We Can Still Demand Corporate Social Responsibility in 2025

If Microsoft Can Do it, You Can Too

We've got more than 180 updates, good and bad, from across the sustainability world today - but one of the biggest is Microsoft's agreement to purchase nearly 400 MW of solar power from EDP Renewables North America.

The coolest part? They made the purchase using the Environmental Justice Power Purchase Agreement, which "focuses on clean energy investments in rural and urban communities that are disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices and behind in securing the benefits of a clean energy economy." The agreement will include funding to the EJ-focused Sharing the Power Foundation, which provides grants to a list of local organizations we're now tracking for updates and lessons learned.

The whole announcement of that purchase highlights extensive community benefits, signaling that the bar can still be raised in a Trump II era.

Other Renewables Projects Are Not There Yet

Meanwhile Saudi Arabia announced a "net zero AI data center" that will use 4X as much power as Microsoft just agreed to purchase, but without any discussion of environmental justice or community benefits.

And global EV leader BYD got tons of press coverage for announcing that they will be including a higher level of autonomy in all their models, even the low end ones, and making use the hot new AI model DeepSeek. (We use DeepSeek every day over here, it's awesome!)

But how's their social responsibility in doing so? Turns out BYD is in 16th place among 18 global auto makers in this week's just-released Lead the Charge scorecard measuring auto makers in their sustainability and human rights records and policies. (Tesla and Ford are at the top and still have a lot of room for improvement.)

Come on, corporate leaders! It's time to rise to the challenge, not just of renewable energy - but recognition that you're a part of a global network of people and planet. If Microsoft can do it, you can too!

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

-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 1,000 green tech and sustainability organizations for updates. Below, you'll find:

• A Visual of the Day

• A digest-style Table of Contents for 181 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

Bioflourescent Birds

A male Wilson's Bird-of-Paradise, photographed in Indonesia's rainforests, displays its brilliant yellow feathers that scientists now know can emit light. New research shows these birds don't just have bright colors - they actually absorb and re-emit light through their feathers, a discovery that transforms our understanding of these remarkable creatures. They're biofluorescent, like jellyfish and other biofluorescent sea animals.

Let's save them and their homes!

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• Agriculture (8 stories) - Symbrosia and MeliBio scale up alternative products, while Bovaer and seaweed farming advance sustainable livestock solutions amid food security challenges

  
  

• Carbon (9 stories) - Carbon credit programs, soil tech advances, and DAC funding in Kenya, while studies show 1.5°C threshold breach and China's emissions stabilize

  
  

• Circular (2 stories) - Acciona Energía tackles wind blade recycling in Australia; Oregon's SB551 targets reusable plastic bag restrictions

  
  

• Ecosystems (13 stories) - Record snowfall in Japan, Australian cyclones, and coastal erosion threaten ecosystems while EDF wins AAAS award for Cuba marine work; NYBG forms climate advisory group as Pakistan's leopards face extinction and German institute studies wildlife adaptation

  
  

• Efficiency (6 stories) - Heat pump innovations from Daikin, Mitsubishi & Terravis; NEOM's $5B green data center; efficiency programs in Nevada & California

  
  

• Finance (10 stories) - Tax credit market hits $30B as Climate First Bank names Castro CSO; UN and SEC shape climate finance policy while European cities eye $4T urban sustainability opportunity

  
  

• Grid (17 stories) - AGL, Tesla, Enphase and Fortum lead battery and pumped hydro expansion while AI data centers reshape grid planning, with Duke University research showing 76-126GW flexible load potential

  
  

• Indigenous (4 stories) - Ford leads weak industry rights record; UN review training announced; Minnesota dam policy draws tribal concern; Indonesian climate storytelling project launches

  
  

• Industry (20 stories) - EV and battery factories face funding threats in Southeast; ES Foundry, Astronergy, DMEGC Solar advance manufacturing; patent battles between JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trinasolar, Canadian Solar; TVA pursues fusion with Type One Energy

  
  

• Policy (56 stories) - AFP/CCNow's global climate news initiative, Trump's dismantling of Justice40 and EPA programs, 22-state lawsuit against NY's $75B climate law, and federal judge's IRA funding restoration order shape policy landscape

  
  

• Renewables (14 stories) - Major solar deals: Astronergy's European expansion, Huasun's 3GW projects in China, RenewableUK's offshore wind study, and Goldwind's $296M Australian wind contract, while India hits 100GW solar milestone

  
  

• Transport (22 stories) - BYD dominates Philippines market and launches 'God's Eye' system, while Ionna plans 30,000 US charging bays, ComEd offers $100M in rebates, and Revel expands NYC network amid federal funding suspension

 Agriculture

Symbrosia and MeliBio scale up alternative products, while Bovaer and seaweed farming advance sustainable livestock solutions amid food security challenges

• Conspiracy theory on methane-cutting cow feed a ‘wake-up call’, say scientists (The Guardian) - Scientists warn that conspiracy theories about methane-reducing cattle feed additive Bovaer highlight need for better public communication about agricultural climate solutions.

• Planting Seeds of Freedom in Palestine’s First Ecovillage (Atmos) - Palestinian village Farkha fights occupation through food sovereignty, sustainable farming, and boycotts while facing increasing settler encroachment.

• Seaweed’s Role in Sustainable Innovation (Revolve) - Seaweed farming emerges as sustainable alternative to traditional agriculture, offering solutions for food production, carbon capture, and eco-friendly materials across multiple industries.

• Symbrosia submits data to FDA, plans 15-acre seaweed production site for methane-reducing feed (AgFunderNews) - Hawaii's Symbrosia submits environmental impact data to FDA for seaweed-based livestock methane reduction supplement, plans 15-acre production facility capable of serving 1 million cattle.

• MeliBio aims for profitability by year end as it ramps up bee-free honey business in US (AgFunderNews) - California-based MeliBio targets profitability in 2025 as its bee-free honey expands from 400 to 2000 US retail locations amid growing honey demand and declining bee populations.

