Friday Updates

We had a fantastic call this morning on The Top 10 Circularity Startups in the World and What They Did in Q1. I put everything I had into that, so I'm just now sending out today's newsletter! If you sign up for it late I'll send you a copy of the deck and video recording next week. Above is a visual from our call this morning, a way to explain what we at Earth Catalyst do, visually. We gather lots of disparate data, run it through processes, and output insights, opportunities, and increased impact for your organization.

I'll be at SF Climate Week next week - let me know if you will too and want to say hi!

And now, our daily summaries of nearly 200 selected updates from around the world of green tech and sustainability. Sign up by email to get just the most very relevant for you!

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• 🌾Agriculture (12 stories) - Night Owl Food Forest, Paris N4G Summit, JBS deforestation pledge, toxic metal contamination, alley cropping, bird flu & baby chicken demand, pea protein paneer, Karnataka direct-to-consumer markets, South Korean GMO potato protests, and generative AI in agriculture.

  
  

• 🪨Carbon (9 stories) - En-ROADS simulations, Illinois SB1723, Katy Perry's spaceflight, carbon capture for data centers, Make Sunsets controversy, China's coal expansion, UK carbon credit consultation, novoMOF funding, Mombak's Amazon reforestation.

  
  

• ♻️Circular (4 stories) - Biodegradable paperboard, Apple's recycled aluminum, secondhand faux fur, and sugarcane tissues.

  
  

• 🌱Ecosystems (16 stories) - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to decide on bog turtle protection; AI, genomics, and bioacoustics aid nature management; Conservation International highlights regenerative economies; CTrees at Brazil Remote Sensing Symposium; Sonic Heritage preserves global soundscapes.

  
  

• ⚡Efficiency (7 stories) - Appliance standards save billions; IncentiFind's Commercial Verify Report filters energy incentives; Linkind's solar spotlights use MPPT charging; Salesforce's AI reduces truck rolls.

  
  

• 💰Finance (8 stories) - Adaptation Fund approves \$137M in projects; Crux raises \$50M; AXA acquires 5GW solar; BP faces shareholder revolt; VC invests \$123M in regenerative agriculture.

  
  

• 🔌Grid (9 stories) - PJM Interconnection & Google use AI to address backlogs; China & Europe eye V2G; Ofgem approves grid reforms; GM & PG&E launch V2X pilot; Puerto Rico blackout hits 1.4M; US electricity demand to surge; Fronius launches Verto Plus inverter.

  
  

• 🌍Indigenous (6 stories) - Yanomami and Fijian communities, NDN Collective (Peltier), Ecuador vs. Dundee Precious Metals, Guarani vs. Brazil, JPMorgan Chase & Indigenous rights.

  
  

• 🏭Industry (12 stories) - BMW expands Catena-X to U.S., BYD's EV battery dominance, Seurat's area printing, tailing pond risks, China's aviation shift, Oman's hydrogen study, Peabody's coal deal, cold chain report, energy infrastructure derisking, Linton's crystal puller, DAS Solar's 'A' rating, and solar PV component price declines.

  
  

• 📜Policy (61 stories) - Endangered Species Act, IRA, Appalachian communities, Australian Greens, BSI, EPA, Greenpeace, IWMI, Mountain Valley Pipeline, Texas Senate bills 819 and 715, Make Sunsets, National Faith + Climate Forum, Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, HBCU Climate Change Conference, EU Methane Regulation, Environmental Defense Fund, Empire Wind, Sierra Club, Equinor, Louisiana Public Service Commission, Duke Energy, USEA, OSHA, Mongabay, IMO.
  

• 🔋Renewables (17 stories) - Astronergy's low-carbon PV, Huasun's bifacial HJT modules, LONGi's tandem cell efficiency record, Arctech's revenue growth, JA Solar's desert project, TrinaStorage's ESS efficiency, Sungrow's modular inverter, and OTEC's zero-emission energy.

  
  

• 🚗Transport (10 stories) - IMO shipping climate deal, SkyDrive at Osaka-Kansai Expo (Avidyne, Cyient, Thales), Australia's electric bus orders, 3V Infrastructure EV charging, Subaru Trailseeker & Solterra EVs, Ride1Up Vorsa e-bike, Lectric eBikes sale, Cadillac EV sales, US EV sales.

Agriculture

Night Owl Food Forest, Paris N4G Summit, JBS deforestation pledge, toxic metal contamination, alley cropping, bird flu & baby chicken demand, pea protein paneer, Karnataka direct-to-consumer markets, South Korean GMO potato protests, and generative AI in agriculture.

• The Creation of Night Owl Food Forest (YouTube) - Elizabeth Yari created Night Owl Food Forest in arid Colorado using permaculture, hugelkultur, and water retention techniques to establish a seven-layered food forest.

• The Road to Ending Malnutrition: How the Paris N4G Summit Sparked a Global Call to Action (CGIAR) - The Paris N4G Summit spurred a global call to action, emphasizing nutrition's central role in development and CGIAR's commitment to science-based solutions for healthier diets.

• ClimateAi CEO Himanshu Gupta Named to World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders Class of 2025 (ClimateAi) - CEO Himanshu Gupta selected for World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders 2025 for pioneering AI-driven climate adaptation solutions protecting 12 million farmers globally.

• Brazilian ranchers say JBS can not achieve stated goal of deforestation-free cattle (The Guardian) - Brazilian ranchers say world's largest meat company JBS cannot meet its 2025 Amazon deforestation-free cattle pledge due to land ownership issues and technical barriers.

• About 15% of world’s cropland polluted with toxic metals, say researchers (The Guardian) - Research reveals 15% of global cropland contaminated with toxic metals like arsenic and cadmium, affecting up to 1.4 billion people in high-risk areas.

• ‘Heavy metals’ contaminate 17% of the world’s croplands, say scientists (The Conversation) - Study reveals 17% of global croplands contaminated with heavy metals, posing risks to food safety and human health through long-term soil accumulation.

