Networked Learning for Climate Resilience

It's Monday and there's a lot of work to do! Luckily, we don't have to do it alone. In fact, we'll do much better if we don't.

The World Resources Institute and partners just published a report about nearly 300 nature based and green-grey solutions to climate resilience: what worked, what didn't, what's needed for more success. I discussed it in detail here on LinkedIn if you'd like to help me stir up discussion. (Our LinkedIn post on Friday about Bloomberg Terminals adding climate risk now has 25,000 impressions and tons of interesting people commenting on it!)

Network effects are our strength, especially at a time of declining federal support. This WRI project builds a virtuous cycle of project incubation, cohort analysis for lessons learned, and feeding that back into incubating the next cohort of projects.

That's similar to the spirit we offer these daily news round-ups in!

And now we offer you the best updates from around the green tech and sustainability world today. Email subscribers get 3 just for you.

PS: We just posted the free registration link and details for our Green Tech Startup Sessions call #3. It's going to be the biggest and best one yet! We'd love for you to join us.

-Marshall Kirkpatrick

Earth Catalyst: We provide thought leadership support systems and bespoke consulting for green tech and sustainability organizations.

 

Today and every day, our system scans over 1,100 green tech and sustainability organizations for updates. Below, you'll find:

• A Visual of the Day

• A digest-style Table of Contents for selected updates from around the green tech and sustainability world

• (If you subscribe by email) 3 personalized selections just for you and your work

Did a friend forward you this newsletter? Welcome! You can subscribe here and get your own personal recommendations each day.

Visual of the Day

A cascade of benefits

Click to expand, from WRI's report Growing Resilience: Unlocking the Potential of Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Today's Updates

• Table of Contents

  
  

  •  Agriculture (5 stories) - AeroFarms leadership change, Ohio solar farm support, UK local food mandate, Florida backyard chickens, and food security legislation shape agricultural landscape

  •  Carbon (2 stories) - Scotland's net zero shortfall and Ukraine conflict's 230 MtCO2e emissions impact

  •  Circular (1 story) - NC nonprofit redistributes donated solar equipment to hurricane victims through free store initiative

  •  Ecosystems (7 stories) - Forest Service sued over Utah logging impact on Pinyon Jay; pet flea treatments contaminate ecosystems; African green infrastructure projects expand; raccoon dogs linked to COVID origins

  •  Efficiency (3 stories) - Home wildfire resilience tactics, Chilean desert fog harvesting systems, and ABB's energy upgrades deliver major facility savings

  •  Finance (1 story) - HSBC pushes net-zero targets to 2050, Microsoft raises AI emissions concerns, as climate startups secure $200M+ funding

  •  Grid (4 stories) - Saudi's 12.5GWh BYD deal, NSW's 400MWh battery project, Japan's nuclear revival, and Pilbara's gas vs renewables debate reshape grid landscapes

  •  Indigenous (2 stories) - Appalachian activists advance food sovereignty and environmental protection while challenging resource extraction impacts

  •  Industry (8 stories) - LNG exports strain Australian supply; US sees 160 new clean energy plants; Rosatom expands Iran nuclear work; EPA finds Max Environmental violations; Hill & Knowlton's fossil fuel PR legacy; Labour pledges Grangemouth investment

  •  Policy (12 stories) - Xcel Energy's Minnesota carbon plan, Texas solar growth despite SB 714/819, Canada's $35B pipeline expansion, and Trump-era Paris Agreement impacts shape policy landscape

  •  Renewables (3 stories) - UbiQD acquires BlueDot's perovskite tech for solar efficiency gains; Victoria's Raywood farm faces fire shutdown

  •  Transport (6 stories) - BMW Gen6 battery tech promises 570-mile range; NEVI program suspension impacts New England; V2G roadmap advances; Miami-Dade's e-bus fleet stalls; dealerships adapt to EV shift; Omoda & Jaecoo enters Philippines

  
  

  
  

   Agriculture

  AeroFarms leadership change, Ohio solar farm support, UK local food mandate, Florida backyard chickens, and food security legislation shape agricultural landscape

  
  

  • Smashing rural solar stereotypes (Canary Media) - Ohio agrivoltaics project reveals majority of rural residents support solar development, contradicting common anti-solar narratives and repeat commenters.

  • Backyard chickens: Floridians start raising hens to combat rising egg prices (The Guardian) - Florida residents turn to backyard chicken-keeping amid soaring egg prices and food security concerns, despite complex local regulations.

  • Labour hopes to heal rift with farmers with public sector food targets (The Guardian) - Labour government plans to mandate 50% British-sourced food in public sector institutions to repair strained relations with farmers following inheritance tax changes.

