We know it's up to cities and states to deal with climate change in the US now, right? That means it's time to look at how well equipped your state is to support this transformation.
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance has published a "community powered scorecard" scoring each US state on 18 best practices for facilitating solar and wind power generation. The path forward is clear, and there's lots of opportunity for improvement.
Relatedly, what a delightful methodology this is: ILSR gathered guidance from multiple expert sources, determined what the major elements of best practice are, then decomposed those into specific sub-components that could be used to score each state being evaluated. Then they rolled the resulting scores up into an aggregate score for the state. It's a coherent and defensible way to make this evaluation and it charts a clear path to improvement for any given state. It's not hard to imagine that kind of systematic grading of any major transformation need.
Today's Updates
Table of Contents
Agriculture (6 stories) - Solar innovations, green financing, and climate adaptation reshape global agricultural sustainability through technological and strategic interventions across diverse regions.
Carbon (6 stories) - AGL, Pemex, and CarbonQuest headline carbon capture, emissions tracking, and Indigenous biochar innovations amid global decarbonization efforts
Circular (5 stories) - Wind turbine blades repurposed, water reuse tech, and solar panel recycling drive circular economy innovations across hospitality, energy, and materials sectors.
Ecosystems (22 stories) - Salmon farming threats, Antarctic current disruption, and monarch butterfly decline highlight global ecosystem fragility amid climate and human pressures
Efficiency (5 stories) - AI-driven innovations and water reuse technologies propel efficiency gains across energy, infrastructure, and resource management sectors
Finance (8 stories) - Goldman Sachs biodiversity bond, China's green infrastructure drive, and UK pension shifts mark volatile energy investment landscape amid technological disruption and climate adaptation.
Grid (29 stories) - Battery Storage Boom: ACEN, Alabama Power, and New York State Drive Grid Modernization with AI-Powered Energy Infrastructure Expansion
Indigenous (6 stories) - Indigenous climate resilience challenged by global corruption, legal breakthroughs in cultural land management, and emerging First Nations leadership initiatives across research, restoration, and rights protection.
Industry (10 stories) - EU's €100bn Clean Industrial Deal drives hydrogen infrastructure, methane reduction tech, and strategic decarbonization investments across Nordic and European energy markets
Policy (47 stories) - UN Climate Governance in Flux: IPCC Negotiations, Bank Exits, and Global Policy Tensions Amid Conservative Pressure and Renewable Energy Transition
Renewables (12 stories) - Record renewable grid penetration in Australia, landmark solar-wind financing in India, and global solar manufacturers' sustainability milestones, with strategic market expansions by JinkoSolar, JA Solar, and Jinchen amid industry workforce adjustments.
Transport (11 stories) - Electric bus expansion, maritime battery innovations, and global EV sales surge drive transformative transportation electrification across Canada, Europe, China, and South Africa
Agriculture
Solar innovations, green financing, and climate adaptation reshape global agricultural sustainability through technological and strategic interventions across diverse regions.
Astronergy Energizes Sustainable Agriculture with 7.3MW Solar Plant in Turkey (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy installs 7.3MW solar plant in Turkey, enabling sustainable agriculture through high-efficiency n-type modules at a food producer's facility.
ILTE Begins Investing in HeavyFinance Green Loans (HeavyFinance) - Lithuanian national development bank ILTE launches green loans for farmers, enabling carbon credit generation and sustainable agricultural financing.
In the news: Climate change is scrambling food production (Conservation International) - Climate change is dramatically reshaping global agricultural landscapes, with tropical crops like mangos migrating to new regions and threatening biodiversity.
Study Claims Agrivoltaics Can Help UK Meet Solar Energy Targets (TaiyangNews) - University of Sheffield study reveals UK can generate 338 TWh/year of electricity through agrivoltaics while preserving agricultural land productivity.
Vice President of Nigeria visits IITA to strengthen agricultural transformation under the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ (CGIAR) - Nigerian Vice President visits IITA to bolster agricultural transformation and food security under national 'Renewed Hope Agenda'.
Agroforestry in Argentine Patagonia (Propagate Ag) - Argentine Patagonia's agroforestry practices leverage windbreaks, silvopasture, and native fruit trees to optimize agricultural productivity in challenging dry, windswept landscapes.
Carbon
AGL, Pemex, and CarbonQuest headline carbon capture, emissions tracking, and Indigenous biochar innovations amid global decarbonization efforts
Australia’s top 15 carbon emitters: Do their CEOs care enough about the damage they are doing? (RenewEconomy) - Australia's top 15 carbon emitters show minimal progress in reducing emissions, with AGL leading as the largest corporate polluter.
CarbonQuest Raises $20 Million to Capture CO2 from Buildings (ESG Today) - CarbonQuest secures $20 million to expand building-based carbon capture technology targeting distributed emissions reduction.
Oil giant Pemex fails to control methane emissions, threatening Mexico’s net zero goal (Climate Change News) - Mexico's state oil company Pemex continues to increase methane emissions, threatening the country's net zero 2050 goal despite corporate promises.