• Can you grow trees and grain together? (Propagate) - Alley cropping, growing crops between rows of trees, can increase farm profitability and land productivity by combining short-term income with long-term investments.

• How baby chickens became America’s hottest commodity (Grist) - Increased egg prices due to bird flu have spurred a surge in demand for baby chickens, leading to shortages and long wait times as people seek self-sufficiency.

• Scientists get tantalizingly close to creating the flavor and texture of cheese—with peas. (Anthropocene Magazine) - Scientists have created a paneer-like cheese using a mix of milk and pea proteins, potentially reducing the environmental impact of traditional dairy.

• India: As Crop Prices Crash and Land Pressure Mounts, Karnataka Farmers Turn to Direct Marketing – ‘Our Crop, Our Price, Our Resistance’ (Via Campesina) - Karnataka farmers launch direct-to-consumer markets as crop prices crash and urban development threatens agricultural land, with 5000 consumers participating in initial three-day market.

• South Korea: Peasant Unions Sound Alarm Over GM Potato Imports and U.S. Trade Pressure (Via Campesina) - South Korean peasant unions protest government's environmental safety approval for US GMO potato imports amid trade pressure and food safety concerns.

• Gen AI can create an ‘agronomist on steroids,’ says white paper. So why do so many projects fail to get out of the starting blocks? (AgFunderNews) - Generative AI projects in agriculture often fail due to poor strategy and data management, but can succeed as 'digital agronomists' when properly implemented with expert validation and clear use cases.

Carbon

En-ROADS simulations, Illinois SB1723, Katy Perry's spaceflight, carbon capture for data centers, Make Sunsets controversy, China's coal expansion, UK carbon credit consultation, novoMOF funding, Mombak's Amazon reforestation.

• Carbon Dioxide Removal: Simulating Climate Futures in En-ROADS (YouTube) - En-ROADS simulations suggest carbon dioxide removal technologies are currently too expensive and inefficient to significantly impact global warming compared to reducing emissions.

• Mahomet Aquifer protection bill – the latest (Prairie Rivers Network) - Illinois Senate passes SB1723, protecting most of the Mahomet Aquifer from carbon sequestration, though recharge zones are excluded and a 5-year study is planned.

• Why Katy Perry’s celebrity spaceflight blazed a trail for climate breakdown (The Conversation) - Katy Perry's celebrity spaceflight highlights how high-carbon behaviour by public figures undermines public motivation for climate action and collective climate efforts.

• Serving data center load with carbon capture (Latitude Media) - Natural gas power plants with carbon capture could help data centers meet climate goals while ensuring rapid, reliable power, but face challenges in cost, siting, and policy.

• CCAN Condemns Reckless Geoengineering Deployment Amid MAKE SUNSETS Controversy (CCAN) - Environmental group condemns private company Make Sunsets for unauthorized solar geoengineering experiments while advocating for transparent, government-funded research.

• China Briefing 17 April 2025: US-China tariff war; AI and data centres; Coal construction ‘till 2027’ (Carbon Brief) - China extends coal power plant construction through 2027 while facing escalating US trade war and surging data center energy demands.

• UK Releases Carbon Credit “Integrity Principles” to Advance Carbon Markets (ESG Today) - UK government launches consultation on carbon credit integrity principles aimed at building trust and advancing voluntary carbon markets.

• NovoMOF Raises $5.4 Million to Scale Up Low-Cost Carbon Capture Materials (ESG Today) - Swiss materials company novoMOF raises $5.4M to scale production of metal organic frameworks for low-cost industrial carbon capture technology.

• The Week in AgriFoodTech: Mombak lands $17m in debt, ClearCOGS secures $3.8m, OlsAro bags $2.8m (AgFunderNews) - Brazilian startup Mombak secures $17M debt funding to expand Amazon reforestation and carbon removal efforts, while other agtech firms raise capital for food analytics and crop breeding.

Circular

Biodegradable paperboard, Apple's recycled aluminum, secondhand faux fur, and sugarcane tissues.

• Researchers In Japan Find An Alternative To Single Use Plastic (CleanTechnica) - Japanese researchers have developed a transparent, biodegradable paperboard (tPB) from cellulose that can replace single-use plastics in packaging and food containers, degrading fully in the ocean within a year.

• Progress report: Apple’s push to use recycled aluminum, rare earths and 13 other materials (Trellis) - Apple reports 71% recycled aluminum usage in 2024, avoiding 6.2M metric tons of emissions while making progress on 15 priority recycled materials.

• Secondhand Sisters: Sophie Finds Faux Fur with Gem (Bluedot Living) - Sophie successfully thrifted a faux fur coat using Gem, highlighting the ethical and environmental benefits of choosing secondhand faux fur over real fur.

• What Are Tree-Free Facial Tissues and Why Should You Make the Switch (EcoSoul Home) - Tree-free facial tissues made from sugarcane bagasse waste offer sustainable alternative to traditional wood-pulp tissues that consume 27,000 trees daily.

Ecosystems

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to decide on bog turtle protection; AI, genomics, and bioacoustics aid nature management; Conservation International highlights regenerative economies; CTrees at Brazil Remote Sensing Symposium; Sonic Heritage preserves global soundscapes.

• Smoothing the path for roughhead shiners (BiologicalDiversity.org) - A legal agreement mandates the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to decide on Endangered Species Act protection for southern bog turtles and roughhead shiners by October 2028.

• IA et solutions innovantes : les outils du futur au service de la nature (Fondation François Sommer) - A panel will discuss how AI, genomics, bioacoustics, and user apps are advancing scientific understanding and sustainable management of nature.

• Big Old Trees Are a Big Deal, Part 1: Busting a Myth and Discovering Microhabitats (The Wildlife News) - Big, old trees disproportionately contribute to biodiversity and carbon storage, debunking the myth that their growth declines with age and highlighting the importance of tree-related microhabitats.

