Today we've selected 240 updates from across the green tech and sustainability world, including 3 we've selected just for you personally if you subscribe by email.

You'll find a table of contents for the full collection at the bottom of this post, but a few highlights include:

Funding & finance:

* The Grain Belt Express, the largest electric transmission project in U.S. history, has announced nearly $1.7 billion in combined contractor awards (RenewableEnergyWorld)

* ScottishPower secures GBP 1.35bn financing for grid upgrades (RenewablesNow)

Adaptation:

* Australian regulations now encourage electric poles and wires to be made resistant to climate and fire disruption (Renew Economy)

Insights:

* Despite stabilized emissions, atmospheric CO2 hit record 3.5ppm growth in 2023 - a discussion of the role of weakening natural carbon sinks (The Conversation)

And now the full collection of updates.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• 🌾Agriculture (12 stories) - Global breeding program for climate-resilient crops, European farmers' data rights recommendations, Indian coffee farms for forest restoration, Mozambique eucalyptus expansion impacts, wheat yield losses from pests, Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting, Kenyan solar irrigation, monsoon "memory effect," Temple Grandin AVMA award, Beyond Meat sales decline, Dutch land leasing criteria, USAID Soybean Innovation Lab funding.

  
  

• 🪨Carbon (23 stories) - California's cap-and-trade extension, World Weather Attribution, Indonesia's gas plan risks, Rock-Stored Carbon Protocol, Dutch construction materials, carbon removal marketplace, Amsterdam conference, ocean alkalinity enhancement, record CO2 growth, Mississippi Valley storms, climate-driven wildfires, Copernicus Climate Service, wealthiest 10% responsible, global air pollution study, methane emissions, Google's carbon credits, Microsoft's carbon removal deal, DOE staff cuts, Verra's coal plant closures, methane detection.

  
  

• ♻️Circular (6 stories) - From CO2-based garment cleaning by Tersus Solutions to Amazon's right-sized packaging tech and manure-to-cellulose innovations

  
  

• 🌱Ecosystems (30 stories) - Seed Health microbiome research, Basque bumblebee study, Cameroon gorilla sightings, Sura tidal flat bird habitat threatened, Venice Biennale microforests, Illinois conservation initiatives, "Nordic Taiga" rewilding, Affric Highlands restoration, Sungrow India tree planting, insect decline factors, red wine betta extinction, US city subsidence, Dartmoor wildfire, ocean migration tracking, urban scorpion surge in Brazil, Gran Chaco deforestation, public lands conference, "Hurricane Diane" climate play, Las Cabachuelas ecotourism, Earth Day service, global lion trade, UC Santa Cruz sea lion study, Collier/Aurora glacier performance, Belgian carbon farmer marathon, Antarctic marine species discovery, Chornobyl exclusion zone photos, light pollution impacts, Waterton Lakes butterfly, Tim Flach photography, Ukrainian Climate Action Project.

  
  

• ⚡Efficiency (9 stories) - Oregon's energy efficiency ranking rises; Trump administration targets Energy Star; Source hydropanels installed; CFD aids climate-resilient design; AeroBarrier seals buildings.

  
  

• 💰Finance (12 stories) - Investment gaps in Global South, climate job market uncertainty, ICE's climate risk assessment tool, EU's SFDR revision, India's Climate Finance Taxonomy, Central Banks' climate scenarios, rising insurance premiums, agricultural loan securities, SunPower's profitable quarter, sustainable infrastructure investments, and Colgate-Palmolive's sustainability initiatives.

  
  

• 🔌Grid (27 stories) - NextGen Highways, Community Choice Energy, Sungrow, Uplight, AGL Energy, AEMO, Squadron Energy, Grain Belt Express, On.Energy, Ecotricity, Amber, Gentrack, ScottishPower, Inlyte Energy, Southern Co., SolaX Power, Avangrid, ISO New England.

  
  

• 🌍Indigenous (2 stories) - T-shirt design contest for Indigenous artists; Indigenous storytelling in language learning.

  
  

• 🏭Industry (28 stories) - Mozambique petrochemical city threatens dugongs; Brazilian lithium soars; China solar booms (AIKO, Haitian); CRISPR evolves; Ecolectro scales H2; Rainmaker's cloud seeding; HyTerra's natural hydrogen; Google & Elementl nuclear; Rare earths from seaweed; Uviquity's disinfection; Shoals' solar; Jolywood's UV films; Eco Green Energy storage; Pseudomonas plastic breakdown.

  
  

• 📜Policy (57 stories) - Trump's deregulation sparks resistance; Ecuador court considers forest rights; Oregon utility plans decarbonization; Australia offers green hydrogen tax credits; California sues over EV funds.

  
  

• 🔋Renewables (16 stories) - TOPCon, HJT, back contact solar cell advancements; AESOLAR's retrofit modules & DIBt certification; EcoFlow plug-in solar; Chipotle & Nexamp community solar; Google & Shell offshore wind PPA; DAS Solar & Solar Depot N-type modules; Ørsted cancels Hornsea 4.

  
  

• 🚗Transport (18 stories) - Alaska Airlines pilots SAF software, states prioritize transit, Sungrow unveils EV charger, EvoLectric converts Isuzu trucks, AcePower expands charging, BYD dominates EV market, Waymo shows crash reduction, Terawatt secures $1B for truck charging, United invests in Twelve's SAF, and Waymo expands with Jaguar I-PACE.

Agriculture

Global breeding program for climate-resilient crops, European farmers' data rights recommendations, Indian coffee farms for forest restoration, Mozambique eucalyptus expansion impacts, wheat yield losses from pests, Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting, Kenyan solar irrigation, monsoon "memory effect," Temple Grandin AVMA award, Beyond Meat sales decline, Dutch land leasing criteria, USAID Soybean Innovation Lab funding.

• What to expect from Breeding for Tomorrow (CGIAR) - New global breeding program launches to develop climate-resilient, nutritious crops and livestock for smallholder farmers facing food security challenges.

• The Challenges Digitalisation Brings to Peasant Agroecology: An ECVC perspective (Via Campesina) - European farmers' group issues 25 recommendations to prevent corporate control of agricultural digitalization while protecting small-scale farmers' data rights and autonomy.

• Seeds rescued from India’s coffee farms could help forest restoration (Mongabay) - Indian coffee farms in Western Ghats could provide diverse native tree seeds for forest restoration, study finds, offering sustainable alternative to forest harvesting.

• Mozambique’s farmers pay the price of Europe’s paper packaging demands (Mongabay) - European demand for paper packaging drives eucalyptus expansion in Mozambique, displacing farmers and depleting water resources while failing to deliver promised community benefits.

• Solutions needed as climate change & land use fuel global crop pest menace (Mongabay) - Climate change and land use changes could cause up to 46% wheat yield losses from increased pest damage by 2050 as warming enables subtropical pests to establish in temperate regions.

• Building Markets for Water Stewardship (AgriCapture) - New Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting framework enables investment in agricultural water stewardship by quantifying and monetizing water conservation outcomes.

• SunCulture: Empowering Africa’s Farmers Through Solar-Powered Irrigation (SunCulture) - Kenyan solar-powered irrigation company helps African smallholder farmers triple incomes and reduce energy costs by 80% through accessible solar pump systems and pay-as-you-grow financing.

• The atmospheric memory that feeds billions of people: Newly discovered mechanism for monsoon rainfall (ScienceDaily) - Scientists discover atmosphere's "memory effect" controls monsoon rainfall patterns, affecting billions across Asia and South America through moisture storage mechanisms.

• CSU’s Grandin receives prestigious 2025 AVMA Humane Award (CSU Source) - Temple Grandin, CSU Distinguished Professor and animal welfare expert, receives 2025 AVMA Humane Award for advancing animal welfare through education and advocacy.

• Beyond Meat’s ‘clearly disappointing’ Q1: ‘The Beyond value proposition remains obscured in doubt and misinformation’ says CEO (AgFundNews) - Beyond Meat reports 9.1% sales decline in Q1 2025 as CEO cites consumer misconceptions and distribution challenges impacting plant-based meat category.

