Global Climate News

US-based Grand Canyon Trust has offered free volunteer trips for individuals eager to participate in science and restoration projects on the Colorado Plateau. These trips require no special skills, only a passion for nature and a desire to learn. The organization provides food and camping gear to all volunteers, encouraging outdoor engagement and environmental stewardship.

Canada has announced over $38 million in funding for various initiatives in the Caribbean, focusing on climate resilience and sustainable development. This includes $3.2 million for the Biodiversity governance innovation programme in Suriname aimed at improving biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, $4 million is allocated for a project to strengthen the rights of 2SLGBTQI+ minorities across five Caribbean nations. The funding also supports recovery efforts from Hurricane Beryl with $2 million, and an additional $4.4 million for partnerships on environmental sustainability in Dominica and Jamaica. The projects aim to enhance governance, capacity building, and sustainable business practices among women entrepreneurs.

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.

Brazil faced an environmental tragedy with historic rains and floods affecting nearly 90% of its cities, impacting two million people. The need for collaboration between computer scientists and biologists is crucial in addressing biodiversity crises. By leveraging AI, efforts could streamline the identification and classification of species, ultimately accelerating conservation strategies. The dual approach would involve better data for AI tools while ensuring the integrity of scientific contributions from biologists. This collaboration aims to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and species loss.

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.

South Africa's Cabinet approved the submission of the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in the Western Indian Ocean to Parliament. The Nairobi Convention promotes sustainable biodiversity management and enhances resilience to climate change impacts. This protocol offers opportunities for South Africa to enhance its capacity for climate change mitigation. The adoption was made official on 12 September 2023.

Japan's Aichi Prefecture announced the call for project proposals to form an ecosystem network in 2025. Utilizing the 'Aichi Forest and Green Creation Tax', the initiative aims to support community-driven projects for biodiversity, including habitat creation and maintenance. Successful projects can receive grants up to 3 million yen, with a 100% subsidy for eligible costs covered by the governor. The application period runs from February 21 to March 14, 2025, and projects must be completed by February 2026.

US-based researchers leveraged extensive community science resources to investigate how extreme weather events (EWEs) affect the phenology of 581 angiosperm species and 172 Lepidoptera across the contiguous United States. Their study revealed that plant and insect phenology is highly responsive to EWEs, which are expected to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change. The findings suggest that EWEs may be crucial drivers of mismatches in the timing of plant flowering and insect activity.

The Atlantic Forest of Brazil has been facing severe degradation, losing almost 1,900 square kilometers over the last decade primarily due to agricultural expansion. This critical area is known for its high biodiversity but is vanishing quickly. Efforts to curb illegal deforestation are essential for preserving this unique ecosystem.

Wales-based Natural Resources Wales (NRW) collaborated with Adventure Tours UK to plant approximately 200 trees at the confluence of the River Ceiriog and Dee on February 20. This planting is part of the LIFE Dee River project, which has already established 20,000 trees across the catchment area. The initiative aims to enhance local biodiversity and support river health by stabilizing riverbanks, reducing erosion, and providing shade to cool water temperatures for cold-water species like salmon. Additionally, the newly planted trees will sequester carbon, contributing to the mitigation of climate change.

Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains, a vital ecological area, faced funding cuts that jeopardize a $15 million conservation project. The region, rich in biodiversity, relies on $1 million in U.S. support for community agreements critical for forest protection. Conservation International has worked here for decades to secure these forests, but with U.S. funding not likely to be restored, future efforts hang in the balance.

The European Union is partially on track towards its 2030 climate and environmental goals and targets, but more effort is needed. The latest progress report from the European Environment Agency emphasizes the urgency of implementing agreed legislation and finalizing pending acts. It recognizes the importance of new initiatives like boosting water resilience and making systemic changes in energy, industry, agriculture, and mobility. Increased efforts are necessary to phase out environmentally harmful subsidies and promote sustainable production and consumption patterns to live within planetary boundaries.

Italy-based Autorità di Bacino Distrettuale del Fiume Po and Fondazione per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile organized the First Forum on Biodiversity, Natural Capital, and Ecosystem Services in April 12-13, 2025, in Milan. They collaborated on a research and development project focusing on enhancing biodiversity in the Po District, aiming to integrate biodiversity conservation with water protection amidst ongoing climate change. The event features discussions led by stakeholders on effective strategies for biodiversity management, including a session led by the Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, highlighting public and private economic tools for valuing natural capital.

Spain-based Sidenor participated in the SCALE-UP project, an initiative funded by the Basque Government's HAZITEK program. This project aims to develop innovative methodologies to validate the reliability of large scale wind turbine components without the need for extensive testing facilities. Focused on optimizing induction hardening processes for offshore wind turbine fasteners, Sidenor integrates experimental trials and simulation models to enhance mechanical properties and durability. This effort also aligns with their commitment to reduce carbon emissions in steel production using renewable energies.

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.

Norge, through SINTEF, participated actively in COP16 and COP29, focusing on the crucial role of the ocean in climate and environmental discussions. Notable achievements included the agreement on updating ecological and biological significant areas at sea (EBSA), an important step in ocean conservation efforts. The discussions emphasized the ocean's contribution not just as a food source, but also as a vital element in carbon storage and climate resilience. There remains a call for balancing conservation with sustainable use of marine resources to protect this essential ecosystem.

Ten Sleep, Wyoming, is home to Carter Ranch, which has recently earned Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly Land certification. This certification recognizes land managed with a focus on birds and biodiversity through the Audubon Conservation Ranching program. Over 100 ranches across 14 states have joined this initiative, benefiting nearly 3 million acres of grassland. The ranch has transformed its practices to emphasize regenerative approaches, yielding a doubling of soil organic matter in just four years, underlining its commitment to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.

US-based Audubon Society has thanked federal lawmakers for introducing the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2025. This bill extends program authorization through 2032 to ensure long-term conservation efforts in the watershed, which spans across Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and now includes Maryland. The watershed is vital, providing drinking water to over 14 million Americans and supporting a $25 billion economy. The program aims to protect habitats for approximately 400 bird species as threats from biodiversity loss and climate change increase.

US-based Audubon Society applauded the introduction of the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2025, which aims to extend program authorization through 2032. This act will ensure long-term conservation efforts and incorporates Maryland into the official definition of the basin, enhancing support for small, rural, and disadvantaged communities. The Delaware River Basin covers 13,500 square miles, providing drinking water for over 14 million Americans and supporting a $25 billion economy, making it critical for biodiversity, especially with ongoing threats from climate change.

US-based Carter Ranch, operated by RC Carter and family, has earned Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly Land certification through its focus on environmental sustainability and habitat management. The ranch, spanning approximately 47,000 grazeable acres in Wyoming, shifted towards regenerative practices over the past decade, enabling it to double its soil organic matter in just four years. This ranch is now among over 100 others across the US who collectively manage nearly 3 million acres under bird-friendly practices, benefiting grassland bird populations.