• Succulents die off with expanding desert in South Africa and Namibia (Mongabay) - Climate change and overgrazing are causing desertification in South Africa and Namibia, leading to the die-off of native succulent plants like quiver trees.

• Earth Month: Shaping an economy built on nature (Conservation International) - Conservation International highlights successes in regenerative economies, including grassland restoration in South Africa, climate-resilient coffee farming in Guatemala, and seaweed-based plastic alternatives.

• Advancing science from California to Brazil (CTrees) - CTrees scientists presented research on land cover mapping and forest management at the Brazil Remote Sensing Symposium and LA Climate Week, while CEO Sassan Saatchi was named a Mulago Foundation Henry Arnhold Fellow.

• 10 forest heroes saving the planet 🦸🏽 (CIFOR-ICRAF) - The Global Landscapes Forum highlights 10 forest experts and announces upcoming events, including GLF Forests 2025, GLF Africa 2025, and the launch of TalkLandscape on YouTube.

• From butterflies to wind turbines, project preserves world’s sonic heritage (The Guardian) - The Sonic Heritage project preserves global soundscapes, from wind turbines to wildlife, highlighting both natural beauty and human impact on UNESCO sites.

• Nature on the move: How conservation must adapt to survive (Mongabay) - Global conservation strategies shift toward creating large, connected landscapes and adaptive management as Earth faces 3-5°C warming by 2075.

• ‘Trophies’ shared on social media reveal scale of mass bird slaughter in Lebanon (Mongabay) - Social media analysis reveals 94% of hunted birds in Lebanon are protected species, with poachers openly sharing mass killings of 2.6 million birds annually as online trophies.

• Rethinking the Amazon and Its Marketing Ahead of COP30 (Revolve Media) - Amazon rainforest region faces complex urban-rural challenges and environmental threats ahead of COP30 in Belém, requiring shift from simplistic conservation narrative to address socioeconomic realities of 30 million inhabitants.

• UK national parks warn of ‘catastrophic’ risk from wildfires this Easter (The Guardian) - UK national parks issue urgent Easter wildfire warnings amid dry conditions, with double the fires compared to 2022 threatening wildlife and habitats.

• Week in wildlife: elephants on parade, a rescued serval and wandering bears (The Guardian) - This week's wildlife images feature elephants in India, a rescued serval in Spain, and wandering bears in Poland, among other animal sightings.

• Buransh Flowers and Climate Change (Bluedot Living) - Delayed blooming of buransh flowers in the Hindu Kush Himalaya signals environmental shifts and impacts local traditions and livelihoods.

• A Big New Trail in Little Rhody (Bluedot Living) - Providence introduces a 13-mile "Instant Urban Trail," connecting green spaces from Neutaconkanut Hill to the waterfront, promoting outdoor exploration within the city.

• Sri Lanka’s iconic tuskers ‘falling like dominoes,’ conservationists warn (Mongabay) - Sri Lanka's iconic tuskers face extinction as three major bull elephants are killed or injured, with less than 7% of males now having tusks compared to 95% in South India.

Efficiency

Appliance standards save billions; IncentiFind's Commercial Verify Report filters energy incentives; Linkind's solar spotlights use MPPT charging; Salesforce's AI reduces truck rolls.

• Appliance efficiency standards save consumers billions, reduce pollution and fight climate change (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Appliance efficiency standards save consumers billions of dollars, reduce pollution, and fight climate change by decreasing air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions.

• New Feature! Explore the Redesigned Commercial Verify Report 🏢💡 (YouTube) - IncentiFind's redesigned Commercial Verify Report helps users filter and find relevant energy incentives for commercial projects, including HVAC, lighting, and thermostats.

• Wired Right: Electrical Upgrades That Power a Safer, Smarter Home (Neeeco) - Upgrading electrical panels and wiring in older homes enhances safety, efficiency, and capacity for modern power demands and future electrification upgrades.

• Sick Solar Lights Vibe Out Any Yard — CleanTechnica Tested (CleanTechnica) - Linkind's new SL5C solar spotlights feature MPPT charging technology, app-controlled light shows, and smart scheduling for efficient outdoor lighting.

• How Road Signs Save Electricity (CleanTechnica) - Advanced retroreflective technology in road signs eliminates need for electrical lighting, reducing energy consumption while improving nighttime road safety.

• Salesforce launches agentic AI for field workers (Renewable Energy World) - Salesforce launches AI-powered 'Agentforce' system to automate scheduling and reporting for field service workers, promising 20% reduction in truck rolls and faster job completions.

• 🔍 How to Use Verify Reports | Find Incentives for Your Building 💡🏢 (IncentiFind) - Online platform helps building owners identify energy rebates and sustainability incentives through searchable database and automated reporting tools.

Finance

Adaptation Fund approves \$137M in projects; Crux raises \$50M; AXA acquires 5GW solar; BP faces shareholder revolt; VC invests \$123M in regenerative agriculture.

• Adaptation Fund Board Approves Record US$ 137 Million in New Projects; Doubles Country Cap to US$ 40 Million (Adaptation Fund) - The Adaptation Fund Board approved a record $137 million in new climate adaptation projects and doubled the country spending cap to $40 million.

• Who could replace US climate financing? (Anthropocene) - US climate financing cuts prompt concerns about abandoned communities and a shift towards loans over grants, but development banks and China may fill the gap.

• Europe Solar PV News Snippets: Omnes Capital Exiting 5 GW Portfolio & More (TaiyangNews) - European solar market sees major deals including AXA's acquisition of 5 GW portfolio, £250M UK funding for C&I projects, and multiple large-scale solar developments across Greece, Sweden, and Lithuania.

• Fintech Startup Crux Raises $50 Million to Build Capital Market Platform for Clean Energy Developers (ESG Today) - Fintech startup Crux secures $50M Series B funding to expand platform connecting clean energy developers with investors and streamline project financing.