This ancient bit of ingenuity keeps carbon trapped for thousands of years (Grist) - Ancient Indigenous biochar technique proves capable of trapping carbon for thousands of years, offering powerful climate solution with agricultural benefits.
Watershed Launches RFP to Add 1 Million Tons of Carbon Removal to its Portfolio (ESG Today) - Watershed launches RFP to procure 1 million tonnes of carbon removal credits across nature-based and engineered solutions.
What Comes Next for Carbon Capture in the Power Industry? (POWER) - Carbon capture and storage momentum surges with 50 operational facilities and 628 projects in the global pipeline, driven by policy support and technological advancements.
Circular
Wind turbine blades repurposed, water reuse tech, and solar panel recycling drive circular economy innovations across hospitality, energy, and materials sectors.
As seen on TV 👀 Marshall, did you catch our feature on ABC7? (ABC7) - Epic Cleantec showcases innovative water reuse system at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, transforming hospitality sustainability.
Lotus Energy Recycling To Build $250 Million Factory In Germany (TaiyangNews) - Lotus Energy Recycling to invest $250 million in net-zero solar panel recycling factory in Leipzig, Germany, supported by federal government.
Pro surfer Josh Kerr makes world-first surfboard from recycled wind turbine blades (RenewEconomy) - Pro surfer Josh Kerr creates first surfboard from recycled wind turbine blades in innovative sustainability partnership with Acciona Energía.
The Hidden Health Risks of Plastic Straws: Why It's Time to Switch to PLA Straws? (EcoSoul Home) - Plastic straws pose significant health risks due to toxic chemicals, prompting a shift towards compostable PLA straws made from plant-based materials.
Creating Community, Before and After the Fire (Bluedot Living) - Pasadena art supply thrift store Remainders Creative Reuse transforms into community relief center during Eaton Fire, collecting donations and providing support for fire victims.
Ecosystems
Salmon farming threats, Antarctic current disruption, and monarch butterfly decline highlight global ecosystem fragility amid climate and human pressures
‘I’ve had a gutful’: Jacqui Lambie says salmon industry should get out of Macquarie Harbour (Guardian) - Jacqui Lambie demands salmon farming exit from Macquarie Harbour, citing environmental damage and minimal local employment.
Climate change is forcing pregnant caribou to make dangerous decisions (Yale Climate Connections) - Climate change disrupts caribou migration, forcing pregnant females to make risky choices between swimming dangerous waters or taking longer routes to calving grounds.
Global South’s urban poor burn plastic as fuel, researchers say (Mongabay) - Global South's urban poor increasingly burn plastic as fuel, posing severe health and environmental risks.
Global Warming Will Weaken Earth’s Strongest Ocean Current, New Study Predicts (Inside Climate News) - Global warming will weaken the Antarctic Circumpolar Current by 20% in the next 25 years, potentially causing more climate extremes and accelerated warming.
LNG Export Projects Threaten a World Heritage Site in Mexico (NRDC) - Proposed LNG export terminals in Mexico's Gulf of California threaten a UNESCO World Heritage site's unique marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Meet the Passionate Advocates Trying to Save Western Monarch Butterflies (The Revelator) - Western monarch butterfly population plummets to near-record low of 9,119 individuals, facing 99% extinction risk within 50 years despite passionate conservation efforts.
Melting Antarctic ice sheets will slow Earth's strongest ocean current (ScienceDaily) - Melting Antarctic ice sheets are projected to slow the world's strongest ocean current by 20% by 2050, with significant implications for global climate, marine ecosystems, and ocean circulation patterns.
Melting Antarctic ice sheets will slow Earth’s strongest ocean current (University of Melbourne) - Melting Antarctic ice sheets will slow the world's strongest ocean current by 20% by 2050, with potential severe consequences for global climate, marine ecosystems, and species migration.
Melting Antarctic ice will slow the world’s strongest ocean current – and the global consequences are profound (The Conversation) - Melting Antarctic ice could slow the world's strongest ocean current by 20% by 2050, with profound global climate and ecosystem consequences.
Rockets Are Blasting the Environment (Nautilus) - Rocket launches are causing significant ecological damage to wildlife and ecosystems near launch sites, with potential impacts extending up to 900 miles from the launch zone.
Strengthening partnerships for a greener future: Nigerian Breweries Corporate Affairs Director visits Olokemeji Reforestation Project (CGIAR) - Nigerian Breweries Corporate Affairs Director visits Olokemeji Reforestation Project, highlighting corporate sustainability efforts and community water access.
Technofossils: How future archeologists will study our everyday objects (Grist) - Future archaeologists will study humanity's technological legacy through 'technofossils' - synthetic materials, artifacts, and industrial traces that will persist in Earth's geological record for millions of years.
The Ocean Starts in Our Cities (REVOLVE) - European cities are crucial to ocean conservation, with local actions like reducing plastic waste and improving urban water management directly impacting marine ecosystems.