• CGIAR Science Week/ Nature Food Study 🔬 (CGIAR) - Global agricultural research organization announces inaugural Science Week for April 2025, convening researchers to shape future food security and climate adaptation strategies.

• Dear Dot: How Can I Save Money on Groceries? (Bluedot Living) - Expert shares comprehensive tips for reducing grocery costs through seasonal shopping, waste reduction, home preservation, and building relationships with local farmers.

• How smarter greenhouses could improve the UK’s food security (The Conversation) - UK's aging greenhouse infrastructure and lack of investment hinders domestic food security, with experts calling for smart technology upgrades to reduce import dependence.

 Carbon

Carbon credit programs, soil tech advances, and DAC funding in Kenya, while studies show 1.5°C threshold breach and China's emissions stabilize

• AgriCapture partners with Texas Agricultural Land Trust to preserve native grasslands (AgriCapture) - Texas firm partners with Agricultural Land Trust to protect 6,300 acres of native grasslands through carbon credit generation program.

• American Football Season Is Getting Hotter, Especially in the Midwest (Inside Climate News) - NFL cities have warmed 2.8°F since 1970, with Midwest locations like Minneapolis seeing 5°F increase during football season.

• CarbonBuilder: A Deep Dive (CarbonBuilder) - Microbial technology enhances soil's carbon storage capacity while improving agricultural productivity through fungal-plant interactions.

• Charting The Course - Reducing GHG Emissions from the US Natural Gas Supply (Energy Central) - Study finds US natural gas system could achieve 63% methane emissions reduction by 2030 through existing policies and technologies.

• Ecologi Acquires Carbon Measurement Solution Provider Net Zero Now (ESGToday) - Climate solutions platform Ecologi acquires Net Zero Now to provide sector-specific carbon measurement and reduction capabilities alongside climate project funding.

• Has the World Entered a New Era of Warming? (Heatmap News) - Two new studies suggest Earth has already surpassed 1.5°C warming threshold, marking permanent shift in global temperatures.

• This is CDR: Octavia Carbon’s Project Hummingbird – Pioneering Direct Air Capture in Africa. (OpenAir) - Kenya's first Direct Air Capture facility, Project Hummingbird, secures $5M seed funding to scale carbon removal technology while prioritizing community engagement in Africa's Great Rift Valley.

• World Likely to Breach 1.5-Degree Target, Research Finds (Yale E360) - New research indicates world will exceed 1.5°C warming target within 20 years as 2024 temperatures already hit this threshold.

• 分析：2024年中国清洁能源创纪录增长遏制CO2上升 (Carbon Brief) - China's record clean energy growth in 2024 stabilized CO2 emissions despite high energy demand, with 0.8% annual emissions increase driven by early-year rebound.

 Circular

Acciona Energía tackles wind blade recycling in Australia; Oregon's SB551 targets reusable plastic bag restrictions

• Builder of Australia’s largest single wind project seeks solutions for blade recycling (RenewEconomy) - Acciona Energía launches initiative to explore wind turbine blade recycling solutions in Australia as aging wind farms approach end of life.

• SOCAN Comments on SB551 (SOCAN) - Oregon climate action group urges support for SB551 to restrict reusable plastic bags, citing low reuse rates and environmental hazards of plastic pollution.

 Ecosystems

Record snowfall in Japan, Australian cyclones, and coastal erosion threaten ecosystems while EDF wins AAAS award for Cuba marine work; NYBG forms climate advisory group as Pakistan's leopards face extinction and German institute studies wildlife adaptation

• Japan sees record snowfall as Australia braces for cyclone Zelia (Reuters) - Japan faces deadly record snowfall in northern regions while Australia's western coast prepares for approaching Cyclone Zelia.

• Desertification and Climate Change: What’s the Link? (Earth.org) - Rising global temperatures and erratic weather patterns accelerate desertification worldwide, threatening ecosystems, food security, and forcing community displacement.

• Endangered waves: why Australia’s revered surf spots could soon reach a breaking point (The Guardian) - Climate change and rising sea levels threaten Australia's iconic surf spots, with point breaks like Bells Beach and Byron Bay at highest risk of degradation.

• Environmental Defense Fund’s Caribbean Team Receives Prestigious AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy (EDF) - Environmental Defense Fund's Caribbean team wins 2025 AAAS Science Diplomacy Award for 25 years of US-Cuba marine ecosystem collaboration.

• Join the Healthy Public Lands Conference: May 28-30th (The Wildlife News) - Utah conference on public lands conservation to address grazing reform, Indigenous conservation, and ecosystem restoration with experts and advocates, May 28-30.

• NYBG Partners with BGCI in Finding Solutions for Climate Resiliency (NYBG) - New York Botanical Garden partners with Botanic Gardens Conservation International to establish Climate Resilience Advisory Group focused on plant-based solutions for global climate adaptation.

• Shot, poisoned and beaten to death: why leopard killings are soaring in Pakistan (The Guardian) - Pakistan's leopard population faces extinction threat as killings surge due to human-wildlife conflict, deforestation, and inadequate compensation systems for affected communities.

• Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz Institute) - German research institute studies wildlife adaptability and survival amid global change, combining biology and veterinary expertise for species conservation.

• Many birds-of-paradise species emit light through their plumage, study finds (The Guardian) - Study reveals 37 of 45 birds-of-paradise species emit biofluorescent light through plumage, enhancing courtship displays and potentially aiding camouflage.

• Earth’s inner core is changing shape (Nature) - Earth's inner core found to be changing shape through seismic wave analysis, potentially affecting Earth's magnetic field and day length.

• Ainhoa Magrach, Profesora Ikerbasque en BC3, premiada como “Joven Talento Científico Femenino” (BC3) - Spanish scientist Ainhoa Magrach receives Young Female Scientific Talent award for her research on biodiversity and ecosystem impacts.

