Canada announces $38 million in climate action support for CARICOM

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.

Minister Ng strengthens trade and investment partnerships in Singapore and Brunei

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.

Testing structural materials in Idaho’s newest hot cell facility

US-based Idaho National Laboratory has developed the Sample Preparation Laboratory (SPL), the first new hot cells built in 50 years, to test structural materials for advanced nuclear reactors. SPL aims to cut down irradiated material samples for research and testing in various extreme conditions. The facility is scheduled to go 'hot' in January 2026, with installations and tests of scientific equipment occurring through 2025. This initiative is expected to play a critical role in exploring material properties for sustainable nuclear energy solutions.

Canada Consults on Electric Vehicle Supply Chain Tax Credit

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.

Trump Administration skips UN IPCC meetings on climate action

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.

Julie Bert: Tiny organisms with climate impact

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.

Canada successfully prices 7-year green bond to raise $2 billion

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.

Hyzon Motors announces delisting from NASDAQ

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.

Canadian Scientists Advance Antarctic Climate Research

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.

Trade Finance Guarantee Facility supports agriculture and energy in Togo

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.

Governments and First Nations Partners Announce Progress on Clean Energy in Prince Edward Island

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.

Foreign Ministers’ Meeting supports SA’s G20 Presidency priorities

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.

Impact of US Aid Freeze on the Horn of Africa

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.

Service Providers to Promote Innovative Oilfield Solutions at Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025

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.

2025 European Aviation Environmental Report

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.

Plenary meeting of the Future Technologies Forum

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 conducts site selection for first nuclear power plant

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.

European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change recommends actions for carbon removal

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.

Transfer of Two Next-Gen Agricultural Bio-Solutions under the 'Transforming Deep Science Discoveries into Impactful Innovations for India' Initiative

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.

Pall Corporation and MTR Carbon Capture Partner to Advance Carbon Capture Solutions

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.