  • Babylon Micro-Farms Appoints Marc Oshima as New CEO to Scale the Business Globally (Babylon Micro-Farms) - Indoor farming pioneer appoints AeroFarms co-founder Marc Oshima as CEO to expand 300-farm network across 40 states and 5 countries.

  • Food Insecurity: The Sources, Storage, and Stability Act – Certificate in Public Leadership Dec 2024 (EOPA) - Lawmakers propose "Sources, Storage, and Stability Act" to combat food insecurity through local food systems, storage infrastructure, and disaster preparedness networks.

  
  

   Carbon

  Scotland's net zero shortfall and Ukraine conflict's 230 MtCO2e emissions impact

  
  

  • Scotland ‘likely to miss net zero climate target by up to 20m tonnes’ (The Guardian) - Scotland projected to miss its 2045 net zero emissions target by up to 20 million tonnes despite government pledges, internal assessments reveal.

  • Warfare Now Largest Source of Ukraine’s Annual Carbon Emissions, Report Warns on Third Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion (Earth.org) - Ukraine's warfare emissions reach 230 MtCO2e in three years of conflict, equivalent to four European countries' annual emissions combined.

  
  

   Circular

  NC nonprofit redistributes donated solar equipment to hurricane victims through free store initiative

  
  

  • ‘Free store’ for solar and batteries (Canary Media) - North Carolina nonprofit launches 'free store' to redistribute donated solar panels and batteries to communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

  
  

   Ecosystems

  Forest Service sued over Utah logging impact on Pinyon Jay; pet flea treatments contaminate ecosystems; African green infrastructure projects expand; raccoon dogs linked to COVID origins

  
  

  • Alliance for the Wild Rockies Sues the Forest Service Over ~1 Million Acres of ‘Treatments’ (The Wildlife News) - Environmental groups sue Forest Service over million-acre logging and burning project threatening endangered Pinyon Jay habitat in Utah's Manti-La Sal National Forest.

  • Flea treatments are turning our pets into an environmental hazard – there has to be a better way | Sophie Pavelle (The Guardian) - Research reveals widespread environmental contamination from pet flea treatments, with pesticides found in bird nests and rivers, prompting calls for stricter regulation and alternative solutions.

  • How Ecosystems Recover After A Fire (Earth.org) - Ecosystems can naturally recover from wildfires through ecological succession, but climate change and larger fires are making recovery more difficult and requiring human intervention.

  • Out Now: Nature-Based Solutions in Africa and the Green-Gray Infrastructure Accelerator (WRI) - New report analyzes 300 nature-based projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and launches Green-Gray Infrastructure Accelerator to scale climate resilience solutions across 11 African cities.

  • Where did COVID-19 come from? Evidence points to raccoon dogs (Nature) - Evidence suggests raccoon dogs at Wuhan market were likely intermediate host that transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to humans, though other animals remain possible candidates.

  • How birds deepen our awareness of nature: Interview with Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok (Mongabay) - Thai bird conservationist Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok discusses how species identification leads to deeper environmental awareness and highlights key threats to Thailand's 1,100 bird species.

  • Phantom, Gupouk, Kinship, Capital, Salmon, Flood (Places Journal) - February newsletter features articles on ecological resilience, public health infrastructure, and radical care models examining mental health facilities, communal living, and climate impacts.

  
  

   Efficiency

  Home wildfire resilience tactics, Chilean desert fog harvesting systems, and ABB's energy upgrades deliver major facility savings

  
  

  • What Does It Mean To Home Harden? (The Wildlife News) - Expert outlines key home-hardening strategies against wildfires, emphasizing ember protection, defensible space, and fire-resistant materials over distant forest management.

  • Why not harvest the fog? (Grist) - Scientists study fog collection systems in Chile's Atacama Desert that could harvest 2.5L water per square meter daily, offering sustainable water source for world's driest regions.

  • ABB South Carolina Facility Could Save At Least $150,000/Year From Sustainability Initiatives (CleanTechnica) - ABB's South Carolina facility implements comprehensive sustainability measures including HVAC modernization, LED lighting, and solar installation, projecting annual savings of $150,000.

  
  

   Finance

  HSBC pushes net-zero targets to 2050, Microsoft raises AI emissions concerns, as climate startups secure $200M+ funding

  
  

  • ESG Today: Week in Review (ESG Today) - Major sustainability news includes HSBC's 20-year net zero delay, Microsoft's AI climate concerns, and multiple climate tech funding rounds totaling over $200M.