• An interview with Peter Cairns: judge for the Rewilding Europe Award 2025 (Rewilding Europe) - Renowned photographer Peter Cairns discusses judging criteria for 2025 Rewilding Europe Award, emphasizing storytelling impact in conservation photography.

• Bobcats benefit both human and ecological health, but their growing populations are often misunderstood (Mongabay) - North America's most common wildcat, the bobcat, provides critical ecosystem services including zoonotic disease control but faces ongoing challenges from human development and potential hunting policy changes.

 Efficiency

Heat pump innovations from Daikin, Mitsubishi & Terravis; NEOM's $5B green data center; efficiency programs in Nevada & California

• Daikin Heat Pump Review (Hometree) - Daikin heat pumps review highlights premium features and high efficiency across air-source product lines, with prices ranging from £1,650 to £10,700 for residential installations.

• Empowering Electrification: How to Make the Switch for Your Business (MCE) - California utility outlines business electrification strategies including heat pump upgrades and incentives to help commercial buildings reduce emissions and operating costs.

• Energy-Efficient Homes: From Insulation to Heat Pumps (Nevada Clean Energy Fund) - Nevada's RE-UP program offers low-cost financing for home energy upgrades including insulation, heat pumps, and smart thermostats to reduce utility bills and carbon footprint.

• Mitsubishi Heat Pump Review (Hometree) - Mitsubishi's Ecodan heat pump range offers high-efficiency heating with A+++ ratings, smart features, and costs between £8,000-£16,000 installed, eligible for £7,500 government grants.

• Saudi’s NEOM, DataVolt to Build $5 Billion Net Zero AI Data Center (ESGToday) - Saudi Arabia's NEOM and DataVolt sign $5 billion agreement to build net-zero AI data center powered by renewable energy, aiming to address growing AI energy demands by 2028.

• Terravis Energy Unveals a Heat Pump That Defies Freezing! Down to -57 Below, Shattering Existing Technology Performance (CleanTechnica) - Terravis Energy unveils revolutionary heat pump operating at -57°F to 131°F without defrost cycles, promising major efficiency gains for cold climate regions.

 Finance

Tax credit market hits $30B as Climate First Bank names Castro CSO; UN and SEC shape climate finance policy while European cities eye $4T urban sustainability opportunity

• Grist readers, join March 12 webinar on climate finance (Grist) - Middlebury Institute hosts March 12 webinar exploring climate finance challenges, global decarbonization costs, and funding sources for climate resilience initiatives.

• Climate First Bank Appoints Chris Castro as Chief Sustainability Officer (ESGToday) - Climate First Bank names former DOE official Chris Castro as Chief Sustainability Officer to lead sustainable banking initiatives and clean energy financing.

• Disaster Risk Reduction Financing Training Modules (UNDRR) - UN agency launches comprehensive training modules to help nations develop financing frameworks for disaster risk reduction initiatives.

• Emerging technologies are dominating the tax credit market (Latitude Media) - Tax credit market triples to $30 billion as emerging clean technologies dominate 67% of deals, with advanced manufacturing leading growth.

• GoFundMe raises $250m for LA fires victims, more than for all other disasters last year (The Guardian) - GoFundMe raises record $250m from global donors for LA wildfire victims, surpassing all 2024 disaster fundraising combined.

• Retirement funds risk driving climate change (Stand.earth) - Major retirement and pension funds continue investing in fossil fuel companies despite climate risks and underperformance, sparking calls for climate-safe investment reform.

• SEC Will Reconsider Climate Risk Disclosure Rule That Helps Protect Americans’ Money (EDF) - SEC Acting Chairman criticizes and seeks reconsideration of climate risk disclosure rule requiring companies to report climate-related financial risks to investors.

• Strengthening disaster resilience: Financing and early warning systems set the stage for the 6th Arab Regional Platform for DRR (UNDRR) - Arab Regional Platform for DRR launches with focus on disaster financing and early warning systems, emphasizing regional collaboration and infrastructure resilience in Kuwait.

• The $4tn opportunity to invest in Europe’s cities (SYSTEMIQ) - European cities present $4 trillion investment opportunity in urban regeneration and sustainable development initiatives.

• Tracking funding for life-saving early warning systems (UNDRR) - UN launches global observatory to track early warning system investments and identify funding gaps for disaster preparedness worldwide.

 Grid

AGL, Tesla, Enphase and Fortum lead battery and pumped hydro expansion while AI data centers reshape grid planning, with Duke University research showing 76-126GW flexible load potential

• AGL targets another five big battery projects amid falling costs and grid price volatility (RenewEconomy) - AGL Energy plans 1.4GW of new battery storage projects across Australia amid falling costs and increasing grid volatility, targeting final investment decisions for five facilities.

• AI’s power play: Meeting the growing energy demands of data centers (Renewable Energy World) - Data centers and AI drive unprecedented electricity demand growth, forcing utilities to rapidly expand infrastructure and adopt new forecasting models.

• Biggest coal generator has zero appetite for nuclear in a market where grid flexibility is king (RenewEconomy) - Australia's largest coal generator AGL rejects nuclear power plans, focuses on battery storage expansion and grid flexibility in energy transition strategy.

• Enphase expands VPP support in Colorado as Xcel Energy seeks up to 125 MW (Utility Dive) - Enphase Energy expands virtual power plant program in Colorado with Xcel Energy offering $350/kW incentives for battery owners as utility seeks approval for 125MW capacity.

• Existing US grid can handle ‘significant’ new flexible load: report (Utility Dive) - US grid can accommodate 76-126 GW of new flexible loads with minimal curtailment, Duke University study finds.

• Explainer: What does it actually mean to “firm” renewables? (RenewEconomy) - Firming technologies like batteries, pumped hydro, and gas peaking plants are essential for converting variable renewable energy into reliable grid power supply.

• Flexibility Will Go a Long Way Toward Managing the Grid of the Near Future, Researchers Say (Inside Climate News) - AI data centers' growing electricity demands can be managed through flexible grid operations rather than new power plants, Duke University research finds.

