The LA area fires continue to dominate the news and are the top sustainability story. In addition to untold suffering by humans, animals, and ecosystems, Heatmap has good coverage of the incredibly high costs to the insurance industry, which could have substantial economic follow-on impacts. The L.A. Fires Are an Epochal Economic Disaster. And the Guardian rounds up right-wing misinformation blaming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the fires.
Lyla June has some great discussion on Instagram about indigenous perspectives on fire and how Southern California can protect what's left of the forests there going forward.
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A Visual of the Day
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Visual of the Day
Projecting visions of sustainability
A protest light projection by the Protect the Ȟesápa campaign from June 2024, highlighting their opposition to mining on sacred Indigenous lands in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The campaign, discussed by NDN Collective, successfully advocated for the recent Pactola Mineral Withdrawal which protects 20,000 acres near the Pactola Reservoir from mining activities for the next 20 years.
Today's Updates

Today's Updates
Table of Contents
Agriculture (9 stories) - Dream Harvest liquidates $8M vertical farm assets amid industry struggles; scientists develop air-to-ammonia fertilizer device; Indonesia proposes 20M hectare forest clearing; RNA spray fights crop disease; Bihar farmers see gains from collective methods
Carbon (15 stories) - Record temperatures hit 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels as Duke University achieves carbon neutrality; Uniper plans 470MW carbon capture plant while PIK warns of 3°C rise; wealthy 1% to exceed 2030 carbon allowance in 10 days
Circular (2 stories) - Dark Green Group's 12 UK biomethane plants and Amsterdam Real Estate's waste reduction strategy lead circular initiatives
Ecosystems (19 stories) - Devastating wildfires strike Madagascar's Ranomafana Park and Los Angeles County while National Trust launches 250,000-hectare restoration; global atlas project and NY Botanical Garden advance conservation amid rising extinction threats
Efficiency (2 stories) - TVA workshop trains religious facilities in energy audits while Australians adapt to extreme heat through creative cooling methods
Finance (8 stories) - AI wildfire insurance debuts in LA as RBC, BMO exit Net-Zero Alliance; PosiGen secures $200M Brookfield deal; Optera ranks 16th in Colorado startups
Grid (11 stories) - DOE backs major storage projects with $1.81B for APS batteries and $1.76B for Hydrostor's air storage; EQT acquires Scale Microgrids; 1.5GW Scottish battery planned; PJM fast-tracks grid projects amid $64B federal expansion uncertainty
Indigenous (10 stories) - Indigenous fire practitioners lead cross-border training initiatives, as Interior blocks Black Hills mining near Lakota sites and Pomo tribes partner on Clear Lake watershed protection
Industry (5 stories) - Chinese dominance in mineral processing and PV markets, GE Vernova turbines launch in Guangdong, while APAC supply chains pivot to AI/IoT solutions
Policy (39 stories) - EPA unveils 800-chemical tracking for incinerators, UN COP29 sets $1.3T climate finance goal, Canada's carbon tax faces election test, and US Forest Service launches $200M wildfire grant program
Renewables (19 stories) - Major expansions in China's solar sector with LONGi, Astronergy, and Tongwei advancing TOPCon technology; global growth highlighted by Germany's 16.2GW surge, EWEC's 1.5GW Zarraf project, and EDF's 749MW Ohio installation
Transport (12 stories) - Tesla Supercharger access for Mercedes-Benz, VW's 383K EVs, Renault 5 vs Model Y in France, Olinia's Mexican EVs, and new in-wheel motor tech from Donut Labs and Elaphe showcased at CES
Agriculture
Dream Harvest liquidates $8M vertical farm assets amid industry struggles; scientists develop air-to-ammonia fertilizer device; Indonesia proposes 20M hectare forest clearing; RNA spray fights crop disease; Bihar farmers see gains from collective methods
Brief: Vertical farmer Dream Harvest auctions off $8m of un-used kit purchased new in 2022 (AgFunderNews) - Vertical farming startup Dream Harvest is selling $8M worth of unused equipment from 2022 as the industry faces widespread market challenges and shutdowns.
How do we evolve from mutual aid to self-determination? (Climate Mobilization Project) - Movement leaders receive free produce from cooperative farms in exchange for organizing commitments, marking a shift from charity-based aid toward political empowerment.
How to make low-carbon fertilizer from thin air (Anthropocene Magazine) - Scientists have created a portable device that converts water vapor and nitrogen from air into low-carbon ammonia fertilizer using a specialized catalyst mesh.
Indonesian forestry minister proposes 20m hectares of deforestation for crops (Mongabay) - Indonesia's forestry minister has proposed clearing 20 million hectares of forest - an area twice the size of South Korea - for food and biofuel crops, raising alarm over potential emissions and biodiversity impacts.
NGOs raise concerns over Borneo pilot of ‘jurisdictional’ certification for palm oil (Mongabay) - Environmental groups warn a palm oil certification program in Borneo's Seruyan district risks ignoring land disputes and human rights issues while fast-tracking approval for regional producers.
Rapid return of water from ground to atmosphere through plants (ScienceDaily) - Plants worldwide return water to the atmosphere in just 5-18 days, with agricultural areas showing the fastest rates in Earth's water cycle.