• Land van Ons roept op: Maak duurzaamheid leidend bij verpachting landbouwgrond (Land van Ons) - Dutch citizen cooperative calls for sustainability-focused criteria in agricultural land leasing practices, challenging price-based allocation system.

• Soybean Lab Scheduled to Close After USAID Cuts Gets a Year-Long Reprieve (Inside Climate News) - USAID-funded Soybean Innovation Lab receives $1M private donation to continue African agriculture work for one year after federal cuts.

Carbon

California's cap-and-trade extension, World Weather Attribution, Indonesia's gas plan risks, Rock-Stored Carbon Protocol, Dutch construction materials, carbon removal marketplace, Amsterdam conference, ocean alkalinity enhancement, record CO2 growth, Mississippi Valley storms, climate-driven wildfires, Copernicus Climate Service, wealthiest 10% responsible, global air pollution study, methane emissions, Google's carbon credits, Microsoft's carbon removal deal, DOE staff cuts, Verra's coal plant closures, methane detection.

• Extending Cap-and-Trade Program Saves Working Families $3.9 Billion, Creates 287,000 Jobs and $55 Billion in Economic Growth (EDF) - California's cap-and-trade program extension through 2045 projected to save working families $3.9B, create 287,000 jobs, and generate $55B in economic growth.

• Deadly US rainfall in April 9% more intense due to climate change: Report (Mongabay) - Climate change made April's deadly US rainfall 9% more intense and 40% more likely than in pre-industrial times, World Weather Attribution study finds.

• Indonesia’s gas bet poses risks for economy, health and climate (Mongabay) - Indonesia's plan to double gas-powered electricity by 2040 risks $57 billion in losses, threatens 6.7 million jobs, and undermines climate goals while increasing health costs.

• Rock Stored Carbon Protocol in practice (Climate Cleanup) - First implementation of Rock-Stored Carbon Protocol certifies olivine use in tram track construction for carbon capture through Enhanced Rock Weathering.

• Whitepaper Construction Stored Carbon (Climate Cleanup) - New whitepaper outlines carbon sequestration potential in construction materials for Dutch market, emphasizing reduction before offsetting and distinguishing between voluntary and mandatory carbon markets.

• Oncra update: new removers and new sales (Oncra Registry) - Carbon removal marketplace adds 9 new projects, reaches 80+ certified initiatives removing 100,000 tons CO2 through nature-based solutions.

• Climate Cleanup Conference quickly selling out (Climate Cleanup) - Amsterdam carbon removal conference draws government and industry leaders to discuss green CDR economy funding and implementation strategies.

• Building Carbon Removal with the Power of the Ocean (Planetary Technologies) - Ocean alkalinity enhancement technology shows promise for large-scale carbon removal while restoring marine ecosystems and reducing ocean acidity.

• Even as emissions level off, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is growing faster than ever. Here’s why (The Conversation) - Despite stabilized global CO2 emissions, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations hit record growth rate of 3.5ppm in 2023 due to weakening natural carbon sinks.

• April storms that killed 24 in US made more severe by burning fossil fuels – study (The Guardian) - Climate scientists find April 2024 storms that killed 24 across Mississippi Valley were made 40% more likely and 9% more intense by human-caused climate change.

• Smoke from climate-fueled fires in US contributed to 15,000 deaths in 15 years, study finds (The Guardian) - Climate-driven wildfires caused 15,000 deaths and $160bn in costs across US from 2006-2020, with highest mortality in western states.

• Climate Change Fueled Historic Rainfall Behind April’s Midwest and Southern US Flooding (Earth.org) - Climate scientists link April's deadly Midwest and Southern US flooding to climate change, finding 9% more intense rainfall and Gulf temperatures 14 times more likely due to warming.

• April Temperatures Breach 1.5C Threshold For 9th Consecutive Month (Earth.org) - Global temperatures hit 14.96°C in April 2025, marking ninth consecutive month above Paris Agreement's 1.5°C threshold, according to EU's Copernicus Climate Service.

• Warming climate making fine particulate matter from wildfires more deadly and expensive (ScienceDaily) - Climate change-driven wildfires caused 15,000 additional deaths and $160 billion in economic damage from air pollution in US between 2006-2020.

• The world's wealthiest 10% caused two thirds of global warming since 1990 (ScienceDaily) - Study reveals world's wealthiest 10% responsible for two-thirds of global warming since 1990, with top 1% contributing 26 times more than average to extreme heat events.

• New study tracks air pollution and CO2 emissions across thousands of cities worldwide (ScienceDaily) - Global study of 13,000+ cities maps air pollution and CO2 emissions from 2005-2019, revealing stark regional disparities in environmental progress.

• Climate change: Future of today's young people (ScienceDaily) - Study reveals 92% of children born in 2020 will face unprecedented heatwaves under 3.5°C warming, while meeting 1.5°C target could protect 49 million children.

• Methane madness (BusinessGreen) - Global methane emissions remain at concerning levels despite climate commitments, highlighting significant policy and market failures in addressing this potent greenhouse gas.

• Google uses carbon credit purchase to tackle short-lived super-pollutants (Trellis) - Google purchases carbon credits targeting methane and HFC super-pollutants in Indonesia and Brazil, equivalent to eliminating 1 million tons of CO2 by 2030.

• Renewable energy’s scale-up provides a blueprint for carbon removal (Trellis) - Microsoft's 30-year carbon removal deal with Climate Impact Partners mirrors renewable energy financing models, signaling path for scaling carbon markets.

• US carbon removal industry suffers setbacks as critical federal support remains uncertain (Trellis) - Carbon removal industry faces uncertainty as DOE staff cuts and missed deadlines threaten federal support programs, leading to project cancellations and layoffs.

• First carbon credit scheme for early coal plant closures unveiled (Climate Change News) - First carbon credit scheme launched by Verra to incentivize early coal plant closures through carbon credits, requiring partial renewable energy replacement.

• GML for Offshore - Bridger Photonics Next Gen Methane Detection with UAV Drones (Bridger Photonics) - Company expands methane detection capabilities with drone-mounted LiDAR system for offshore oil and gas facilities, aiming to improve emissions monitoring accuracy.

Circular

(6 stories) - From CO2-based garment cleaning by Tersus Solutions to Amazon's right-sized packaging tech and manure-to-cellulose innovations

• Children born in 2020 will face ‘unprecedented exposure’ to climate extremes (Carbon Brief) - Study finds children born in 2020 will experience unprecedented exposure to extreme weather events, with 62 million facing severe heatwaves even if warming is limited to 1.5C.

• Move over trees. Engineers turn manure into high-grade cellulose. (Anthropocene Magazine) - Engineers develop method to extract high-grade cellulose fibers from cow manure using pressurized spinning technology, offering sustainable alternative to traditional cellulose production.

• Colorado company powers secondhand sales for Lululemon, The North Face and Patagonia (Trellis) - Colorado-based Tersus Solutions scales circular fashion economy by providing CO2-based cleaning and repair services for major brands including Lululemon, North Face and Patagonia.

• Amazon Launching Custom-Fit Cardboard, Paper Packaging Across Europe (ESGToday) - Amazon to deploy custom-fit cardboard and paper packaging machines across European fulfillment centers, reducing waste and delivery emissions through right-sized packaging.

• More Control, Better Data: Claims Made Easy (Open Supply Hub) - Platform launches streamlined process for suppliers to claim and verify their facility profiles, enabling better supply chain data sharing and transparency.

• SNCW's Sustainability Scoop (SNCW) - Washington nonprofit's Earth Day Fair, Apple Blossom festival and Trashion Show events engage community in sustainability through composting, recycling and waste-to-art initiatives.