• Fortum explores new potential pumped hydro storage plants in Sweden (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Fortum launches two-year feasibility study to explore three potential pumped hydro storage sites in Sweden, aiming to expand its existing 89.5MW capacity.

• How AI is Solving Grid Reliability Challenges – Industry Insight from Zohar Asher (Innowatts) - AI-powered platform leverages machine learning and meter-level data to improve grid reliability and forecasting accuracy amid renewable energy integration and extreme weather challenges.

• One Weird Trick for Getting More Data Centers on the Grid (Heatmap News) - Duke University research reveals US grid could add 76GW of new data center load by implementing strategic 0.25% uptime curtailment without requiring infrastructure upgrades.

• Ryan Willemsen-Bell Appointed SunCable Group CEO (TaiyangNews) - SunCable appoints former Origin Energy executive Ryan Willemsen-Bell as Group CEO to lead 6GW Australia-Asia PowerLink renewable energy project.

• Tesla opens Shanghai battery “Megafactory” with first Megapacks on their way to Australia (RenewEconomy) - Tesla opens Shanghai Megafactory capable of producing 40GWh of Megapack batteries annually, with first units heading to Australian energy storage projects.

• The US grid may have over 100 GW of load to spare (Latitude Media) - US power grid could integrate 100+ GW of new load through flexibility solutions without major capacity expansion, Duke University study finds.

• Utility industry trends to watch in 2025 (Renewable Energy World) - Utility industry faces transformative year in 2025 with major shifts toward decarbonization, grid resilience, and proactive management through AI and distributed intelligence.

• 🌎 DeepSeek hype vs. the hyperscalers #232 (CTVC) - Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's energy-efficient model challenges assumptions about data center power demand growth, potentially impacting utilities' expansion plans and clean energy investments.

• How AI and an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach can empower power providers in an age of rapid load growth (RenewableEnergyWorld) - Power industry leaders discuss AI's dual role in driving electricity demand and optimizing grid operations while emphasizing need for diverse power generation sources to meet rapid load growth.

• Uncertainty clouds northern US grids amid Canada tariff threat (Utility Dive) - Northern US grid operators brace for potential disruption as Canada threatens to restrict electricity exports in response to proposed 10% US tariff.

 Indigenous

Ford leads weak industry rights record; UN review training announced; Minnesota dam policy draws tribal concern; Indonesian climate storytelling project launches

• Despite Some Gains, Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Remain Lowest-Scoring Indicator in 3rd Clean Car Report (Cultural Survival) - Global automakers score just 6% on Indigenous Peoples' rights in third annual Clean Car Report, with Ford leading at 42% while half of companies lack basic rights policies.

• Join us on 2/14! Uplift U.S. Indigenous Rights + Build Movement (Cultural Survival) - Organization announces training sessions for Indigenous Peoples to participate in UN's Universal Periodic Review of US human rights record in 2025, focusing on Indigenous rights advocacy.

• Context for Hydroelectric Energy Law in Minnesota (MNIPL) - Minnesota's 2023 Clean Electricity Law expanded hydroelectric eligibility to include existing large dams despite Indigenous opposition over environmental and cultural impacts.

• Five ways that illustrations can tell climate justice stories (The Conversation) - Indonesian researchers and fisherwomen collaborate to create illustrated book demonstrating climate justice impacts through visual storytelling and body mapping techniques.

 Industry

EV and battery factories face funding threats in Southeast; ES Foundry, Astronergy, DMEGC Solar advance manufacturing; patent battles between JinkoSolar, LONGi, Trinasolar, Canadian Solar; TVA pursues fusion with Type One Energy

• Southeast feels the brunt of Trump’s clean energy cuts (Canary Media) - Trump's clean energy funding cuts hit Republican-led Southeast districts hardest, threatening $165.8B in planned EV and battery factories.

• Astronergy Wins TaiyangNews Badge of Excellence 2024 for Two Consecutive Years (TaiyangNews) - Solar manufacturer Astronergy wins industry excellence badge for second consecutive year due to high-efficiency module performance and 130GW global shipments.

• Breathing New Life Into American Solar Manufacturing: ES Foundry Opens New SC Solar Cell Facility (CleanEnergy.org) - ES Foundry opens first US solar cell manufacturing plant in 14 years in South Carolina, plans 3GW capacity and 500 jobs by Q3 2025.

• Can a better climate create better jobs? (Greenpeace) - Global renewable energy sector creates 2.5 million new jobs in 2023 while offering economic benefits like cost savings and energy independence for communities.

• DMEGC Solar Earns CDP Industry-Leading Scoring for Water Security and Climate Change (TaiyangNews) - Chinese solar manufacturer DMEGC Solar achieves A- CDP rating for water security and B for climate change performance, outperforming industry averages.

• Grid Connections 2025: Who’s going where in Australia’s energy transition (RenewEconomy) - Major leadership changes sweep through Australia's energy sector as key executives shift roles at AGL Energy, Fortescue, ChargeFox, and other major clean energy companies.

• How rising geopolitical tensions pose a threat to clean tech supply chains (BusinessGreen) - IEA warns escalating trade wars and protectionism threaten critical mineral supply chains for clean technology, risking higher costs and net-zero transition delays.

• Middle East And Africa Solar PV News Snippets: Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing In Africa (TaiyangNews) - Swansea University secures £3 million to develop sustainable perovskite solar module manufacturing across four African nations, aiming to strengthen local supply chains and energy access.

• New Data Shows Giant Petrochemical Plant Has Failed to Boost Local Economy (Inside Climate News) - Shell's $14B petrochemical plant in Pennsylvania's Beaver County fails to deliver promised economic benefits, with data showing declining GDP, jobs, and population since 2012.

• Perovskite Producer WattByWatt Secures Canadian Government Loan (TaiyangNews) - Canadian perovskite solar module maker WattByWatt receives $975,000 government loan to scale up manufacturing of indoor-outdoor capable modules.