Southern California is extremely dry, and that’s fueling fires − maps show just how dry (The Conversation) - Southern California's soil moisture plummeted to the bottom 2% of historical records this January, sparking deadly wildfires as La Niña conditions limit crucial atmospheric river activity.
Gene-silencing spray to combat cereal disease is safe for the environment (SLU) - Scientists confirm gene-silencing spray safely fights Fusarium head blight in cereals while preserving beneficial microorganisms, in first environmental safety study of RNA technology.
Rita Devi’s farming revival through Small Farmers Large Field model in Bihar (CGIAR) - Bihar farmer Rita Devi and 103 others doubled their income through collective farming, quality seeds and agricultural training in the Small Farmers Large Field program.
Carbon
Record temperatures hit 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels as Duke University achieves carbon neutrality; Uniper plans 470MW carbon capture plant while PIK warns of 3°C rise; wealthy 1% to exceed 2030 carbon allowance in 10 days
#LAfires This is a climate disaster polluters MUST pay for. (BBC) - Record-breaking vegetation growth from climate-driven wet-dry cycles fuels Los Angeles fires, decades after fossil fuel companies concealed their role in global warming.
2024 was officially the hottest on record (DW) - Global temperatures soared to 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels in 2024, marking Earth's warmest year since records began, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
2024’s extreme ocean heat breaks records again, leaving 2 mysteries to solve (The Conversation) - Ocean temperatures have shattered records for a second year running, prompting scientists to examine aerosol cooling effects and warming acceleration as potential drivers of the unprecedented heat.
As Los Angeles combusts, 2024 is declared Earth’s hottest on record (The Conversation) - Global temperatures soared 1.6°C above late-19th century averages in 2024, marking the first time Earth has surpassed the crucial 1.5°C threshold in a calendar year.
Beyond the Finish Line: Duke University’s Trailblazing Path to Carbon Neutrality (Second Nature) - Duke University has become the first major academic institution to achieve carbon neutrality, cutting emissions through efficiency measures, solar investments, and carbon offsets.
Floods, droughts, then fires: Hydroclimate whiplash is speeding up globally (ScienceDaily) - Extreme shifts between floods and droughts have surged up to 66% worldwide since 1950 as rising temperatures alter Earth's water-holding capacity.
Hottest year on record sent planet past 1.5C of heating for first time in 2024 (The Guardian) - Global temperatures surpassed 1.5C above preindustrial levels for the first time in 2024, hitting 1.6C amid unprecedented extreme weather events worldwide.
Oxfam: Super-rich have already burned more than their fair share of carbon for 2025 (Climate Home News) - The world's wealthiest 1% will exhaust their 2030-aligned carbon allowance of 2.1 tons within just 10 days of 2025, while half the global population needs three years to reach equivalent emissions.
PIK Director Issues A Bleak Forecast For The Environment (CleanTechnica) - Earth faces widespread inhabitability without achieving near-zero emissions and removing vast CO2 quantities, as global temperatures could rise 3°C under existing policies, warns PIK Director Ottmar Edenhofer.
Researchers use lab data to rewrite equation for deformation, flow of watery glacier ice (ScienceDaily) - New lab experiments reveal temperate glacier ice deforms 10 times slower than previously thought, potentially reducing projected sea-level rise rates, Iowa State researchers report.
Storing carbon in buildings could help address climate change (ScienceDaily) - New research reveals construction materials could store up to 6 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, with concrete aggregates demonstrating the highest storage capacity.
Uniper acquires rights to develop 470MW Humberside carbon capture power plant (BusinessGreen) - Energy giant Uniper has secured rights to build a 470MW carbon capture power plant in North Killingholme that could supply electricity to 1.1 million UK homes.
US emissions ‘unchanged’ in 2024 despite coal power at lowest level since 1967 (Carbon Brief) - US emissions dipped just 0.2% last year despite coal power falling to its lowest level since 1967, as rising electricity demand and transport emissions countered clean energy advances.
What Happened to America’s Emissions in 2024? (Heatmap News) - U.S. greenhouse gas emissions dipped 0.2% last year despite 2.7% economic growth, as industrial and oil sector reductions balanced rises in transport, power, and building emissions.
World’s richest use up their fair share of 2025 carbon budget in 10 days (The Guardian) - The world's wealthiest one percent will burn through their annual fair share of global carbon emissions by January 10, 2025, producing what takes the poorest half of humanity three years.
Circular
Dark Green Group's 12 UK biomethane plants and Amsterdam Real Estate's waste reduction strategy lead circular initiatives
Dark Green Group eyes plans for fleet of 12 urban green gas AD plants (BusinessGreen) - Dark Green Group has unveiled plans to construct 12 urban anaerobic digestion facilities across Britain that will transform food waste into biomethane heating fuel.
Portfolio Scan Municipality of Amsterdam (Metabolic) - Amsterdam's Real Estate Department launches ambitious five-year plan to reduce material waste and carbon emissions across its property portfolio through targeted maintenance and construction initiatives.
