The home insurance industry underwent huge changes in California just two weeks ago. One week before the current fires started.
The state allowed insurance providers to account for climate risk in setting insurance rates.
1,626 State Farm customers in the Palisades neighborhood had fire insurance policies not renewed at the end of 2024
The number of publicly insured home owners doubled from 2020 to 450,000.
Senator Alex Padilla now says the public Fair Plan has just $377m available to pay claims.
What will this all mean? Insurance is a business of probabilistic risk analysis, and is being heavily impacted by AI. In that spirit, I did a cursory AI probabilistic risk analysis of 24 industry, academic, and international news pieces this morning on the possible outcomes of the LA fires, edited it just a touch myself, and got this picture of high and low likelihood but high impact possible consequences to anticipate.
Honestly, though, I'm not sure how low these low probability scenarios really are.

Ok, that's some big picture context - let's get into all of today's selected updates. Email subscribers (see above) will get 3 picks just for you.
-Marshall Kirkpatrick
Earth Catalyst: We'll support your work with our experience, network, and technology
Today and every day, our system scans over 1,000 green tech and sustainability organizations for updates. Below, you'll find:
A Visual of the Day
A digest-style Table of Contents for 185 selected updates from around the green tech and sustainability world
(If you subscribe by email) 3 personalized selections just for you and your work
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Visual of the Day
Thailand's Invasive Fish Crisis
From a single coastal site to widespread invasion: this map from Mongabay shows the rapid spread of invasive blackchin tilapia across Thailand's coastal provinces from 2011-2024, linked to a controversial aquaculture research project. A critical environmental and economic threat that researchers estimate could cost Thailand $293 million in damages, the invasion has sparked protests demanding corporate accountability and government action.
Today's Updates
Table of Contents
Agriculture (10 stories) - Calysta's bacteria-based feed expands as Octopus acquires OX2's agrivoltaics division; SunCulture's solar irrigation and companion planting gain traction amid climate pressures
Carbon (5 stories) - AMOC stability findings contrast ocean warming records, while OMV Petrom and Nord Stream impacts assessed; Rondo Energy partners with Samsung for Saudi heat battery carbon capture
Circular (4 stories) - Li-Cycle's $15M offering and DOE's $1.5M product lifetime grants, while bamboo tissues emerge as tree-free alternative amid trillion-dollar consumer spending
Ecosystems (12 stories) - LA wildfires and global megafires intensify as Mid-Barataria project gets $1.8B, while Oder Delta restoration and H5N1 spread highlight ecosystem pressures; Japan protects rare rabbit tick amid forest protection rollbacks
Efficiency (3 stories) - Kenyan e-cookers slash costs, while solid-state transformers and HVDC emerge as data center solutions amid EPSA's demand forecast debate
Finance (12 stories) - kWh Analytics' $500K tax credit insurance launch, responsAbility's $350M Asian cleantech fund, and major US banks' Net-Zero Alliance exit mark shifting renewable finance landscape
Grid (15 stories) - ABB acquires Lumin as Germany eyes 226 GW battery projects; Tesla hits 31.4 GWh deployment while Prevalon plans 800-MWh Idaho system; UK and US utilities pivot on renewables amid grid modernization push
Indigenous (11 stories) - Indigenous fire exchanges span 8 states, Fire Learning Network marks 10 years, Pomo tribes aid Clear Lake, Spanish-language burn training unites 8 countries, BC First Nations secure salmon parks
Industry (10 stories) - Major hydrogen developments in Germany and Utah; HIUV's new TOPCon modules; Sublime Systems' cement tech recognition; Enviva dust concerns; AI mill optimization success
Policy (56 stories) - EPA launches safety review of vinyl chloride amid state-level climate lawsuits, as Biden administration faces pushback on Clean Air Act preemption reversal and EU implements strict deforestation regulations
Renewables (30 stories) - ClearVue, AIKO, Boviet Solar, X-Elio, Astronergy, and Trinasolar lead major solar expansions; UC Berkeley launches CALNEXT research center; floating solar potential on federal reservoirs could power 100M homes; IBC solar tech market share drops despite efficiency lead
Transport (17 stories) - BYD leads global EV sales at 4.3M units; Amogy secures $56M for ammonia shipping; Amazon orders 200 Mercedes e-trucks; Harbinger raises $100M for medium-duty EVs; ZeroAvia recognized for hydrogen aircraft tech
Agriculture
Calysta's bacteria-based feed expands as Octopus acquires OX2's agrivoltaics division; SunCulture's solar irrigation and companion planting gain traction amid climate pressures
‘LIFE’ scores map out where habitat loss for crops drives extinction (Mongabay) - Scientists have mapped extinction threats to 30,000 vertebrate species worldwide caused by farmland expansion, creating a new scoring system to guide conservation efforts.
A forgotten farming technique is making a big comeback – here’s why (Yale Climate Connections) - Farmers worldwide are reviving the ancient practice of planting protective companion crops like marigolds alongside main crops, reducing pesticide use as climate change worsens pest challenges.
Can gas fermentation deliver on its green promise for food and feed? In conversation with Calysta (AgFunderNews) - Calysta's methane-eating bacteria produce 4kg of high-protein animal feed per cubic meter hourly, as the company expands from aquaculture into pet food markets.
Octopus Energy swoops for 'agrivoltaics' solar developer OX2 France (BusinessGreen) - Energy giant Octopus has acquired OX2's French solar division, targeting 500MW of agrivoltaics capacity that combines agriculture and solar power by 2031.
Podcast 058: Samir Ibrahim – The story behind an affordable solar-powered irrigation system that is changing the lives of smallholder farmers in Africa (PV Magazine) - Solar-powered irrigation systems from SunCulture are helping sub-Saharan African farmers save up to 60% on costs compared to diesel pumps through flexible payment plans.
Seeds of Change: Farmer Responses to Varietal Replacement and Crop Diversification in Odisha, India (CGIAR) - Limited irrigation access in Odisha leaves 90% of farmers unable to adopt new rice varieties or diversify crops, despite 2.1 million hectares of suitable fallow land.
