Daily Digest for

Germany’s manufacturing sector faced a severe impact from the rise in energy costs, with a production decline of approximately 10 percentage points as of late 2024. Factors contributing to this downturn included weak global demand, intensified competition from Chinese manufacturers, and a downturn in the automotive sector. The challenges of elevated EU gas prices and declining competitiveness persist.

Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, announced investments totaling more than $38 million to support climate action and sustainable governance initiatives across multiple Caribbean countries at the 48th CARICOM meeting. This funding includes a $2 million increase for hurricane response in Haiti and $10 million for the Caribbean Community Resilience Fund, aimed at strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure. The announced support also includes aid for biodiversity conservation and gender equality initiatives, benefiting countries such as Belize, Grenada, and Jamaica.

Canada has committed new funding of $7.3 million over 5 years to launch the Canadian Trade Gateway for Nuclear Development. This initiative aims to support professionals in the nuclear industry with training and market development, contributing to the region’s green economy goals. Minister Ng emphasized the importance of Canada’s leadership in nuclear energy for aiding Indo-Pacific economies in achieving their sustainability targets during her visit in February 2025.

Canada’s Department of Finance has released draft legislative proposals for public comment regarding the Electric Vehicle (EV) Supply Chain investment tax credit. This credit is proposed to be equal to 10 percent of the capital cost of eligible building property that is utilized in qualifying electric vehicle supply chain segments. Officials invite Canadians and stakeholders to provide feedback on these proposals until March 14, 2025.

The Trump Administration decided not to participate in the upcoming United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) meetings, which are crucial for addressing global climate issues. This decision marks the US as the only country refusing to engage in the discussions. It follows a series of actions including the US’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the reduction of international climate programs. Prominent officials have made statements that downplay the impacts of climate change, contrary to scientific consensus.

US-based researcher Julie Bert runs a project at SRI’s Hardware Research and Technology Lab that uses microbes to sequester rare earth elements while also cleaning up mine tailings. This innovation addresses significant sustainability challenges by cleaning water and extracting essential rare earth elements used in batteries, electronics, and magnets. These elements are crucial for developing a more sustainable energy system that relies less on fossil fuels. This project aims to help future generations experience a world similar to today.

The Government of Canada has successfully priced a 7-year green bond issuance worth $2 billion. This bond is part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable finance and is the fourth offering of such bonds. With strong demand from environmentally responsible investors, the bond supports Canada’s transition to a sustainable economy and facilitates private financing for green projects, contributing to net-zero emissions targets by 2050.

US-based Hyzon Motors Inc. has announced its intent to delist from the Nasdaq Stock Market due to a decision by its Board of Directors. The delisting is expected to be followed by a deregistration with the SEC. The company aims to reduce significant costs associated with reporting obligations and regulatory compliance. Additionally, Hyzon has focused on developing hydrogen fuel cell technology to provide zero-emission power for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, including Class 8 trucks.

German organization WWF partnered with Microsoft AI and Accenture to develop GhostNetZero, an AI-powered technology that detects ghost fishing nets. This initiative successfully recovered 26 tons of marine waste from the Baltic Sea, proving 90% accuracy in detection. Furthermore, researchers from Peking University and the University of South Denmark developed AI-driven tools for sustainable urban planning by analyzing materials in city buildings, utilizing data from Google Street View and satellites to promote eco-friendly development practices.

Canada has launched a significant Antarctic research initiative as part of Operation PROJECTION 2025-01, sending a team of 15 scientists aboard HMCS Margaret Brooke for a month-long mission starting February 23, 2025. This expedition, supported by Polar Knowledge Canada and several federal departments, aims to study climate change effects, glacial retreat, and pollution in the Antarctic region. Notably, Polar Knowledge Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Instituto Antártico Chileno to enhance collaborative polar research ahead of the International Polar Year 2032-33.

The Government of Togo has secured up to EUR 150 million in guarantee coverage from Société Générale of France for a short-term loan facility. This funding is aimed at supporting trade-related payments, particularly in the agriculture, electricity, and water distribution sectors. The project aligns with the Togo 2025 Government Roadmap and is designed to improve access to essential utility services and enhance food security. The financing will bolster the country’s resilience and contribute to sustainable fiscal management amid economic constraints.

Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, along with PEI’s Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, announced the Prince Edward Island Regional Energy and Resource Table Framework for Collaboration on the Path to Net Zero. This collaboration aims for PEI to become Canada’s first net-zero province, with initiatives focusing on clean electricity, clean fuels, and clean technology innovation. Additionally, $2.7 million in federal investments were announced for multiple clean energy projects across the province.

South Africa hosted the first Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under its G20 Presidency, emphasizing priorities such as sustainable development and disaster resilience. The meeting featured discussions on mobilizing finance for a Just Energy Transition, alongside promoting inclusive growth. Key initiatives included a focus on critical minerals and addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, shared key insights on the collaborative efforts among G20 members to tackle pressing global issues.

The US’s foreign aid freeze has critical implications for the Horn of Africa, where in 2023, around 8% of the $72 billion in US aid was allocated to relevant countries. In Sudan, nearly 48% of external assistance was from the US, while in South Sudan and Somalia this rose to 52% and 60% respectively. The aid freeze threatens to exacerbate existing humanitarian crises marked by acute food insecurity and displacement affecting millions. Key initiatives aimed at mitigating disasters, such as water facilities, face funding cuts, necessitating a Europe-led response to coordinate aid effectively across the region.

Congo has set a target to increase its oil production to 500,000 barrels per day by 2027 and introduced a Gas Master Plan. The Congo Energy & Investment Forum will occur from March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville. Notable participants include NOV and Accenture, who will engage in discussions highlighting their contributions to enhancing operational efficiency and supporting sustainable energy development.

The European Union published the 2025 European Aviation Environmental Report to provide insights into the aviation sector’s environmental performance. This comprehensive report addresses actions taken for improving sustainability in aviation and offers recommendations for enhancing environmental protection. Key topics include sustainable aviation fuels, market-based measures, and international cooperation on climate impacts.

The European Travel Commission and Eurail B.V. have released the Long-Haul Travel Barometer for 2025, indicating a decline in global travel sentiments, particularly towards Europe. This decline is attributed to concerns over affordability and shifting travel preferences. The report, fueled by 1,000 interviews conducted every four months, provides insights into potential travelers from key markets such as Australia, Brazil, China, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the US. The project is co-funded by the European Union, aiming to enhance Europe’s competitiveness in the tourism sector.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin emphasized the significance of developing the domestic chemical industry and advanced materials during the Plenary meeting of the Future Technologies Forum held in Moscow. The national technological leadership project titled New Materials and Chemistry was launched to improve infrastructure and the production of chemicals and biotechnological products. The country plans to allocate almost 170 billion rubles for its implementation from the federal budget, with a total potential investment reaching about one trillion rubles from companies. These efforts aim to enhance Russia’s global competitiveness in key scientific and technological areas.

Ghana has successfully completed the site selection process for its first nuclear power plant (NPP) with the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The mission reviewed the site selection report and evaluated the adherence to IAEA safety standards. Recommendations were provided to improve and optimize the site selection process, addressing potential risks like earthquakes and flooding. Nuclear Power Ghana (NPG) will receive ongoing technical assistance from the IAEA to advance the site approval process.

Chile-based Schmidt Ocean Institute has successfully completed its first scientific expedition to Antarctica aboard the research vessel Falkor (too). The three-week expedition explored marine biodiversity and included eight dives using the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian, reaching depths of nearly 2.5 miles. The initiative was part of a collaboration with National Geographic Society’s Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions, aimed at understanding and conserving the critically important Southern Ocean ecosystem. This mission marked a significant milestone for the Institute and laid groundwork for future explorations planned over the next decade.

The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) has released a report titled “Scaling Up Carbon Dioxide Removals”, recommending the establishment of legally binding targets for gross emission reductions, permanent and temporary carbon removals, and the development of robust monitoring and verification systems. The ESABCC advocates for increasing EU funding to at least €2.6 billion for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) innovation in the upcoming funding cycle. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for better CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure as well as compliance markets for CDR, while encouraging stronger government procurement frameworks and responsibilities for current polluters.

India-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has transferred two novel bioactive non-chemical solutions, AphidControl and XanthoControl, to PI Industries Ltd. The technology transfer is part of the ‘Transforming Deep Science Discoveries into Impactful Innovations for India’ initiative under the Discovery to Innovation Accelerator (DIA) programme. These 100% biological alternatives to synthetic pesticides will support sustainable agriculture by combating pests and diseases that contribute to significant crop loss in India, estimated at 10-35% annually. AphidControl and XanthoControl represent critical advancements in sustainable agriculture by providing eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides.