Ecosystems
Devastating wildfires strike Madagascar's Ranomafana Park and Los Angeles County while National Trust launches 250,000-hectare restoration; global atlas project and NY Botanical Garden advance conservation amid rising extinction threats
‘Nightmare’ fire threatens iconic Madagascar national park (Mongabay) - A devastating fire has consumed more than 260 hectares of Madagascar's Ranomafana National Park, endangering rare lemur populations and vital biodiversity amid severe drought and wind conditions.
Burned homes and rattled nerves: Altadena residents grapple with toll of deadly LA blaze (The Guardian) - Fierce winds continue fueling Los Angeles' deadly Eaton fire, which has claimed four lives, razed over 5,000 structures, and scorched 13,690 acres across Altadena and nearby communities.
Despite Biotech Efforts to Revive Species, Extinction Is Still Forever (Yale E360) - Scientists confirm that proxy species created by biotech firms cannot fully replicate extinct animals' DNA, making true resurrection of vanished species biologically impossible.
How do we fight wildfires as temperatures rise? (DW) - Rising temperatures force firefighters worldwide to adopt new tactics, including controlled burns and drones, as data shows conventional methods struggle against intensifying wildfires.
LA wildfires threaten German cultural sites (DW) - Wildfires in Los Angeles have forced evacuations at two significant German exile-era landmarks, Villa Aurora and Thomas Mann House, as flames approach Pacific Palisades.
LA wildfires: what we know so far (The Guardian) - Amid 100mph winds and drought conditions, five major wildfires across Los Angeles County have killed several people, destroyed 9,000 buildings, forced 180,000 evacuations and caused $50bn in damages.
Many species reach their heat limits at similar temperatures, leaving ecosystems at risk of sudden climate-driven collapse – new study (The Conversation) - Scientists warn that similar heat tolerance limits across diverse species could trigger widespread, simultaneous ecosystem collapses as global temperatures continue to rise.
National Trust to restore nature across area bigger than Greater London (The Guardian) - The National Trust will restore 250,000 hectares of nature-rich landscapes across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, an area 1.5 times larger than Greater London, as part of its 130th anniversary initiative.
One atlas to map all ecosystems on Earth: Interview with Yana Gevorgyan (Mongabay) - A new global atlas, set to map Earth's ecosystems by 2026, will harness AI and remote sensing to monitor biodiversity across the planet.
Reflecting on an Exciting Year at NYBG (NYBG) - New York Botanical Garden drew 1.2 million visitors while hosting major exhibitions, launching an award-winning podcast, and securing a Latin American conservation partnership in 2024.
Trees ‘remember’ wetter times − never having known abundant rain could buffer today’s young forests against climate change (The Conversation) - New research reveals trees possess cellular memories of past rainfall patterns, indicating modern saplings may have natural drought resilience despite never experiencing abundant precipitation.
Tropical forests can be revived after logging – if they’re not turned into oil palm plantations (The Conversation) - Research tracking 80 ecosystem metrics in Malaysian Borneo reveals logged tropical forests maintain rich biodiversity and can heal naturally unless converted to palm oil production.
Where have all the species gone? Understanding climate change’s toll on nature (Yale Climate Connections) - Global warming could drive an additional 17% of species to extinction, compounding current extinction rates already 30-120 times above historical averages, researchers report.
Wildfire smoke inside homes can create health risks that linger for months − tips for cleaning and staying safe (The Conversation) - Toxic chemicals from wildfire smoke can linger inside homes for months after exposure, causing health problems that worsen when burned buildings are nearby, new research indicates.
Wildfires: How under threat are cities? (DW) - Growing wildland-urban interfaces put 80 million people in Mediterranean and California regions at heightened fire risk as cities increasingly expand into wilderness areas.
PhD student Sam Kreling’s research looks to better understand the consequences of urbanization on the adaptive evolution of coyotes (UW SEFS) - Research by PhD student Sam Kreling examines how city living alters coyote evolution through shifts in diet, health, behavior, and reproduction across urban environments.
The bald eagle is America’s national bird (Environment America) - America's bald eagle population has soared from just 417 nesting pairs in 1963 to more than 316,000 birds today, following protective measures and the DDT ban.
Grey seals, minke whales and bluefin tuna: is the North Sea bouncing back to its glory days? (The Guardian) - Wildlife experts report surging numbers of whales, dolphins and grey seals in the North Sea, despite bluefin tuna populations remaining at just 13% of their historic levels.
Near-extinct Siberian crane is recovering thanks to habitat protection (Mongabay) - Wetland protection efforts along the Russia-China migration route have helped boost critically endangered Siberian crane numbers by 50% to 7,000 birds in the past decade.
Efficiency
TVA workshop trains religious facilities in energy audits while Australians adapt to extreme heat through creative cooling methods
Workshop: Energy Efficiency for Houses of Worship (TIPL) - Energy experts will guide faith leaders through building audits and cost-saving measures at a free Knoxville workshop hosted by TVA professionals on February 1.
I’ll never be a summer person but I’ve found ways of surviving the season and even enjoying it – sometimes | Indigo Perry (The Guardian) - A heat-sensitive Australian writer shares survival tactics for scorching summers, from nocturnal swims to frozen wraps, offering hope for fellow sun-averse individuals.