Trees That Have Never Known Plentiful Rainfall Better Prepared for Drought (Yale E360) - Trees adapted to low rainfall show 32 percent better drought resilience than previously irrigated specimens, which display extreme reactions to water scarcity, researchers report.
On scaling agricultural innovations: Insights from 2024 Scaling Fund winners (CGIAR) - Three agricultural data and financing tools secured $375,000 in total funding to expand their impact across African farming communities.
Thai farmers demand action to restore ecosystems, compensate for invasive fish (Mongabay) - Thai farmers gathered in Bangkok to demand compensation and intervention after invasive blackchin tilapia destroyed local ecosystems and fish farms, causing widespread damage since 2012.
Empowering Ethiopian livestock keepers: A new approach to learning (CGIAR) - Ethiopian livestock extension officials have adopted a new learning model that identifies and shares successful local farming practices through workshops and educational tools.
Carbon
AMOC stability findings contrast ocean warming records, while OMV Petrom and Nord Stream impacts assessed; Rondo Energy partners with Samsung for Saudi heat battery carbon capture
Critical ocean current has not declined in the last 60 years (ScienceDaily) - Scientists report Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation has shown no decline since 1963, based on comprehensive air-sea heat flux data analysis.
Global ocean temperatures set new record in 2024 (Mongabay) - Ocean temperatures soared to unprecedented levels in 2024, with sea surface temperatures rising 0.07°C and heat content increasing by 16 zettajoules above 2023's previous record.
Greenpeace Black Sea protest: Proposed gas project could cause tens of thousands premature deaths (Greenpeace) - Analysis reveals OMV Petrom's Neptun Deep gas project in the Black Sea could trigger 46,000 premature deaths from temperature impacts by 2100.
Nord Stream methane spread across the southern Baltic Sea (ScienceDaily) - Methane from the Nord Stream pipeline leak spread across 14 percent of Baltic waters, contaminating 23 protected marine areas with concentrations reaching 1,000 times normal levels.
Rondo and SAMSUNG E&A partner for Carbon Capture and Direct Air Capture projects in Saudi Arabia (Rondo Energy) - Rondo Energy and Samsung E&A have signed an agreement to develop heat battery-powered carbon capture projects in Saudi Arabia, harnessing the region's low-cost solar capabilities.
Circular
Li-Cycle's $15M offering and DOE's $1.5M product lifetime grants, while bamboo tissues emerge as tree-free alternative amid trillion-dollar consumer spending
$1.1 trillion on fashion. $330 billion on fast food. $869 billion on soft drinks. (Bloomberg) - Global consumers spent a staggering $1.1 trillion on fashion, $869 billion on soft drinks, and $330 billion on fast food during 2023.
How Our Bamboo Facial Tissues Help Maintain Hygiene in Public Spaces? (EcoSoul Home) - Bamboo facial tissues provide a sustainable, germ-fighting solution that regenerates 35 times faster than trees while eliminating harmful chemicals from production.
Li-Cycle Announces Pricing of $15 Million Underwritten Public Offering (Li-Cycle) - Battery recycling firm Li-Cycle has priced its $15 million public offering at $1.00 per unit, combining common shares and warrants to boost working capital.
Re-X Before Recycling Prize To Extend the Lifetimes of Manufactured Products (CleanTechnica) - Ten teams will share $1.5 million in Department of Energy funding to develop solutions extending product lifetimes through reuse, repair, and remanufacturing initiatives.
Ecosystems
LA wildfires and global megafires intensify as Mid-Barataria project gets $1.8B, while Oder Delta restoration and H5N1 spread highlight ecosystem pressures; Japan protects rare rabbit tick amid forest protection rollbacks
Cropped 15 January 2025: LA up in flames; Illegal rewilding in Scotland; COP30 dredging cancelled (Carbon Brief) - Wildfires near Los Angeles have claimed 25 lives and scorched 40,000 acres, while Scotland faces backlash over illegal lynx releases and Brazil halts COP30 port dredging plans.
From the archive: ‘A deranged pyroscape’: how fires across the world have grown weirder – podcast (The Guardian) - Global fires have grown increasingly erratic and hazardous, with experts noting that despite a 25% reduction in total blazes, suppression tactics are inadvertently amplifying megafire threats.
Louisiana Commits $1.8 billion to Critical Coastal Restoration and Protection Projects (Mississippi River Delta) - Louisiana has earmarked $1.8 billion for coastal restoration initiatives in 2026, focusing heavily on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project to address severe land erosion.
Old trees “remember” plentiful water. Youth with less memory might survive a drier world. (Anthropocene Magazine) - Trees grown during wetter periods show greater vulnerability to drought than younger specimens raised in drier conditions, Swiss researchers report.
Rewilding across borders in the Oder Delta (Rewilding Europe) - Cross-border conservation efforts between Germany and Poland have restored 250,000 hectares of wetlands and river ecosystems in the Oder Delta through coordinated environmental initiatives.
Smart tags reveal migratory bats are storm-front surfers (Mongabay) - European common noctule bats migrate distances up to 1,116 kilometers by riding warm winds ahead of storm fronts, new tracking data reveals.
The Demise of the National Old-Growth Amendment: Never Say Never (The Wildlife News) - Federal officials withdrew protections for mature forests across America's public lands, impacting 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands ahead of the incoming administration.
Red squirrels fed on peanuts have weaker jaws – here’s why that matters for conservation (The Conversation) - Red squirrels at Formby reserve show 20% weaker jaw strength when fed peanuts instead of their natural diet, scientists report.
Age of the panzootic: scientists warn of more devastating diseases jumping between species (The Guardian) - Scientists warn H5N1 bird flu has infected 48 mammal species, signaling heightened risks of cross-species transmission amid habitat destruction and industrial farming practices.
Conservation Florida’s “Protect Our Paradise” Docuseries Wins Suncoast Emmy Award (Conservation Florida) - Conservation Florida's six-part docuseries examining the state's endangered wilderness and environmental threats has clinched a prestigious Suncoast Emmy Award.
