The fires in LA continue to rage. Across the updates we've summarized from around the green tech and sustainability world today, the word fire appears 138 times. In aggregate, these updates represent a fundamental shift from relying on centralized fire control to embracing distributed, preventative measures.
The fire specialist community is passing around this article in the LA Times: Inconvenient truths about the fires burning in Los Angeles from two fire experts. In it, fire scientist Jack Cohen and fire historian Stephen J. Pyne argue that these urban fires could have been mitigated if communities had focused more on preventing ember ignitions through home care rather than solely trying to control wildfires. They tell stories of tree canopies standing unburned while tiny embers are blown from house to house by high winds.
Contrast
I think this represents an example of the kind of distributed, collaborative, local, and systemic responsibility I'm hearing so many people shift their thinking toward - a contrast with the strong-man centralized promises of government agencies and arguably especially, the incoming US federal administration. On our failure to prevent explosive fire spread, "Cohen calls it a sense of entitlement that we will be protected, a feeling that is reinforced by fire protection agencies, even when it’s unrealistic."
Or, as a synthetic focus group of 10 personas I ran analyzing this email intro concluded in its aggregate analysis: "our approach to fire management reflects and influences larger patterns of social organization and responsibility."
Many people will likely read this Bloomberg post about the design choices of homes that survived the LA fires. I recommend that readers here also read Kevin Jones' post about the regenerative possibilities opening up and finding momentum in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Helene in September.
Thanks for joining us here.
-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 137 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
Hay! You can do it by hand
From Romania's biodiverse hayfields, a farmer uses traditional hand tools to maintain centuries-old sustainable agricultural practices that stand in stark contrast to industrial farming methods that have devastated Europe's ecosystems.
Photographer Billy Barraclough's documentation for Atmos magazine captures how these small-scale farmers' commitment to chemical-free, manual techniques has preserved one of Europe's most vibrant wildlife habitats, offering crucial lessons for addressing global biodiversity loss and sustainable food production.
Today's Updates
Table of Contents
Agriculture (6 stories) - Idemitsu Kosan-Terviva pongamia project in Queensland; Romanian meadow preservation; Mill Gulch prescribed burn; California crane habitat creation; Australian organic labeling issues
Carbon (4 stories) - NOAA and NASA confirm record-shattering 1.46°C temperature rise as California advances $15.5bn climate plan and Cap-and-Trade extension amid devastating wildfires
Circular (2 stories) - Lignin Industries unveils bio-based plastic alternative while brownfield redevelopment lags at Commercial Development Co. sites
Ecosystems (12 stories) - Fire tornadoes in LA's Palisades wildfire force 200K evacuations amid global biodiversity crisis, as NSW logging threatens koala sanctuary and North Atlantic right whales face extinction; Antarctic marine life endangered by warming, while Highland lynx rewilding faces setback
Efficiency (3 stories) - Getty Center's fire system tested by LA blazes while Midea debuts efficient heat pump water heater in North America
Finance (6 stories) - Insurance losses mount from California wildfires as ESG content surges; Orennia releases market forecasts while cultivated meat funding drops 82%; developing nations receive fraction of $2T clean energy investment
Grid (4 stories) - AI wildfire tech startups raise $277M; Victoria solar tariffs plummet; Deep Fission's 1.5GW borehole reactor deal with Endeavour Energy
Indigenous (17 stories) - Fire Learning Network trains 1,000+ in Indigenous burning practices across 8 states; UNDP Equator Prize unites 31 Indigenous communities; Spanish TREX launches first multilingual fire training
Industry (7 stories) - ExxonMobil sues over recycling claims while Total and Kasso advance methanol projects; University of Michigan develops CO2-based cement; leadership changes at Shell and Hydro Tasmania
Policy (43 stories) - Global fossil fuel phase-out treaty gains 16 nations' support; DOE manages $50B budget; NY enacts $75B climate superfund; US Forest Service launches $200M wildfire grants; Illinois approves clean energy oversight; IRENA leads developing nations' energy coalition
Renewables (12 stories) - IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi draws 170 nations while Hemlock Semiconductor gets $325M for Michigan plant; major solar tenders launch across Asia as LONGi debuts Hi-MO modules in Vietnam
Transport (20 stories) - DOE's $1.67B SAF facility loan and $5B charging network expansion; Tesla's mixed fortunes amid record Q4 but yearly decline; ProLogium's ceramic battery breakthrough; Renault 5's European victory; Formula E's GEN3 Evo milestone
Agriculture
Idemitsu Kosan-Terviva pongamia project in Queensland; Romanian meadow preservation; Mill Gulch prescribed burn; California crane habitat creation; Australian organic labeling issues
Ancient Pongamia Tree Breathes New Life Into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (CleanTechnica) - Japanese firm Idemitsu Kosan and Terviva will grow pongamia trees in Queensland, utilizing their 40% oil yield and nitrogen-fixing abilities to produce sustainable aviation fuel.