The polar vortex is acting weird and the US is paying the price this winter (Woodwell Climate) - Unusual polar vortex behavior triggers extreme cold snaps in US, defying global warming trends.
Trump purge raises extinction threat for endangered species, fired workers warn (Guardian) - Trump administration's mass firing of federal scientists threatens endangered species conservation efforts and ecosystem monitoring.
Unpacking the Global Biodiversity Framework: Why It’s More Than Compliance (Nature Tech Collective) - Global Biodiversity Framework webinar explores business opportunities beyond regulatory compliance for creating a nature-positive future.
How are clouds’ shapes made? A scientist explains the different cloud types and how they help forecast weather (The Conversation) - Meteorologist explains how different cloud types form through atmospheric saturation, revealing their shapes, heights, and weather prediction potential.
Killer whales amaze Seattle onlookers with rarely seen bird hunt (Guardian) - Rare bird-hunting Bigg's killer whale pod amazes Seattle onlookers with underwater spectacle near maritime docks.
Financing conservation of Central Asia’s endangered mammals on World Wildlife Day and every day (commentary) (Mongabay) - Central Asia's endangered mammals require innovative financing mechanisms like ecosystem services, carbon markets, and ecotourism to overcome conservation funding challenges.
Institute of Geological Sciences (IGS) - NAS RA (PreventionWeb) - Armenian Institute of Geological Sciences focuses on comprehensive geological research, hazard assessment, and environmental protection across multiple scientific domains.
Study finds signs of tuna abundance outside marine protected areas (Mongabay) - Study reveals marine protected areas boost tuna catch rates by 12-18% in surrounding waters, supporting conservation efforts.
Threatened species: court asked to compel Australian ministers to create recovery plans (Guardian) - Australian conservation group launches legal action to compel ministers to create recovery plans for 11 endangered species facing extinction.
Efficiency
AI-driven innovations and water reuse technologies propel efficiency gains across energy, infrastructure, and resource management sectors
AI’s Power Hunger Grabs Attention—Its Climate Wins Deserve More (CleanTechnica) - AI's transformative climate potential outweighs its energy consumption, driving innovations in renewable energy, grid management, industrial decarbonization, and environmental monitoring.
El Paso Is Going to Turn Wastewater Into Drinking Water. Other Cities Will Soon Follow (Inside Climate News) - El Paso breaks ground on first U.S. direct-to-distribution water reuse facility, converting wastewater into drinking water by 2028.
Groundwater Accounting Platform Adds Open-Source Access to Boost Sustainable Water Management (EDF) - Open-source groundwater accounting platform launches to enhance water management collaboration and precision.
SwitchedOn podcast: Why the energy industry keeps getting consumers wrong (RenewEconomy) - Digital sociologist reveals energy industry's fundamental misunderstanding of consumer behavior and energy engagement.
Ameresco Announces Acquisition of ASA Controls Expanding Smart Buildings and Controls Expertise (Ameresco) - Energy solutions provider acquires ASA Controls to expand smart buildings and building automation capabilities.
Finance
Goldman Sachs biodiversity bond, China's green infrastructure drive, and UK pension shifts mark volatile energy investment landscape amid technological disruption and climate adaptation.
Goldman Sachs Launches SDG-focused Biodiversity Bond Fund (ESG Today) - Goldman Sachs launches first biodiversity-focused bond fund targeting UN Sustainable Development Goals with global fixed income investments.
How do investors have to change their strategy during the energy transition? (Energy Central) - Investors must diversify portfolios across traditional energy, LNG, and renewables while adapting to rapid technological shifts and declining fossil fuel dominance.
Study: High gas prices have added £750 to average annual energy bill since 2021 (BusinessGreen) - High gas prices have added £750 to average annual energy bill since 2021, with potential cumulative costs reaching £3,000 by autumn.
Sunnova Narrows Net Loss For FY2024; Issues Going Concern Warning (TaiyangNews) - Sunnova warns of potential business continuity challenges, reports 17% revenue growth while facing residential solar market headwinds and workforce reduction.
Tesla Sales Drop Could Put Emissions Credit Revenue At Risk, Too (CleanTechnica) - Tesla's plummeting sales and political controversies threaten its lucrative emissions credit revenue stream in 2025.
UK Pension Fund Shifts Over $35 Billion to Amundi, Invesco from State Street for Closer ESG Alignment (ESG Today) - UK pension fund The People's Pension shifts £28 billion to Amundi and Invesco, prioritizing responsible investment and net-zero alignment.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative Is Reshaping Global Power Infrastructure (POWER) - China's Belt and Road Initiative Transforms Global Energy Infrastructure Through Massive Renewable and Digital Investments Across Developing Nations.
Wells Fargo Drops Net Zero Goal (ESG Today) - Wells Fargo abandons net zero financed emissions goal, citing lack of external transition conditions.
Grid
Battery Storage Boom: ACEN, Alabama Power, and New York State Drive Grid Modernization with AI-Powered Energy Infrastructure Expansion
ACEN advances construction of BESS facility in Australia (Energy Vault) - ACEN advances 400 MWh battery energy storage system construction at New England Solar site in Australia.