Saving the Ryukyu Rabbit Tick: The Posterchild of Parasite Conservation (The Revelator) - Japan launches first-ever parasite conservation effort to protect the endangered Ryukyu rabbit tick, which exists solely on Amami rabbits and holds medical research potential.
SGS Expands Sustainability Platform with Launch of Nature Services Suite (ESGToday) - Global testing firm SGS expands its IMPACT NOW platform with new nature services, offering environmental testing and PFAS monitoring to help firms tackle ecological risks.
Efficiency
Kenyan e-cookers slash costs, while solid-state transformers and HVDC emerge as data center solutions amid EPSA's demand forecast debate
Mercy Kyalo Co-Founder & CEO Feion Green Ventures (Energy Alliance) - Kenyan entrepreneur Mercy Kyalo's startup develops large-capacity electric pressure cookers that cut school cooking costs and deforestation by 70% across the nation.
Thought Leadership Video – Delta’s 2025 IEEE Fellow Peter Barbosa on SST Tech for AI Data Centers (Delta Electronics) - Leading power expert Peter Barbosa outlines how solid-state transformers and HVDC tech could solve mounting energy challenges in AI data centers.
Load forecasts from data centers risk falling into irrational exuberance territory (Utility Dive) - Data center electricity demand projections could be vastly inflated, according to the Electric Power Supply Association's chief executive, citing past trends and tech efficiency improvements.
Finance
kWh Analytics' $500K tax credit insurance launch, responsAbility's $350M Asian cleantech fund, and major US banks' Net-Zero Alliance exit mark shifting renewable finance landscape
Addressing ‘a critical market gap’: Tax credit insurance for small-scale distributed generation projects (Renewable Energy World) - Analytics firm kWh Analytics secured $500,000 to create tax credit insurance for renewable energy projects under 20 MW, aiming to boost financing access in small-scale power generation.
Barclays Head of Sustainability Steps Down (ESGToday) - Barclays' sustainability chief Laura Barlow exits her role but remains advisor as Daniel Hanna expands duties to lead sustainable finance initiatives.
GIJN Webinar: How To Acquire Free Satellite Imagery for Your Investigations (GIJN) - Global Investigative Journalism Network will host a webinar on January 27, 2025, teaching reporters how to access and use free satellite imagery for investigations.
GiveDirectly Is Giving Cash to L.A. Fire Victims, No Questions Asked (Heatmap News) - Aid organization GiveDirectly has partnered with Google and Propel to deliver $3,000-$4,000 cash transfers to low-income Los Angeles fire victims, using satellite data to identify recipients.
Hope and Expectation for Bottom-Up Climate Progress (EnergyCentral) - Market forces and private industry will drive climate action forward despite supply chain hurdles, according to The Economist's global energy editor Vijay Vaitheeswaran.
La COP29 establece un nuevo objetivo de financiación climática (BC3) - Nations agree to mobilize $300 billion annually by 2035 for climate action, with total global funding set to reach $1.3 trillion including private sector support.
LiveEO | Ensuring Legal Protection Against Supplier Non-Compliance (LiveEO) - Legal experts CMS and satellite monitoring firm LiveEO launch TradeAware platform to shield companies from supplier non-compliance risks under EUDR regulations.
Major banks are abandoning their climate alliance en masse. So much for ‘woke capital’ | Adrienne Buller (The Guardian) - Major US banks, including JP Morgan, have withdrawn from the Net Zero Banking Alliance amid political pressure and fossil fuel industry threats, marking a significant shift in climate policy.
Mexico Pacific’s Saguaro LNG: “Wrong Project, Wrong Place” (NRDC) - Environmental advocates caution Quantum Capital that its $13bn Saguaro LNG investment endangers marine life and a UNESCO site in Mexico's Gulf of California.
responsAbility Raises Over $350 Million for Asia-Focused Climate Tech Investment Strategy (ESGToday) - Impact investor responsAbility has secured $350 million toward its $500 million target for investing in Asian low-emission technologies aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The 18th Annual Global Cleantech 100 (Evok Innovations) - Six companies backed by Evok Innovations have earned spots on the prestigious 2025 Global Cleantech 100, showcasing leading private firms in sustainability technology.
How Energy Stocks Performed In 2024 (EnergyCentral) - Energy stocks delivered mixed results in 2024, with a 5.6% overall sector return led by midstream firms' 20.8% gains while refiners and producers faced headwinds from tepid oil prices.
Grid
ABB acquires Lumin as Germany eyes 226 GW battery projects; Tesla hits 31.4 GWh deployment while Prevalon plans 800-MWh Idaho system; UK and US utilities pivot on renewables amid grid modernization push
“Battery tsunami:” Projects totalling 226 GW seek grid connection approval in Germany (RenewEconomy) - Grid operators across Germany report a staggering 226 GW of battery storage projects seeking connection approval, dwarfing the nation's existing capacity by 130-fold.
ABB buys energy management platform Lumin to grow North American residential presence (Utility Dive) - Swiss tech giant ABB has acquired US-based Lumin amid forecasts showing residential power use could surge up to 22% by 2050.
Analysis: The climate papers most featured in the media in 2024 (Carbon Brief) - Research warning of Atlantic Ocean current system's potential collapse dominated climate science coverage in 2024, garnering 5,414 mentions across global media outlets.
Assembling diverse resources into super-powered "energy parks" (Volts) - Energy parks that merge renewables, storage, and industrial loads behind single grid connections could reduce costs by up to 30% while easing grid strain, despite regulatory hurdles.
Battery storage is booming. Just look at Tesla (Environment America) - Tesla Energy's battery storage deployment surged to 31.4 GWh in 2024, doubling its capacity and providing enough power for 3,000 American homes annually.
Bipartisan, ‘nonpolitical’ messaging key to achieving DOE’s 2030 VPP goal, analysts say (Utility Dive) - Analysts say bipartisan messaging focused on cost savings, consumer choice and grid resilience is crucial for achieving the Department of Energy's virtual power plant goals by 2030.