Ecosystems

Seed Health microbiome research, Basque bumblebee study, Cameroon gorilla sightings, Sura tidal flat bird habitat threatened, Venice Biennale microforests, Illinois conservation initiatives, "Nordic Taiga" rewilding, Affric Highlands restoration, Sungrow India tree planting, insect decline factors, red wine betta extinction, US city subsidence, Dartmoor wildfire, ocean migration tracking, urban scorpion surge in Brazil, Gran Chaco deforestation, public lands conference, "Hurricane Diane" climate play, Las Cabachuelas ecotourism, Earth Day service, global lion trade, UC Santa Cruz sea lion study, Collier/Aurora glacier performance, Belgian carbon farmer marathon, Antarctic marine species discovery, Chornobyl exclusion zone photos, light pollution impacts, Waterton Lakes butterfly, Tim Flach photography, Ukrainian Climate Action Project.

• Seeding Change: Welcome to the Microbial Revolution (Atmos) - Seed Health cofounders explore microbiome science breakthroughs in human health and environmental restoration, from gut bacteria to plastic-eating microbes.

• Research assistant – Ecology (BC3) - Basque research center seeks ecology research assistant for 4-month project analyzing bumblebee pollinator behavior and plant-pollinator interactions.

• In Cameroon’s forgotten forests, gorillas and chimps hang on (Mongabay) - First camera trap evidence reveals critically endangered gorillas and chimpanzees surviving in degraded forest reserves near urban Cameroon, raising human-wildlife conflict concerns.

• Scientists warn of S. Korea airport project’s impact on migratory bird habitat (Mongabay) - Scientists warn South Korean airport project threatens critical habitat of 330,000 migratory birds in Sura tidal flat, including 27 globally threatened species.

• “Cool Forest” opens at the Biennale Architettura 2025 (SCAPE) - Interactive microforest exhibition at Venice Biennale demonstrates climate-adapted vegetation and sensor technology to showcase urban cooling solutions and future biodiversity.

• 2024 Annual Report: A year of opportunity at every bend (Prairie Rivers Network) - Illinois environmental group reports successful 2024 campaigns across water protection, land restoration, and climate advocacy, with $1.6M budget supporting statewide expansion of conservation initiatives.

• Rewilding Europe’s Swedish Lapland rewilding landscape becomes Nordic Taiga (Rewilding Europe) - Swedish Lapland rewilding landscape rebranded as "Nordic Taiga" to reflect expanded conservation efforts across 1.75 million hectares of forest and peatland ecosystems.

• Rewilding Affric Highlands to advance nature recovery in Scotland (Rewilding Europe) - New conservation entity launches in Scotland's Affric Highlands to restore 200,000 hectares of native woodland, peatland and riverside habitats.

• Empowering India’s Future: Sungrow Drives Environmental Action and Community Growth (TaiyangNews) - Sungrow India plants 7,462 trees across 16 states since 2021, combining carbon sequestration with rural livelihood support through fruit-bearing trees while expanding solar education initiatives.

• Humans are killing helpful insects in hundreds of ways − simple steps can reduce the harm (The Conversation) - Research shows hundreds of human activities threaten insect populations through interconnected factors like agriculture, pollution, and habitat loss, with solutions requiring comprehensive habitat protection.

• Save This Species: The Bettas of Bangka Island (The Revelator) - Critically endangered red wine betta fish faces extinction as Indonesia's Bangka Island's peat swamp forests rapidly disappear due to palm oil plantations and urbanization.

• Why are all of America’s biggest cities sinking? (Grist) - Study reveals all 28 major US cities experiencing significant land subsidence due to groundwater depletion, with Houston sinking fastest at over 0.4 inches annually.

• ‘The fledglings couldn’t escape’: Dartmoor blaze raises questions about wildfire strategy (The Guardian) - Massive Dartmoor wildfire scorches 500 hectares of wildlife habitat, sparking debate over grazing restrictions and wildfire management strategies.

• ‘Astonishing journeys’: online tool tracking migratory animals highlights challenge of protecting them (The Guardian) - New online tracking tool reveals vast ocean migration patterns of over 100 species including Arctic terns and loggerhead turtles, highlighting conservation challenges across international waters.

• Scorpions ‘taking over’ Brazilian cities with reported stings rising 250% (The Guardian) - Brazil reports 250% surge in urban scorpion stings over past decade as unplanned urbanization and climate change create ideal conditions for arachnids in cities.

• ‘A cemetery of trees’: vast green expanses turned to dust as loggers plunder South America’s Gran Chaco (The Guardian) - Rapid deforestation of South America's Gran Chaco forest threatens thousands of species and indigenous communities as illegal logging continues despite protective laws.

• Join the Healthy Public Lands Conference: May 28-30th (The Wildlife News) - Major public lands conference in Salt Lake City to address grazing reform, Indigenous conservation, and ecosystem restoration with experts and advocates, May 28-30.

• A Conversation with Playwright Madeleine George (Bluedot Living) - Pulitzer-finalist playwright Madeleine George discusses her climate crisis comedy "Hurricane Diane" ahead of Hartford Stage production, exploring how art can address environmental themes through humor and Greek mythology.

• A Puerto Rican community decides preserve Its forest. Now it makes money thanks to ecotourism (Yale Climate Connections) - Puerto Rican community cooperative transforms 1,950-acre Las Cabachuelas forest into profitable ecotourism venture while preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage.

• Ecumenical Earth Day Service 2025 (Creation Justice Ministries) - Ecumenical Earth Day service explores themes of divine power, environmental stewardship, and community through prayer, music and reflection.

• Trophies, body parts & live animals dominate global lion trade, data show (Mongabay) - Global lion trade data reveals trophies, body parts, and live animals as primary commodities, with South Africa emerging as major export hub amid conservation concerns.

• Ronan the sea lion outperforms humans at keeping a steady beat, study finds (Mongabay) - California sea lion named Ronan demonstrates superior rhythm-keeping abilities compared to humans in groundbreaking study at UC Santa Cruz.

• Transcript: The politics of ocean protection (Greenpeace) - Musicians Jacob Collier and Aurora perform unique hybrid songs on floating pontoon near Svalbard glacier to highlight Arctic environmental fragility.

• Lars runs for the International Day of the North Sea (Climate Cleanup) - Belgian carbon farmer to run 100km coastal marathon to raise funds for marine habitat restoration blocks in North Sea port.

• Sea pigs, icefish and trilobites: Antarctica’s mysterious marine life – in pictures (The Guardian) - Scientists document diverse Antarctic marine species including sea pigs, icefish, and trilobite-like creatures during research expedition near retreating Denman Glacier.

• Inside the Chornobyl exclusion zone – in pictures (The Guardian) - Photo essay reveals haunting images of Chornobyl's exclusion zone, showing abandoned buildings, wildlife, and recent damage from 2025 Russian drone strike on containment shell.

• All the Light We Cannot See (Bluedot Living) - Article explores light pollution's environmental impacts and solutions for preserving natural darkness and protecting nocturnal ecosystems.

• The Case of the Curious Butterfly (Nautilus) - New butterfly species discovered in Canada's Waterton Lakes has survived 40,000 years through inbreeding in tiny isolated population.

• Renowned wildlife photographer Tim Flach to visit WWU (Western Today) - Renowned wildlife photographer Tim Flach to visit WWU for public presentation on conservation photography and zoo animal portraiture research.

• Despite war, Ukrainian students take action on climate change (Yale Climate Connections) - Ukrainian students participate in global Climate Action Project, planting trees and promoting conservation while representing their nation during wartime.

Efficiency

Oregon's energy efficiency ranking rises; Trump administration targets Energy Star; Source hydropanels installed; CFD aids climate-resilient design; AeroBarrier seals buildings.

• Oregon ranked 9th most energy-efficient state (LCRI) - Oregon rises to 9th place in national energy efficiency rankings, driven by building performance measures and increased support for low-income households.

• Trump cuts Energy Star program that saved households $450 a year (The Verge) - Trump administration moves to eliminate Energy Star program that saves households $450 annually in energy costs and provides $40 billion in national savings.

• What’s Required To Install A Source Hydropanel? (CleanTechnica) - Source hydropanels installation requires crane-lifted 500lb panels, ground support posts, and water line trenching to provide off-grid atmospheric water harvesting.