Finance
AI wildfire insurance debuts in LA as RBC, BMO exit Net-Zero Alliance; PosiGen secures $200M Brookfield deal; Optera ranks 16th in Colorado startups
An Insurance Startup Faces a Major Test in Los Angeles (Heatmap News) - A tech startup deploys AI-powered wildfire insurance in Los Angeles, promising instant payouts with no deductibles, as major carriers abandon California's fire-prone regions.
Breaking New Ground* (ESGBook) - Global sustainability reporting saw a major shift in 2024, as companies worldwide embraced mandatory standards while adapting to new compliance protocols.
Built In names Optera a 2025 Best Place To Work (Built In) - Climate tech startup Optera secured 16th place among Colorado's 50 Best Startups to Work For, marking its third straight year on Built In's prestigious list.
Fossil Fuel Bankers RBC and BMO Signal Exit of Net Zero Banking Alliance (Stand.earth) - Canadian banks RBC and BMO plan to follow US banks in exiting the Net Zero Banking Alliance, while facing accusations of using membership to mask fossil fuel investments.
Nevada Clean Energy Fund Launches New Initiative to Train Nevada’s Clean Energy Force (Nevada Clean Energy Fund) - A new $156M EPA-backed voucher program aims to train Nevada's solar workforce, with half of participants from disadvantaged communities, to serve 20,000 low-income households.
PosiGen wins another $200M for lower-income rooftop solar (Canary Media) - Solar company PosiGen secured $200M from Brookfield Asset Management to expand no-credit-check rooftop solar leasing for low-income homeowners across 15 states.
Research Assistant for SOTERIA Project (BC3) - Leading climate research institute seeks assistant through 2026 to help create advanced insurance solutions for European regions under EU-funded SOTERIA project.
The L.A. Fires Are an Epochal Economic Disaster (Heatmap News) - Experts warn Los Angeles wildfires could trigger $57 billion in economic losses, including $20 billion in insured damages to high-value properties across affected areas.
Grid
DOE backs major storage projects with $1.81B for APS batteries and $1.76B for Hydrostor's air storage; EQT acquires Scale Microgrids; 1.5GW Scottish battery planned; PJM fast-tracks grid projects amid $64B federal expansion uncertainty
Arizona’s largest utility lands $1.81B loan for renewable generation, transmission projects (Renewable Energy World) - Arizona Public Service Company secured a $1.81B Department of Energy loan to expand renewable energy projects, including 600MWh battery storage and transmission upgrades, benefiting 1.4 million customers.
Caught in a Climate Bind, New York State Is Reconsidering Nuclear Power (InsideClimateNews) - New York explores advanced nuclear options amid rising emissions from natural gas, which threaten state climate targets after Indian Point's shutdown.
DOE conditionally commits to $1.8B loan guarantee for Arizona Public Service (Utility Dive) - The Department of Energy has pledged a $1.8 billion loan guarantee to Arizona Public Service for clean energy projects, including a 150MW/600MWh battery system.
DOE’s billion dollar bet: The largest-ever loan supporting long duration energy storage (Renewable Energy World) - The Department of Energy has committed a record $1.76 billion loan guarantee for Hydrostor's 500MW/4GWh compressed air storage project in California.
Former Scottish coal mine to be converted into Europe's largest battery storage site (BusinessGreen) - A former Scottish coal mine will be transformed into Europe's largest battery storage facility, boasting 1.5GW capacity under Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners' management.
Plans to expand the grid are finally underway. Will Trump drop the ball? (Canary Media) - Federal grid expansion plans totaling $64 billion face uncertainty amid speculation about Trump's potential return to office, despite broad bipartisan support and economic benefits.
Puerto Rico’s new governor appoints an energy czar to tackle the island’s power crisis (Renewable Energy World) - Puerto Rico's governor has appointed Josué Colón as energy czar to monitor private utilities after blackouts impacted 3.2 million residents across the island.
Reducing Peak Demand: Lessons from State Energy Storage Programs (Clean Energy Group) - State energy storage initiatives demonstrate successful peak demand reduction through strategic battery ownership, incentive designs, and dispatch approaches, according to a new analysis.
Scale Microgrids to be acquired by investment firm (Renewable Energy World) - Swedish investment firm EQT plans to acquire Scale Microgrids, a 250MW microgrid developer with a 2.5GW pipeline, to boost distributed energy resources across North America.
Utility Dive: 9 US Electric Power Sector Issues to Watch in 2025 (Utility Dive) - Experts warn America's power sector confronts mounting hurdles in 2025, from surging clean energy needs and grid limitations to political unknowns amid election uncertainty.
PJM ‘shovel-ready’ interconnection plan draws mixed reviews at FERC (Utility Dive) - PJM's expedited review plan for 50 ready-to-build power projects faces pushback from renewable developers over queue delays, despite backing from utilities and regulators.
Indigenous
Indigenous fire practitioners lead cross-border training initiatives, as Interior blocks Black Hills mining near Lakota sites and Pomo tribes partner on Clear Lake watershed protection
2023 Equator Prize: Community Dialogues and Training (Equator Initiative) - Thirty-one environmental leaders from award-winning initiatives completed intensive five-day virtual training on advocacy, communications and leadership.