• Reflections from the Road: GreenBiz 25 Shows Sustainability Can’t Be a Side Hustle Anymore (GreenBiz) - Business leaders at GreenBiz 25 conference emphasize urgent need to transform sustainability from incremental improvements to core business strategy driving systemic change.

• TaiyangNews Solar Technology Conference India 2025 (TaiyangNews) - India's first Solar Technology Conference 2025 to address PV manufacturing advancement as nation installs record 30 GW solar capacity and expands domestic production capabilities.

• The clean energy metals caught in the crosshairs of US-China trade war (Canary Media) - China's export ban on gallium and germanium, crucial metals for clean energy tech and semiconductors, prompts North American companies to explore production expansion amid escalating US-China trade tensions.

• The Trouble With Tariffs (CleanTechnica) - New 25% US tariffs on imported aluminum and steel threaten to increase costs and emissions as domestic production relies heavily on coal power versus cleaner Canadian hydroelectric sources.

• Trump Promised to “Drill, Baby, Drill.” Big Oil Won’t Let Him. (CleanTechnica) - Major oil companies resist Trump's push to increase drilling despite policy promises, citing capital restraint and high extraction costs in depleted fields.

• TVA, Type One Energy Ink Deal to Develop Commercial Fusion Power Plant (POWER) - TVA partners with Type One Energy to develop 350-MWe fusion power plant using stellarator technology, targeting mid-2030s operation at former coal plant site.

• International Facility Management Association (IFMA) (IFMA) - Global facility management association with 25,000+ members focuses on built environment leadership and disaster risk reduction through professional development and knowledge sharing.

• ‘Writing reviews is becoming obsolete’: OpenAI’s new research tool divides scientists (Nature) - OpenAI's new 'deep research' tool generates cited reports and literature reviews, sparking debate among scientists over its capabilities and limitations.

• JinkoSolar Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against LONGi Green Energy in Japan (TaiyangNews) - JinkoSolar subsidiary files patent infringement lawsuit against LONGi Solar in Tokyo District Court over solar technology intellectual property rights.

• Trinasolar Seeking RMB 1 Billion+ In Damages From Canadian Solar (TaiyangNews) - Trinasolar files $144.81 million patent infringement lawsuit against Canadian Solar in China over TOPCon solar cell technology, demanding cessation of production and destruction of inventory.

 Policy

AFP/CCNow's global climate news initiative, Trump's dismantling of Justice40 and EPA programs, 22-state lawsuit against NY's $75B climate law, and federal judge's IRA funding restoration order shape policy landscape

• Join us for Upcoming Events (Columbia Climate School) - University announces diverse climate-focused events for February 2025, including seminars on environmental justice, sustainable food systems, and climate science.

• Apply: Free AFP Climate Stories & CCNow Training (Covering Climate Now) - AFP and CCNow partner to offer free climate news feed access and training to media outlets in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

• Power & Progress: The Injustice of Trump’s Climate Policy (Covering Climate Now) - Trump administration dismantles Biden's Justice40 environmental justice initiative, freezing billions in funding and laying off EPA staff focused on addressing pollution in disadvantaged communities.

• Find out what happened in disaster risk reduction in Europe and Central Asia (UNDRR) - Europe and Central Asia Regional Platform proceedings highlight key disaster risk reduction commitments from 700 participants across 55 UN member states in Montenegro.

• JOIN US for Inbox Advoacy! 🌍✨ (Care About Climate) - Environmental group launches youth advocacy sessions to promote Universal NDC Youth Clause for climate policy engagement at COP29.

• February Teach Climate Tips (Climate Generation) - February newsletter outlines comprehensive climate education resources and strategies for teachers, including Indigenous knowledge integration, data analysis tools, and upcoming professional development opportunities.

• Trump Can’t Prevent Global Climate Action (Stand.earth) - Trump's withdrawal from Paris Climate Accord won't stop global momentum toward clean energy transition as states and other countries continue climate action.

• Restarting IRA funds (Canary Media) - Federal judge orders Trump administration to restore frozen Inflation Reduction Act funding after finding previous court order wasn't followed.

• “A thin veneer of governance:” Senate inquiry identifies critical failings in energy transition (RenewEconomy) - Australian Senate inquiry reveals major governance failures and lack of accountability in national energy market transition planning, highlighting risks to decarbonization goals.

• “Game changer:” Biggest green hydrogen projects hail passage of tax credit scheme (RenewEconomy) - Australia's largest green hydrogen projects welcome federal tax credit scheme that could unlock billions in support for massive wind and solar developments.

• 22 States Sue to Block New York Law Charging Oil Companies $75 Billion to Pay for Climate Adaptation (ESGToday) - 22-state coalition sues to block New York's $75 billion climate adaptation law requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for infrastructure investments based on emissions contribution.

• 6 Essential Books About Environmental Justice for Black History Month—and Beyond (Moms Clean Air Force) - Six essential environmental justice books highlight racial inequity, systemic pollution impacts, and community activism during Black History Month.

• A ‘body blow’ for climate research: Trump pauses NOAA collaboration with ‘foreign nationals’ (Climate Desk) - NOAA suspends collaboration with foreign scientists following Trump administration directive, threatening international climate research partnerships.

• A wealth of evidence: 85,000 individual studies about climate policy (ScienceDaily) - Machine learning analysis reveals 85,000 climate policy studies with major research gaps in Africa, regulatory instruments, and industrial sector mitigation.

• Alberta’s Energy Regulator Is ‘Fully Captured’ by Industry, Study Finds (DeSmog) - Study finds Alberta Energy Regulator severely underreports oil spill data and lacks proper inspection protocols while serving industry interests over environmental protection.

• As activists mobilize against drilling, oil and gas operators sour on Colorado (Yale Climate Connections) - Colorado regulators halt two major oil drilling projects near Denver suburbs as community activism and strict environmental regulations drive energy companies to reconsider operations in the state.