• Utility bills could rise as Trump’s EPA to end Energy Star program, experts warn (The Guardian) - Trump's EPA plans to end 30-year Energy Star appliance efficiency program, threatening higher utility bills for US consumers.

• Air Flow Design Is the Quiet Champion of Climate Resilience (Earth.org) - Computational Fluid Dynamics technology enables better design of climate-resilient cities and buildings by simulating air, water, and heat flow patterns for improved ventilation, flood control, and wildfire management.

• How Building Owners Can Achieve Performance Standards with District Energy (POWER Magazine) - District energy systems offer building owners cost-effective path to meet emissions standards by upgrading central plants rather than retrofitting individual buildings.

• How Trump’s latest rollback could raise your utility bills (Grist) - Trump administration moves to eliminate Energy Star program, threatening $40 billion in annual consumer energy savings and efficiency standards for appliances.

• Spring tips to keep your home comfortable (LCRI) - Energy Trust of Oregon outlines home efficiency tips for spring including HVAC maintenance, pipe insulation, LED lighting, and smart thermostat use to reduce energy costs while maintaining comfort.

• AeroBarrier® FAQ: What it is and Why Builders Use It (Aeroseal) - AeroBarrier automated air-sealing technology uses pressurized sealant mist to seal building envelope leaks in hours, helping builders meet energy codes and pass blower door tests.

Finance

Investment gaps in Global South, climate job market uncertainty, ICE's climate risk assessment tool, EU's SFDR revision, India's Climate Finance Taxonomy, Central Banks' climate scenarios, rising insurance premiums, agricultural loan securities, SunPower's profitable quarter, sustainable infrastructure investments, and Colgate-Palmolive's sustainability initiatives.

• Closing the Financing Gap in the Global South Requires a Multi-Pronged Approach (IRENA) - Global South faces $31.5 trillion renewable energy investment gap by 2030, with only 10% of 2023 investments reaching developing economies due to market risks and policy uncertainty.

• What is it like on the climate job market right now? (Grist) - Climate job market faces uncertainty as federal layoffs flood competitive landscape with skilled workers while funding cuts slow private sector hiring.

• ICE Launches Geospatial Data Solution to Assess Climate Risks for Corporate, Sovereign Asset Classes (ESG Today) - ICE launches global climate risk assessment tool using geospatial data to analyze physical climate risks across 1.6 billion buildings for corporate and sovereign portfolios.

• EU Commission Launches Call for Evidence to Simplify and Update SFDR Regulation (ESGToday) - European Commission launches initiative to revise and simplify Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) to reduce reporting burdens and improve clarity for investors.

• India Releases Draft Climate Finance Taxonomy to Drive Capital to Net Zero Goals (ESG Today) - India releases draft Climate Finance Taxonomy framework to guide $2.5 trillion investment needed for reaching 2030 climate goals and net-zero by 2070.

• NGFS Releases its First Short Term Climate Scenarios (ESGToday) - Network of Central Banks launches first short-term climate scenarios to help financial sector analyze near-term climate impacts on economic stability.

• Risky Business: Insurance in the Era of Climate Change (EESI) - Climate change impacts drive 21% rise in insurance premiums since 2015, leaving 67% of US homes underinsured as experts explore new insurance models and federal policy solutions.

• Types of collateral and securities in loans (InSoil) - Agricultural lender details four main types of loan securities - heavy equipment, land, state guarantees, and personal liability - with specific loan-to-value ratios for risk management.

• SunPower Swings To Profit in Q1 2025 (TaiyangNews) - SunPower achieves first profitable quarter in 4 years with $1.3M net income after major workforce reduction and rebranding from Complete Solaria.

• GDEV releases 2024 Energy and Impact Report (GDEV) - Sustainable infrastructure firm reports $400M deployed across 12 platforms, generating 652 GWh clean energy and enabling $643M in project investments across North America in 2024.

• Environmental Sustainability & Renewable Energy Funds Webinar (Energy Central) - Webinar on environmental sustainability and renewable energy funds to cover ESG regulatory updates and market responses scheduled for June 5, 2025.

• How Colgate-Palmolive’s CSO links sustainability to value creation (Trellis) - Colgate-Palmolive CSO Ann Tracy repositions sustainability initiatives as value drivers, citing $1B energy savings while maintaining 2025 climate goals despite 2023 emissions rise.

Grid

NextGen Highways, Community Choice Energy, Sungrow, Uplight, AGL Energy, AEMO, Squadron Energy, Grain Belt Express, On.Energy, Ecotricity, Amber, Gentrack, ScottishPower, Inlyte Energy, Southern Co., SolaX Power, Avangrid, ISO New England.

• Colorado Legislature Passes NextGen Highways Bill, Unlocking More Transmission Development in the State (Advanced Energy United) - Colorado Legislature passes NextGen Highways bill allowing transmission lines along state highways to accelerate clean energy infrastructure development.

• MCE Celebrates 15 Years as California’s First Community Choice Energy Provider (MCE) - California's first Community Choice Energy provider marks 15 years of delivering renewable electricity to 1.5 million Bay Area residents, eliminating 500,000 metric tons of emissions.

• CEBA CEO: Global Energy Market Reflects Generational Shift in How Energy is Produced and Consumed (CEBA) - Corporate clean energy procurement hits 100GW milestone as buyers drive grid transformation, with solar leading at 70% of new capacity and nuclear growing significantly.

• Explore Sungrow's Latest C&I Solutions at Intersolar Europe 2025: Empowering Businesses with Flexibility (TaiyangNews) - Sungrow unveils new liquid-cooled energy storage system PowerStack 255CS and hybrid inverter SH125CX for commercial applications at Intersolar Europe 2025.

• GridBeyond partners with Uplight to offer utilities savings (GridBeyond) - AI energy company partners with Uplight to offer businesses up to $130k per MW yearly through demand response programs for grid stability.

• Turnbull sells two pumped hydro storage projects to help AGL switch from coal to renewables (RenewEconomy) - Former PM Malcolm Turnbull sells two pumped hydro storage projects totaling 1,393MW to AGL Energy to support its transition from coal to renewables in NSW.

• AEMO highlights raw potential of better wind and solar integration – and a change of mindset (RenewEconomy) - AEMO quarterly report shows record low emissions despite wind and solar curtailment, highlighting need for better grid integration and storage solutions.

• Andrew Forrest among big winners as NSW grants grid access to giant wind, solar, and battery facilities (RenewEconomy) - NSW grants grid access to 7GW of wind, solar and battery projects in Central-West Orana zone, with Andrew Forrest's Squadron Energy among ten successful developers.

• All aboard the Grain Belt Express! $1.7B awarded to EPC contractors (Renewable Energy World) - Grain Belt Express awards $1.7B in contracts to Quanta Services and Kiewit for 800-mile transmission line project spanning four Midwest states.

• Why Solar Alone Isn’t Enough: What Spain’s Blackout Revealed About the Energy Transition (EnergyCentral) - Spain's 2025 widespread blackout reveals critical need for grid stabilization and storage systems to support high solar penetration.

• The battery solution for AI’s power problem (Latitude Media) - Battery storage company On.Energy develops medium-voltage UPS system to manage AI data centers' extreme power fluctuations while providing grid services.

• Ecotricity debuts dynamic energy pricing for homes with renewables installed (BusinessGreen) - Ecotricity partners with Amber and Gentrack to offer dynamic energy pricing for homes with renewable installations, enabling cheaper rates and grid energy sales.

• ScottishPower secures £1.35bn for UK grid upgrade projects (BusinessGreen) - ScottishPower secures £1.35bn financing package, including £600m from National Wealth Fund, to upgrade UK's electricity transmission infrastructure.

• Navigating 4 key trends and challenges shaping the power industry (Utility Dive) - Power industry faces critical challenges in 2025 including workforce shortages, energy transition demands, aging infrastructure, and cybersecurity threats amid rising electricity demand.