Beauty and Biodiversity in Romania’s Hayfields (Atmos) - Romanian farmers still hand-harvest hay across biodiverse meadows, continuing a centuries-old practice that safeguards local wildlife in one of Europe's last traditional agricultural landscapes.
Burning for Better in Southwest Montana (Fire Networks) - Montana officials and partners ignite 1,300-acre prescribed burn in Mill Gulch to protect sagebrush habitat and reduce wildfire threats across multiple land jurisdictions.
California Rice Fields Offer Threatened Migratory Waterbirds a Lifeline (InsideClimateNews) - California farmers and conservationists have attracted 20,000 sandhill cranes to artificial wetlands by using decoys and recorded calls in rice fields.
Falsely labelled ‘organic’ products rife on Australian shelves, shoppers warned (The Guardian) - Australian shoppers face misleading organic labels on domestic products, despite strict certification rules governing exports since 1992.
Working at Loam (Loam) - Employees at agricultural research firm Loam report high job satisfaction while studying soil carbon in Orange, Australia, citing strong teamwork and work-life balance.
Carbon
NOAA and NASA confirm record-shattering 1.46°C temperature rise as California advances $15.5bn climate plan and Cap-and-Trade extension amid devastating wildfires
2024 was hottest year on record for world’s land and oceans, US scientists confirm (The Guardian) - Global temperatures soared to 1.46C above pre-industrial levels in 2023, marking Earth's warmest year since record-keeping began in 1850, according to NOAA and NASA data.
Earth roasts through its second consecutive hottest year on record (Yale Climate Connections) - Global temperatures shattered previous records for the 14th consecutive month, surpassing 2023's benchmark and climbing beyond 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels across most datasets.
Los Angeles is on fire and big oil are the arsonists | Tzeporah Berman (The Guardian) - Devastating Los Angeles wildfires have caused $50bn in damages, marking the county's costliest disaster amid mounting criticism of fossil fuel companies' role in climate change.
State Budget Must Shift California from Disaster Response to Prevention through Robust Climate Action (EDF) - California voters approve $15.5bn climate action plan, shifting focus from wildfire response to prevention while extending the state's Cap-and-Trade program through 2045.
Circular
Breaking Fossil Domination in Plastics: CleanTech Talk Interview with Lignin Industries CEO Fredrik Malmfors (CleanTechnica) - Swedish firm Lignin Industries has created a carbon-negative, biodegradable plastic substitute using lignin and bio-based oils to replace fossil-based plastic additives.
How North America’s Leading Brownfield Redeveloper Makes Millions by Not Redeveloping Brownfields (InsideClimateNews) - Property developer Commercial Development Co. has left 75 percent of its acquired contaminated industrial sites undeveloped, despite earning millions through brownfield acquisitions and promises of economic revival.
Ecosystems
Fire tornadoes in LA's Palisades wildfire force 200K evacuations amid global biodiversity crisis, as NSW logging threatens koala sanctuary and North Atlantic right whales face extinction; Antarctic marine life endangered by warming, while Highland lynx rewilding faces setback
Fire tornado spotted in Palisades blaze in California – video (The Guardian) - International crews joined evacuation efforts in California's San Fernando Valley, where a rare fire tornado emerged during the Palisades wildfire.
Fish are disappearing (Nature) - Global freshwater biodiversity faces severe decline as new research shows one in four species risk extinction from human activities including pollution, dams, land-use changes and invasive species.
Logging in forest earmarked for koala national park increasing under NSW Labor, analysis finds (The Guardian) - Logging operations have intensified across 7,185 hectares of New South Wales' proposed Great Koala national park since March's state election, despite Labor's protection promises.
Los Angeles Fires Live Updates (Climate Desk) - Amid strong winds and low humidity, five wildfires are currently burning across Los Angeles, following dramatic shifts between rain and drought conditions.
Los Angeles residents return to find homes reduced to ashes – video (The Guardian) - More than 144,000 Angelenos flee their homes as five separate wildfires tear through multiple areas, including Pacific Palisades.
Much of Australia enjoys the same Mediterranean climate as LA. When it comes to bushfires, that doesn’t bode well (The Conversation) - Climate experts warn Mediterranean regions face heightened wildfire threats as tropical zones expand, with winter rainfall dropping and extreme weather intensifying across Los Angeles and parts of Australia.
Right whales can live to 130, but in North America they die young (Mongabay) - North Atlantic right whales, naturally capable of living 130 years, now perish at a median age of 22.3 years due to fishing gear entanglement and vessel strikes.
Scientists Call for More Marine Protected Areas in the Southern Ocean (InsideClimateNews) - Scientists call for expanded marine protections in Antarctica, where warming seas and industrial krill harvesting endanger the region's delicate ecosystem that sustains penguins, whales and seabirds.