• BP suffers investor rebellion at first AGM since climate strategy U-turn (The Guardian) - BP faces 24% shareholder revolt against chairman at first AGM following climate strategy reversal, amid protests and institutional investor dissent.

• What are your thoughts on portions of IRA (LPO, tax credits) restructured using new federal financing mechanisms, or sovereign instruments that move funding away from upfront appropriations and toward self-repaying, market-based models? (Energy Central) - Restructuring IRA funding with new financing mechanisms could shift risk to investors and tie repayment to project performance, reducing taxpayer exposure.

• Venture capital still drives the most deals in regenerative ag and food systems investment – report (AgFundNews) - Venture capital leads Q1 2025 regenerative agriculture investments with $123M across 17 deals, while total sector funding reaches $1.17B including major acquisition.

• Tariffs are already throwing a wrench in solar project financing (Latitude Media) - Solar project financing faces delays and uncertainty as developers struggle to lock in pricing amid Trump's global tariff impacts, even affecting companies with non-Chinese supply chains.

Grid

PJM Interconnection & Google use AI to address backlogs; China & Europe eye V2G; Ofgem approves grid reforms; GM & PG&E launch V2X pilot; Puerto Rico blackout hits 1.4M; US electricity demand to surge; Fronius launches Verto Plus inverter.

• AI’s Role in America’s Grid Transformation (Advanced Energy United) - AI is being integrated into America's power grid to streamline operations, forecast demand, and optimize resource planning, as highlighted by PJM Interconnection's partnership with Google to address interconnection backlogs.

• V2G Technology Is Getting New Interest In China & Europe (CleanTechnica) - China and Europe are showing renewed interest in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows electric vehicles to send energy back to the grid, potentially saving billions and boosting EV adoption.

• A tsunami of uncertainty for clean energy (Latitude Media) - Unpredictable tariffs and contradictory policies are creating uncertainty in the clean energy sector, potentially benefiting distributed generation and grid-enhancing technologies.

• UK To Clear ‘Zombie Projects’ From Grid-Connection Queue (TaiyangNews) - UK energy regulator Ofgem approves reforms to clear inactive projects from grid-connection queue, potentially enabling 65 GW of new solar capacity.

• V2G Program In California Kicks Off The Future (CleanTechnica) - GM and PG&E launch Northern California V2X pilot program offering EV owners up to $4,500 in incentives for bidirectional charging capabilities.

• Officials demand answers as crews work to restore power after another Puerto Rico blackout (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Puerto Rico faces another island-wide blackout affecting 1.4 million customers as officials demand answers and promise contract reviews with energy providers Luma Energy and Genera PR.

• The US is facing unprecedented load growth. Here’s how we ensure resource adequacy. (Utility Dive) - US electricity demand forecast to surge 36% by 2035, requiring massive grid expansion and diverse energy resources to ensure reliability amid unprecedented growth from data centers and manufacturing.

• Ohio advocates see disparities in FirstEnergy’s grid (Canary Media) - Ohio advocates argue FirstEnergy's outdated grid disproportionately affects low-income residents, hindering reliability and renewable energy adoption.

• Fronius Verto Plus: Hybrid Inverter For Up To 33.3 kW DG Consumers (TaiyangNews) - Fronius launches Verto Plus hybrid inverter series with up to 33.3kW capacity and 50kW emergency power boost for distributed generation consumers.

Indigenous

Yanomami and Fijian communities, NDN Collective (Peltier), Ecuador vs. Dundee Precious Metals, Guarani vs. Brazil, JPMorgan Chase & Indigenous rights.

• Troca de saberes com Ehuana Yanomami e Geni Núñez em SP (Instituto Socioambiental) - Ehuana Yanomami and Geni Núñez shared their knowledge and experiences as Indigenous women from different territories at an event in São Paulo.

• Even in death, Indigenous Fijians protect the sea (Mongabay) - Indigenous Fijian communities protect marine ecosystems by temporarily banning fishing in designated areas as a funerary tradition, contributing to sustainable resource management.

• Bringing Him Home: NDN Collective’s Historic and Ongoing Support of Leonard Peltier (NDN Collective) - NDN Collective supported Leonard Peltier's release from prison after 49 years, facilitating his return to his Turtle Mountain homeland and providing ongoing support.

• Ecuador communities resist Canada-backed gold mine in sacred highlands (Mongabay) - Indigenous and local communities in Ecuador battle Canadian gold mining company Dundee Precious Metals over sacred Quimsacocha páramo ecosystem despite winning legal rulings and referendums.

• Povo Guarani denuncia ataques ao seu modo de vida em caso de sobreposição no litoral do Paraná (Instituto Socioambiental) - Guarani indigenous people denounce threats to their traditional way of life in overlapping territory dispute with Bom Jesus Biological Reserve in Paraná, Brazil.

• Investors and JPMorgan Chase Reach Agreement to Uphold Indigenous Peoples’ Rights (Stand.earth) - JPMorgan Chase agrees to strengthen Indigenous Peoples' rights protections in financing decisions following investor pressure and withdraws shareholder proposal.

Industry

BMW expands Catena-X to U.S., BYD's EV battery dominance, Seurat's area printing, tailing pond risks, China's aviation shift, Oman's hydrogen study, Peabody's coal deal, cold chain report, energy infrastructure derisking, Linton's crystal puller, DAS Solar's 'A' rating, and solar PV component price declines.

• System for “radical collaboration” on emissions data expands to the U. S. (Trellis) - BMW and other automotive companies are expanding the Catena-X data-sharing system to the U.S. to streamline the exchange of product carbon footprints and sustainability data across the supply chain.

• Case Study Addendum: Why BYD Leads in EV Battery Manufacturing (Energy Central) - BYD's EV battery dominance stems from vertical integration, automation, innovation, and global expansion, leading to cost leadership and market success.