• Is electrification a no-brainer in the race to net-zero? (Climate Home News) - Global electrification efforts accelerate with EV sales and heat pump adoption rising, but fossil fuels still dominate power generation amid trade tensions and infrastructure challenges.

• A blast from batteries past (Canary Media) - Inlyte Energy partners with Southern Co. to test 1980s-designed iron-salt battery technology for large-scale energy storage applications.

• Analysis: Where to Colocate a Data Center with an Underutilized Power Plant (HData) - Analysis reveals opportunity to colocate data centers with Alabama Power's underutilized Calhoun Generating Facility to meet growing data center power demands while optimizing gas pipeline contracts.

• SolaX’s ORI Series In The Spotlight At Intersolar 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Chinese firm SolaX Power unveils 5MWh utility-scale battery storage system with liquid cooling at Intersolar Europe 2025.

• 5 Must-Know Facts About Solar Batteries (Mosaic) - Solar battery market grew 65% in 2024 with Texas leading growth, while new recycling initiatives and tax credits drive adoption and sustainability.

• Solar Insiders Podcast: How to make the most out of home batteries (RenewEconomy) - Solar Insiders podcast explores how home battery systems can become profitable investments for Australian households through smart energy management.

• Huge data centres queue to join Australia’s grid, but not where wind and solar industry wants them (RenewEconomy) - Australian data centers' 8GW grid connection requests clash with renewable energy zones as operators prioritize urban proximity over renewable power integration.

• Behind or front of the meter? Constellation sees market shift in the co-location conversation (Renewable Energy World) - Constellation CEO reports shift away from behind-the-meter power configurations for data centers toward front-of-meter solutions amid regulatory uncertainty.

• This Northeast utility is increasing its US investments, touts a 50-state supply chain (Renewable Energy World) - Connecticut-based utility Avangrid increases US supplier investments to $4.3 billion in 2024, sourcing from 7,000 suppliers across all 50 states.

• On data center power partnerships: Q&A with Compass Datacenters Chief Customer Officer Raymond Hawkins (Renewable Energy World) - Compass Datacenters executive outlines shift to collaborative utility partnerships focused on planned load ramping and shared infrastructure investments for data center power needs.

• Infrastructure in the digital age: A call for nationally critical datasets (BusinessGreen) - UK needs nationally standardized infrastructure datasets to effectively manage digital systems, energy networks, and public services in modern era.

• ISO New England prepares for 11% rise in annual electricity consumption (Utility Dive) - ISO New England forecasts 11% rise in regional electricity consumption over next decade due to heating electrification and EV adoption.

• Texas lawmaker wants big businesses to disclose energy needs (Canary Media) - Texas lawmaker proposes bill requiring large businesses to disclose energy needs as state grid operator projects doubled electricity demand by 2031.

Indigenous

T-shirt design contest for Indigenous artists; Indigenous storytelling in language learning.

• T-shirt Design Contest! Calling Indigenous Artists and Designers! (Cultural Survival) - Indigenous artists invited to submit water-themed t-shirt designs for $1000 prize and merchandise featuring winning artwork.

• Volume 15: Indigenous Language Revitalization, Issue 2: Expanding Ways of Knowing and Learning through Indigenous Storytelling (University of Oregon) - New educational initiative explores Indigenous storytelling methods and assessment strategies to enhance language learning while preserving cultural traditions.

Industry

Mozambique petrochemical city threatens dugongs; Brazilian lithium soars; China solar booms (AIKO, Haitian); CRISPR evolves; Ecolectro scales H2; Rainmaker's cloud seeding; HyTerra's natural hydrogen; Google & Elementl nuclear; Rare earths from seaweed; Uviquity's disinfection; Shoals' solar; Jolywood's UV films; Eco Green Energy storage; Pseudomonas plastic breakdown.

• Mozambique announces petrochemical city on sensitive Inhambane seascape (Mongabay) - Mozambique plans $2 billion petrochemical city in biodiversity-rich Inhambane seascape, threatening last viable East African dugong population and marine ecosystem.

• SIGMA LITHIUM ANNOUNCES 1Q25 PREVIEW: OUTPERFORMS TARGETS, OPERATIONAL PROFITABILITY, 24% EBITDA MARGIN (Sigma Lithium) - Brazilian lithium producer reports strong Q1 2025 performance with 68,308t production, 24% EBITDA margin, and reduced operating costs despite weaker market prices.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: AIKO Secures Top Brand Award By EUPD Research & More (TaiyangNews) - China's solar sector sees major developments as AIKO wins European awards, Haitian acquires Heraeus' silver paste business, and Q1 2025 installations grow 30% year-over-year to 59.71 GW.

• 🔮 The $100 billion genomic revolution (Exponential View) - CRISPR gene-editing technology evolves from rare disease treatment to $100 billion market by 2030, poised to become mainstream medical intervention.

• A New Green Hydrogen Partnership? In This Economy? (Heatmap News) - Ecolectro partners with Re:Build Manufacturing to scale production of low-cost green hydrogen electrolyzers amid industry uncertainty.

• Abundance from Above (Lowercarbon) - Rainmaker raises $25M Series A to deploy cloud-seeding drones and radar systems that increase rainfall by releasing silver iodide into clouds, addressing water scarcity across Western US.

• In Southern Arizona, Community Opposition to Mining Grows in Towns That Once Depended on the Industry (Inside Climate News) - Former mining town Mammoth, Arizona sees growing community opposition to new copper mine proposal over water scarcity concerns, despite region's historical dependence on mining industry.

• Dropping the ball on green hydrogen means counting on gas for iron and steel – and that’s a major risk (RenewEconomy) - South Australia's shift away from green hydrogen towards gas-based steel production raises major supply and cost risks in domestic gas markets.

• Critical Minerals Bottleneck Unblocked By Weed (Seaweed, That Is) (CleanTechnica) - US researchers and Blue Evolution launch commercial venture to extract rare earth minerals from seaweed, with prototype expected by 2027.

• Google Plans Three 600 MW Nuclear Projects for Data Centers (Energy Central) - Google partners with Elementl Power to develop three 600MW nuclear power projects for data centers, investing early-stage capital with option for commercial off-take.

• Is Kansas Now the Mecca of Hydrogen? (Energy Central) - Australian company HyTerra discovers 96.1% pure natural hydrogen deposit in Kansas, potentially enabling $1/kg production without fracking using advanced subsurface imaging technology.

• Google Will Fund Three Nuclear Projects with Elementl Power (POWER Magazine) - Google partners with Elementl Power to fund three 600MW nuclear power projects, targeting data center energy needs and grid reliability.

• Britain's nuclear future? What small reactors, fusion and 'Big Carl' mean for net zero (BusinessGreen) - UK nuclear sector explores diverse technologies including small modular reactors, fusion power, and large-scale facilities to meet net zero goals amid aging reactor fleet.

• Google to Back Three New Advanced Nuclear Projects (ESGToday) - Google invests in three advanced nuclear power projects with Elementl Power, each capable of generating 600MW, to support its data centers' growing energy needs and carbon-free goals.

• Scope 3 Stories avec Rossignol (Replay) (Sweep) - Rossignol Group's sustainability head discusses company's transformation from winter sports to mountain sports manufacturer, highlighting supplier partnerships, wood sourcing integration, and circular economy initiatives.

• OECD Oil Stocks Dip Again in February: Product Draws Lead the Decline (EnergyCentral) - OECD commercial oil inventories fell 16.1 million barrels in February 2025, driven by product stock drawdowns despite crude gains, pushing levels further below five-year average.

• Barrels in Motion: Tracking the Global Oil Trade (Energy Central) - Global oil trade Q1 2024 shows US maintaining strong exports at 6.4mb/d, Europe's imports drop, while Asian demand varies with China up 15% and India increasing exports.

• From bulky bulbs to tiny chips: Uviquity emerges from stealth with far-UVC disinfection breakthrough (AgFunderNews) - North Carolina startup Uviquity raises $6.6M to develop semiconductor-based far-UVC disinfection technology that safely kills pathogens in crops, hospitals, and public spaces.