We built our world with fire. Now heat is destroying our lives | John Vaillant (The Guardian) - Catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles County have destroyed 12,000 structures and forced 200,000 residents to evacuate as drought conditions worsen amid California's climate crisis.
What do the deadly Los Angeles fires mean for the city’s wildlife? (High Country News) - Wildfires near Los Angeles have claimed 10 lives and destroyed 10,000 structures, forcing mass wildlife evacuations amid growing concerns over territorial conflicts and habitat destruction.
Wildfires can contaminate drinking water systems with harmful chemicals − here’s what Los Angeles needs to know (The Conversation) - Wildfires near Los Angeles pose significant threats to local water systems through infrastructure damage and chemical contamination, experts warn.
One of four lynx captured in Scottish Highlands dies (The Guardian) - A lynx, one of four illegally released in the Scottish Highlands, has died following its capture, sparking an investigation into rewilding practices.
Efficiency
Getty Center's fire system tested by LA blazes while Midea debuts efficient heat pump water heater in North America
How the climate crisis fuels devastating wildfires: ‘We have tweaked nature and pissed it off’ (The Guardian) - Climate expert John Vaillant warns that fossil fuels and modern construction are fueling devastating Los Angeles fires, with projected losses reaching $150bn.
LA fires could test Getty Center’s claim of being safest place to store artwork (The Guardian) - The Getty Center's $1bn art collection remains secure as its sophisticated fire-protection system faces its first major test from an approaching Los Angeles wildfire.
More Headaches For Natural Gas: Next-Gen Heat Pump Water Heaters Are Here (CleanTechnica) - Chinese appliance giant Midea launches heat pump water heater in North America, offering 75% energy savings compared to traditional models amid growing push for building electrification.
Finance
Insurance losses mount from California wildfires as ESG content surges; Orennia releases market forecasts while cultivated meat funding drops 82%; developing nations receive fraction of $2T clean energy investment
🔮 The Sunday edition #506: World on fire; brain simulation; Meta’s choice; home supercomputer, smart ants & rodent VR ++ (Exponential View) - California's insurance crisis deepens as wildfires near Los Angeles cause up to $60B in damages, with insurers covering only $35B while state regulations block climate risk modeling.
A Guide to How Small Businesses Contribute to Global Change (RyeStrategy) - Small businesses worldwide are leading sustainability efforts through carbon tracking and community outreach, making them attractive partners for tech giants like Microsoft.
Canadian companies are using social media to boost their ESG credibility, but investors aren’t buying it (The Conversation) - Despite a surge in ESG-focused social media content from Canadian firms, data reveals no measurable impact on investor decisions or emissions reduction, especially within carbon-intensive industries.
Cultivated Meat at a crossroads: Highlights from the Tufts cell ag innovation day (AgFunderNews) - Cultivated meat funding plummeted to $177M in 2023, an 82% drop from its 2021 peak, as companies seek partnerships with traditional meat producers and government backing.
Enron Egg Parody Stunt Shows Us How Ridiculous Nuclear Promises Can Be (CleanTechnica) - A viral spoof video promoting a fictitious home nuclear reactor has exposed deceptive marketing in clean energy while warning investors to remain vigilant.
The Success of Energy Transition Starts With Strong National Energy Planning (IRENA) - Global energy transition investments reached $2 trillion last year, yet developing nations secured merely 10% of funding despite enhanced planning frameworks.
Grid
AI wildfire tech startups raise $277M; Victoria solar tariffs plummet; Deep Fission's 1.5GW borehole reactor deal with Endeavour Energy
5 Tech Startups Working to Prevent Future Fires (Heatmap News) - Five US startups are deploying AI, robotics and monitoring systems to combat wildfires, with $277 million in funding secured since 2020.
Daytime wholesale power prices are heading to zero – isn’t that good news? (RenewEconomy) - Minimum solar feed-in tariffs in Victoria approach zero as abundant rooftop installations drive daytime wholesale electricity prices to near-zero levels.
Reactors to Go Deep Underground to Power Data Centers (EnergyCentral) - Deep Fission Inc. will deploy 100 microreactors in mile-deep boreholes, generating 1.5GW of power for Endeavour Energy's data centers within five years.
Solar duck sends rooftop tariff close to zero, snaps focus to home batteries and slashing use of grid power (RenewEconomy) - Victoria's energy regulator plans to cut solar feed-in payments by 99%, from 3c/kWh to just 0.04c/kWh, as midday solar generation pushes wholesale power prices toward zero.
Indigenous
Fire Learning Network trains 1,000+ in Indigenous burning practices across 8 states; UNDP Equator Prize unites 31 Indigenous communities; Spanish TREX launches first multilingual fire training
2024: A Year of Growth and Connection for the Fire Networks (Fire Networks) - Fire Learning Network's prescribed burn training reached 1,000 practitioners across eight U.S. states and three countries, incorporating Indigenous cultural practices to enhance community wildfire resilience.