2024: A Year of Growth and Connection for the Fire Networks (Fire Networks) - Fire management training expanded across eight U.S. states and three countries in 2024, with Fire Networks delivering 26 prescribed burn events while strengthening Indigenous partnerships.
Burning for Better in Southwest Montana (Fire Networks) - Montana agencies and landowners have united to conduct a 1,300-acre prescribed burn in Mill Gulch, aiming to protect sagebrush habitat and reduce wildfire threats.
Celebrating 10 Years of the Blog! (Fire Networks) - Network marks decade-long milestone with 680-plus published stories from global practitioners, researchers and indigenous communities sharing wildfire resilience strategies.
Community Weaving for Eco-Cultural Restoration: Partnering with Tribes in Lake County, CA (Fire Networks) - Local tribes and scientists unite in Lake County, California, combining traditional Pomo knowledge with modern research to protect Clear Lake's watershed and reduce wildfire risks.
Engaging Communities with Prescribed Fire: Lessons Learned from PBA Outreach in Fire-Prone Areas (Fire Networks) - Fire-prone communities in Trinity County are embracing prescribed burn initiatives through trauma-informed workshops, strategic facilitation, and sustained follow-up efforts, reports The Watershed Center.
Escape Into the Story: Three Longform Reads for Your Weekend (Fire Networks) - Interactive narratives delve into wilderness fire management, Texas wildfire resilience, and Fire Learning Network partnerships through three new StoryMaps.
LANDBACK Means Anti-Mining: The Impacts of Mining & the Fight to Protect the Ȟesápa (NDN Collective) - Interior Secretary Haaland has banned mining across 20,000 acres of South Dakota's Black Hills near Pactola Reservoir, following Indigenous activists' push to protect sacred Lakota lands.
The Warmth That Keeps Us Coming Back (Fire Networks) - Despite mounting health risks and losses in 2024, fire leader Lenya Quinn-Davidson emphasizes the vital role of human connection and hospitality within fire management culture.
Voces del Fuego (Voices of Fire) (Fire Networks) - Fifty fire practitioners from 27 organizations across eight countries unite in California's first Spanish-language prescribed burn training, captured in the film "Voces del Fuego."
Industry
Chinese dominance in mineral processing and PV markets, GE Vernova turbines launch in Guangdong, while APAC supply chains pivot to AI/IoT solutions
Critical Minerals Are A Gold Rush The West Lost Sight Of (CleanTechnica) - Western nations face supply chain risks as China controls 90% of critical mineral processing despite abundant global deposits, according to British Geological Survey experts.
Revealed: how a US public university courted the gas industry despite climate impacts (The Guardian) - A Louisiana university's $10M gas research center, led by an industry lobbyist, pursued federal partnerships while facing criticism over environmental impact.
TaiyangNews PV Price Index – 2025 - CW2 (TaiyangNews) - Chinese photovoltaic prices surged across n-type silicon (3.7%), granular silicon (5.4%), and n-type wafers (9.3%) in 2025's second week, while module costs held steady.
2-GW Gas-Fired Plant With GE Vernova Turbines Now Online in China (POWER) - China's newest gas-fired power plant, equipped with three GE Vernova 9HA.01 turbines, has launched 2-GW operations in Guangdong Province to advance the region's shift from coal.
From AI to IoT: Inside the Asia/Pacific Supply Chain Tech Revolution (IDC) - Asia-Pacific supply chains are embracing AI, IoT and cloud technologies, with 73% of firms expected to adopt these solutions by 2029 to boost efficiency and competitiveness.
Policy
EPA unveils 800-chemical tracking for incinerators, UN COP29 sets $1.3T climate finance goal, Canada's carbon tax faces election test, and US Forest Service launches $200M wildfire grant program
‘Hell of a year’: Greenpeace comments on hottest year on record, the first to exceed 1.5°C (Greenpeace) - Earth shattered temperature records in 2023, becoming the first year to surpass the critical 1.5°C warming threshold since global climate monitoring began.
Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) (AHCJ) - Medical professionals, particularly primary care doctors, emerge as the most trusted source for educating the public about climate change's health impacts, according to healthcare journalists.
At least 11,500 deaths linked to extreme weather in 2024 (Mongabay) - Extreme weather claimed at least 11,500 lives and affected 148 million people worldwide in 2024, with floods proving deadliest and developing nations bearing the heaviest toll.
Ben Jennings on the California wildfires – cartoon (The Guardian) - Political cartoonist Ben Jennings captures the devastating impact of California's January 2025 wildfires through stark editorial imagery.
Canadian career center helps connect young people with environmental careers (Yale Climate Connections) - A Canadian career center is helping underrepresented groups access environmental jobs through wage subsidies, networking, and skills training programs.
Catherine Coleman Flowers: On Environmental Justice and Protecting Holy Ground (Climate One) - Environmental justice advocate Catherine Coleman Flowers leads the fight against sewage contamination in Alabama while addressing civil rights and fossil fuel impacts on disadvantaged communities.