• KoBold Metals to Acquire AVZ’s Interests in the Manono Lithium Deposit in DRC (KoBold Metals) - AI-driven mining company acquires major stake in DRC's Manono lithium deposit from AVZ Minerals, strengthening US-DRC strategic mineral partnership.

• Sierra Space Marks Third Testing Milestone With Space Force R-GPS Satellite Program (Sierra Space) - Defense company achieves third milestone in Space Force GPS satellite program with successful FlatSat testing and ground communications demonstration.

• Strong Start For Shoals In 2025, Despite Lower Profits (TaiyangNews) - US solar equipment maker Shoals Technologies reports $80.4M Q1 2025 revenue with $645M backlog despite profit decline, maintains $430M full-year guidance.

• Jolywood’s Lineup Of UV-Blocking Films For Encapsulation (TaiyangNews) - Jolywood launches two UV-blocking polyolefin encapsulant films for solar modules, offering 90% UV protection and enhanced durability features.

• Eco Green Energy’s Smart Energy Solutions At Intersolar Europe 2025 (TaiyangNews) - French company Eco Green Energy showcases new 211kWh battery storage system and specialized solar panels for agrivoltaics at Intersolar Europe 2025.

• Microbe that infests hospitals can digest medical-grade plastic ― a first (Nature) - Hospital-infesting bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa discovered to break down medical-grade plastic through newly identified enzyme Pap1, raising concerns for medical device safety.

• 'Uncertainty in the market': Statkraft shelves European green hydrogen plans (BusinessGreen) - Norwegian energy giant Statkraft halts European green hydrogen project development citing market uncertainty, while maintaining UK projects.

• Tylenol maker Kenvue integrates sustainability into product design process (Trellis) - Tylenol maker Kenvue restructures sustainability leadership, integrating ESG metrics into R&D as global head Gill-Alabaster departs.

• Our #1 Leadership Rec (Bonsai Leadership Group) - Leadership consultancy emphasizes mentorship as key strategy for organizational growth and fresh perspectives, launches career development webinar series.

• Creating the CDR Leaders of Tomorrow (CDR.fyi) - Leading academics and industry experts discuss growing need for diverse workforce development and education in carbon removal sector, emphasizing both technical and non-technical roles.

Policy

Trump's deregulation sparks resistance; Ecuador court considers forest rights; Oregon utility plans decarbonization; Australia offers green hydrogen tax credits; California sues over EV funds.

• Trump’s First 100 Days Fuels a New Era of Resistance (Greenlining Institute) - Trump's first 100 days marked by environmental deregulation and civil rights rollbacks sparks nationwide climate justice resistance movement.

• Did Nature Write This Song? Ecuador Deliberates Pivotal Case. (Atmos) - Ecuador's Constitutional Court weighs groundbreaking case to recognize Los Cedros forest as legal co-author of song, testing boundaries of nature's rights and creative authorship.

• New Study Estimates How Many Climate Extremes Your Kids Will Face (Atmos) - New study shows 83% of children born in 2020 will face unprecedented heat waves, but achieving 1.5°C Paris goal could spare 613 million youth from extreme exposure.

• Energy Trust’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan reflects core work, focus areas for coming years (Energy Trust) - Oregon utility organization adopts 2025-2030 Strategic Plan focusing on clean energy acquisition, decarbonization costs, and community resilience through stakeholder engagement.

• Climate change: Children suffer the most (ETH Zurich) - Study shows 92% of children born in 2020 will face unprecedented heatwaves if global temperatures rise 3.5°C by 2100, with socioeconomically vulnerable children most at risk.

• Meet the Nepali lawyers defending nature one case at a time (Mongabay) - Nepali environmental lawyers fight landmark legal battles to protect forests and wildlife from development through public interest litigation in Supreme Court.

• The History of US Conservation (Dogwood Alliance) - Comprehensive overview traces US conservation history from 1800s transcendentalism through Roosevelt-era policies to modern environmental justice approaches, highlighting both achievements and historical racial inequities.

• Inside Climate News: Proposed Cuts to Energy and Environment Programs in Trump’s Budget Worry Advocates and Elected Officials (Inside Climate News) - Trump's 2026 budget proposal slashes renewable energy research, heating assistance, and environmental programs by 23%, drawing criticism from energy advocates and Democrats.

• New support — and opposition — gets vocal on clean energy tax credits (Citizens' Climate Lobby) - House Republicans split evenly with 38 members opposing and 38 supporting clean energy tax credits in competing letters to Ways and Means Committee.

• Cook cabinet gives hydrogen green light (InterContinental Energy) - Australian Senate passes tax credits offering $2/kg offset for green hydrogen producers and 10% credit for critical minerals processing through 2040.

• Climate Solutions Summit NYC: Data. Decisions. Action. (New York Climate Exchange) - Inaugural Climate Solutions Summit unites scientists, policymakers, and community leaders on Governors Island to develop data-driven coastal resilience strategies for NYC.

• Desigualdades Tarifárias Sobrecarregam os Mais Pobres no Brasil: Novo Estudo da GEAPP e PSR Propõe Reformas para Custos de Eletricidade Mais Justos (GEAPP) - New study reveals Brazilian low-income households spend up to 18% of income on electricity bills, prompting calls for tariff reforms and transparency measures.

• South Carolina passes energy bill that benefits utilities at expense of customers, property owners (SELC) - South Carolina passes controversial energy bill allowing utilities to fast-track gas plants and raise rates while removing consumer protections and property rights safeguards.

• Make America Matter Less (MAML? Is this a thing?) (Drilled) - US decline in global climate leadership could benefit international climate action as nations proceed with agreements and partnerships without American obstruction.

• Australia is set to be a renewables nation. After Labor’s win, there’s no turning back (The Conversation) - Australian Labor's re-election victory cements nation's transition to renewable energy, marking definitive shift away from fossil fuels and nuclear power.

• States sue Trump over ‘existential threat’ to wind energy (The Verge) - Seventeen states and DC sue Trump administration over wind energy project halt, claiming federal interference threatens renewable energy development and state investments.

• Cropped 7 May 2025: Ocean alarm; Tariff deforestation risk; West Africa’s fisheries (Carbon Brief) - US ocean mining executive order sparks international tension as China condemns violation of international law, while marine protected areas face deregulation threats.

• U.S. Brief on Gender, Climate, and Reproductive Health (WEDO) - New U.S. brief examines critical links between climate change impacts and reproductive health access, highlighting case studies from grassroots organizations.

• The ‘Fix Our Forests’ Act: Cutting Trees, While Putting Communities at Greater Fire Risk (John Muir Project) - Senate's "Fix Our Forests" Act promotes increased logging under guise of wildfire protection while scientific evidence suggests it may increase fire risks to communities.

• Science Matters: Dr. Phil Landrigan, Pediatrician and Public Health Physician (Moms Clean Air Force) - Leading pediatrician Dr. Phil Landrigan warns that Trump administration's systematic dismantling of environmental science agencies and data collection threatens decades of public health progress.

• House Natural Resources Committee Republicans Voted to Sell Off our Public Lands in their Budget Markup (LCV) - House Natural Resources Committee Republicans pass bill to sell over 500,000 acres of public lands to corporate interests despite bipartisan opposition and launch of Public Lands Caucus.

• California Sues the Trump Administration for Violating the Constitution—Again (Inside Climate News) - California leads 16-state lawsuit against Trump administration for withholding $5 billion in congressionally-allocated EV charging infrastructure funds.

• With FEMA Under Fire, Congress Asks Whether Agency Is Ready for Hurricane Season (Inside Climate News) - FEMA faces Congressional scrutiny over disaster preparedness amid budget cuts, program cancellations, and potential agency elimination threats ahead of hurricane season.

• Trump Administration Decommissions Sea Ice Data That Sounded an Alarm on Arctic Climate Change (Inside Climate News) - Trump administration cuts NOAA funding for Arctic sea ice monitoring datasets at National Snow and Ice Data Center, limiting crucial climate change research capabilities.