• As the Doomsday Clock Ticks Closer to Midnight, Will Trump Make the Ultimate Deal? (PSR) - Doomsday Clock analysis highlights multiple existential threats including nuclear weapons, climate crisis, bio-threats, and AI-driven disruptions as global risks intensify.

• Automotive Manufacturers Lay Low And Watch The Trump Tide Ebb And Flow (CleanTechnica) - Major automakers remain cautious on EV commitments as Trump's election victory and reversal of Biden's 50% EV target creates industry uncertainty.

• Blue states hope their clean energy plans withstand collision with Trump (Renewable Energy World) - Trump administration's actions threaten blue states' clean energy initiatives through offshore wind halts, permit freezes, and funding blockages.

• Brazil has seen a 460% increase in climate-related disasters since the 1990s (Mongabay) - Brazil records 460% surge in climate disasters since 1990s, with each 0.1°C temperature rise triggering 360 new disaster events and $970 million in damages.

• California Climate Reporting Law Survives Challenge Claiming that “Shaming” Companies Through Emissions Disclosure Violates Constitution (ESGToday) - California federal judge upholds state climate disclosure laws against U.S. Chamber of Commerce challenge claiming emissions reporting requirements violate constitution.

• Can the rule of law save the IRA? (Climate Desk) - Legal experts warn Biden's efforts to protect IRA climate legislation from potential Trump interference may face significant challenges.

• Climate versus economy: Does Germany need to choose? (DW) - Germany's economic slowdown sparks political debate over climate policies, as experts argue green technology transition is crucial for future competitiveness rather than cause of current struggles.

• Days before Trump took office, Interior approved oil and gas leases for land bought during 2019 public auction (High Country News) - Biden administration approves controversial oil and gas leases near Chaco Culture National Historical Park days before Trump takes office, sparking Indigenous sovereignty debate.

• Federal Funding Opportunities and Guidance – February 11, 2025 (Environmental Protection Network) - EPA grantees face funding access disruptions amid new agency pause on IRA disbursements over disputed waste and fraud concerns.

• Fortescue accelerates “real zero” campaign amid grim times for climate action (RenewEconomy) - Fortescue and Canva lead 44-company coalition demanding Australian government abandon net zero targets for complete fossil fuel phase-out.

• Germany election 2025: What the manifestos say on energy and climate change (Carbon Brief) - German political parties' manifestos reveal deep divisions on climate targets, with CDU and SPD backing 2045 net-zero while AfD rejects climate action ahead of February election.

• Greenpeace International files lawsuit against Energy Transfer in first use of EU anti-SLAPP Directive (Greenpeace International) - Environmental group files first EU anti-SLAPP lawsuit against Energy Transfer to recover damages from $300M Dakota Access Pipeline litigation.

• Groups Petition EPA to Phase Out Toxic, Flesh-Melting Refinery Chemical to Protect Public (NRDC) - Environmental groups petition EPA to phase out hydrogen fluoride at 42 US oil refineries, citing risks of lethal acid clouds that can travel miles and melt human tissue.

• In Chestnut, Black Alabamians Have Lived for Years Without Access to Public Water. There’s Little Hope in Sight (Inside Climate News) - Black residents of Chestnut, Alabama lack public water access and must drive 25+ miles weekly to purchase water, with local officials refusing to commit to infrastructure expansion despite available federal funding.

• It’s straight from the Trump playbook: Labour is tearing up the machinery of government | George Monbiot (The Guardian) - Labour government's attack on regulatory bodies and environmental agencies mirrors Trump's anti-administrative state agenda while contradicting their own green policy goals.

• LiveEO | Publishing Houses and EUDR – Challenges and Solutions (LiveEO) - EU Deforestation Regulation requires publishing houses to prove deforestation-free paper sourcing through complex supply chain tracking and geolocation data by December 2025.

• New Acting SEC Chair Questions Need for Climate Disclosure Rule (ESGToday) - Acting SEC Chair Uyeda seeks postponement of climate disclosure rule implementation, questioning its necessity and statutory authority.

• New study finds that people listen to—and follow—expert climate advice (Anthropocene) - Study reveals public readily accepts and implements expert climate advice, even when recommendations are complex or counterintuitive.

• PM Modi: Energy reforms to drive India’s growth and sustainability (EnergyWeek) - PM Modi outlines India's ambitious energy goals including 500GW renewable capacity by 2030, highlighting achievements in solar power and biofuels while emphasizing five-pillar strategy for energy sector growth.

• Save the Dates! Get Involved with the Oregon Energy Strategy (Oregon Department of Energy) - State launches comprehensive energy strategy development with public working groups and advisory meetings scheduled through spring 2025, focusing on clean energy, environmental justice, and infrastructure planning.

• SOCAN & COIN Comments on bills relating to the Portland Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub (SOCAN) - Oregon climate activists urge legislature to address seismic vulnerability of Portland's Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub, warning of catastrophic environmental damage from potential earthquake.

• Solomon Islands landowners seek compensation over catastrophic oil spill (The Guardian) - Solomon Islands landowners file lawsuit seeking compensation for devastating 2019 oil spill that leaked 300 tonnes of fuel and damaged UNESCO World Heritage coral reefs.

• State senator pushes bill to protect Georgia Power customers from rate hikes fueled by data centers (Georgia Recorder) - Georgia senator proposes bill to prevent utility rate hikes for residential customers caused by data center power demands, facing opposition from Georgia Power and data center industry.

• Tax Cut Success Stories Featured in New Education Campaign (Advanced Energy United) - New website showcases how energy tax credits drive U.S. manufacturing growth, job creation, and clean energy projects across multiple states.

• Tenants demand protections as LA fires exacerbate housing crisis: ‘Huge source of stress’ (The Guardian) - Los Angeles tenants face eviction threats and rent hikes up to 150% as recent wildfires destroy 10,000 structures, intensifying housing crisis for working-class residents.

• The Green Roots Podcast: Is The Nature Conservancy an Environmental Group? (The Wildlife News) - Green Roots Podcast investigates Nature Conservancy's environmental credibility amid accusations of promoting logging and grazing on public lands.