• Seurat Origin Story and Overview (YouTube) - Seurat's area printing technology uses lasers and recycled powder to create metal parts at scale, reducing waste and energy consumption compared to traditional manufacturing.

• The 5 Largest Tailing Ponds in the World: Their Scale, Environmental Impact, and Management (KETOS) - The world's largest tailing ponds pose significant environmental risks due to hazardous materials, necessitating advanced monitoring and water recycling for effective management.

• The End of the Runway for Boeing in China (CleanTechnica) - China instructs domestic airlines to stop ordering US-built aircraft as Boeing loses market share to Airbus and domestic manufacturer COMAC amid quality concerns and geopolitical tensions.

• Oman, Port of Amsterdam to study the development of a liquid hydrogen supply chain (Energy Central) - Oman and Port of Amsterdam partner to study liquid hydrogen supply chain development, aiming to leverage Oman's renewable resources for net-zero goals.

• Peabody Signs Long-Term Coal Deal With Missouri Cooperative AECI (PowerMag) - Peabody Energy signs 7-8 million ton annual coal supply deal with Missouri's AECI cooperative for two power plants through 2032, citing growing electricity demand from data centers.

• Introducing Chain Reaction (Artyc) - The "Chain Reaction" report examines global growth, risks, and innovations in the cold chain, highlighting successes and failures in systems across Rwanda, Vietnam, Europe, and North America.

• Consult, Communicate, Collaborate (RMI) - Ten universal best practices outlined for derisking energy infrastructure projects through community engagement and consultation processes.

• Linton’s New N-type Smart Crystal Puller (TaiyangNews) - Linton unveils KX420PV smart crystal puller capable of producing 200kg daily n-type silicon ingots with low oxygen concentration for solar manufacturing.

• DAS Solar Retains 'A' Rating in PV ModuleTech Bankability Ratings Q1 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar manufacturer DAS Solar maintains 'A' rating in Q1 2025 PV ModuleTech Bankability Rankings due to N-type technology advances and global expansion.

• TaiyangNews PV Price Index – 2025 - CW16 (TaiyangNews) - Solar PV component prices show first overall decline in 2025 as 8 products see price drops, though 13 of 25 tracked items remain up year-to-date.

Policy

Endangered Species Act, IRA, Appalachian communities, Australian Greens, BSI, EPA, Greenpeace, IWMI, Mountain Valley Pipeline, Texas Senate bills 819 and 715, Make Sunsets, National Faith + Climate Forum, Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, HBCU Climate Change Conference, EU Methane Regulation, Environmental Defense Fund, Empire Wind, Sierra Club, Equinor, Louisiana Public Service Commission, Duke Energy, USEA, OSHA, Mongabay, IMO.

• Federal Judge Orders Florida to Address Pollution That Led to Manatee Deaths (Inside Climate News) - A federal judge ruled Florida violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to control nutrient pollution that caused unprecedented manatee deaths in the Indian River Lagoon, ordering the state to develop a remediation plan.

• A judge ordered the release of IRA and infrastructure funds. Now what? (Latitude Media) - A judge ordered the release of IRA and infrastructure funds frozen by President Trump's executive order, but compliance and appeals remain uncertain.

• Appalachian Voices releases new report on how new clean energy tax credits have benefited Appalachia (Appalachian Voices) - A new report highlights how clean energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act have significantly benefited Appalachian communities by lowering electricity costs and creating jobs.

• ‘All of his guns will do nothing for him’: lefty preppers are taking a different approach to doomsday (The Guardian) - As climate collapse looms, a growing number of liberals are embracing prepping, focusing on community, emotional resilience, and adapting to localized disasters rather than solely stockpiling weapons.

• Fossil fuel advertising to get same treatment as tobacco and gambling in Greens policy plan (RenewEconomy) - Australian Greens propose treating fossil fuel advertising like tobacco and gambling, aiming to ban greenwashing and limit fossil fuel companies' influence.

• Billionaire joyrides to space: the ultimate symbol of privilege and pollution (Greenpeace) - Billionaire space joyrides exemplify extreme wealth inequality and environmental disregard, diverting resources from critical climate action and social needs.

• Unpacking the Unseen: Insights from BSI - Community Education Day on Social Health Determinants (Black Sustainability Inc.) - BSI's Community Education Day highlighted the impact of social determinants of health, environmental hazards, and community-led solutions for Black communities.

• Climate change is not just a problem of physics but a crisis of justice (The Guardian) - Climate change is fundamentally a crisis of justice rooted in inequality and colonial structures, not just a physics problem, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations.

• US Clean Energy Industry To World: We Are Still Here (For Now) (CleanTechnica) - Despite Trump's efforts to hinder clean energy, a judge unfroze federal funding for projects, while private investment and global renewable growth offer some hope amid US setbacks.

• Disrupting Disasters (PreventionWeb) - Elizabeth McNaughton's podcast "Disrupting Disasters" explores innovative approaches to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery with global experts, addressing today's climate challenges.

• The reality of climate change (Woodwell Climate) - Federal pullback from climate preparedness, including defunding research and cancelling resilience programs, necessitates increased non-profit efforts to support communities.

• Gina McCarthy on Cutting Everything but Emissions (Climate One) - Former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy criticizes the Trump administration's proposed EPA budget cuts and rollbacks of environmental regulations, warning of potential damage to public health and the environment.

• # Global Newsletter 94: The Passion to Make a Difference (Extinction Rebellion) - Global protests are increasing against environmental destruction and government inaction, highlighting the urgency for climate action and community solidarity.

• Greenpeace Pictures of the Week (Greenpeace) - Greenpeace activists worldwide protested plastic production, projected messages on Niagara Falls, supported Indigenous rights in Brazil, defended democracy in France, and highlighted plastic waste in the Czech Republic.

• Weather tracker: sandstorm turns Iraqi skies orange and empties the streets (The Guardian) - Iraq experienced its worst sandstorm of 2025, hospitalising thousands with respiratory issues as climate change exacerbates desertification.