Community Wildfire Defense Grants: A Round Three Application Primer (Fire Networks) - US Forest Service launches $200 million grant program, enabling communities and Tribes to mitigate wildfire risks through February 2025.
Could Los Angeles Burn to the Ground? (Heatmap News) - Fast-moving wildfires have scorched 27,000 acres across Los Angeles County, destroying 2,000 structures and forcing urban evacuations as high winds fuel uncontained blazes.
Deadly wildfires force thousands to evacuate homes in Los Angeles (Mongabay) - Fierce wildfires driven by 100mph Santa Ana winds have killed five people and forced 130,000 residents to flee as flames destroyed over 2,000 buildings across Los Angeles.
Did Major Economies Cut Emissions in 2024? (EnergyCentral) - Major economies missed Paris Agreement emissions targets in 2024, signaling urgent policy shifts as global temperatures surpass the critical 1.5°C threshold.
EPA to require municipal waste incinerators monitor for toxic emissions (The Guardian) - New EPA regulations will force 60 waste incinerators to track emissions of 800 toxic chemicals, primarily affecting facilities in low-income communities across America.
Fires like those in LA could hit Sydney or Melbourne. How prepared are we? | David Bowman for the Conversation (The Conversation) - Climate experts warn Australia's major cities face catastrophic wildfire threats due to urban sprawl and rising temperatures, with current safety measures falling short of required standards.
Five climate change stories to keep an eye on this year (The Conversation) - Global climate action faces pivotal moments in 2024, from the ICJ's ruling on state obligations to Brazil's COP30, amid soaring food prices and rising temperatures.
Fox News Goes After a Solar Farm (Heatmap News) - Energy giant RWE Clean Energy scrapped plans for a 400-acre solar farm in Michigan's Otsego County state forest following intense Fox News coverage and local pushback.
Global temperatures passed critical 1.5°C milestone for the first time in 2024 – new report (The Conversation) - Global temperatures surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels across eleven months in 2024, marking unprecedented heat records in all continents except Australasia and Antarctica.
Global Warming Surges Well Past 1.5-Degree Mark in 2024 (Inside Climate News) - Earth's average surface temperature has surpassed the Paris Agreement's critical 1.5°C warming threshold for the first time since pre-industrial levels, scientists report.
Is There a Pipeline Under Your Playground? Our New Resource Can Help (Moms Clean Air Force) - A new tool helps families track health risks from America's vast 3-million-mile gas pipeline network, focusing on leak detection and safety regulations.
It’s time for a U.N. ‘universal declaration on nature’ (commentary) (Mongabay) - Global environmental expert urges UN to create universal declaration on nature, aiming to forge worldwide moral consensus beyond current environmental accords.
Key COP29 outcomes (Woodwell Climate) - Global climate summit COP29 sets $1.3T annual finance target for 2035 and finalizes carbon offset rules, despite developing nations' resistance and lingering emissions reduction concerns.
Report: EPA Rules a `Backstop’ for Power Emissions (NRDC) - New research reveals EPA's power plant carbon standards could slash emissions up to 390 million tons annually by 2040, surpassing initial forecasts despite growing electricity needs.
Rural Minnesota counties work together to simplify clean energy development and maximize local benefits (Energy News Network) - Rural Minnesota's 18-county energy board has unified clean energy permitting while managing $44 million in annual tax revenue from renewable projects across participating jurisdictions.
Scientists prize neutrality – that doesn’t cut it any more. In 2025, they must fully back the climate movement | Bill McGuire and Roger Hallam (The Guardian) - Leading climate experts call for scientists worldwide to end neutrality and embrace activism, as global temperatures reach unprecedented levels amid stalled political action.
State of emergency declared as several fires rage through Los Angeles – video (The Guardian) - Five major fires across Los Angeles have claimed five lives, destroyed hundreds of buildings and forced 170,000 residents to evacuate, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency.
The chronicle of a fire foretold | Rebecca Solnit (The Guardian) - Malibu's latest wildfires highlight Los Angeles's growing vulnerability to climate-driven disasters, as urban expansion into fire-prone zones continues despite historical warning signs.
The LA Fires and the Big Bang (The Crucial Years) - Amid record heat and Santa Ana winds, wildfires threaten Mount Wilson Observatory, where Edwin Hubble's discoveries revealed an expanding universe nearly a century ago.
The Los Angeles wildfires are climate disasters compounded (The Guardian) - Record-breaking Santa Ana winds and severe drought fueled January wildfires across Los Angeles, forcing mass evacuations and inflicting tens of billions in damages.
The role of climate change in the catastrophic 2025 Los Angeles fires (Yale Climate Connections) - Two Los Angeles wildfires, fueled by 100 mph Santa Ana winds and severe drought, have claimed five lives and razed thousands of homes amid climate-intensified heat and vegetation drying.
The upcoming election is a critical juncture for Canada’s carbon tax and climate policies (The Conversation) - Amid growing Conservative opposition and leadership uncertainty following Trudeau's resignation, Canada's carbon tax faces a pivotal moment in the nation's upcoming election.