• Trump EPA Guts Environmental Justice (CleanTechnica) - Trump administration dismantles EPA's environmental justice program, placing 160 environmental justice staff on administrative leave.

• Trump Oil Directive Will Lead to Greater Climate Crisis And Wildlands Losses (The Wildlife News) - Trump's executive order declaring energy emergency aims to bypass environmental regulations for increased oil production, despite US being world's top oil producer.

• Trump Signs Order to Bring Back Plastic Straws, Claiming Paper Ones ‘Don’t Work’ (Earth.org) - Trump signs executive order reversing Biden's single-use plastic ban in federal facilities, claiming paper straws are ineffective and defending plastic use despite environmental concerns.

• Trump’s All-Out War on Renewables (Heatmap News) - Trump administration launches aggressive multi-pronged assault on renewable energy sector, suspending wind projects, defunding solar initiatives, and dismantling environmental enforcement offices.

• Trump’s Offshore Wind Review Has Dominion In Its Crosshairs (Heatmap News) - Trump administration signals review of Dominion Energy's half-completed Coastal Virginia offshore wind project permits following executive order targeting wind industry.

• UNDRR Arab States unveil key findings of the Regional Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 (UNDRR) - Arab States report reveals escalating climate-driven disaster risks in region, highlighting urgent need for stronger governance and early warning systems.

• WRRC Webinar: Restoring Livelihoods: Solutions for Disaster-Induced Displacement and Resilient Recovery (UNDRR) - UN agencies to host webinar exploring livelihood restoration strategies for disaster-displaced populations, focusing on rural-to-urban migration patterns and recovery solutions.

• Virginia’s carbon market status uncertain as parties spat over funding (Canary Media) - Virginia lawmakers and governor clash over use of $102 million in regional carbon market payments and state's market participation.

• Federal Funding Opportunities and Guidance – January 30, 2025 (Environmental Protection Network) - EPA grantees face funding access challenges amid administrative changes, with guidance offered on securing and managing federal environmental grants.

• Procurement Best Practices Webinar: February 26, 12:30-2:00 PM ET (Environmental Protection Network) - Federal environmental agencies to host procurement best practices webinar for grant recipients, focusing on compliance and implementation strategies.

• Will Trump’s Diminished Data Sharing at CDC Hamper Bird Flu Preparedness? (Inside Climate News) - Trump administration's CDC data-sharing restrictions and removal of bird flu studies raise concerns about hampering H5N1 outbreak monitoring and response capabilities.

• HR&A’s Recent Impact (HR&A Advisors) - Consulting firm reports diverse 2024 impact across 200 communities, including affordable housing creation, climate resilience planning, and urban redevelopment initiatives.

• NOAA’s vast public weather data powers the local forecasts on your phone and TV – a private company alone couldn’t match it (The Conversation) - NOAA's extensive network of satellites, sensors, and data systems provides essential public weather forecasting that private companies cannot replicate alone.

• WRRC Webinar: Reflecting on the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: Shaping the Future of Disaster Resilience (UNDRR) - UN agencies organize webinar to examine 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami's impact on global disaster resilience and early warning systems ahead of 2025 World Resilient Recovery Conference.

 Renewables

Major solar deals: Astronergy's European expansion, Huasun's 3GW projects in China, RenewableUK's offshore wind study, and Goldwind's $296M Australian wind contract, while India hits 100GW solar milestone

• 'End of life': Study explores how to extend lifespan for offshore wind farms (BusinessGreen) - RenewableUK study examines extending lifespan of 5GW offshore wind farms nearing their 25-year operational end.

• Astronergy signs 3-year framework agreement with Energy3000 Solar GmbH (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy signs 3-year framework agreement with Energy3000 Solar GmbH to supply n-type solar modules for European markets, strengthening presence in Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe.

• Average Winning Bid Falls Below €0.05/kWh In Germany's Latest Solar Auction (TaiyangNews) - Germany's latest solar auction sees average winning bid drop below €0.05/kWh, awarding 2.15 GW capacity with bids ranging from €0.0388-€0.0495/kWh.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: 3 GW Of Huasun’s HJT Modules For Hongyang Group’s Project & More (TaiyangNews) - China's solar sector sees major developments as Huasun signs 3GW module supply deal for hybrid energy projects, while PetroChina connects 1GW solar-wind-gas plant to grid.

• Gold Fields awards contract for another wind farm at remote WA gold mine (RenewEconomy) - Gold Fields awards $296 million contract to Goldwind for 42MW wind farm at Western Australian gold mine, aiming to power 73% of operations and halve carbon emissions by 2030.

• Huasun Heterojunction Full-scenario Solution: Freezing Temperatures - 16% More Energy Yield (TaiyangNews) - Huasun's heterojunction solar modules demonstrate 16% higher energy yield in extreme cold conditions at China's northernmost testing site compared to other solar technologies.

• Huasun Secures 3 GW+ HJT Module Deal for Hongyang’s Integrated Energy Project in Xinjiang (TaiyangNews) - Huasun signs deal to supply over 3GW of high-efficiency HJT solar modules for Hongyang Group's integrated solar-storage-hydrogen project in China's Xinjiang region by 2026.

• India Exceeds 100 GW Solar PV Capacity Milestone (TaiyangNews) - India surpasses 100 GW solar PV capacity milestone, marking 3,450% growth since 2014 and matching Germany's installed capacity.

• JA Solar Earns TaiyangNews 2024 Excellence Award for Outstanding PV Module Efficiency (TaiyangNews) - JA Solar wins 2024 Excellence Award for achieving 23.3% efficiency in mass-produced DeepBlue 4.0 Pro solar modules, marking second consecutive year of recognition.

• Maldives Launches Tender For Up To 150 MW Solar & Storage Capacity (TaiyangNews) - Maldives government launches tender for 100-150 MW solar power plant with battery storage in Greater Malé region to boost renewable energy share to 33% by 2028.