• Australian politics loses climate warrior as Greens leader Adam Bandt concedes “purple” defeat (RenewEconomy) - Australian Greens leader Adam Bandt concedes defeat in Melbourne seat after 15 years, despite party achieving highest-ever vote share, as Labor benefits from Liberal and One Nation preferences.

• New rule to encourage networks to make poles and wires resistant to storms and climate risk (RenewEconomy) - Australian energy regulator implements new rules requiring power networks to climate-proof infrastructure against extreme weather events and allowing proactive resilience investments.

• California’s New Hydrogen Subsidy Sinkhole: 13 Cars, Millions Spent, Negative Impact (CleanTechnica) - California spends $3.5 million on 13 hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai cars for Riverside carshare program, averaging $269,000 per vehicle in subsidies despite existing EV alternatives.

• Trump’s 2-year reprieve gives coal plants ‘a free pass to pollute’ (Floodlight) - Trump grants two-year exemption from air quality monitoring requirements to one-third of US coal plants, weakening mercury and toxic emissions standards.

• ‘We’re still living with the aftermath’: Floridians brace for fresh hurricane season (The Guardian) - Florida's Taylor County residents still recovering from three major hurricanes in two years face new hurricane season amid rising climate concerns and ongoing rebuilding efforts.

• Trump reportedly eyes $26m in funding cuts for US national parks (The Guardian) - Trump administration targets $26M in National Park Service funding cuts, focusing on climate, diversity and scientific programs.

• Woodside staves off investor climate concerns at fiery AGM beset by protesters (The Guardian) - Woodside Energy defeats shareholder climate concerns and retains board members at protest-disrupted AGM despite investor criticism over emissions strategy.

• European Urban Resilience Forum (EURESFO25) (ICLEI) - European Urban Resilience Forum 2025 in Rotterdam to convene city leaders and experts for discussing climate adaptation and urban resilience strategies.

• Inside the political chess game of funding backup power for Puerto Rico (Latitude Media) - Trump administration and Puerto Rico governor reverse support for $365M solar backup power program, redirecting funds to transmission projects despite hospital needs.

• How to deny climate change using the IPCC report (Yale Climate Connections) - Former energy CEO's misleading claims about IPCC climate report expose common tactics used to deny climate science findings.

• PFAS tap water protections for almost 19 million Californians at risk if EPA weakens limits (EWG) - Nearly 19 million Californians could lose PFAS drinking water protections if EPA weakens its current 4 parts per trillion safety standards for forever chemicals.

• New California bill would undo some 20-year rooftop solar contracts (Canary Media) - California bill proposes ending 20-year solar net-metering contracts upon home sale, threatening existing rooftop solar investments and facing potential legal challenges.

• Colorado’s rural electric co-ops are determined to build clean energy (Canary Media) - Colorado's rural electric cooperatives await federal funding release for solar projects amid Trump administration's climate spending pause, impacting $800 million in clean energy transitions.

• The Trump administration has all but stopped enforcing environmental laws (Grist) - Trump administration halts environmental law enforcement with zero new major pollution cases filed in first three months of 2025.

• 18 State Coalition Sues Trump Administration for Halting Wind Energy Projects (ESGToday) - 18-state coalition sues Trump administration over nationwide wind energy project freeze, citing arbitrary action threatening clean energy transition and jobs.

• Will U.S. Push on Seabed Mining End Global Consensus on Oceans? (Yale E360) - Trump administration's push for deep-sea mining permits threatens international ocean governance consensus and risks irreversible damage to marine ecosystems.

• COP30 must heed the elephant in the room: fossil fuels (Climate Change News) - Brazil's COP30 climate conference preparations lack focus on fossil fuel phaseout despite COP28's landmark transition agreement, raising concerns about implementation.

• Reform’s green energy assault in Lincolnshire ‘puts 12,200 jobs at risk’ (The Guardian) - Reform UK's anti-renewable stance threatens £1bn investment and 12,200 green energy jobs in Lincolnshire through planned obstruction of solar, battery, and infrastructure projects.

• Could a new wave of urgent theatre hold the key to tackling climate change? (The Guardian) - Multiple UK theatre productions tackle climate change through innovative storytelling, puppetry and local narratives, focusing on hope and action rather than despair.

• A global framework to manage chemicals: a force as old as the universe itself (UN Environment) - Global Framework on Chemicals aims to reduce 1.8 million annual chemical pollution deaths through new regulations and industry collaboration.

• Jenny Odell on Nature, Capitalism and Life Beyond The Clock (Climate One) - Author Jenny Odell discusses how modern clock-based time concepts fuel climate crisis through extractive mindsets, while alternative time perspectives from nature and indigenous cultures offer paths toward climate action and hope.

• The Trump 2.0 Administration’s First 100 Days Fueled a New Era of Resistance. (Greenlining Institute) - Trump administration's first 100 days sparks new wave of environmental justice and climate policy resistance movements.

• Lessons in service and humanity from the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (UNDRR) - Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement demonstrates global humanitarian impact through local engagement, quiet diplomacy, and community-focused disaster response across 30+ years.

• Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) (RTVE) - UN Disaster Risk Reduction chief Kamal Kishore visits Spain to finalize preparations for upcoming international meeting in Andalusian capital.

• Center for Advanced Preparedness and Threat Response Simulation (CAPTRS) (PreventionWeb) - CAPTRS develops simulation games to train decision-makers in managing complex disasters and cascading infrastructure failures.

• Tunisia: Migration is an Act of Resistance – Full Rights for Migrant Peoples! (Via Campesina) - Tunisian women's association condemns migrant mistreatment in Tunisia, calls for rights protection and end to racist violence against sub-Saharan African migrants.

• Prêmio Jornalístico Vladimir Herzog de Anistia e Direitos Humanos abre inscrições para sua 47ª edição (Instituto Socioambiental) - Brazil's Vladimir Herzog Journalism Prize opens 47th edition entries, adding special democracy defense category to mark 50 years since Herzog's assassination by military dictatorship.

• Take action NOW to help overburdened communities! (Center for Coalfield Justice) - Environmental advocacy group calls for urgent action to support communities disproportionately impacted by fossil fuel industry effects.

• A Literal 11th-Hour Budget Amendment Would Privatize 11,000 Acres of Public Land (Heatmap News) - House Republicans propose late-night amendment to sell 11,000 acres of federal land in Utah and Nevada amid budget negotiations.

• Texas may put restraints on new big businesses hoping to tap into the energy grid (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Texas Senate bill proposes strict regulations on large energy consumers' grid access, requiring detailed forecasting and emergency power provisions to manage state's growing electricity demand.

• Americans want CEOs to speak up, defend climate action (Trellis) - Poll shows 71% of Americans, including majority of Republicans, want CEOs to speak out on climate change despite political pushback.

• How will Germany's new government tackle climate issues? (DW) - Germany's new coalition government shifts climate policy back to environment ministry amid economic pressures, raising concerns about commitment to 2045 climate neutrality targets.

• A new Montana majority defangs the far right (High Country News) - Montana Democrats and moderate Republicans form bipartisan coalition to counter far-right influence, protecting public services despite Trump's landslide win in state elections.

Renewables

TOPCon, HJT, back contact solar cell advancements; AESOLAR's retrofit modules & DIBt certification; EcoFlow plug-in solar; Chipotle & Nexamp community solar; Google & Shell offshore wind PPA; DAS Solar & Solar Depot N-type modules; Ørsted cancels Hornsea 4.

• An Overview Of Trends In Solar Cell & Module Technologies (TaiyangNews) - Multiple solar cell technologies including TOPCon, HJT, and back contact are advancing simultaneously with innovations across wafer to module production, driving industry-wide efficiency improvements.

• AESOLAR Launches Next-Era Solar Solution for Repower at Intersolar Europe 2025 (TaiyangNews) - German manufacturer AESOLAR unveils 'Déjà Vu' retrofit solar module at Intersolar Europe 2025, designed to replace aging 2010-era panels without system modifications.