  
  

   Grid

  Saudi's 12.5GWh BYD deal, NSW's 400MWh battery project, Japan's nuclear revival, and Pilbara's gas vs renewables debate reshape grid landscapes

  
  

  • APA admits slow progress in Pilbara renewables, as gas industry splits over pipelines and imports (RenewEconomy) - APA reports slow renewable energy progress in Pilbara region while focusing on expanding gas pipeline infrastructure amid industry disagreements over supply strategies.

  • BYD inks a monster BESS deal (Keep Cool) - BYD signs massive 12.5 GWh battery storage deal with Saudi Electricity Company for grid-connected project.

  • Construction starts on large battery project next to Australia’s biggest solar farm (RenewEconomy) - Construction begins on 200MW/400MWh battery storage system adjacent to Australia's largest solar farm in New South Wales, with potential for future expansion to 1,400MW capacity.

  • Japan Commits To Maximum Use Of Nuclear Power (EnergyNews) - Japan commits to maximizing nuclear power usage, aiming to restore nearly all reactors to meet rising data center electricity demands.

  
  

   Indigenous

  Appalachian activists advance food sovereignty and environmental protection while challenging resource extraction impacts

  
  

  • ‘Fixing a problem we didn’t cause’: the Black Appalachian activists cultivating community power (The Guardian) - Black Appalachian activists lead environmental justice, midwifery, and food sovereignty initiatives to combat systemic inequities and resource extraction impacts in historically overlooked communities.

  • "Feasting and Fasting" (Deut. 26, Luke 4) (Creation Justice Ministries) - Religious leaders discuss biblical texts on feasting and fasting while exploring themes of environmental justice and community transformation in new podcast episode.

  
  

   Industry

  LNG exports strain Australian supply; US sees 160 new clean energy plants; Rosatom expands Iran nuclear work; EPA finds Max Environmental violations; Hill & Knowlton's fossil fuel PR legacy; Labour pledges Grangemouth investment

  
  

  • Energy consumers pick up the bill as gas industry prioritises export windfalls (RenewEconomy) - Australian gas industry prioritizes lucrative LNG exports over domestic supply, leading to higher consumer costs and looming supply shortages in eastern states.

  • How a New York PR Agency Helped the U.S. Oil Industry Conquer Australia (DeSmog) - New York PR firm Hill & Knowlton exported Big Oil's influence tactics to Australia in the 1950s, helping establish industry-friendly media relations and public messaging strategies still used today.

  • Keir Starmer pledges £200m for Grangemouth oil refinery site (The Guardian) - Labour leader pledges £200m state investment to attract new companies to Grangemouth oil refinery site amid job losses and union pressure.

  • Labor targets wind towers, batteries and electrolysers in $500 million local content support (RenewEconomy) - Australian government pledges $500 million to boost local manufacturing of wind towers, batteries, and electrolysers using domestic steel and aluminum.

  • Manufacturers Continue To Move To Renewable Energy-Powered Production (CleanTechnica) - US clean energy manufacturing surges with 160 new facilities announced since 2022, driven by IRA tax credits and creating 100,000 jobs despite political headwinds.

  • Pollution From a Pennsylvania Landfill Caused Problems for Decades. Fracking Waste Made It Worse (Inside Climate News) - Pennsylvania landfill's decades-long pollution worsened by fracking waste intake, with radioactive contamination detected in local waterways and ongoing EPA violations.

  • Russia Planning to Build More Nuclear Reactors in Iran (PowerMag) - Russia's Rosatom announces plans to construct additional nuclear reactors in Iran, expanding beyond existing Bushehr facility amid ongoing bilateral energy cooperation.

  • The ‘Horror Story’ of Hazardous Waste in a Small Pennsylvania Town (InsideClimateNews) - EPA inspection reveals severe hazardous waste violations at Max Environmental landfill in Yukon, PA, including improper waste treatment, structural damage, and toxic leakage into local water.

  
  

   Policy

  Xcel Energy's Minnesota carbon plan, Texas solar growth despite SB 714/819, Canada's $35B pipeline expansion, and Trump-era Paris Agreement impacts shape policy landscape

  
  

  • ‘An ode to Altadena’: LA arts community bands together to support fire-ravaged neighborhood (The Guardian) - Los Angeles arts community launches multi-million dollar initiatives and archival projects to preserve cultural legacy of fire-ravaged Altadena neighborhood.

  • Build a Better Business Model – Certificate in Public Leadership Policy Dec 2024 (USF) - Public leadership program trains officials on building sustainable business partnerships through 7-week certificate course focused on climate policy and community engagement.

  • Canada Plants A Big Wet Kiss On Oil Pipelines (CleanTechnica) - Canada commits $35 billion to expand oil pipeline infrastructure amid US trade tensions, despite environmental concerns and questionable economic viability.