EIA extends five key energy forecasts through December 2026 (EIA) - The Energy Information Administration projects surging data center power needs and solar expansion will drive U.S. electricity demand, while oil use slows and LNG exports climb through 2026.
Gridmatic in PV Magazine: California vs. Texas: A comparison of battery energy storage market participation (PV Magazine) - California and Texas, which together host 60% of America's grid batteries, showcase contrasting approaches to energy storage deployment and market participation.
Prevalon Will Provide Second Energy Storage System for Idaho Power (POWER Magazine) - Prevalon Energy will deliver a 200-MW/800-MWh battery storage system to Idaho Power, marking the utility's second major energy storage project aimed at bolstering grid reliability.
Saint Paul-Based Ever-Green Energy Now Leading Operations at Hennepin County Energy Center (Ever-Green Energy) - Saint Paul-based Ever-Green Energy has taken control of Hennepin County Energy Center's steam and chilled water systems, serving 5 million square feet of Minneapolis government facilities.
Scottish National Investment Bank invests £20m in subsea cable manufacturer (BusinessGreen) - The Scottish National Investment Bank has invested £20m to help XLCC construct a Hunterston facility capable of producing thousands of kilometers of subsea cable each year.
Solutions for a Very Fragile Grid (EnergyCentral) - Growing population and aging infrastructure threaten Texas grid stability, with experts calling for urgent updates to power generation and consumer controls to prevent widespread outages.
Study concludes government's clean power mission can cut energy bills (BusinessGreen) - New research reveals UK households could save £200 per year through electricity market reforms tied to the nation's 2030 clean power system target.
The State of Utility Planning, 2024 Q4 (RMI) - US utilities' latest planning documents reveal a 20GW drop in renewable energy targets alongside 12GW more gas capacity, signaling an 8% rise in projected emissions through 2035.
VPP adoption is growing in the US, but not nearly fast enough (Renewable Energy World) - US virtual power plant capacity has reached 33 GW but requires rapid expansion to meet the 80-160 GW target by 2030, according to Department of Energy data.
Indigenous
Indigenous fire exchanges span 8 states, Fire Learning Network marks 10 years, Pomo tribes aid Clear Lake, Spanish-language burn training unites 8 countries, BC First Nations secure salmon parks
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 through 19 prescribed fire exchanges, bolstering community wildfire resilience and 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.
In British Columbia, a Key to Preserving Old Growth Forests: Salmon (Atmos) - Indigenous leaders secure salmon parks and ancestral lands in British Columbia, where research shows one fish can fertilize up to 50 square meters of old-growth forest.
The paradox of balancing conservation efforts for Himalayan wolves and snow leopards (commentary) (Mongabay) - Cultural and religious significance in Nepal drives greater conservation support for snow leopards over Himalayan wolves, despite wolves causing fewer livestock losses.
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."
Winter Funding and Grants Round-Up (Coast Funds) - More than 45 funding opportunities await First Nations across British Columbia, with grants spanning conservation, economic growth, arts, energy, and training through 2025.
Industry
Major hydrogen developments in Germany and Utah; HIUV's new TOPCon modules; Sublime Systems' cement tech recognition; Enviva dust concerns; AI mill optimization success
A Beginner’s Guide to the Hydrogen Economy (Heatmap News) - Scientists explore hydrogen's potential to reshape global energy markets through industrial applications and environmental impacts in latest research findings.
Advancements In TOPCon Technology: HIUV’s Encapsulants (TaiyangNews) - Chinese manufacturer HIUV unveiled three new TOPCon module encapsulation solutions, featuring co-extruded EPE film, dual-glass EVA design, and 0BB interconnection technology.
As world grapples with wood pellets’ climate impacts, North Carolina communities contend with dust and noise (Energy News Network) - Residents near North Carolina's Enviva wood pellet plants are demanding stronger dust control measures amid mounting health concerns in communities surrounding the facilities.
CIP and Friesen Elektra launch 800-MW green hydrogen project in Northern Germany (Energy Central) - Danish and German firms partner to build an 800-megawatt green hydrogen facility in Sande, Germany, backed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners' Energy Transition Fund.
Finding flexibility with AI in cement mills (GridBeyond) - AI-powered cement mill optimization has slashed energy costs by £3.69M per year through automated scheduling and trading during peak periods.
Germany | Hydrogen Grid (Energy Central) - Germany will launch construction of its national hydrogen core grid network in 2025, advancing the nation's ambitious energy infrastructure development plans.
Hydrogen is transforming a tiny Utah coal town. Could its success hold lessons for similar communities? (Utility Dive) - A small Utah coal town has preserved its economic stability through an $840M hydrogen plant conversion, forging a clean energy partnership with Los Angeles.
Quinbrook backed “green” polysilicon plant must pass federal green test first (RenewEconomy) - A proposed $8 billion polysilicon plant in Townsville faces environmental scrutiny over potential impacts on protected species, including rare bats and birds.
Sublime Systems Named to the Global Cleantech 100 (Cleantech Group) - Massachusetts-based Sublime Systems joins the 2024 Global Cleantech 100, earning recognition for its innovative low-carbon cement technology.
To Reduce its Carbon Footprint, UNC Could Burn Pellets Composed of Paper and Plastic (Inside Climate News) - UNC's proposal to burn paper-plastic pellets could cut greenhouse gases by 12%, despite concerns over a 300% increase in toxic VOC emissions.
Policy
EPA launches safety review of vinyl chloride amid state-level climate lawsuits, as Biden administration faces pushback on Clean Air Act preemption reversal and EU implements strict deforestation regulations
‘Criminally reckless’: why LA’s urban sprawl made wildfires inevitable – and how it should rebuild (The Guardian) - Los Angeles' expansion into fire-prone hills has culminated in a $250bn wildfire catastrophe damaging 12,000 homes, sparking demands for vertical development amid climate change concerns.
‘I applaud the EPA’: agency launches formal review of five toxic chemicals (The Guardian) - Federal regulators have initiated a safety review of five hazardous chemicals, including vinyl chloride linked to the East Palestine derailment, potentially leading to nationwide restrictions.