US-based MTR Carbon Capture has partnered with Pall Corporation to enhance carbon capture solutions tailored for various industrial sectors aimed at achieving decarbonization. This collaboration merges Pall’s cutting-edge flue gas filtration technology with MTR’s Polaris™ membrane system to create a modular and scalable system for carbon capture. They aim to assist clients in emission-heavy industries—such as cement and steel production—in adopting carbon capture technologies effectively, thus supporting their net-zero emissions goals.

The European Central Bank (ECB) took note of the main findings from the 2024 climate stress test on its balance sheet on February 13, 2025. This stress test was designed to integrate climate-related risks into financial disclosures, enhancing transparency around climate impacts on financial stability. The results aim to inform the ECB’s future financial frameworks and policies concerning climate risks and sustainability.

India’s Inland Waterways Authority (IWAI) has commissioned a feasibility study for the Urban Water Transport System across 17 cities. The initiative, led by Kochi Metro Rail Limited, aims to create a sustainable urban transport system by utilizing waterways—promoting energy-efficient electric ferries and modernized terminals. The selected cities include Ayodhya, Kolkata, Varanasi, and others, with a focus on leveraging existing navigable waterways to connect municipalities and promote tourism and regional economic growth.

Sweden-based Stockholm Exergi has published its year-end report for 2024, outlining significant progress in sustainable energy initiatives despite global challenges. The company received environmental approval to build one of Europe’s first large-scale bio-CCS facilities in Värtan, Stockholm. It also secured government funding for this project while partnering with global players like Microsoft to ensure long-term revenue for permanent carbon removal. The aim is to make substantial contributions toward fulfilling the goals of the Paris Accord.

France-based GRDF became a member of CO₂ Value Europe, focusing on advancing renewable and low-carbon gases. The organization aims to connect over 700 biomethane injection sites to the gas networks, which convert organic waste and agricultural residues into renewable energy. The combined production capacity of these sites is 14 TWh/yr. GRDF promotes bioCO₂ projects through Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) and targets to have 20% of the gas in their networks from renewable sources by 2030, exceeding France’s national goal of 10%.

EU-based Commissioner Tzitzikostas hosted a high-level roundtable focusing on the transition of Europe’s automotive industry to clean and smart mobility on February 20, 2025. Key European industry leaders, social partners, and stakeholders participated. This discussion is part of a broader effort to enable collaboration in shaping the sector’s future. The output from these discussions will inform the upcoming EU Industrial Action Plan for the automotive sector, set to be presented on March 5, 2025.

US-based RMI has emphasized the need to correct the allowed return on equity (ROE) for utilities to facilitate a rapid transition to a clean energy future. In their findings, they suggest that moving the ROE closer to the cost of equity (COE) can save consumers billions in utility bills, potentially $4 billion annually for every 1% reduction in ROE. RMI’s research indicates that allowed utility ROEs currently exceed investor required returns, which creates financial strain on consumers and hampers the affordability and pace of clean energy investments. Rebalancing these rates can lead to more competitive procurement of renewable resources, ultimately aiding in the climate objectives of the electric utility sector.

The inaugural Nature Finance Forum Europe took place in Paris, France, on April 28, 2025, as part of Climate Action’s Road to COP30 Nature and Finance Series. It mobilized capital for nature-based investments and aligned financial markets with SDGs and climate commitments. The forum emphasized the integration of nature-based solutions across various sectors and highlighted new regulatory frameworks essential for growth in nature finance.

The FIA’s commitment to a sustainable motorsport future has become a reality as motorsport embraces hydrogen technology. The Extreme H championship represents a significant shift towards greener racing, showcasing the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Major manufacturers, including Toyota, have announced plans to race hydrogen-powered cars at Le Mans by 2028. H24EVO, a hydrogen-electric race car, has also been introduced, demonstrating the competitive viability of hydrogen in endurance racing.

The UK government has proposed reforms aimed at increasing offshore wind capacity to provide clean power by 2030. The proposed reforms revolve around the Contracts for Difference scheme and are part of the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan which aims for a capacity of 43 to 50 GW in offshore wind. The reforms intend to ensure value for money for consumers while driving economic growth and job creation in the sector. The consultation period for these reforms is open for four weeks until 21 March.