  • Donald Trump Made Al Gore Nervous (Climate One) - Al Gore reveals Trump's Paris Agreement exit initially sparked fears of global withdrawal, but other nations instead strengthened climate commitments.

  • Housing Equity through Local Partnerships – Certificate in Public Leadership Policy Dec 2024 (USF) - Local officials propose "Housing Equity through Local Partnerships" program to address climate-driven displacement through coordinated housing services funded by parcel tax.

  • Is Trump Setting Off A Terrible Nuclear Domino Effect? (CleanTechnica) - Trump's potential Ukraine concessions to Russia raise concerns about nuclear proliferation risks in Asia, particularly regarding Taiwan's nuclear latency capabilities.

  • Next Wednesday | Prep Your Climate Coverage: Spring Weather (Covering Climate Now) - Journalism initiative announces webinar series to help North American reporters better cover climate change impacts on severe spring weather.

  • Texas Lawmakers Scramble To Stop Solar Energy But It Just Keeps Coming (CleanTechnica) - Texas solar energy expansion continues despite Republican lawmakers' attempts to pass restrictive bills SB 714 and SB 819, with state claiming 25% of US solar additions in 2024.

  • The Global To-Do List: One year, seven actions. (clip) (Climate Group) - Global climate action organization unveils seven-point action plan for governments and businesses to accelerate immediate climate progress within one year.

  • The Global To-Do List: Unleash renewables (Climate Group) - Global climate action initiative urges governments to remove regulatory barriers and streamline permitting to achieve 2030 renewable energy tripling targets.

  • Trump Pulls US Out of Key Global Climate Assessment Ahead of Meeting in China (Earth.org) - Trump administration withdraws US from IPCC climate assessment meetings and halts federal scientists' participation in global climate research.

  • Xcel says it will meet Minnesota carbon-free law 5 years early (Star Tribune) - Xcel Energy plans to meet Minnesota's 2040 carbon-free mandate five years early through coal closures, nuclear extensions, new gas plant and expanded renewables.

  
  

   Renewables

  UbiQD acquires BlueDot's perovskite tech for solar efficiency gains; Victoria's Raywood farm faces fire shutdown

  
  

  • New New Perovskite Solar Treatment Cuts The Cost Of Solar Power By 10% (CleanTechnica) - US startup UbiQD acquires BlueDot Photonics, introducing perovskite treatment that increases silicon solar panel efficiency by 16% while reducing solar power costs by 10%.

  • Solar IS the moment! (SEIA) - National poll reveals widespread bipartisan support for solar energy, with majority agreeing it boosts economy, saves money, and addresses climate change.

  • Victoria solar farm shut down after fire in on-site inverters, must mow grass (RenewEconomy) - Victoria's 20MW Raywood solar farm shut down after inverter fire spreads to grass, requiring vegetation management before restart.

  
  

   Transport

  BMW Gen6 battery tech promises 570-mile range; NEVI program suspension impacts New England; V2G roadmap advances; Miami-Dade's e-bus fleet stalls; dealerships adapt to EV shift; Omoda & Jaecoo enters Philippines

  
  

  • Efficiency Gains Will Give BMW Neue Klasse Electric Cars 30% More Range (CleanTechnica) - BMW's new Neue Klasse electric vehicles to achieve 30% more range through Gen6 battery technology and improved drivetrain efficiency, promising up to 570 miles per charge.

  • Rural New England needs EV chargers for tourism. The Trump administration is making it harder to build them. (Grist) - Trump administration's suspension of $5B NEVI program threatens rural New England tourism revenue by hampering critical EV charging infrastructure expansion.

  • The Driven Podcast: Where are we at with V2G? (RenewEconomy) - Race to 2030 expert discusses new roadmap for vehicle-to-grid technology implementation and industry developments in electric vehicle battery storage integration.

  • Miami’s EV bus fleet breaks down (Canary Media) - Miami-Dade and Broward counties' $126M electric bus fleet breaks down within first year as manufacturer declares bankruptcy, leaving vehicles unrepaired amid parts shortage.

  • Can Auto Dealerships Survive the Squeeze? (CleanTechnica) - Auto dealerships face existential challenge as EVs require less servicing and price wars squeeze traditional profit models based on ICE vehicle maintenance.

  • Omoda & Jaecoo Finally Launches in the Philippines (CleanTechnica) - Chinese automaker Omoda & Jaecoo launches electric and hybrid vehicles in Philippines, expanding Asian presence with Omoda C5, E5, and Jaecoo EJ6 models.