3 Key Questions Ahead of Energy Secretary Confirmation Hearing (Energy Central) - Energy Secretary nominee Chris Wright heads to Capitol Hill facing scrutiny over liquefied natural gas exports, International Energy Agency reforms, and domestic production permits.
3 Takeaways From Chris Wright’s Confirmation Hearing (Heatmap News) - Oil executive Chris Wright garnered bipartisan backing during his Energy Secretary confirmation hearing, with senators praising his nuclear and geothermal stance while he questioned renewable costs.
A national, nonpartisan study of the Los Angeles fires could improve planning for future disasters (The Conversation) - A leading engineering professor urges the National Academies to investigate Los Angeles wildfires, aiming to enhance America's disaster readiness as climate threats intensify.
As Los Angeles burns, 2024 is declared Earth’s hottest on record (RenewEconomy) - Global temperatures surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time, hitting a 1.6°C increase as wildfires rage through Los Angeles.
Australians should be angry about another year of climate inaction. But don’t let your anger turn into despair | Greg Jericho (The Guardian) - Rising insurance costs and record temperatures in 2024 fail to spur Australia's major political parties toward meaningful climate action.
B.C. Premier’s plan to fast-track approval of transmission lines for LNG threatens to increase hydro bills (Stand.earth) - Premier Eby's plan to bypass environmental reviews for $4.7B transmission lines to LNG terminals could drive up residential hydro bills across British Columbia.
California fires: LA fire crews make progress as officials expect ‘much-needed break’ from dangerous weather – as it happened (The Guardian) - Los Angeles firefighters gain control of major wildfires as winds subside, with Eaton fire at 45% containment and Palisades fire at 19%, while 120,000 residents remain without power.
Canada’s water governance and management systems threaten the country’s water supply (The Conversation) - Despite holding 20% of Earth's freshwater, Canada faces severe water security risks due to fragmented governance, excessive consumption, and mounting climate pressures.
Climate ‘whiplash’ events increasing exponentially around world (The Guardian) - Extreme shifts between wet and dry conditions have surged up to 66% worldwide since 1950, with scientists warning these climate whiplash events could double if temperatures rise 3C.
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.
Energy Companies, Legal Experts Call Out Biden Admin’s Flip-Flopping on Climate Precedent (Energy Central) - Energy companies and legal experts blast the Biden administration's reversal on Clean Air Act preemption of state climate lawsuits, citing political motives over legal merit.
Environment America’s 2024 highlights (Environment America) - Environmental advocacy group secured $42M in clean air settlements, safeguarded ancient forests, expanded renewable energy, and enhanced wildlife protections across America in 2024.
Farage and Truss attend UK launch of US climate denial group (The Guardian) - Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage and ex-PM Liz Truss joined the London debut of Heartland UK, a British offshoot of America's Heartland Institute, with UKIP's Lois Perry at its helm.
Ferocious Optimism: Holding on to Hope in an Apocalyptic World (350.org) - Global climate group unveils ambitious plans to expand renewable energy projects and activism across 70 nations, even as Earth surpasses critical 1.5°C warming milestone.
Fossil Fuel Advocate Nigel Farage is Building a House in High Climate Risk Area (DeSmog) - Climate skeptic Nigel Farage is constructing a three-story home in Kent's Romney Marsh, where experts predict severe flooding from rising sea levels by 2100.
Friends of the Earth Voluntarily Dismisses Litigation over Billion Dollar Diablo Canyon Grant After PG&E and California Rapidly Moot the Case (Friends of the Earth) - Environmental group drops $1.1 billion nuclear plant funding lawsuit after California's rapid loan disbursement to PG&E's Diablo Canyon facility renders case moot.
How Climate Change Is Complicating a Beloved Midwest Pastime: Ice Fishing (Inside Climate News) - Warming winters across Minnesota and Wisconsin have shortened ice fishing seasons by up to four weeks and led to more ice-related deaths amid dramatic temperature swings.
I’m a climate scientist and my house in LA burned down. My work has never been more real | Benjamin Hamlington (The Guardian) - NASA climate scientist Benjamin Hamlington faces second climate catastrophe as wildfire destroys his LA home, following earlier hurricane damage to his children's preschool.
Italian police accused of making female activists remove underwear and do squats (The Guardian) - Female climate activists were forced to strip and perform squats at a Brescia police station, while male protesters faced no similar treatment, sparking outrage across Italy.
LA fires show human cost of climate-driven ‘whiplash’ between wet and dry extremes (Climate Home News) - California's climate-fueled wet-dry cycles sparked wildfires that burned 40,000 acres, killed 25 people, and caused $275 billion in damage while forcing 180,000 to evacuate.
LA fires: Long-term exposure to wildfire smoke is poorly understood − and a growing risk (The Conversation) - Experts warn that health risks from prolonged exposure to toxic urban wildfire smoke remain unclear, even as millions face increased contact with contaminated air.
LCV Statements on Senate Nomination Hearings of Chris Wright for Secretary of Energy, Sean Duffy for the Secretary of Transportation and Russell Vought to Lead Office of Management and Budget (LCV) - Environmental advocacy group LCV strongly opposes three Trump cabinet nominees, citing their climate denial stances and deep industry connections.
LiveEO | Legal Obligations for Companies Affected by EUDR (LiveEO) - Companies must now collect geolocation data and assess risks under new EU regulations aimed at eliminating deforestation from supply chains.
LiveEO | Introduction to EUDR Legal Requirements and Best Practices (LiveEO) - New EU regulations require companies to prove seven major commodities, including palm oil and timber, are not linked to deforestation before trading in European markets.
LiveEO | Legal Documentation Required for EUDR Compliance (LiveEO) - New EU regulations mandate extensive documentation, including product details, geolocation data, and supplier contracts, with five-year retention requirements to prove deforestation-free sourcing compliance.
Make space for water by elevating flood-prone buildings (Tyndall Centre) - Rising sea levels prompt calls for elevated buildings in European coastal areas, as research shows only 0.1% of flood-prone structures employ this proven adaptation strategy.