After groundbreaking bills on jobs and solar, Illinois tackles the grid (Canary Media) - Illinois lawmakers propose ambitious grid modernization bills to enhance transmission, add energy storage, and support clean energy transition.
AI Boom Reshapes Power Landscape as Data Centers Drive Historic Demand Growth (POWER) - AI-driven data centers are reshaping the power landscape, driving unprecedented electricity demand growth and challenging traditional grid infrastructure.
Alabama Power Building BESS at Former Coal-Fired Power Plant Site (POWER) - Alabama Power plans first utility-scale battery storage system at former coal plant site, enabling grid flexibility and potential clean energy integration.
Alabama’s first BESS to be built at legacy coal plant site (Renewable Energy World) - Alabama Power plans to build state's first 150 MW battery energy storage system at retired coal plant site, marking a sustainable transition in power infrastructure.
Batteries and grid upgrades deliver better ratings and revenue for blighted wind and solar farms (RenewEconomy) - Battery storage and grid upgrades significantly improve marginal loss factors and revenue potential for wind and solar farms in New South Wales and Victoria.
Construction begins on co-located BESS at 720MW solar PV plant in New South Wales, Australia (EnergyVault) - 720MW solar plant in New South Wales to integrate 400MWh battery storage system, enhancing renewable energy infrastructure.
Decentralised Energy and Peer-to-Peer Trading: Why Utilities Need to Wake Up (Energy Central) - Utilities must transform from passive energy suppliers to dynamic, decentralized marketplace facilitators as peer-to-peer energy trading and prosumer models rapidly reshape the electricity landscape.
Demand Response Could Reduce The Burden Data Centers Put On Electrical Grids (CleanTechnica) - Demand response strategies could help data centers reduce grid strain and avoid building new fossil fuel power plants, offering a flexible alternative to traditional energy expansion.
Energy Vault Begins Construction of Battery Storage Project in Australia (Energy Vault) - Company launches 200-megawatt battery storage project in Australia to support renewable energy infrastructure.
Energy Vault Kicks Off Battery Storage Project At ACEN Australia’s New England Solar (Energy Vault) - Company initiates 200 MW battery storage project at Australian solar site to enhance renewable energy grid integration.
Energy Vault starts work on ACEN’s New England BESS (Energy Vault) - Begins construction of 200MW/2-hour battery storage system for ACEN's New England Solar project in New South Wales.
Finland | Hydrogen Grid Progress (Energy Central) - Gasgrid Finland and Nordion Energi launch pioneering cross-border Nordic Hydrogen Route to accelerate European energy transition and green industrialization.
Flexibility is crucial to maintain grid stability, says GridBeyond latest white paper (GridBeyond) - Virtual Power Plants offer crucial flexibility for maintaining grid stability in high-renewable energy markets like Australia.
How gas keeps the UK’s electricity bills so high – despite lots of cheap wind power (The Conversation) - UK's electricity bills remain high due to gas market volatility and wind power's intermittency, despite significant renewable energy growth.
Iberdrola España commissions first pumping station at Valdecañas pumped-storage project in Spain (Renewable Energy World) - Iberdrola España launches first 225 MW pumped-storage hydroelectric station in Valdecañas, integrating a 15 MW battery and promising 200,000 tons of annual CO2 emissions reduction.
Liberty Utilities’ Sam McGarrah on improving utility asset management (Renewable Energy World) - Liberty Utilities expert highlights advanced grid asset management techniques to enhance resilience amid increasing extreme weather and technological challenges.
New England, New York grid operators prepare to collect millions in tariffs on Canadian electricity (Utility Dive) - New England and New York grid operators seek clarity on potential tariffs for Canadian electricity imports.
New report details utility policy solutions for designing flexible interconnection programs (EDF) - Utilities develop flexible interconnection programs to manage increasing electric load demand through dynamic hardware and software solutions that optimize grid infrastructure and support electrification.
New York State Public Service Commission Approves the Retail and Residential Energy Storage Program Implementation Plan (Energy Central) - New York State approves expanded $1.2 billion energy storage program, increasing storage goals to 6 gigawatts by 2030 with new residential and retail incentive blocks.
Nuclear reactor groups raise $1.5bn amid race to power AI boom (NGP) - Small modular nuclear reactor developers secure $1.5bn in funding, driven by Big Tech's AI-powered energy demands and government support.
PPL’s Kentucky utilities propose 1.3 GW of gas, 400 MW of storage to meet data center load (Utility Dive) - PPL's Kentucky utilities seek $3.7 billion approval for 1.3 GW gas and 400 MW storage project to support booming data center electricity demand.
Victoria urged to back home batteries and more deep storage, and do it soon (RenewEconomy) - Victoria proposes $50M annual investment in home batteries and virtual power plants to support renewable energy transition and grid stability.
Watt’s New: February 2025 (Powin) - Battery energy storage company achieves SOC 2 Type II compliance and deployed 7.3 GWh of storage across multiple countries in 2024.