• AESOLAR Named the Frist DIBt-Certified Tier 1 PV Manufacturer in the Industry (TaiyangNews) - German solar manufacturer AESOLAR becomes first Tier 1 PV company to receive DIBt certification for overhead solar installations, enabling expanded use in carports and building-integrated applications.

• EcoFlow brings its plug-in solar power plant to US homes (The Verge) - EcoFlow launches first US-approved plug-in solar power system with battery storage in Utah, offering up to 1200W grid feedback capability.

• EcoFlow STREAM Ultra: A Game-Changer For Plug-&-Play Home Solar Systems (CleanTechnica) - EcoFlow launches STREAM Ultra plug-and-play solar system with built-in battery storage and AI management, allowing renters and apartment dwellers to access residential solar without installation permits.

• US renewable energy has tripled in a decade – but almost $8bn in projects now face cuts (The Guardian) - US renewable energy production tripled over past decade despite $8bn in recent project cuts amid Trump policy uncertainty.

• Nexamp and Chipotle Partner to Expand Community Solar Access with 15 New Solar Farms Across the Country (PowerMag) - Chipotle partners with Nexamp to develop 75MW of community solar farms across four states, providing clean energy and cost savings to 9,000 households and businesses.

• Ribbon cut on 'UK's largest' solar-powered leisure centre in Nottingham (BusinessGreen) - Nottingham opens UK's largest solar-powered leisure centre, featuring expanded rooftop array expected to save council £3.6m over 30 years.

• Google Signs PPA to Extend Life of Netherlands’ First Offshore Wind Farm (ESGToday) - Google signs power purchase agreement with Shell to extend Netherlands' first offshore wind farm's lifespan by four years, preventing decommissioning of 108MW facility.

• 7 questions to consider before going solar (LCRI) - Seven key questions for homeowners considering solar installation address roof suitability, energy efficiency, battery storage, installer selection, scam awareness, costs, and incentives.

• DAS Solar and Solar Depot Sign Annual Supply Agreement to Accelerate Clean Transition in Europe (TaiyangNews) - DAS Solar signs annual N-type solar module supply agreement with Luxembourg's Solar Depot to boost renewable energy deployment across Europe.

• Afghanistan Starts Construction Of Balkh Solar Power Plant (TaiyangNews) - Afghanistan begins construction of $28 million, 40MW Balkh solar power plant to provide electricity for 40,000 families and reduce energy imports.

• New $480 million mineral sands mine in NSW signs deal for solar-battery hybrid power system (RenewEconomy) - New $480M mineral sands mine in NSW contracts Pacific Energy to build 30MW hybrid power system combining solar, battery storage, and diesel generation.

• Offshore wind sector rocked by shelving of huge government-backed project as costs rise (RenewEconomy) - Danish energy giant Ørsted cancels 2.4GW Hornsea 4 offshore wind project in UK due to rising costs and supply chain challenges despite government backing.

• Ill winds are blowing for Labour’s 2030 deadline for clean energy (The Guardian) - Labour's 2030 clean energy deadline faces setback as Danish firm Ørsted abandons major Hornsea 4 offshore wind project due to economic pressures.

• Serge Abergel shares how Hydro-Québec Energy Services U.S. creates value for their customers (Hydro-Québec) - Canadian utility plans $150 billion investment to double renewable power capacity by 2035, focusing on long-term value creation and clean energy transition.

Transport

Alaska Airlines pilots SAF software, states prioritize transit, Sungrow unveils EV charger, EvoLectric converts Isuzu trucks, AcePower expands charging, BYD dominates EV market, Waymo shows crash reduction, Terawatt secures $1B for truck charging, United invests in Twelve's SAF, and Waymo expands with Jaguar I-PACE.

• A Step Toward Increased Access to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (RMI) - Alaska Airlines becomes first carrier to pilot new software integration enabling automated sustainable aviation fuel certificate transactions and tracking.

• The Domino Effect: States Prioritize Affordable Transportation Choices over Traffic (RMI) - Multiple US states follow Minnesota's lead in adopting innovative transportation policies prioritizing affordable transit options over highway expansion to reduce traffic and emissions.

• Modularity Meets Smart Charging: Sungrow Unveils Ultra-fast EV Charger IDC480E-C at Power2Drive (TaiyangNews) - Sungrow launches modular ultra-fast EV charger IDC480E-C with AI support, offering scalable charging capacity up to 480kW and integration with solar-plus-storage systems.

• Aviation industry is ‘failing dramatically’ on climate, insiders say (Climate Desk) - Aviation industry insiders reveal sector's dramatic failure to meet climate goals, calling for strict flight controls and fundamental transition.

• EvoLectric Repowers Medium-Duty Trucks To Keep Costs Down & Air Quality Up (CleanTechnica) - California-based EvoLectric converts diesel Isuzu trucks to electric powertrains for $120,000, with incentives reducing costs to as low as $10,000 for small businesses.

• AcePower Launches New 50 kW Air-Cooled High-Efficiency Module to Accelerate Europe’s Fast-Charging Network Expansion (CleanTechnica) - AcePower launches new 97.6% efficient 50kW charging module to expand European EV fast-charging infrastructure with improved grid stability features.

• EV Sales Trends in Europe & Globally, + Tesla’s Potential Sales Crises (VIDEO) (CleanTechnica) - Global EV market sees BYD's dominance grow and Tesla's potential sales decline while Volkswagen Group gains momentum in early 2025.

• Waymo Robotaxis Are Much Safer — Part Deux (CleanTechnica) - Waymo robotaxis show 82-96% crash reduction across multiple safety metrics including pedestrian, cyclist, and intersection incidents compared to human drivers over 56.7 million miles.

• Electric Trucks Are Winning (Trump Is Losing) (CleanTechnica) - Major logistics companies including DHL, IKEA, and C.H. Robinson join I-10 electric truck corridor pilot program despite Trump administration's fossil fuel policies.

• Fuels of the Future Conference 2025 (Energy Central) - Mumbai conference to showcase future fuels including biofuels, hydrogen, renewables and EVs at industry leadership summit in June 2025.

• A billion-dollar play on electrified transport (Latitude Media) - Terawatt Infrastructure secures $1B investment to build nationwide electric truck charging network, starting with LA ports facility capable of charging 125 trucks daily.

• United Airlines Invests in Twelve to Turn CO2 into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (ESG Today) - United Airlines invests in Twelve's CO2-to-sustainable aviation fuel technology, supporting first production facility capable of 50,000 gallons annually.

• Tesla Owners Continue To Be Targeted Due To Musk’s DOGE Actions (CleanTechnica) - Tesla owners report widespread vehicle vandalism and rising insurance costs as public backlash grows against Elon Musk's controversial political actions through DOGE initiative.

• SkyDrive、7A Drones とITRIと、 台湾・澎湖における「空飛ぶクルマ」を活用した医療輸送で業務提携 (SkyDrive) - Japanese flying car company partners with Taiwan's 7A Drones and ITRI to launch emergency medical transport services in Penghu Islands by 2028, securing order for 10 aircraft.

• How is public transit doing in the US? (Volts) - US public transit systems face funding crisis and ridership challenges post-Covid, with federal aid ending and downtown commuter patterns permanently altered.

• Waymo Scaling Up With US Manufacturing, Uber (CleanTechnica) - Waymo expands US operations with new Arizona manufacturing facility to produce autonomous Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, while reporting 250,000 weekly robotaxi trips across four cities.

• Geely EX5 — Excitement, Curiosity, and Anxious Questions (CleanTechnica) - Geely's EX5 electric vehicle launch in Australia draws strong consumer interest and early orders, with buyers citing value-for-money as key attraction despite typical new EV rollout challenges.

• Refurb Deals, Lifetime Service, & More At The Lectric Garage (CleanTechnica) - Lectric eBikes opens Phoenix showroom offering refurbished e-bikes, lifetime service, and test rides with prices starting at $499 for XP Lite 2.0 models.