More Chinese solar manufacturers added to UFLPA list for suspected ties to forced labor (Renewable Energy World) - U.S. authorities have expanded their forced labor ban to include 37 additional Chinese solar manufacturers, bringing the total number of blacklisted companies to 144.
Natural gas bans have disproportionately impacted low-income and minority. (EnergyPost) - Investigation reveals Energy Poverty Awareness Center, which fought Maryland's gas ban over minority concerns, maintains direct ties to natural gas industry funding and leadership.
Nepal’s top court strikes down law allowing development in protected areas (Mongabay) - Nepal's Supreme Court has overturned legislation that would have permitted construction projects within the nation's protected areas, which cover 23.39% of its territory.
New Interactive Map Shows Nationwide Pollution from Gas Turbines (EDF) - A new interactive map reveals Texas and Florida as America's top gas turbine polluters, as the EPA weighs stricter emissions standards.
New Study Shows How Fossil Fuel Sectors Create a Climate Denial Echo Chamber on Social Media (PLOS Climate) - Analysis reveals fossil fuel industries orchestrated a coordinated climate denial network on X/Twitter through shared messaging and cross-referencing over a 15-year period from 2008 to 2023.
New York Governor Commits $1 Billion to Decarbonize Economy (ESGToday) - Governor Hochul pledges $1 billion toward New York's clean energy transition, focusing on renewables and nuclear power, while postponing the state's emissions trading program.
Perhaps it’s time to start truly thinking about the hidden cost of our purchases.. (YouTube) - A new study reveals current product pricing fails to account for environmental damage costs, prompting calls for systemic changes to address climate concerns.
Scoop: The Draft Order that Offshore Wind Opponents Sent to Trump (Heatmap News) - Anti-wind advocates have submitted a proposal to Trump's team seeking to freeze permits, halt construction, and mandate federal reviews for all offshore wind projects across America.
SCOTUS Declines to Review Honolulu Climate Case: What’s Next? (Energy Central) - Major oil companies face billions in climate damage claims as Supreme Court allows Honolulu's lawsuit to proceed in state courts.
Texas Is Unprepared for Compound Climate Disasters (Inside Climate News) - Texas remains ill-equipped to handle multiple climate catastrophes, as Hurricane Beryl revealed systemic failures in emergency responses that left vulnerable populations at heightened risk.
The Columbia River: Resilient and Healthy River Communities Series (EESI) - Experts examine climate solutions and community partnerships to protect the Columbia River basin's ecosystem while sustaining vital hydropower operations.
The Hidden Dangers of Living Near a Landfill (Moms Clean Air Force) - Living near landfills poses severe health risks, as these sites, located within 3 miles of homes, contribute 14% of U.S. methane emissions and release toxic pollutants including PFAS chemicals.
Trump energy chief pick says linking wildfires to climate crisis is ‘hype’ (The Guardian) - Energy secretary nominee Chris Wright rejected scientific evidence linking climate change to wildfires during Senate hearings, even as California battles devastating blazes claiming multiple lives.
Trump’s Marching Orders for Secretary of State on Climate: Abandon Ship (NRDC) - US Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio signals Trump administration's intent to withdraw from Paris climate accord and end America's role in global environmental initiatives.
We hit the temperature record. Now what? Reasons to (still) look forward to 2025 nature and climate action (Nature4Climate) - Despite 2024's record heat, experts anticipate major climate progress in 2025 through enhanced nature funding, biodiversity reforms, and Brazil's Amazon-focused COP30 summit.
What do the Los Angeles fires tell us about the coming water wars? | Judith Levine (The Guardian) - Private firefighters protecting wealthy Los Angeles homes during wildfires expose widening water-access gaps, as 85% of residents face reduced public services amid climate pressures.
What If Kathy Hochul Is Violating New York’s Climate Law? (Heatmap News) - New York Governor Hochul risks legal action after missing crucial January deadline for emissions regulations needed to achieve state's 40% reduction target by 2030.
What the Oil and Gas Industry Expects from Trump (Heatmap News) - Industry lobbyists anticipate Trump will reverse Biden's drilling restrictions, emissions regulations, and Paris Agreement commitments through executive action targeting US energy policy.
What Trump’s second term means for climate action in the US and beyond (Climate Home News) - A second Trump presidency could see the US exit the Paris Agreement again and slash climate funding, though clean energy tax breaks may endure with cross-party backing.
Why the Weather Report Takes on a Whole New Meaning (EnergyCentral) - Weather forecasts and evacuation plans gain critical significance as California faces increasing wildfire threats, with extreme weather events occurring 50% more often than a decade ago.
Wright Champions Fossil Fuels in DOE Confirmation Hearing (NRDC) - Energy nominee Chris Wright dismissed climate risks and wildfire concerns during Senate testimony, advocating for fossil fuels as Los Angeles battled ongoing blazes.
A baker’s dozen of food chemicals the FDA should ban next (EWG) - Health advocates urge FDA to prohibit 13 chemicals, including PFAS, BPA and titanium dioxide, following recent Red Dye No. 3 ban.
Ameren Missouri seeks rate hike amid mounting disconnections (Energy and Policy Institute) - Missouri utility giant Ameren seeks 15.5% rate increase despite reporting $1.15B profits in 2023 and disconnecting 90,000 customers this year.
Ceasefire Deal Will Save Lives (Win Without War) - Aid groups welcome the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement while calling for sustained U.S. diplomatic pressure to secure lasting peace in Gaza.
How luxury real estate benefits from Montana’s agricultural tax code (High Country News) - Montana's lenient farm-use standards enable owners of 3,000 luxury homes to slash property taxes by valuing land at production rather than market rates.
State of American Energy 2025: Secure American Energy Leadership (Energy Central) - US energy sector leaders propose five-point strategy to boost American energy exports and drilling, targeting 12.5 million barrels of daily oil production by 2025.
Escalating armed conflict is most urgent threat for world in 2025, say global leaders (The Guardian) - Global experts warn armed conflict poses the gravest immediate risk in 2025, according to a survey of 900 leaders, while climate concerns loom largest over the next decade.