Celebrating 10 Years of the Blog! (Fire Networks) - A decade of wildfire resilience blogging has yielded more than 680 stories from experts, scientists, and indigenous voices worldwide through the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network.
Community Weaving for Eco-Cultural Restoration: Partnering with Tribes in Lake County, CA (Fire Networks) - Native American tribes and community leaders unite to protect 2,500 acres of Lake County watersheds through traditional fire management practices and modern science.
Could More Controlled Burns Have Stopped the L.A. Fires? (Heatmap News) - Experts question whether controlled burns can effectively combat Los Angeles' wind-driven chaparral fires, which behave differently than forest fires where prescribed burns typically succeed.
D1 – 2023 Equator Prize: Community Dialogues and Training (Equator Initiative) - Indigenous leaders from 31 communities across four continents convened at the 2023 Equator Prize event to advance sustainable development and conservation policies.
D2 – 2023 Equator Prize: Community Dialogues and Training (Equator Initiative) - UNDP experts trained 2023 Equator Prize recipients in strategic storytelling and advocacy techniques, empowering environmental champions to amplify their conservation messages globally.
D3 – 2023 Equator Prize: Community Dialogues and Training (Equator Initiative) - Indigenous leaders from prize-winning communities unite to craft climate change narratives and nature-based solutions through collaborative storytelling sessions.
D4 – 2023 Equator Prize: Community Dialogues and Training (Equator Initiative) - Indigenous leaders and community advocates united at the 2023 Equator Prize dialogues to forge a collective declaration addressing climate action, environmental safeguards, and youth engagement.
D5 – 2023 Equator Prize: Community Dialogues and Training (Equator Initiative) - UNDP's training session connects 2023 Equator Prize winners with vital resources for nature-based development, equipping participants with tools for sustainable progress.
Engaging Communities with Prescribed Fire: Lessons Learned from PBA Outreach in Fire-Prone Areas (Fire Networks) - Community leaders in Trinity County are teaching residents of fire-prone areas how to conduct prescribed burns through workshops focused on trauma-informed outreach and strategic planning.
Escape Into the Story: Three Longform Reads for Your Weekend (Fire Networks) - Three interactive StoryMaps showcase wilderness fire strategies, Texas wildfire preparedness, and a two-decade collaboration between Fire Learning Network and Watershed Research Center on fire adaptation techniques.
Gathering for Song & Solidarity w/ Molly Bajgot, Chloe Zelkha, & Ilana Lerman | Dayenu (Dayenu) - Jewish musicians unite hundreds in virtual climate justice gathering, offering songs of healing amid California's devastating wildfires and mounting environmental challenges.
How to understand the West’s ‘forever wildfire season’ (High Country News) - Winter wildfires in Southern California have forced thousands to evacuate, as Indigenous leaders warn climate change has disrupted traditional fire seasons across the Western United States.
Nota de repúdio do Redário pelo ataque ao Assentamento Olga Benário (SP) (Socioambiental) - Armed assailants stormed São Paulo's Olga Benário Settlement, killing agroforester Valdir do Nascimento and sparking demands for enhanced security protocols.
Pico Iyer’s Wide-Awake Silence (Nautilus) - Travel writer Pico Iyer reflects on losing his home to wildfire and four decades of global journeys in "Aflame," which explores solitude through his experiences at a Benedictine hermitage.
The Warmth That Keeps Us Coming Back (Fire Networks) - Fire management expert Lenya Quinn-Davidson advocates for a more compassionate approach while tackling health concerns affecting firefighters and at-risk communities.
Voces del Fuego (Voices of Fire) (Fire Networks) - Fifty Spanish-speaking fire practitioners from 27 organizations across eight countries gathered in California last October for the first-ever Spanish TREX prescribed fire training program.
Industry
ExxonMobil sues over recycling claims while Total and Kasso advance methanol projects; University of Michigan develops CO2-based cement; leadership changes at Shell and Hydro Tasmania
Breakthrough for methanol could start in Leuna (Energy Central) - Two major European green methanol facilities advance as Total's Leuna Chemical Park expands and Denmark's Kasso activates its 52MW electrolyzer.
ExxonMobil sues, doubling down on advanced plastics recycling (Floodlight) - Oil giant ExxonMobil launches defamation lawsuit against California's attorney general and environmental groups over disputed claims about its plastics recycling technology's effectiveness.
Grid Connections 2025: Who’s going where in Australia’s energy transition (RenewEconomy) - Leadership shakeups sweep Australia's energy sector as six major firms, including Hydro Tasmania and Shell, announce key executive changes.
Making Cement With Fewer The Carbon Emissions (CleanTechnica) - University of Michigan scientists have created a cement-making process using air-captured CO2 that could slash global emissions by 3 gigatons yearly.