• Exploring innovative tools for Anticipatory Action: Reflections from the first Food Frontiers and Security Learning session (CGIAR) - IWMI introduced a toolkit for anticipatory action in fragile and conflict-affected settings, offering practical guidance for proactive crisis management.

• Millions of Americans Are Still Exposed to Lead. Take Action to Help (Earthjustice) - Millions of Americans remain exposed to lead via drinking water and dust, as some in Congress seek to weaken protections despite health risks and economic costs.

• MVP developer submits Joint Permit Application for Southgate pipeline (Appalachian Voices) - Mountain Valley Pipeline developer submits a Joint Permit Application for the Southgate pipeline, a controversial extension facing opposition due to environmental concerns and past violations.

• The environmental policy backed by free-market Republicans (Grist) - Republican lawmakers in multiple states are backing "right-to-repair" legislation to promote competition, reduce e-waste, and protect consumer freedom to fix their own devices.

• Congo’s deadly rains predicted to occur every two years in a warming world (Climate Change News) - Scientists predict that deadly rains like those in Congo, which caused devastating floods and fatalities, are now expected to occur every two years due to global warming.

• All Eyes Are On Texas as Anti-Renewables Bills Advance (Heatmap News) - Texas Senate bills 819 and 715, targeting renewable energy projects with additional regulations and potential fines, are raising concerns about stifling the state's solar and wind industry growth.

• The 89 Percent Project Launches Monday (Covering Climate Now) - The 89 Percent Project launches to highlight the fact that 80-89% of people worldwide want stronger climate action from their governments.

• A Future Without Environmentalism Is the Goal (Atmos) - The author envisions a future where environmentalism is obsolete because caring for the planet is intrinsic to being human, requiring unity and broader messaging to achieve this goal.

• As EPA Rolls Back Regulations for Large Industrial Polluters, It Finds a New Target: A Two-Person Geoengineering Startup (Inside Climate News) - The EPA is scrutinizing geoengineering startup Make Sunsets for launching sulfur dioxide balloons, while simultaneously rolling back regulations for larger industrial polluters.

• National Faith + Climate Forum 2025 (YouTube) - The National Faith + Climate Forum 2025 convened over 2,000 faith leaders to inspire faith-based climate action across 32 states and online.

• A Chill Falls on the Climate Community (Bill McKibben's Substack) - The Trump administration is reportedly planning to target climate advocacy groups by potentially revoking their tax-exempt status and limiting climate science funding.

• Trump administration plans Endangered Species Act rollback (High Country News) - The Trump administration proposed weakening the Endangered Species Act by redefining "harm" to exclude habitat destruction, potentially threatening numerous species.

• How the Trump Administration’s Interpretation of One Word—‘Harm’—Could Gut Habitat Protections for Endangered Species (Inside Climate News) - The Trump administration's proposed rule would rescind habitat protections for endangered species by redefining "harm" under the Endangered Species Act, potentially opening the door to habitat destruction.

• Training: Grant Writing & Budget Development (YouTube) - This training session provides guidance on grant writing and budget development for the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), which supports projects reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving climate resilience.

• UNDRR, Green Climate Fund, the West African Development Bank and Early Warning for All Partners join hands to empower Togo to strengthen climate and disaster risk management (UNDRR) - International organizations partner with Togo to enhance climate resilience through training and early warning systems implementation in disaster-prone regions.

• Indonesia raises concerns over EU deforestation law’s impact on smallholders (Mongabay) - Indonesia challenges EU deforestation law over smallholder burdens, data privacy conflicts, and unclear enforcement standards.

• Rooted in Action, Growing Towards Resilience: Reflections from the HBCU Climate Change Conference 2025 (Black Sustainability) - HBCU Climate Change Conference 2025 convenes academics, researchers, and advocates to address climate crisis impacts on Black communities and environmental justice solutions.

• Clearing the air: The EU’s methane regulation is a climate solution — not a trade pawn (EDF) - EU's Methane Regulation sets global standards for fossil fuel methane emissions with phased implementation through 2030, focusing on monitoring, reporting and intensity limits for both domestic and imported fuels.

• Lawsuits seeking to address climate change have promise but face uncertain future (The Conversation) - Climate lawsuits against fossil fuel companies and governments show mixed success but continue expanding, with some victories in state courts despite federal setbacks.

• DeBriefed 17 April 2025: India and Pakistan heat ‘tests human limits’; UK steel crisis sparks net-zero attack; Why Nigerian households are turning to solar (Carbon Brief) - Record-breaking heatwaves in India and Pakistan push temperatures above 40C, threatening human survival limits while UK steel crisis sparks misplaced blame on net-zero policies.

• New Map Shines Light on Communities Most At-Risk From Toxic Air Pollution (Moms Clean Air Force) - Environmental Defense Fund launches interactive map revealing toxic air pollution hotspots and health risks from petrochemical facilities across US communities.

• Trump Administration Halts Construction on New York Offshore Wind Project (Inside Climate News) - Trump administration orders halt to Empire Wind 1 offshore wind project construction off New York coast, threatening 1,500 jobs and renewable energy goals.

• A Father of Environmental Justice Rebukes Sierra Club, Ben Jealous Over Treatment of Black Alabamians (Inside Climate News) - Environmental justice pioneer Robert Bullard resigns Sierra Club membership and returns awards over organization's unfulfilled promises to flood-impacted Black community in Alabama.

• NGOs Challenge European Commission’s Undemocratic Omnibus Process (CleanTechnica) - Eight NGOs file formal complaint against European Commission for rushed, non-transparent process to weaken key EU sustainability laws through Omnibus proposal.

• New Stop Work Order The Last Straw For US Offshore Wind Industry…Not (CleanTechnica) - Trump administration halts construction of $5B Empire Wind offshore project despite valid permits, signaling major setback for US offshore wind industry.