Why a comedian is using jokes to talk about climate change (Yale Climate Connections) - British comedian Stuart Goldsmith tackles climate change through stand-up comedy, helping audiences cope with eco-anxiety while inspiring environmental action.
Renewables
ClearVue, AIKO, Boviet Solar, X-Elio, Astronergy, and Trinasolar lead major solar expansions; UC Berkeley launches CALNEXT research center; floating solar potential on federal reservoirs could power 100M homes; IBC solar tech market share drops despite efficiency lead
“Dynamic market:” ClearVue signs new deal to expand further into Middle East (RenewEconomy) - Australian solar glass maker ClearVue expands into UAE markets through new distribution deal with Alutec subsidiary Dune MENA General Trading.
3rd Annual Advanced Biofuels Forum (Energy Central) - Global energy experts will converge in Amsterdam next May for a two-day summit exploring advancements in biofuel technology and sustainable fuel alternatives.
AIKO Partners with Nordlys NTNU to Drive Solar Innovation in the World Solar Challenge (TaiyangNews) - AIKO's high-efficiency ABC cells will power Norway's first solar racing team, Nordlys NTNU, in their 3,000km World Solar Challenge debut across Australia.
AIKO’s Future Course Includes Tandem Back Contact Solar Cells (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar manufacturer AIKO plans to boost cell efficiency by developing tandem back contact technology for its new INFINITE module series.
Another Day, Another Solar Factory Opens In The US (CleanTechnica) - Vietnamese firm Boviet Solar's $294 million North Carolina factory will create 900 jobs and generate $2.9 billion in economic activity while producing 2 gigawatts of solar panels by 2025.
Asia Pacific Solar PV News Snippets: X-Elio Seeking Approval For 720 MW Australian Solar & Storage Farm & More (TaiyangNews) - Spanish developer X-Elio seeks approval for a 720 MW solar farm with 2,880 MWh storage in Queensland, while Asia-Pacific deals include Pertamina's $115M Citicore stake and Nozomi's 312 MW Japanese acquisition.
ASTRO N Series Obtained Singapore COC with Highest Fire Performance Rating (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy's ASTRO N Series TOPCon solar modules have secured Singapore's Class A fire safety certification, marking the highest rating available for rooftop installations.
Bord Gáis Energy Completes Swyft Energy Acquisition In Ireland (TaiyangNews) - Irish energy supplier Bord Gáis Energy's acquisition of Swyft Energy aims to deliver 10,000 solar installations by 2030, advancing its 2045 net zero target.
Brazil’s Operational Solar PV Capacity Now Exceeds 52 GW, Says ABSOLAR (TaiyangNews) - Brazil has joined the world's top solar energy producers, reaching 52 GW total capacity after adding 17 GW in 2023, making it the sixth nation to surpass the 50 GW milestone.
China Has Plans For A Gigantic Solar Array In Space (CleanTechnica) - Chinese scientists aim to construct a kilometer-wide solar array in geostationary orbit, capable of transmitting microwave energy to Earth with ten times the efficiency of terrestrial panels.
China Solar PV News Snippets: Trinasolar Ships 170 GW Of 210-mm Modules & More (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar giant Trinasolar has shipped 170 GW of 210-mm modules since 2018, representing 45% of global industry shipments totaling 380 GW.
Floating solar project converts former gravel pit into 20 MW power generating pond (RenewEconomy) - A former French gravel pit has been transformed into a 20MW floating solar facility, now powering 7,250 homes in the Alsace region.
French IPP Générale du Solaire Completes 20 MW Floating Solar Project (TaiyangNews) - French solar developer Générale du Solaire has deployed a 20 MW floating solar installation in Alsace that will generate 21,750 MWh annually using Ciel & Terre's Hydrelio technology.
FTC Solar Appoints New Chief Commercial Officer (TaiyangNews) - Solar industry veteran Kent James, with 7 GW of utility-scale projects at Primoris during his 20-year career, joins FTC Solar as Chief Commercial Officer to spearhead North American operations.
Huasun Marks 10 GW in Global Shipments, Ushering in New Chapter for HJT Solar Technology (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar maker Huasun Energy has achieved 10 GW in total HJT module shipments globally, with 6 GW delivered in 2024.
Is it a cost-of-living election or a nuclear power election? Peter Dutton can’t have it both ways (RenewEconomy) - UK's Sizewell C nuclear costs surge to £40 billion while Australia's opposition touts nuclear power plan with disputed claims of 44% savings over renewable energy.
LONGi’s HPBC Inching Closer To 29.4% Theoretical Cell Efficiency Limit (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar giant LONGi's HPBC 2.0 cell technology hits 26.6% efficiency, edging closer to 29.4% theoretical limit as firm targets 27% with heterojunction technology by 2026.
New Interagency Study Finds Further Expansion of Renewable Energy Production on Federal Lands Could Power Millions More American Homes by 2035 (CleanTechnica) - Federal lands could generate 7,700 GW of renewable energy, with up to 84 GW achievable by 2035 using just 0.5% of available space, according to a new government study.
New solar research center targets rapid utility-scale expansion (Renewable Energy World) - A $6.5M partnership between Nextracker and UC Berkeley will establish CALNEXT Center for Solar Energy Research, aiming to accelerate utility-scale solar deployment and workforce training.
NREL: US Reservoirs Can Host Up Over 1 TW DC Floating Solar Capacity (NREL) - Federal reservoirs across America could host 1.042 TW DC of floating solar panels, generating enough clean energy annually to power 100 million homes.
Powering the future: Accelerating global renewable electricity deployment and infrastructure development (We Mean Business Coalition) - Global renewable electricity deployment reached a record 473GW in 2023, backed by $3 trillion in energy investments, though infrastructure gaps continue hindering worldwide access.
Renewable energy platform attracts $1 billion investment from Brookfield (Renewable Energy World) - Global investment firm Brookfield Asset Management has injected $1 billion into Origis Energy to expand solar and battery storage projects across America.