More than 25% of Americans Would Consider Selling Their Home to Buy a Tesla Home (CleanTechnica) - A new survey shows one in four Americans would sell their homes for a Tesla smart home, with 60% of Gen Z willing to pay $1,600 monthly for the concept.
Understanding Tailings Ponds: Mining Waste Containment and Environmental Management (KETOS) - Advanced monitoring systems are now essential for the 100% containment of toxic mining waste, as tailings ponds pose significant risks to water, soil, and air quality.
Latest InFlow Generation: State of the Art Novel InFlow Tech: ·1-Gearturbine Reaction Turbine Rotary Turbo, ·2-Imploturbocompressor Impulse Turbine 1 Compression Step (Energy Central) - A Colombian inventor has unveiled two new turbine designs that promise enhanced efficiency through unique inflow mechanics.
Policy
Global fossil fuel phase-out treaty gains 16 nations' support; DOE manages $50B budget; NY enacts $75B climate superfund; US Forest Service launches $200M wildfire grants; Illinois approves clean energy oversight; IRENA leads developing nations' energy coalition
🔥 Five forces set to upend the global order (Exponential View) - A leading analyst outlines five key forces transforming global dynamics by 2030, including AI integration, tech-driven energy evolution, nationalism, geopolitical fragmentation and cultural realignment.
2024 Wrapped (Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative) - Global backing for a fossil fuel phase-out treaty surged in 2024, attracting support from 16 nations, 123 cities, 3,846 organizations, and more than 1 million individuals worldwide.
A man still holding a garden hose. A woman who stayed with her pets. Details emerge about the LA fire victims (The Guardian) - Eight identified victims were among sixteen killed in Los Angeles wildfires, including elderly evacuation refusers, disabled residents, and a man found dead gripping his garden hose.
A Message from Good360 About Supporting Disaster Recovery Efforts for the Southern California Wildfires (Good360) - Leading nonprofit Good360 spearheads wildfire relief efforts in Southern California, emphasizing cash donations' superior efficiency in delivering aid through local partnerships.
Amidst Wildfire Crisis, California Budget Should Prioritize Energy Resilience and Clean Energy Programs (Advanced Energy United) - California's $10 billion climate bond funds neglect crucial energy resilience programs amid intensifying wildfire threats.
As Los Angeles burns, conspiracy peddlers lie about—and celebrate—the danger we’re living through (Climate Desk) - Strong winds and low humidity fuel five wildfires across Los Angeles, causing multiple fatalities as weather whiplash threatens to intensify conditions.
As the world burns, young Australians are feeling disbelief – and looking for answers | Anjali Sharma (The Guardian) - Young Australians voice frustration as global temperatures surpass 1.5C threshold in 2024, amid government's lukewarm response to climate duty of care legislation.
As Wildfires Threaten Urban Areas Like Los Angeles, ‘Planning for the Unprecedented’ Is Crucial, Experts Say (InsideClimateNews) - Ten dead and 150,000 evacuated as Los Angeles grapples with multiple wildfires, exposing critical gaps in urban wildfire readiness as climate change intensifies.
California fires: 16 killed and 10,000 structures destroyed as blazes continue (The Guardian) - Sixteen people have died and 10,000 structures burned across five Los Angeles wildfires, as Mayor Bass faces scrutiny over fire department cuts amid severe weather conditions.
Chris Riddell on Donald Trump pouring oil on to the climate crisis as Los Angeles burns – cartoon (The Guardian) - A political cartoon criticizes former President Trump's fossil fuel policies and territorial ambitions as wildfires rage across Los Angeles.
Climate change, not endangered species protection, is a big culprit in Los Angeles fires (Yale Climate Connections) - Climate change has fueled a fivefold increase in Los Angeles wildfire damage since 1996, as rising temperatures and Santa Ana winds intensify extreme weather patterns.
Climate Trauma Is a Thing. Here’s What the Research Reveals (InsideClimateNews) - Studies reveal wildfires linked to climate change inflict lasting psychological damage, with 40% of impacted communities suffering PTSD, anxiety, depression and cognitive issues months after exposure.
Community Wildfire Defense Grants: A Round Three Application Primer (Fire Networks) - The US Forest Service has launched a $200M grant program, enabling communities and Tribes to implement wildfire risk reduction projects through early 2025.
El cambio climático, no la protección de especies en peligro, es el principal culpable de los incendios forestales en Los Ángeles (Yale Climate Connections) - Climate change has fueled Los Angeles wildfires through extreme weather and prolonged drought, rather than endangered species protections, experts report.
El papel del cambio climático en los catastróficos incendios de Los Ángeles de 2025 (Yale Climate Connections) - Fueled by drought and 100mph Santa Ana winds, January wildfires near Los Angeles have claimed five lives and razed thousands of homes, potentially becoming America's costliest-ever wildfire disaster.
Ella Baron on Los Angeles and the wildfires of misinformation – cartoon (The Guardian) - A powerful editorial cartoon in The Guardian portrays California's raging wildfires as a stark metaphor for the rapid spread of social media falsehoods across society.
