Global Climate News

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.

India’s North East Region (NER) has been transformed through the Department of Biotechnology’s initiatives that focus on harnessing rich biodiversity to promote sustainable economic growth. The department has consistently allocated 10% of its annual budget since 2010 to specialized programmes in NER, creating employment opportunities through bio-based entrepreneurship and education. 649 farmers and entrepreneurs benefited from training, leading to revenue generation through captive cultivation and product development from indigenous plants. Innovations such as a Lateral Flow Assay for livestock disease detection and a mobile app for pig disease diagnosis further showcase the bio-innovation progress in the region.

LIVIN farms has announced plans to establish modular factories capable of transforming 100,000 tons of organic material per year into insect protein across Europe. By 2025, these innovative facilities in Spain, Austria, Belgium, and Germany will convert organic waste into sustainable protein, fat, and fertilizer, which is a step toward climate-friendly feed production. The factories will feature advanced robotics and automation to simplify the farming of Black Soldier Fly Larvae, presenting businesses with sustainable insect protein production options.

US-based researchers engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae to grow on methanol while integrating the reductive glycine pathway, leading to a 2.3-fold increase in methanol utilization and a 1.5-fold increase in biomass. Their innovative approach reduced carbon loss during metabolism and facilitated CO2 reassimilation, achieving a 9.5-fold increase in cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). This research underscores the potential for sustainable biomanufacturing using methanol and CO2, providing a promising platform for diverse biosynthetic products derived from C1 compounds.

The EU's expert group on climate change policy (CCEG) is currently accepting applications from organizations to enhance the aviation formation. The CCEG aims to strengthen discussions and effectively implement the EU ETS Directive for aviation. The selected members will contribute to achieving the EU's target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Additionally, a new support mechanism to accelerate the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) has been introduced, allocating 20 million allowances worth an estimated €1.6 billion. The first meetings will begin in 2025.

China-based Wuhan Institute of Technology has conducted extensive studies on cellulases, critical for the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass. They analyzed methods to enhance cellulase production, focusing on high-yield cellulase strain screening, breeding of high-yield strains, molecular modification, and cellulase immobilization. Despite the high production costs and low stability of cellulases, advancements have been reported to improve their performance significantly. This work provides valuable insights for the economical utilization of renewable biomass resources.

The shift toward healthier, more sustainable living encourages people to explore plant-based diets. US-based Shroomeats promotes shiitake mushrooms as a complete protein source, helping individuals transition to vegan or vegetarian lifestyles. This nutrition-rich food offers all nine essential amino acids, benefitting muscle building and recovery. The company offers a range of products such as Mushroom Patties, Mushroom Balls, and Mushroom Shred-It, enabling smooth incorporation of these fungi into daily meals for a healthier diet.

This study illustrated that the functionalization of bio-based polycarbonates using boronic acids can effectively tune the thermal and physical properties of original polymers. The modifications allowed the retention of degradability into monomers and urea via ammonolysis. Cross-linked structures were achieved, yielding significant changes in mobility and stability of the materials, leading to a promising approach to sustainability in polymer design.

Norway's parliament (Stortinget) has recently decided to allow development projects in protected waterways, which previously were safeguarded from water power development. This decision has sparked intense debate about the potential loss of valuable natural heritage. Researchers from NTNU and SINTEF are now working to gather new data on the state of these protected waterways and the implications of any developments.

The "Exploring Europe’s Bioenergy Landscape" webinar presented by Bioenergy Europe highlighted the importance of bioenergy in the EU's renewable energy mix. It emphasized bioenergy's role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and strengthening energy independence, particularly for lower-income households. Key EU policies shaping the future of bioenergy, including the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), were also discussed, highlighting the essential balance of regulatory clarity in driving economic growth in the sector.

The EU's revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD), adopted in April 2024, set ambitious targets to enhance energy efficiency and achieve energy neutrality by 2045. Several European utilities are leading the way, such as Hamburg Wasser in Germany which is already energy-positive, and Veolia in France which aims for full energy neutrality by 2030 in its WWTPs.

The US-based iMicrobes Company is transforming ethanol into biobased chemicals as demand for fuel-grade ethanol declines. They have successfully produced over 10 kg of polymer per run, scaling fermentation to 1,500L, and achieved a 60% cost reduction since early 2024. Supported by the Department of Energy and BioMADE, they are advancing toward cost-competitive, scalable biomanufacturing solutions.

New Zealand-based Hodder and Taylors Ltd (H&T) has partnered with California's BioConsortia, Inc. to commercialize the AlwaysN microbial seed treatment, aimed at reducing synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use on New Zealand farms. The treatment will be introduced during the 2025 season and has shown successful field trial results since 2021 in various countries including the U.S. and Brazil.

US-based Pivot Bio has engineered nitrogen-producing microbes to reduce dependency on synthetic fertilizers. Their product allows farmers to replace up to 40 pounds per acre of traditional nitrogen, effectively minimizing nitrogen runoff and enhancing crop sustainability. As of 2023, Pivot started the N-Ovator program, connecting sustainable farming companies with growers using their microbial nitrogen, significantly impacting hundreds of thousands of tons of CO2 equivalent reduction. The program has already paid out millions of dollars to farmers for adopting these sustainable practices.

This research evaluated the effects of metal-based nano-copper oxide (nCuO) and bio-based nano-chitosan (nCS) on tomato plant growth, soil environment, and non-target organisms. The study highlighted that low concentrations of both nanoparticles improved soil health indicators, such as total carbon and nitrogen levels. However, high concentrations of nCuO and nCS showed negative effects on soil sulfur levels and microbial communities. Overall, the research emphasized the importance of assessing the multifaceted risks of nanopesticides on the environment, suggesting the need for safer alternatives.

US-based ORNL's Hugh O'Neill conducts research on plant cell walls as part of the DOE Solvent Disruption of Biomass and Biomembranes Science Focus Area. This work aims to enhance bioenergy production through a better understanding of biomass properties.

Researchers from the Center for Plant Biotechnology and Genomics (CBGP) and Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), along with collaborators from ICMAB-CSIC and Colorado State University, have discovered that bacterial cellulose patches stimulate plant tissue regeneration. This regeneration relies on the activation of both cytokinin and defense signaling pathways. Their findings hold significant potential for applications in agricultural practices such as grafting, pruning, and ornamental plant care in industries like viticulture and rose cultivation.

The U.S. government has committed to achieving net-zero emissions from commercial aviation by 2050. Current projections indicate that U.S. commercial aviation could produce nearly 500 million tons of CO2 per year by mid-century without intervention. Strategies include utilizing new airplane designs, improving air traffic management efficiency, and transitioning to 100% sustainable aviation fuels.

The aviation industry is making strides towards sustainability with the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which utilizes feedstocks such as biomass and waste materials. In Australasia, Europe, and the USA, various biomass feedstocks including used cooking oil (UCO) and agricultural residues are being employed. The use of waste materials, like municipal solid waste and industrial waste gases, is also emphasized in the SAF production process, aiming to achieve a lifecycle GHG reduction of at least 50%.

Switzerland-based Lenzerheide Bergbahnen AG has signed a long-term offtake agreement with Synhelion for solar diesel to be used in snow groomers at Arosa Lenzerheide ski area starting 2027/2028. The solar diesel will be produced at Synhelion's RISE plant in Spain, operational from 2027.