• Federal uncertainty and implementation issues cloud outlook for Minnesota’s clean energy economy (Renewable Energy World) - Minnesota's clean energy economy faces uncertainty due to federal policy chaos, tariffs, and lagging implementation despite strong state-level support and falling emissions.

• Trump tests offshore wind, orders construction stop on fully-permitted New York project (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Trump administration halts construction on fully-permitted Empire Wind offshore project in New York, risking $28 billion in investments.

• Trump administration moves to narrow protections for endangered species (The Guardian) - Trump administration proposes redefining endangered species protections to exclude habitat destruction, potentially accelerating extinction rates for vulnerable species.

• High Stakes, Low Ambition: A Look Into IMO’s Fragile Shipping Deal (Earth.org) - IMO's new shipping emissions deal sets weak carbon pricing scheme and fails to secure global carbon levy amid opposition from major fossil fuel nations.

• Louisiana kills energy-efficiency program in eleventh hour (Canary Media) - Louisiana Public Service Commission votes 3-2 to terminate state's planned independent energy-efficiency program, citing high administrative costs despite potential consumer savings.

• Trump Admin Halts $5 Billion New York Offshore Wind Project (ESG Today) - Trump administration orders halt to $5 billion Empire Wind offshore project in New York, threatening renewable energy goals and sparking legal challenges from Equinor and state officials.

• EPA granted appellate stay after judge rules to end GGRF funding freeze (Utility Dive) - Appeals court stays district judge's order to unfreeze $14B in EPA greenhouse gas reduction funding after legal challenge from green banks.

• UK wildfires expose ‘postcode lottery’ of firefighting resources, says union (The Guardian) - UK fire union chief warns of dangerous regional disparities in firefighting resources amid record-breaking wildfires, calls for national standards body.

• Whole, skim, or soy? The congressional battle over milk in school lunches (Grist) - A congressional battle is brewing over whether US schools should offer whole milk or plant-based alternatives in lunches, impacting student health, dairy industry economics, and environmental concerns.

• USEA Virtual Press Briefing: New Rules, Old Trajectories (Energy Central) - A USEA briefing highlighted concerns that Trump-era tariffs could disrupt the electrical supply chain, potentially outweighing environmental regulation rollbacks and impacting utilities' carbon reduction efforts.

• Advocates: Trump cuts could endanger workers in “Cancer Alley” (Capital & Main) - Advocates fear that closing a Louisiana OSHA office under Trump could endanger workers in "Cancer Alley" chemical plants.

• Why is Ed Miliband a target for all sides? Because he’s a lefty politician who gets things done | Andy Beckett (The Guardian) - Ed Miliband, a left-leaning Labour minister focused on climate action, faces attacks from all sides due to his effectiveness in implementing policies that challenge established interests.

• North Carolina Utilities Commission holds public hearing to review Duke Energy’s plans for second new gas plant in northern Person County (Appalachian Voices) - North Carolina Utilities Commission will hold a public hearing on May 5 to review Duke Energy's plans for a second new gas plant in Person County, despite concerns about meeting net-zero goals and increasing customer bills.

• Ochieng’ Ogodo, science journalist, mentor, and editor, died on April 17th, aged 64 (Mongabay) - Science journalist, mentor, and editor Ochieng’ Ogodo, known for bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and the public, has died at 64.

• EV Sales Are Up in the US, But Tariffs Are a Storm Cloud for an Industry That Craves Stability (Inside Climate News) - US EV sales rose 11% in Q1 2024, but tariffs pose a threat to the industry's stability and supply chains.

• Cuts to US foreign aid could cause 25 million deaths by 2040 (Nature) - US foreign aid cuts could lead to 25 million deaths by 2040, particularly from AIDS and childhood illnesses, reversing progress made since 2010.

• Mongabay mourns the loss of Ochieng’ Ogodo, our East Africa Editor (Mongabay) - Pioneering African environmental journalist and Mongabay East Africa Editor Ochieng' Ogodo dies suddenly at 64 in Nairobi after brief illness.

• Why Unions Can Be Key to Projects Getting Permits (Heatmap News) - Michigan union leader explains how organized labor's support and worker testimony helps secure permits for renewable energy projects through local advocacy.

• Important Dialogue with Political Stakeholders – Shaping a Renewable Energy Future Together (Reverion) - German biogas company hosts political leaders to discuss renewable energy policy reforms and biogas integration in energy transition, securing support for streamlined regulations and financing.

• United Women in Faith CEO Sally Vonner Speaks at Faithful Witness Event (United Women in Faith) - CEO Sally Vonner addresses Capitol Hill interfaith vigil urging Congress to exercise moral courage on racial justice, environmental issues, and government spending.

• Migrating Danger Zones (Energy Central) - Climate change is causing dangerous weather zones to migrate into unprepared regions, with tornado alley shifting eastward as a prime example.

Renewables

Astronergy's low-carbon PV, Huasun's bifacial HJT modules, LONGi's tandem cell efficiency record, Arctech's revenue growth, JA Solar's desert project, TrinaStorage's ESS efficiency, Sungrow's modular inverter, and OTEC's zero-emission energy.

• 380 kgCO2/kWc! ASTRO N Series Secures French Carbon Footprint PPE2 Certificate (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy's ASTRO N Series PV modules secured the ECS PPE2 Low Carbon Certificate in France with a carbon footprint 15% lower than the industry average.

• Wind produced by leaders’ debate could have powered real discussion about energy future (Stand.earth) - Critics argue the Canadian federal leaders' debate missed the opportunity to discuss a renewable energy future, focusing instead on fossil fuel expansion and subsidies.

• Up to 100% Bifaciality: Huasun’s Kunlun Series HJT Modules Achieve Exceptional Power in Vertical PV Applications (TaiyangNews) - Huasun's Kunlun HJT modules, boasting near 100% bifaciality, enhance vertical PV installations by optimizing energy yield and land use.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: LONGi Sets New Perovskite Tandem Cell Efficiency Record & More (TaiyangNews) - LONGi sets a 34.85% efficiency record for silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells, Arctech's 2024 revenue rises 41%, JA Solar supplies 1 GW modules for a desert project, and TrinaStorage reports high ESS efficiency.