First of the year (Keep Cool) - Global temperatures surpassed the 1.5°C warming threshold in 2024, coinciding with devastating Los Angeles wildfires and $298 billion in worldwide weather disaster losses.
Gauging the Impact of Trump 2.0 on U.S. Energy and Jobs (POWER Magazine) - Strong market forces and bipartisan backing of clean energy initiatives suggest renewable growth will persist regardless of 2025 election outcomes, experts say.
Greenlash And The Enshittification Of America (CleanTechnica) - Growing conservative backlash against climate initiatives has prompted major US firms to scale back environmental commitments, with 65% of Fortune 500 companies now hesitating on sustainability targets.
Greenlining’s Response to Governor Newsom’s 2025-26 California Budget Proposal (Greenlining Institute) - California's proposed budget faces backlash for cutting $2.9 billion in climate resilience funds despite record-breaking wildfires impacting vulnerable communities statewide.
Help IPS Fight a Dictator (IPS) - El Salvador's President Bukele has sparked global outcry by overturning the nation's 2017 mining ban and ordering retrials for five acquitted environmental activists.
Illinois lawmakers give small boost to renewable developments, delay broader reform (Renewable Energy World) - Illinois legislators approved a limited clean energy measure expanding state oversight of renewable project funding, while postponing decisions on battery storage and efficiency standards.
In utterly unsurprising news, Maga blames diversity for the Los Angeles wildfires | Arwa Mahdawi (The Guardian) - Elon Musk and conservative commentators have targeted LA Fire Department's diversity programs and female leaders for wildfires that claimed 11 lives and razed 10,000 structures across California.
Inside Climate News: What to Expect from State Governments on Renewable Energy Policy in 2025 (Inside Climate News) - Two of America's largest states chart opposing paths on clean energy in 2025, as California pushes regional power sharing while Texas grapples with its $26-billion-dollar renewable industry.
IRENA to Host Secretariat for Global Coalition on Energy Planning (IRENA) - Global leaders unite to form coalition aimed at boosting clean energy investments across developing nations, with IRENA leading coordination efforts to enhance energy planning worldwide.
Kristin Crowley: LA fire chief publicly criticizing the city’s budget cuts (The Guardian) - Fire Chief Kristin Crowley faces political tensions as she condemns Los Angeles budget cuts that left firefighters without adequate resources during recent wildfires.
Lessons from the LA Wildfires (The Wildlife News) - Devastating Los Angeles wildfires, propelled by 100-mph Santa Ana winds, expose weaknesses in fuel reduction tactics and underscore urgent needs for improved urban planning in chaparral zones.
MEMO: What We Expect from Trump’s Cabinet Confirmation Hearings (LCV) - Cabinet nominees' environmental records spark concern as data shows 85% have direct ties to fossil fuel industries ahead of critical EPA, Interior, and Energy department confirmation hearings.
Mental Health & Resilience Workshop for Climate Professionals & Activists (CleanTechnica) - Mental health expert launches free workshop and daily program aimed at preventing burnout among climate professionals and activists.
New York Climate Superfund Becomes Law (InsideClimateNews) - New York has enacted a $75 billion climate superfund law, joining Vermont in mandating oil companies to cover climate damage costs across a 25-year period.
One Reason Trump Wants Greenland: Critical Minerals (Heatmap News) - US officials eye Greenland's Kvanefjeld site and its rare earth deposits as part of Trump's 'America First' strategy to secure critical minerals.
The ‘weather whiplash’ fueling the Los Angeles fires is becoming more common (Climate Desk) - Amid extreme weather swings, Los Angeles battles multiple wildfires as dry hydrants and mounting casualties underscore the city's vulnerability to rain-to-drought cycles.
The Dichotomy of a Deadly Paradise—How Urban Sprawl and Climate Change Fuel LA’s Fires (Inside Climate News) - Two major Los Angeles County wildfires, propelled by 100mph Santa Ana winds amid drought conditions, have destroyed 12,000 structures and forced 150,000 residents to evacuate Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
The Guardian view on the LA fires: Donald Trump’s denial and division fuel climate inaction | Editorial (The Guardian) - Federal aid mobilizes as California wildfires claim 10 lives and force 180,000 to evacuate, while political leaders clash over climate change amid unprecedented heat.
The week around the world in 20 pictures (The Guardian) - Global events unfold as California wildfires rage, Gaza faces dire shortages, Trump appears in court, and worshippers gather for ceremonies worldwide.
The Wind Forecast Brings New Worries in L.A. (Heatmap News) - Strong weekend winds threaten to worsen Los Angeles' partially-contained Palisades and Eaton fires while raising risks of additional blazes, officials warn.
This Big Oil tax break must go (The Climate Center) - California oil companies have dodged up to $146 million yearly in state taxes through offshore havens since 1986, due to the "Water's Edge Election" policy.