The Wrong Lesson From Trudeau’s Fall Is That Climate Action Is Unpopular (DeSmog) - Trudeau's political decline stems from inadequate climate policies and ongoing fossil fuel subsidies, rather than his progressive agenda.
Treasury finalizes guidance for IRA’s tech neutral, clean electricity tax credits (Utility Dive) - New clean electricity tax credits are expected to add up to 308 GW of capacity by 2030, replacing previous Section 45 and 48 credits.
Trump’s Greenland bid is really about control of the Arctic and the coming battle with China (The Conversation) - US interests in Arctic dominance and critical minerals drive Trump's Greenland acquisition attempt, as China's regional influence grows despite NATO allies' concerns.
Tú Puedes Ayudar a los Damnificados Por Incendios Forestales en el Sur de California (Earthjustice) - Record-dry winter conditions following heavy rains have forced thousands to evacuate Los Angeles amid wildfires, as aid groups mobilize to assist affected communities.
What Started the Fires in Los Angeles? (Heatmap News) - Santa Ana winds and drought conditions fueled multiple Los Angeles wildfires that scorched 29,000 acres and caused $57 billion in damages across affluent neighborhoods.
What to Expect from State Governments on Renewable Energy Policy in 2025 (InsideClimateNews) - State governments will prioritize executing current clean energy policies over new legislation in 2025, with California, Texas, Massachusetts, New York and Illinois leading implementation efforts.
Why the L.A. Fires Are Exceptionally Hard to Fight (Heatmap News) - Firefighters across Los Angeles face a triple threat of water shortages, exploding pipes, and Santa Ana winds while battling blazes that have consumed 29,000 acres of suburban terrain.
Wildfire Climate Misinformation Is Rampant, And Social Media Platforms Are Promoting It (CleanTechnica) - Meta's removal of third-party fact-checking has allowed climate misinformation to spread unchecked across social media during wildfire emergencies, including recent Los Angeles blazes.
Policy Coherence in the Ethiopian Food Systems Transformation Effort (CGIAR) - Ethiopia's food system overhaul faces major hurdles as policy conflicts emerge between nutrition and export priorities, while coordination gaps persist across government levels.
Winter storm to hit US south again, carrying in snow and freezing weather (The Guardian) - A powerful winter storm is set to blanket parts of Texas, Georgia and Alabama with up to 12 inches of snow, triggering emergency declarations, school closures and widespread flight disruptions.
A Better Way To Bring Canada & The US Together (CleanTechnica) - Joint US-Canada resource management and Arctic security initiatives could better serve territorial interests than annexation, experts say.
Renewables
Major expansions in China's solar sector with LONGi, Astronergy, and Tongwei advancing TOPCon technology; global growth highlighted by Germany's 16.2GW surge, EWEC's 1.5GW Zarraf project, and EDF's 749MW Ohio installation
Are Anti-Renewables Activists Going Unchallenged? (Heatmap News) - Anti-renewables activists are dominating public discourse on wind and solar projects due to insufficient opposition, warns Brown University professor.
ASTRO N5 Modules Power Green Rooftop of Landmark Building in Zhejiang Province, China (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy has installed 1,320 ASTRO N5 solar modules atop Zhejiang's convention center, with the system expected to generate 730,000 kWh of clean energy each year.
China Briefing 9 January 2025: 2025 government priorities; China’s first energy law; What to watch in year ahead (Carbon Brief) - China's first national energy law emerges alongside new renewable targets for 2025-2027, following the nation's record-breaking 200GW solar installations in 2024.
China Solar PV News Snippets: LONGi Earns EcoVadis Gold & More (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar sector advances as LONGi achieves EcoVadis Gold status, while five firms secure 3.51GW module contracts and Wetown raises $81M in funding.
Chinese Solar Module Exports Declined 12 Percent MoM In November 2024 (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar module exports dropped 12% to 15.2 GW in November, with five nations - Brazil, Netherlands, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Spain - importing 41% of global shipments.
Crafting A Masterpiece: The Progress Of Astronergy’s TOPCon Products (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar manufacturer Astronergy aims to reach 59 GW TOPCon cell capacity by 2024's end, featuring modules up to 720W and specialized offshore designs.
Efficiency Band >22% to 22.5%: A Gateway For Advanced Solar Technologies (TaiyangNews) - Solar module efficiencies between 22% and 22.5% captured 36% market share as manufacturers transitioned through TOPCon and HJT technologies before moving to higher performance levels.
EWEC Invites Proposals For 1.5 GW AC Zarraf Solar PV Project In Abu Dhabi (TaiyangNews) - Abu Dhabi's EWEC has invited 16 pre-qualified companies to bid on its 1.5 GW Zarraf Solar Project, advancing plans for 10 GW solar capacity by 2030.
Experts: What to expect from China on energy and climate action in 2025? (Carbon Brief) - China's renewable energy sector and EV market are poised for significant expansion in 2025, while its carbon trading system matures despite ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges.
Fervo Energy nabs $255M to deploy carbon-free geothermal power (Utility Dive) - Geothermal developer Fervo Energy secured $255M in funding to build multiple projects, including a 2GW Utah facility slated for 2026.
