Daily Digest for

The United States government has issued an executive order to expand domestic timber production. The order aims to reverse federal policies that have limited timber utilization, leading to reliance on foreign imports. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture are directed to issue new guidance to increase timber production and improve forest management. The order also calls for streamlined permitting processes and the establishment of new categorical exclusions for timber activities. This initiative is intended to enhance national and economic security by reducing dependency on imported lumber and creating jobs.

US-based Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to expedite critical wildfire prevention projects in California. This action aims to protect communities from increasing wildfire risks by cutting bureaucratic red tape, including suspending CEQA and the Coastal Act. The state is investing $2.5 billion to implement the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, with $200 million allocated annually through 2028-29 for forest and fire prevention programs. The proclamation allows non-state entities to conduct approved fuels reduction work and directs state agencies to enhance prescribed fire strategies.

The European Commission has published a report assessing the development of the EU sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) market as of February 2025. The report evaluates improvements to the SAF flexibility mechanism, supporting the gradual scale-up of SAF production. ReFuelEU Aviation aims at achieving climate neutrality by 2050 by mandating an increasing share of SAF in aviation fuel. The report highlights the industry’s progress towards meeting the 2025 target of 2% SAF share at EU airports and outlines plans for a Sustainable Transport Investment Plan later in 2025.

Wales has made a landmark investment of £600 million in Bute Energy to develop onshore wind energy parks across the country. This initiative is expected to generate significant amounts of clean power while creating approximately 2,000 jobs. Additionally, commitments to floating offshore wind technology are seen as essential in reducing energy costs and fostering future job growth. This investment is part of the UK Government’s broader mission to position Britain as a clean energy superpower.

Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, announced a funding allocation exceeding $116 million under the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program. This initiative will support 119 projects aimed at enabling farmers to integrate clean technologies into their practices. Among the funded projects is Atlantic Grown Organics, which received $126,014 for a dual curtain energy retention system. Additional projects approved include funding for precision agriculture technology and a biomass heating system, contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions in the agriculture sector.

Countries from around the world reached a milestone agreement at the COP16 continuation talks held in Rome to mobilise $200 billion annually for nature by 2030. The agreement was focused on implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) which aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Key discussions included the establishment of the Cali Fund to channel resources into biodiversity projects and a resource mobilisation strategy to bridge the existing $1 trillion gap in nature financing. The discussions also stressed the importance of private sector funding to help deliver these ambitious targets.

The Swiss Finance Committee (CdF-N) discussed the climate fund initiative aimed at a fair energy and climate policy, which seeks to invest for prosperity and the environment. The majority recommended rejecting the initiative due to its anticipated implications on national finances, as it could lead to significant national debt. The committee emphasized that existing measures targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 are already sufficient. Meanwhile, the minority argued for the urgent need to invest in climate protection initiatives as these represent vital financial investments for the future.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) have announced a €100 million financial partnership to support climate action and environmental sustainability projects in the ECOWAS region. This initiative is aimed at promoting renewable energy investments, sustainable agriculture, and water treatment projects. According to EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle, this facility will bridge financial gaps in the region, contributing to poverty reduction and improved living standards. The overall investment targeted by this partnership is at least €300 million, aligned with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak met with Turkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, focusing on strategic energy collaboration. They discussed investments in the energy sector and noted ongoing projects, including the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which aims to start operations by 2028. The meeting highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation, especially amidst external pressures, with Turkiye becoming a key partner for Russian exports in 2023.

Finnish technology company Resand Ltd has signed a long-term cooperation agreement with German TechnoGuss GmbH foundry. The partnership centers around an electrically driven sand reclaimer capable of processing 5,000 tons of reclaimed sand annually. This service enhances the recycling rate of sand at TechnoGuss’s foundry while reducing transportation costs and emissions. The Resand solution is expected to create substantial environmental and financial benefits by diminishing the need for virgin sand and lowering energy costs.