Illinois’ third clean energy act: storage and transmission (Canary Media) - Illinois proposes third clean energy law to accelerate renewable energy transition by building 3 GW of energy storage and streamlining transmission permitting.
Brazil: Power prices are rising due to 7 weaknesses. (Energy Central) - Brazil's power prices escalate due to seven systemic weaknesses including exchange rate volatility, inefficient renewable investments, regulatory misalignments, power theft, crony projects, and lack of demand response programs.
A Business-Like Approach to Power Generation (POWER) - Commercial and industrial sectors increasingly adopt decentralized, resilient, and sustainable on-site power generation technologies to ensure reliable energy supply and reduce carbon emissions.
‘Task the Learjet like a satellite’ – This startup offers fast, high-altitude remote sensing (Renewable Energy World) - IO Aerospace uses high-altitude Learjet with advanced sensors to provide ultra-fast, high-resolution remote sensing data for utility infrastructure management.
Reciprocating Engine Technology Supports Grid Flexibility and Renewables Integration (POWER) - Reciprocating engine technology provides flexible, multi-fuel power generation solution critical for grid stability and renewable energy integration.
Indigenous
Indigenous climate resilience challenged by global corruption, legal breakthroughs in cultural land management, and emerging First Nations leadership initiatives across research, restoration, and rights protection.
‘Like a virus’: Corruption has infected the fight against climate change (Grist) - Global study reveals corruption undermines climate action and disproportionately threatens Indigenous communities worldwide.
Gutting Federal Funding Undercuts Massive Strides in Indigenous Science (Atmos) - Trump-era funding cuts threaten Indigenous scientific research and ecological restoration projects across multiple U.S. tribal communities.
In a First, California Tribe May Freely Burn Its Ancestral Lands (Yale E360) - California's Karuk Tribe becomes first to legally conduct traditional cultural burns without prior permits, restoring ancestral landscape management practices.
Mabo Centre advances new era of Native Title and First Nations leadership (University of Melbourne) - Mabo Centre launches First Nations-led initiative to support economic development, leadership, and native title rights through collaborative partnerships.
UN accuses Indonesia’s No. 2 palm oil firm of rights & environmental abuses (Mongabay) - UN special rapporteurs accuse Indonesia's second-largest palm oil company of systematic human rights violations and environmental abuses on Indigenous lands.
Gamechangers: 10 Women Who Broke Barriers at NOAA (NOAA) - Pioneering women scientists broke gender barriers across marine research, meteorology, and exploration from 1845 to 2018, transforming federal scientific institutions.
Industry
EU's €100bn Clean Industrial Deal drives hydrogen infrastructure, methane reduction tech, and strategic decarbonization investments across Nordic and European energy markets
🌎 The nEU Deal on the Bloc #235 (CTVC) - EU unveils €100bn Clean Industrial Deal to decarbonize industry, streamline regulations, and boost European competitiveness through strategic investments and incentives.
100 MW green hydrogen plant in Rostock, Germany. (Energy Central) - Germany advances green hydrogen infrastructure with new 100 MW plant in Rostock.
A pandemic, an earthquake — and the end of Sunfolding (Latitude Media) - Innovative solar tracker startup Sunfolding closes after battling pandemic supply chain disruptions, material cost challenges, and critical component scarcity.
Big Oil Backs Away From Green Energy Goals (CleanTechnica) - Big Oil companies are abandoning green energy goals and reverting to traditional fossil fuel strategies, prioritizing shareholder returns over climate commitments.
Engineers create more effective burner to reduce methane emissions (ScienceDaily) - Engineers develop advanced methane flare burner using machine learning and additive manufacturing to eliminate 98% of methane emissions during oil production.
Gasgrid Finland | Launch of the Nordic Hydrogen Route. (Energy Central) - Gasgrid Finland and Nordion Energi launch Nordic Hydrogen Route to create cross-border hydrogen infrastructure and support European energy transition by 2030.
Hydrogen sans emissions (Canary Media) - Hydrogen startups develop fossil gas-based hydrogen production methods that eliminate carbon emissions.
Implementing the 45V Rule: What it Means for Green Hydrogen Projects (RMI) - US Treasury's final 45V hydrogen guidance establishes a flexible, market-driven framework for green hydrogen projects, balancing environmental integrity with commercial viability through clean electricity sourcing requirements.
The SMR Gamble: Betting on Nuclear to Fuel the Data Center Boom (POWER) - Tech giants bet on small modular nuclear reactors to meet surging AI data center electricity demands despite regulatory and cost challenges.
These startups turn fossil gas into hydrogen, without all the emissions (Canary Media) - Finnish startup Hycamite develops methane pyrolysis technology to produce hydrogen and solid carbon without CO2 emissions, offering a potential low-carbon hydrogen production method.
Policy
UN Climate Governance in Flux: IPCC Negotiations, Bank Exits, and Global Policy Tensions Amid Conservative Pressure and Renewable Energy Transition
🎉 Get Ready for a New Episode of Political Climate LIVE at Winterfest! (Political Climate) - Podcast explores clean energy challenges and opportunities with conservative energy leaders at Winterfest conference.