This Week in Climate Action – January 10, 2025 (LCV) - President Biden has protected a record-breaking 679 million acres of U.S. territory, including withdrawing 625 million acres of waters from future oil and gas leasing.
Tucson Electric Power filings show millions of dollars to trade and chamber groups possibly borne by customers (Energy and Policy Institute) - Tucson Electric Power is seeking to charge customers $2.1M for trade memberships, including $1.3M to Edison Electric Institute, despite previous regulatory decisions blocking such ratepayer funding.
Why Misinformation About the L.A. Fires Keeps Spreading (Heatmap News) - Deadly Los Angeles wildfires have claimed 10 lives and scorched an area twice the size of Manhattan, as social media platforms battle waves of viral misinformation.
Winter storm threatens 80m as US south faces heavy snowfall and closures (The Guardian) - A massive winter storm sweeping across the southern United States threatens 80 million residents with up to 9 inches of snow, forcing closures from Texas to Georgia.
From watts to warheads: Secretary of energy oversees big science research and the US nuclear arsenal (The Conversation) - The Department of Energy manages $50 billion yearly, employing 14,000 staff and 95,000 contractors across 17 national labs to maintain nuclear weapons and advance scientific research.
New year, new anxious thoughts. How is your 2025 going? | Jess Harwood (The Guardian) - Visual artist Jess Harwood tackles global anxiety and climate fears through new comic series set in 2025.
Renewables
IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi draws 170 nations while Hemlock Semiconductor gets $325M for Michigan plant; major solar tenders launch across Asia as LONGi debuts Hi-MO modules in Vietnam
“Energy For All Y’All” Shares Inspiring Stories of Folks in the Southeast Embracing Clean Energy (SACE) - Three Southern clean energy groups have launched a storytelling initiative highlighting how communities across the Southeast are leveraging Inflation Reduction Act funds to expand renewable energy projects.
15th IRENA Assembly to Set Energy Transition Narrative for 2025 (IRENA) - Global leaders from 170 nations gather in Abu Dhabi to tackle renewable energy goals, including ambitious plans to triple capacity by 2030.
Big win for Fortescue as massive 800 MW wind farm gets federal green light (RenewEconomy) - Australia's largest proposed wind farm, the 800MW Prairie project in Queensland, secures federal environmental approval with strict conditions to protect koala habitats and bird nests.
Global Solar PV Tender News Snippets (TaiyangNews) - Three major energy companies have launched solar tenders across Asia and the Middle East, targeting expansion of photovoltaic capacity in India, Indonesia and Abu Dhabi.
India's Solar and BESS Market in 2030: A $30 Billion Opportunity Powering the Green Revolution (Energy Central) - India's solar and battery storage sectors are set to surge to $30 billion by 2030, with solar reaching $24.9B and storage hitting $5.3B amid policy changes and cost reductions.
IRENA 15A: Assembly Live Coverage (IRENA) - Global leaders from 1,450 organizations converged in Abu Dhabi for IRENA's 15th Assembly to fast-track renewable energy adoption, addressing security, development, and funding challenges.
IRENA 15A: Pre-Assembly Live Coverage (IRENA) - Global leaders from 1,300 organizations convened at IRENA's 15th Assembly to advance renewable energy goals, addressing security, development, and UAE Consensus-aligned financing strategies.
Polysilicon is back on the menu: Feds award Michigan company $325M for new factory (RenewableEnergyWorld) - U.S. officials award Hemlock Semiconductor $325M to construct a Michigan polysilicon plant, bolstering domestic supply chains for solar and semiconductor production.
Solar and wind surpassed coal in 2024 (Environment America) - Solar and wind power generated 17% of America's electricity in 2024, outperforming coal's 15% share in a historic first for renewable energy.
Solar Innovation Shines Bright: LONGi Unveils Hi-MO X10 & Hi-MO 9 Solar Modules in Vietnam (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar giant LONGi has unveiled its Hi-MO X10 and Hi-MO 9 modules in Vietnam, achieving 24.8% efficiency and 670W output with HPBC 2.0 technology.
Warradarge wind farm to add another 30 turbines, take lead as ‘state’s largest’ (RenewEconomy) - Western Australia's Warradarge wind farm will invest $400M to add 30 turbines, expanding its capacity to 283MW and securing its position as the state's largest wind facility.
Your Questions About Montana Renewables, (Partly) Answered (CleanTechnica) - Montana Renewables has secured a $1.67B Department of Energy loan guarantee to boost sustainable aviation fuel production from vegetable oils and fats at its Great Falls facility.