• Zero Emissions Energy, CO2 Sequestering Heat Pumps for the Planet (Energy Central) - Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) offers a zero-emission energy solution that also acts as a planetary heat pump by moving excess solar heat into the deep ocean, providing a long-term thermal buffer and enabling natural CO₂ reduction.

• Battery Fights Burst into Full View (Heatmap News) - Renewable energy projects, particularly battery storage, are facing increasing local resistance across the US due to concerns about safety, environmental impact, and property values.

• Scaling Smarter: Sungrow’s 1 + X 2.0 Modular Inverter (TaiyangNews) - Sungrow's 1+X 2.0 modular inverter offers utility-scale PV installations scalability up to 9.6 MW, enhanced safety, and grid adaptability, reducing downtime and improving grid stability.

• Trump administration orders a stop to Empire Wind construction (Utility Dive) - The Trump administration halted construction of the 810-MW Empire Wind 1 project off New York, citing insufficient analysis and consultation by the prior administration, prompting legal challenges and concerns over project financing.

• Zambia To Clear Solar Project Approvals Within 48 Hours (TaiyangNews) - Zambia aims to attract private investment and reduce reliance on hydropower by approving solar projects within 48 hours, down from over 6 months.

• Ameresco SUNEL Energy SA Announces 466 MWp Solar Projects in Romania (Ameresco) - Joint venture announces €303.4M contract for three solar parks totaling 466 MWp in Romania, set to offset 734,789 tonnes of CO₂ annually and support coal phase-out by 2032.

• Small Tasmania wind project finally begins construction after long delay and political reprieve (RenewEconomy) - A 21 MW wind farm in Tasmania, approved in 2019 but delayed due to offtake agreement issues, has commenced construction after a planning extension.

• 🎯🚀 How to Use IncentiFind Pro: Filter, Save & Share Incentives in Seconds (YouTube) - IncentiFind Pro simplifies finding and sharing renewable energy and green building incentives via its filtering, saving, and reporting features.

• Solar Could Lose Its Cost Advantage Over Gas (Heatmap News) - Tariffs and potential IRA incentive losses could erase solar's cost advantage over gas, potentially shifting power procurement towards gas-powered data centers.

• 28 MW Solar PV Tender In Bosnia & Herzegovina (TaiyangNews) - The EBRD has launched a tender for 28 MW of solar PV capacity across 3 sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of EPBiH’s 195 MW Solar Transition Programme.

• Europe Still Top In Solar EPCs, But Market Share Slipping (TaiyangNews) - European solar contractors lead global rankings but face market share erosion as US, China and India deploy larger-scale projects averaging 80-150MW versus Europe's 30MW.

• Germany’s March 2025 Solar Additions Drop Sharply to 787 MW (TaiyangNews) - Germany's solar installations dropped to 787 MW in March 2025, falling significantly below the 1.61 GW monthly target needed to reach 215 GW by 2030.

• How a blue-collar Mississippi county went solar (Yale Climate Connections) - Mississippi's industrial Panola County installs three solar farms powering 3,000 homes through corporate-funded clean energy partnership.

Transport

IMO shipping climate deal, SkyDrive at Osaka-Kansai Expo (Avidyne, Cyient, Thales), Australia's electric bus orders, 3V Infrastructure EV charging, Subaru Trailseeker & Solterra EVs, Ride1Up Vorsa e-bike, Lectric eBikes sale, Cadillac EV sales, US EV sales.

• Shipping’s climate deal sets up battle over pollution calculations for gas and biofuels (Climate Change News) - IMO's shipping climate deal hinges on contested emissions calculations for gas and biofuels, sparking debate over fuel eligibility and environmental impact.

• サプライヤーとの強力なパートナーシップにより、 大阪・関西万博での「SKYDRIVE」の公開フライト成功 (SkyDrive) - SkyDrive's flying car will be showcased at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 thanks to strong supplier partnerships, including Avidyne, Cyient, and Thales.

• More Green Buses for Australia (CleanTechnica) - Australia accelerates electric bus adoption with major orders from three states totaling 379 vehicles, as South Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland transition away from diesel fleets.

• A multi-family charging solution (Canary Media) - 3V Infrastructure is tackling EV charging accessibility in multi-family housing by providing a comprehensive charging solution.

• No, Virginia, There is (Technically) No Level 3 (CleanTechnica) - Despite common usage, engineering standards do not define "Level 3" for DC fast charging of electric vehicles, referencing the SAE J-1772 standard.

• Subaru Is Finally Getting Its EV Act Together (Heatmap News) - Subaru's new Trailseeker and updated Solterra EVs, while not exceptional, signal a belated but welcome commitment to electric vehicles for the outdoorsy brand.

• Ride1Up Vorsa: A Versatile, High-Utility E-Bike Under $1,600 (CleanTechnica) - The Ride1Up Vorsa e-bike offers a versatile, modular platform for commuting and cargo hauling with a 750W motor, certified battery, and a price of $1,595.

• Lectric eBikes’ Earth Day Sale 2025: Your Next Adventure Starts Now (CleanTechnica) - Lectric eBikes launches Earth Day 2025 sale across entire e-bike lineup with discounts up to $654 and bonus accessory bundles included.

• How Long Until 50% of Cadillac Sales Are Electric Vehicles in USA? (CleanTechnica) - Cadillac's EV sales hit 19.1% in Q1 2025, with company targeting 30-35% by year-end and potential 50% EV sales by 2026 as new electric models roll out.

• Chart: US EV sales are off to a solid start this year (Canary Media) - US electric vehicle sales grew 11% to 300,000 units in Q1 2025 despite Tesla's decline and political uncertainty.