As the politics of climate change shift, how can ordinary people respond? (Yale Climate Connections) - Environmental activist Nathaniel Stinnett urges citizens to combat climate change despair through local election volunteering and voter mobilization.
BC3’s scientific director plays a key role at IPCC’s 62nd Plenary Session (BC3) - Scientific director María José Sanz plays key facilitation role in IPCC's 62nd Plenary Session, contributing to Seventh Assessment Report draft and Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies methodology.
Big banks abandoned a voluntary climate alliance. Now, critics are calling for new laws. (Grist) - Major U.S. banks exit UN climate alliance amid conservative pressure, prompting calls for mandatory climate regulations.
Bill McKibben on Climate Activism in the Age of Trump 2.0 (Yale E360) - Climate activist Bill McKibben warns of Trump administration's aggressive rollback of environmental policies while highlighting the unstoppable global transition to renewable energy.
BP dropping its green ambitions is a travesty. But that’s exactly how capitalism works | Brett Christophers (Guardian) - BP abandons green energy ambitions, revealing capitalism's systemic prioritization of fossil fuel profits over climate action.
Building Trust and Consensus at CBD COP16: A Breakthrough for Biodiversity Finance (EDF) - CBD COP16 achieves historic global biodiversity finance plan with consensus on funding mechanisms and Indigenous participation.
Call for Proposals: Shaping Resilience: Women's Role in the Private Sector (UNDRR) - UN seeks proposals to empower women leaders in disaster risk reduction across Central American private sectors.
Closing the E-Jet Price Gap: State-Level SAF Tax Credits Are Crucial, Too (Twelve) - State-level SAF tax credits are crucial for accelerating sustainable aviation fuel production by making alternative jet fuels more cost-competitive.
Countries fail again to decide on timing of key IPCC climate science reports (Climate Change News) - IPCC countries fail to agree on timing of critical climate science reports, delaying key assessment cycle amid geopolitical tensions.
Determining cause of Eaton fire could take 12-18 months, Edison International says (Utility Dive) - Edison International warns determining the cause of the Eaton Fire could take 12-18 months, with potential equipment liability still under investigation.
EDF Files Lawsuit to Get Records About EPA Administrator’s Recommendation to Reverse Endangerment Finding (EDF) - Environmental group files lawsuit to obtain records about EPA Administrator's potential reversal of climate pollution endangerment finding.
EDF Files Lawsuit to Get Records on Vital EPA, State Clean Vehicle Safeguards (EDF) - Environmental group files federal lawsuit to compel Trump administration to disclose records about clean vehicle standards and potential regulatory rollbacks.
Energy efficiency program skimmed to deliver utility rate relief (Acadia Center) - Massachusetts regulators reduce energy efficiency program budget to $4.5 billion, sparking concerns about utility bill relief and environmental impact.
Executive Order Seeks to Accelerate Widespread Logging in Federal Forests (NRDC) - Trump executive order aims to prioritize commercial logging in federal forests, weakening environmental protections and ecosystem services.
How could the government bring energy bills back down? (BusinessGreen) - Labour government explores zonal electricity pricing to potentially reduce energy bills by up to £5bn annually, amid market reform debates.
How did your state score on clean energy policy? (Renewable Energy World) - Institute for Local Self-Reliance's 2025 Community Power Scorecard reveals most U.S. states are failing to implement effective clean energy policies, with only Illinois earning an above-average grade.
Illegal sea fence displaces fishers and sparks land scandal near Jakarta (Mongabay) - Illegal 30-kilometer sea fence near Jakarta displaces fishers, sparks land scandal involving property developer's unauthorized ocean plot acquisition.
International Lawfare - The International Court of Justice (BBC News) - UN seeks International Court of Justice advisory ruling on government climate action obligations amid debate over extreme weather causation.
Join us for Upcoming Events (Columbia Climate School) - Upcoming events showcase diverse climate and sustainability topics from AI summits to renewable energy discussions.
Many believe Maine’s net energy billing needs reform, but diverge on whether to tweak or toss (Renewable Energy World) - Maine legislators debate reforming or repealing net energy billing solar incentive program amid concerns over rising ratepayer costs.
March Teach Climate Tips (Climate Generation) - Educators play pivotal role in empowering students to become active climate change leaders through comprehensive, cross-disciplinary learning approaches.
New EEA Report: Zero pollution monitoring and outlook 2025 (EEA) - EU shows progress on zero pollution targets but requires stronger action to reduce harmful environmental impacts.
New government extends life of 1980s gas plant as shift to renewables limps ahead (RenewEconomy) - Northern Territory government extends life of aging gas plant, delaying renewable energy transition despite 2030 clean energy targets.
Nuclear waste and an American 51st State? (Vox) - Supreme Court confronts complex nuclear waste storage dilemma amid nationwide NIMBY resistance and potential innovative disposal strategies.