GE Vernova Supplying Turbines for Two Japan Wind Projects (POWER) - GE Vernova will deliver fourteen 4.2MW wind turbines to Eurus Energy's Iwaya and Shitsukari wind farms, bolstering Japan's wind power capacity toward its 1.8GW target by 2028.
Germany Exits 2024 With 16.2 GW New Solar PV Installed Capacity (TaiyangNews) - Germany's solar capacity surged by 16.2 GW in 2024, reaching 99.3 GW total, with residential rooftops driving two-thirds of new installations.
Group Surya To Build 1.2 GW Solar Cell & Module Fab In Bihar (TaiyangNews) - Indian firm Group Surya will invest $116.42 million to construct a 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell and module manufacturing facility in Bihar's Sasaram region.
How One School Became a Power Plant for Its Community (RMI) - A Baltimore school's solar installation will slash power bills for 150 struggling families while eliminating 27,000 metric tons of carbon emissions over three decades.
How to Solve a Problem Like a Wind Ban (Heatmap News) - Federal wind project restrictions under a second Trump presidency would affect only 28% of U.S. land and offshore areas, despite his pledge for a total ban.
Netherlands Experiencing Sustainable Solar PV Growth, Says IEA PVPS (TaiyangNews) - The Netherlands expanded its solar capacity by 4.4 GW to reach 23.9 GW in 2023, primarily through decentralized systems despite grid limitations.
North America Solar PV News Snippets: EDF Renewables & Enbridge Commission 749 MW DC & More (TaiyangNews) - EDF Renewables and Enbridge have commissioned their 749 MW DC Fox Squirrel Solar Project in Ohio, which will supply power to Amazon.
Tongwei Solar Present In All Leading Solar PV Technologies (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar giant Tongwei Solar operates gigawatt-scale TOPCon and HJT cell production while advancing XBC and perovskite research, aiming for 26.5% efficiency with TNC 2.0 technology.
Trinasolar Lists Advancements In Its i-TOPCon Technology (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar manufacturer Trinasolar reports 26.58% efficiency with its i-TOPCon Ultra cells, targeting over 30% by 2030 through perovskite tandem technology.
Transport
Tesla Supercharger access for Mercedes-Benz, VW's 383K EVs, Renault 5 vs Model Y in France, Olinia's Mexican EVs, and new in-wheel motor tech from Donut Labs and Elaphe showcased at CES
Big E-Trucks & E-Buses (Energy Central) - Large electric trucks and buses, despite current battery limitations restricting range to 200 miles, can effectively serve major transportation markets.
EVs At 29.6% Share In France — Renault 5 Poised For The Lead? (CleanTechnica) - France's electric vehicle market hit 29.6% in December, with Tesla Model Y leading sales but facing a strong challenge from the upcoming Renault 5.
How to keep electric vehicle investments on track in the new political climate (Utility Dive) - State-level clean fuel standards could safeguard EV investment momentum as federal support faces uncertainty under the Trump administration.
In-Wheel Electric Motors From Donut Labs & Elaphe Debut At CES 2025 (CleanTechnica) - Two electric motor manufacturers unveil powerful in-wheel systems at CES 2025, with Donut Labs achieving 630kW per wheel and Elaphe's Sonic.1 delivering 255kW peak output.
Mercedes-Benz EV Drivers Will Get Access To Tesla Superchargers In February — Interview (CleanTechnica) - Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle owners across America can access Tesla's 20,000-plus Supercharger stations from February 2025 by purchasing a $185 adapter through dealers.
Mexico Plans To Manufacture Low-Cost Electric Vehicles By Olinia (CleanTechnica) - Mexico unveils Olinia, a domestic EV brand set to produce three models ranging from $4,400 to $7,400, with nationwide factory production beginning in 2026.
Rebirth of the PHEV? New Wave of PHEVs with 50kWh Batteries in China (CleanTechnica) - Chinese automakers are rolling out PHEVs with 50+ kWh batteries capable of 200km electric range, aiming to serve regions where charging stations remain scarce.
South Africa Introduces Tax Incentives to Encourage Local Production of Electric Vehicles (CleanTechnica) - South Africa will offer 150% tax deductions on EV manufacturing investments from 2026, as domestic adoption remains low and traditional vehicle exports decline.
South Africa’s ICE Vehicle Exports Decline by 23% In 2024 (CleanTechnica) - South Africa's vehicle exports plunged 23% this year as Chinese-made electric vehicles gain market share across the European Union.
Stakeholder Collaboration Powers Charging Microgrid & Expansion (CleanTechnica) - Industry stakeholders unite to deploy modular microgrid charging stations for electric trucks across America, utilizing federal funding and standardized parts to accelerate nationwide expansion.
Tesla Expectations for 2025 (CleanTechnica) - Tesla aims to expand its Supercharger network while boosting Cybertruck production and refreshing the Model Y lineup by 2025, according to former employee David Havasi's market analysis.
Volkswagen Sold 383,100 Fully Electric Vehicles in 2024 (CleanTechnica) - German automaker Volkswagen delivered 383,100 electric vehicles in 2024, pushing total ID. family sales to 1.35 million units since 2019.
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