• ODOE at 50: Investing in Renewable Energy (Oregon Department of Energy) - State agency celebrates 50 years of service, highlighting $7.9 million renewable energy grant program that funded 86 projects across 25 counties between 2012-2019.

• Solar Scholars Initiative: Advancing Sustainability in Gipuzkoa with AIKO’s ABC Solar Technology (TaiyangNews) - Spanish high school installs 27kWp AIKO N-Type ABC solar system, achieving 80% production capacity and €641 annual clean energy revenue increase.

• Verterra Welcomes New Program Manager Zach Pettis (Verterra Energy) - Aerospace industry veteran Zach Pettis joins hydropower technology company as Program Manager to lead operational energy programs and production scaling.

• ASTRO N Series Small-size PV modules Honored in Australia’s Top 10 Solar Panel 2025 (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy's ASTRO N Series small-size PV modules named among Australia's top 10 solar panels for 2025, recognized for performance and reliability.

 Transport

BYD dominates Philippines market and launches 'God's Eye' system, while Ionna plans 30,000 US charging bays, ComEd offers $100M in rebates, and Revel expands NYC network amid federal funding suspension

• EVs tackle the cold (Canary Media) - New guide outlines strategies for maximizing electric vehicle battery performance and range in cold weather conditions.

• Michigan’s $110 million for EV charging in question (Canary Media) - Michigan officials scramble to determine status of $110 million in federal EV charging funds as Trump administration attempts to nullify program.

• 2nd Annual Conference on Airport Electrification US (Energy Central) - Major airport electrification conference in NYC to convene policymakers, operators, and tech providers for accelerating sustainable aviation infrastructure adoption.

• BYD Dominates New Energy Vehicle Market In The Philippines (CleanTechnica) - BYD achieves 82% of Philippines' new energy vehicle market share in 2024, selling 4,780 vehicles and expanding from 2 to 25 dealerships nationwide.

• Charging Down the Highway (Energy Central) - US companies deployed over 15,000 electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles in 2024, with growing fleet orders driven by improved battery range and lower costs.

• EVs Take 30.3% Share of The UK – Volkswagen Leading Brand (CleanTechnica) - UK electric vehicle market share hits 30.3% in January 2025 with Volkswagen leading sales, marking significant growth from 23% year-on-year.

• Heathrow to pledge to use UK steel and boost growth in third runway proposal (The Guardian) - Heathrow Airport plans third runway expansion using UK steel, promising economic growth despite environmental concerns over increased flights and emissions.

• Illinois’ largest utility unveils $100M to spur EV adoption (Canary Media) - Illinois utility ComEd announces $100M in new rebates for EV fleet purchases and charging infrastructure across northern Illinois, targeting 1 million EVs by 2030.

• Ionna EV charging network moving forward (Utility Dive) - Automaker-led Ionna venture plans 30,000 EV charging bays by 2030 across US, launching first sites despite government funding suspension.

• New York loans Revel $60M to expand NYC public EV charging (Utility Dive) - New York state provides $60M loan to Revel to triple its public EV fast-charging network across NYC, adding 267 charging stalls at nine sites by 2027.

• Proton Sets Up New EV Plant, Signaling Malaysia’s Strong Strides To Grow Its EV Ecosystem (CleanTechnica) - Proton begins construction of $18.46M EV plant in Malaysia with initial 20,000-unit annual capacity, marking country's first domestic EV production facility.

• Rising to the occasion: ensuring rapid EV charging buildout (Climate Group) - California Public Utilities Commissioner outlines need for rapid EV charging infrastructure deployment through utility incentives, regulatory frameworks, and acceptance of interim solutions while grid capacity expands.

• The EV revolution is creating new job opportunities (Yale Climate Connections) - ChargerHelp company trains workers for growing EV charging station maintenance and repair jobs, requiring no prior experience but strong learning mindset.

• Transporting Cargo Across The Atlantic With Wind Power: Grain De Sail (CleanTechnica) - French company Grain de Sail operates two wind-powered cargo ships crossing Atlantic with 90% lower emissions than diesel vessels, carrying goods between France, NYC, and Caribbean.

• Truckmakers Are More Carbon Intensive than Oil Companies. Here’s How to Change That. (CleanTechnica) - European truckmakers found to be more carbon-intensive than oil companies, requiring €783 billion investment by 2040 to achieve zero-emission fleet transition.

• Trump moves to halt $5B EV-charging program (Grist) - Trump administration suspends $5 billion federal EV charging infrastructure program, halting states' unspent funds despite existing contractual obligations.

• University of Nottingham announces new hydrogen propulsion lab (University of Nottingham) - New hydrogen propulsion laboratory with cryogenic and altitude testing capabilities to advance hydrogen transport research.

• ComEd offers up $100 million in new Illinois EV incentives (Canary Media) - ComEd announces $100 million in new EV rebates for Illinois customers to accelerate electric vehicle adoption.

• HSBC Acquires Stake in EV Charging Operator SP Mobility (ESGToday) - HSBC Asset Management invests in Singapore's largest EV charging network operator SP Mobility to accelerate expansion amid rising electric vehicle adoption.

• Kia EV5 Makes An Impact Down Under (CleanTechnica) - Kia EV5 electric SUV achieves strong early sales in Australia, becoming third best-selling EV with 289 units sold in January 2025.

• SkyDrive、「OMO7大阪 by 星野リゾート」とコラボし、 大阪・関西万博で「空飛ぶクルマ」を最大限楽しむための展示やLIVEを2月13日から開催 (SkyDrive) - Japanese flying car developer partners with OMO7 Osaka hotel to showcase prototype aircraft and host educational exhibits ahead of 2025 World Expo demonstrations.

• The BYD News Is Cool, But Not What Headlines Are Claiming — But … (CleanTechnica) - BYD announces standard installation of 'God's Eye' driver assistance system across all models, including $9,600 Seagull, while partnering with AI startup DeepSeek for potential autonomous driving development.