Renewable Energy World) - Ontario Power Generation to refurbish and expand multiple hydroelectric stations in Northern Ontario, securing 830 MW of renewable electricity over the next decade.

• Port of Cromarty Firth: Government confirms £55m floating offshore wind funding boost (BusinessGreen) - UK government allocates £55m to boost floating offshore wind infrastructure at Port of Cromarty Firth, positioning Scotland as a potential global leader in renewable energy technology.

• Three big wind projects approved in NSW as Labor clears decks for poll (RenewEconomy) - Australian government approves three major wind projects totaling 2.4 gigawatts in New South Wales ahead of federal election.

• Australia: Canberra's journey to 100% renewables (DW) - Canberra becomes first non-European city over 100,000 population to fully decarbonize electricity grid through strategic renewable energy investments and policy commitment.

• Ocean Energy Is Almost Ready, But It Needs a Boost Over the Testing Barrier (CleanTechnica) - NREL's advanced testing facilities are accelerating marine energy technology development by providing sophisticated wave simulation and prototype testing capabilities.

• Trinasolar Again Recognized as Tier 1 PV Module Manufacturer by BNEF in Q1 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Trinasolar reaffirms its global solar leadership by securing BNEF Tier 1 PV Module Manufacturer status in Q1 2025, highlighting its technological innovation and market competitiveness.

• Sunrun Reports Flat Revenue Growth In Q4; FY2024 Net Loss Widens (TaiyangNews) - Sunrun reports flat revenue and increased net loss in Q4 2024, with record storage attachment rates and continued focus on financial stability.

• “World-leading” array of massive eight-hour solar batteries to reboot Australian manufacturing (RenewEconomy) - Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners plans massive eight-hour solar battery projects across Australia to support manufacturing and enable 24/7 renewable power.

• Despite the naysayers, the clean energy revolution is underway and cannot be stopped (BusinessGreen) - Clean energy revolution continues unabated despite political resistance, driven by immutable economic and scientific realities.

Transport

Hydrogen innovation, EV market shifts, and electric vehicle breakthroughs from BYD, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Hyundai reshape global transportation landscape amid competitive challenges and technological advancements.

• NASA develops a hydrogen hybrid engine that could eliminate carbon emissions in aviation (NASA) - Groundbreaking hydrogen hybrid engine promises zero-carbon aviation technology with potential to revolutionize sustainable air travel.

• EU Auto Plan Is a Major Concession to Industry — It Must Be the Last (CleanTechnica) - EU's new automotive plan weakens EV targets, potentially hindering European electric vehicle competitiveness against China.

• Why electric cars might save you money in the future (Yale Climate Connections) - Electric vehicles offer significant long-term savings through lower fuel and maintenance costs despite higher upfront prices.

• EVs Take 61.1% Share In Sweden — Volvo XC40 Revival (CleanTechnica) - Sweden's electric vehicle market surges to 61.1% market share in February 2025, with Volvo XC40 leading battery-electric vehicle sales.

• New BYD Yuan Plus With Fridge & God’s Eye Launches … at $15,970 (CleanTechnica) - BYD launches updated Yuan Plus electric crossover with built-in fridge and advanced driver-assist system at competitive $15,970 starting price.

• Volkswagen ID. EVERY1 — Will This Be A Hit? (CleanTechnica) - Volkswagen unveils ID. EVERY1, an affordable €20,000 electric city car targeting European market with 250km range, set to launch in 2027.

• Network offshoot to roll out 1,000 kerbside EV chargers after regulatory switch, but not everyone is happy (RenewEconomy) - Plus Es to deploy 1,000 kerbside EV chargers on power poles in NSW and South Australia after regulatory waiver, sparking market competition concerns.

• Hyundai IONIQ 9 Is Going To Be A Hit Among Rich Families (Not Notable Volumes, But Good Emissions Cuts) (CleanTechnica) - Hyundai's IONIQ 9 electric SUV targets affluent families with premium features, spacious design, and potential to replace gas-guzzling large SUVs.

• Volvo ES90 — The Rest Of The Story (CleanTechnica) - Volvo unveils ES90 electric sedan with advanced 800-volt architecture, up to 670 hp, and sophisticated software-defined features targeting premium EV market.

• Tesla Sales In China Tumble 49% In February (CleanTechnica) - Tesla's China sales plummet 49% in February amid holiday slowdown, production adjustments, and rising domestic competition.

• The Volvo ES90 Arrives (CleanTechnica) - Volvo launches ES90 electric vehicle with advanced 800V technology, dual NVIDIA computing, and innovative health-focused features across European markets.