Oil industry’s carbon capture plans struggle in Louisiana (Canary Media) - Louisiana conservatives join environmentalists in opposing oil industry's carbon capture pipeline plans.
Peter Dutton’s nuclear plan could blow out household electricity bills by up to $600 a year by 2030 (RenewEconomy) - Peter Dutton's nuclear energy plan could increase household electricity bills by up to $600 annually by 2030, according to a new Clean Energy Council report.
Protected: WEDO at CSW69 / Beijing+30 (WEDO) - Women's rights advocates to convene at UN's 69th Commission on Status of Women, marking 30 years since Beijing Platform for Action.
THE BIG PICTURE: Power Built with Chinese Capital (POWER) - Chinese-backed investments support 648 power plants across 171.6 GW of global generation capacity, reshaping international energy infrastructure.
The eyes of Europe are on Switzerland: increased European scrutiny on implementing the KlimaSeniorinnen judgment (Greenpeace) - European oversight intensifies as Switzerland faces scrutiny over inadequate climate policy implementation following landmark human rights court ruling.
The History and Legacy of Carbon Pricing Around the World (Earth.Org) - Global carbon pricing mechanisms have evolved from theoretical economic concepts to practical policy tools, transforming how societies address greenhouse gas emissions through taxation and market-based strategies.
The Monetization of Public Lands (The Wildlife News) - Trump administration seeks to monetize public lands as financial assets, potentially using them as collateral for a sovereign wealth fund.
The NDCs We Need in 2025 (EDF) - Countries must develop high-quality, implementable Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that balance ambition, transparency, and sustainable development goals.
Tory Peer to Lead Climate Science Denial Group (DeSmog) - Conservative peer Lord Craig Mackinlay takes helm of climate science denial think tank Global Warming Policy Foundation, signaling continued political challenge to climate action.
Trump Energy Policy Changes Signal Major Industry Shifts in 2025 and Beyond (POWER) - Trump's energy policy shifts signal major industry changes, focusing on fossil fuel expansion and potential rollback of renewable energy initiatives.
Trump orders swathes of US forests to be cut down for timber (Guardian) - Trump orders massive timber harvesting in US national forests, bypassing endangered species protections and potentially increasing wildfire risks.
Trump’s Executive Order on Forests ‘A Devastating Blow,’ Activists Say (Inside Climate News) - Trump's executive order aims to increase timber production, sparking concerns about climate change, endangered species, and forest ecosystem impacts.
Trump’s Gift to the Timber Industry (Heatmap News) - Trump signs executive order to boost timber production in national forests, potentially increasing logging and raising environmental concerns.
Uprooted: How One Family Learned There Is No Such Thing as a Climate Haven (Moms Clean Air Force) - Louisiana family's repeated hurricane displacement reveals the myth of climate havens and urgent need for corporate climate action.
USDA secretary: ‘Gone are the days when we will be advancing the Green New Deal’ (AgFunderNews) - USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins signals shift away from Green New Deal, promises deregulation and competitive focus for American agriculture.
Water Agency Renews Concern That Sea-Level Rise Will Flood Drinking-Water Intakes in Philadelphia, Southern N.J. (Inside Climate News) - Delaware River Basin Commission warns sea-level rise and drought may compromise drinking water intakes for Philadelphia and southern New Jersey.
Young people advocating for environmental protections at Florida Capitol (CLEO Institute) - Over 300 Florida students rally at state Capitol to advocate for environmental protections and climate action during legislative session.
Win Without War Welcomes Resolution Condemning Calls for Military Action in Mexico (Win Without War) - Advocacy group supports congressional resolution blocking unilateral U.S. military action in Mexico, criticizing potential escalation of cross-border tensions.
DEADLINE: Waterman Fund Essay Contest for Emerging Writers (SEJ) - Appalachian Mountain Club and Waterman Fund announce $4,000 essay contest for emerging writers exploring wilderness preservation challenges, with March 2025 deadline.
Settlement Reached Resolving Citizen Group’s Challenge to Discharge Permit for Darlington Polyester Plant (SELC) - Winyah Rivers Alliance settles lawsuit, securing reduced chemical discharge and conservation funding for Black Creek from Fiber Industries polyester plant.
Strengthening Northern Norway – Join Us in Narvik & Bodø! (Arctic Frontiers) - Northern Norway seeks strategic collaboration and workforce resilience through defense sector opportunities and sustainable community development.
Zimbabwe Joins Other African Nations in Pursuit of Nuclear Power (POWER) - Zimbabwe seeks nuclear power collaboration with IAEA and Russia to address chronic electricity shortages and boost national energy capacity by 2035.
Renewables
Record renewable grid penetration in Australia, landmark solar-wind financing in India, and global solar manufacturers' sustainability milestones, with strategic market expansions by JinkoSolar, JA Solar, and Jinchen amid industry workforce adjustments.
A summer of record renewables, record demand highs and record demand lows, and no blackouts (RenewEconomy) - Australia's main grid achieves record 44.7% renewable energy during summer with no supply shortfalls, demonstrating growing battery storage reliability.