Transport
DOE's $1.67B SAF facility loan and $5B charging network expansion; Tesla's mixed fortunes amid record Q4 but yearly decline; ProLogium's ceramic battery breakthrough; Renault 5's European victory; Formula E's GEN3 Evo milestone
$1.67 Billion to Montana Renewables to Significantly Expand US Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production (CleanTechnica) - The Department of Energy's $1.67B loan to Montana Renewables will expand a sustainable aviation fuel facility, producing 315M gallons yearly and accounting for half of North America's SAF output through 2030.
2024 Is Over, And Legacy Auto Could Be Doomed, But The ICE Is Not Yet Defeated (CleanTechnica) - Chinese EV makers gained significant market share in 2024, costing traditional automakers nearly 1 million sales despite global increases in ICE engine production driven by PHEV growth.
EVs Take 23.4% Share In Germany – Disappointing Year For EV Transition (CleanTechnica) - German electric vehicle adoption plunged to 23.4% market share last month, with annual sales falling 27% to 380,609 units as manufacturers held back deliveries and government incentives ended.
How to Switch to an Electric Vehicle: Everything You Need to Know (Nevada Clean Energy Fund) - Nevada's new EV ownership guide details charging infrastructure, costs, and up to $7,500 in federal tax credits ahead of state rebates launching in 2025.
Hydrogen Hybrid Power NASA (Energy Central) - Department of Energy researchers are testing hydrogen hybrid power systems for aviation at the University of Illinois facility.
Is Tesla In Trouble? Was Alignment With A Trump 2.0 Presidency A Profit Gamble? (CleanTechnica) - Tesla shares could plummet as analysts predict 40% profit losses amid expected subsidy cuts and regulatory shifts under a potential Trump administration.
LCV Statement on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Historic Investments in Cleaner Transportation (LCV) - The Department of Energy's final $5 billion infrastructure investment aims to double America's electric vehicle charging network to 205,000 stations nationwide.
Preliminary Guidance on 45Z Tax Credit for Sustainable Aviation Fuels is Unclear on Environmental Integrity (EDF) - Environmental groups warn that Treasury's initial guidance on clean aviation fuel tax credits lacks robust safeguards, potentially allowing substandard fuels to receive federal subsidies.
ProLogium Unveils Fast Charging Inorganic Battery At CES 2025 (CleanTechnica) - Taiwan's ProLogium showcases its latest lithium ceramic battery at CES 2025, boasting 380Wh/kg density, 10-minute charging capability, and improved cold-weather performance through fully inorganic electrolytes.
Renault 5 Is Car Of The Year In Europe 2025 (CleanTechnica) - The iconic Renault 5 electric car, priced from $25,400, clinches the 2025 European Car of the Year award alongside its sister model, the Alpine A290.
Shell Shows Us That Third-Party Charging Networks Have A Big Problem (CleanTechnica) - Shell Recharge abandons third-party charging software to prioritize its network of 70,000 company-owned EV stations amid concerns over non-proprietary charging reliability.
Sneak Attack: Electric Trailers Turn ICE Trucks Into Hybrids (CleanTechnica) - A new electric trailer system from Pebble Flow transforms standard trucks into hybrid vehicles, boosting fuel efficiency while towing and cutting emissions.
Taking It To The Tracks: EV Development Pushes The Need For Racing Speed (CleanTechnica) - Formula E's latest GEN3 Evo race car achieves 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds, surpassing F1 acceleration times and demonstrating EV technology's potential impact on consumer vehicles.
Tesla Model Y Juniper Revealed In China (CleanTechnica) - Tesla's refreshed Model Y debuts in China with enhanced efficiency, updated styling and quicker acceleration, priced from 263,500 yuan for March 2025 deliveries.
Tesla’s Long-Term Sales Trend — In Charts (CleanTechnica) - Tesla's Q4 2024 sales reached record levels despite marking the company's first yearly decline since Model S debuted, missing its 50% annual growth goal.
The Climate Benefits Of Congestion Charges In New York City (CleanTechnica) - New York City's historic Manhattan congestion pricing plan, starting at $9 daytime and $2.25 nighttime, aims to slash vehicle traffic while funding transit upgrades.
You Can Lease A Neta V In Kenya For Just $30 Per Day! (CleanTechnica) - Chinese automaker MojaEV introduces affordable electric vehicle leasing in Kenya, offering Neta V models with up to 401km range at $30 daily for minimum six-month terms.
You Can Now Get A US Tax Credit On These 14 EVs, Or You Can Just … (CleanTechnica) - Fourteen electric vehicle models now qualify for the full $7,500 US tax credit under 2025 rules, while leasing remains a pathway for credit on any EV.
EXPLORE Act Becomes Law, Helps EVs, Bikes, and YouTubers (CleanTechnica) - Federal legislation expands filming access in national parks while requiring new bike trails and EV charging stations across America's public recreation areas.
55% of Americans Would Ride in a Tesla Robotaxi (CleanTechnica) - A new survey reveals 55% of Americans would embrace Tesla's robotaxi service, with Gen Z leading adoption at 71% while only 36% of Baby Boomers show interest.
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