Study finds major public knowledge gaps on renewables – and they’re being filled with misinformation (RenewEconomy) - New research shows Australians vastly underrate both public backing and actual deployment of renewable energy amid growing waves of coordinated misinformation efforts.
Subscribe for solar: how community solar can help everyone get clean energy (Environment America) - Community solar projects, now numbering 3,400 across America, allow households without rooftop panels to buy energy from local solar farms, with potential to power 90 million homes.
Trump Inherits A Floating Solar Bonanza (CleanTechnica) - Federal reservoirs could generate enough floating solar power for 100 million American homes, producing 1,042 gigawatts annually, according to a new Department of Energy study.
US could deploy up to 84 GW of renewables on federal land by 2035: NREL (Utility Dive) - Federal lands could host up to 84 GW of renewable energy by 2035, meeting 10% of America's clean energy needs for net-zero emissions, according to a new NREL study.
USDA awards $6B to rural clean power initiatives (Canary Media) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture will distribute $6 billion to rural electric cooperatives across 30 states for developing wind, solar and battery projects.
Verterra Welcomes New Lead Electrical Engineer Brian Petschel (Verterra Energy) - Hydropower firm Verterra Energy has appointed Brian Petschel, a 20-year veteran of ILT, UTC Aerospace, and Control Concepts, as Lead Electrical Engineer.
IBC Technology: Efficiency Leader With Limited Representation In 2024 (TaiyangNews) - IBC solar technology retains its efficiency crown but sees market share drop to 7% from 11%, with only 4 manufacturers producing these cells in 2024.
Solar problems solved: tough roofs, bad weather, remote projects (Aurora Solar) - New software enables solar installers to assess complex roofs and remote sites without physical visits, eliminating weather delays and cutting project costs.
Transport
BYD leads global EV sales at 4.3M units; Amogy secures $56M for ammonia shipping; Amazon orders 200 Mercedes e-trucks; Harbinger raises $100M for medium-duty EVs; ZeroAvia recognized for hydrogen aircraft tech
2nd Annual Electric Vehicle Battery and Recycling Forum (Energy Central) - Industry experts will gather in Amsterdam next February to explore EV battery recycling solutions at a two-day forum expected to shape Europe's sustainable transport future.
3rd Annual EV Charging Infrastructure Forum (Energy Central) - Global leaders will gather in Amsterdam for a pivotal forum addressing EV charging networks, as cities worldwide aim to boost electric vehicle adoption and combat range anxiety.
Amazon to Invest Over $1 Billion to Decarbonize Deliveries in Europe (ESGToday) - Amazon pledges $1 billion to cut European delivery emissions, ordering 200 Mercedes electric trucks while expanding charging networks across the continent.
Amogy raises $56M to commercialize ammonia for heavy duty transit (Canary Media) - New York startup Amogy has secured $56 million in funding to advance ammonia-powered shipping technology, bringing its total investment to $270 million since 2020.
Brazil’s Amazon shipping plan faces criticism for environmental and social impact (Mongabay) - Brazil's ambitious 2,000km Amazon waterway project faces mounting opposition amid incomplete environmental studies, drought risks, and claims of insufficient Indigenous community engagement.
California pulls diesel phase-out request to EPA ahead of Trump administration (The Guardian) - California withdraws requests for diesel emissions regulations on trains and trucks from the EPA, citing approval delays and expected pushback from the incoming Trump administration.
Clean energy pioneer’s lab destroyed in suspected arson attack in Liverpool (The Guardian) - A Liverpool scientist's fuel cell research lab and ten years of clean energy data were destroyed in a suspected arson attack, threatening advances in heavy transport technology.
Colombia EV Sales Report: EVs Grow 159% YoY, Reach Record 8.5% Market Share in December! (CleanTechnica) - Colombian electric vehicle sales soared 159% from last year to capture 8.5% of December's market share, fueled by affordable Chinese models and BYD's strong presence.
E-Mobility and Infrastructure Africa Summit (Energy Central) - African leaders will gather in Nairobi for a two-day summit next May to advance electric mobility policies and strengthen the continent's EV value chain development.
Electric Vehicle Sales Leaders — Best Selling OEMs, Part 4 of 4 (CleanTechnica) - Chinese automaker BYD dominates global electric vehicle sales with 4.3M units, outpacing Tesla's 2M and Geely's 1.5M, as industry forecasts suggest BYD will lead battery-only sales by 2025.
EV Startup Harbinger Raises $100 Million to Meet Demand for Electric Trucks (ESGToday) - Electric vehicle manufacturer Harbinger secured $100 million in Series B funding to scale production of cost-competitive medium-duty truck platforms.
How the world’s tallest bridge saves thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions (The Conversation) - France's iconic Millau Viaduct cuts 25,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions yearly through reduced traffic and shorter routes, recovering its 105,000-tonne construction footprint within ten years.
Rideshare Drivers’ Access to EV Charging: What’s Working, What’s Not (RMI) - New data shows rideshare EV drivers depend heavily on home charging, as limited public infrastructure and housing costs create barriers for wider adoption among ride-hailing workers.
Volkswagen ID.7 Goes 941 Kilometers (585 Miles) On One Charge (CleanTechnica) - Volkswagen's ID.7 Pro S achieved a remarkable 941-kilometer range during Italian testing, consuming just 9.2 kWh per 100km while maintaining 29 km/h average speeds.
World Sustainable Aviation Fuel Forum (Energy Central) - Industry leaders and policymakers will gather in Amsterdam next February to address sustainable aviation fuel development, as global demand surges toward projected $1.2 trillion by 2050.
ZeroAvia Named on the 2025 Global Cleantech 100 (ZeroAvia) - Leading hydrogen-electric aviation firm ZeroAvia has secured a spot on the 2025 Global Cleantech 100 list for its zero-emission aircraft propulsion technology.
XPENG CEO: “Elimination Round” Hitting in Chinese EV Market in 2025 (CleanTechnica) - Chinese EV market faces dramatic consolidation between 2025-2027, with only seven of forty current manufacturers expected to survive, warns XPENG's CEO.
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