Adani Green Energy Refinances $1.06 Billion Construction Facility (TaiyangNews) - Adani Green Energy secures $1.06 billion long-term refinancing for India's largest solar-wind hybrid project in Rajasthan.
AES lays off 10% of its staff, despite emphasizing ‘strong demand’ (Latitude Media) - AES Corporation cuts 10% of workforce amid market uncertainty and renewables investment reduction.
China Solar PV News Snippets: JinkoSolar ‘Only’ PV Manufacturer With 100% Bankability & More (TaiyangNews) - JinkoSolar becomes first solar manufacturer to achieve 100% bankability in BloombergNEF's 2024 survey, highlighting its financial stability and market performance.
Eco Wave Power makes critical infrastructure enhancements at Portugal project site (Renewable Energy World) - Eco Wave Power initiates critical infrastructure upgrades at Portugal's first 1MW wave energy project site, preparing for sustainable electricity generation by 2026.
German developer takes solar grazing seriously with Deepwater project (RenewEconomy) - German developer ib vogt proposes 120MW solar farm with battery storage in Deepwater, enabling solar grazing and agricultural land diversification.
JA Solar: Path To Sustainable PV Manufacturing (TaiyangNews) - JA Solar outlines comprehensive sustainability roadmap targeting 42% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050 through innovative manufacturing practices and green supply chain initiatives.
North America Solar PV News Snippets: China’s Jinchen Targets North American Market At Intersolar & More (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar equipment manufacturer Jinchen expands North American market presence with innovative HPT technology and strategic US service center at Intersolar 2025.
SSE to repower 45MW Lochay Hydro Power Station (Renewable Energy World) - SSE Renewables plans £70 million refurbishment of 45MW Lochay Hydro Power Station to extend its operational life by 40 years, ensuring continued renewable energy generation in Scotland.
US Metals Material Maker FGM-Fabral Ventures Into Solar Industry (TaiyangNews) - US metal manufacturer FGM-Fabral launches Fabral Solar to provide domestic steel racking solutions for solar panel installations across commercial, residential, and agricultural markets.
Scatec completes sale of its African hydropower assets to TotalEnergies for $167M (Renewable Energy World) - Scatec sells its African hydropower assets to TotalEnergies for $167 million, focusing on solar, wind, and battery storage investments.
Wind turbine collapses on calm day in Oklahoma, another is struck by lightning (RenewEconomy) - Nordex wind turbine mysteriously collapses on calm day in Oklahoma, with no immediate explanation for structural failure.
Transport
Electric bus expansion, maritime battery innovations, and global EV sales surge drive transformative transportation electrification across Canada, Europe, China, and South Africa
Canada’s Cities Deploying Electric Buses, Toying With Hydrogen (CleanTechnica) - Canadian cities rapidly deploy electric buses nationwide, with most prioritizing battery-electric technology over hydrogen despite infrastructure challenges.
Charging ahead: Strategies for utilities to navigate the EV crossroads (Utility Dive) - Utilities must proactively plan grid infrastructure, demand management, and strategic investments to successfully navigate the rapid acceleration of electric vehicle adoption.
Echandia Closes a €19.6mn Financing Round Led by Alantra’s €210mn Energy Transition Fund, Klima (Alantra) - Swedish maritime battery systems provider Echandia secures €19.6mn financing round to expand global operations and accelerate maritime electrification.
EV Charging Station Momentum Keeps Growing, Trump Or No Trump (CleanTechnica) - EV charging station development continues to expand across the US, driven by state initiatives and private sector partnerships despite federal program suspension.
EVs At 22.5% Share In France — Citroën e-C3 On Top (CleanTechnica) - French electric vehicle market sees 22.5% share in February, with Citroën e-C3 leading battery electric vehicle sales amid policy-driven market fluctuations.
Half of New EU City Buses Were Zero-Emission in 2024 (CleanTechnica) - Nearly half of new EU city buses were zero-emission in 2024, with battery-electric buses dominating and fuel cell buses emerging, signaling rapid transition to clean urban transport.
Local Production of PHEVs Up 121% In South Africa In 2024 (CleanTechnica) - South Africa's local production of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) surged 121% in 2024, with 11,406 units produced, primarily for export markets.
Top Selling Electric Vehicles in the World — January 2025 (CleanTechnica) - Global electric vehicle sales surge 18% in January 2025, with BYD overtaking Tesla and Geely emerging as a strong contender in the rapidly evolving EV market.
Training the Next Generation of Bicycle Mechanics (Bluedot Living) - Toronto nonprofit Charlie's FreeWheels trains next generation of bicycle mechanics through innovative pre-employment training program targeting youth.
NIO Sales Rose 62% in February (CleanTechnica) - NIO's electric vehicle sales surge 62% in February 2025, delivering 13,192 vehicles and highlighting battery swapping popularity during Chinese New Year.
XPENG Sales Up 570% In February! (CleanTechnica) - XPENG achieves massive 570% sales growth in February 2025, driven by successful MONA M03 model and advanced driver assistance systems.
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