Global Climate News

Swedish real estate company Wallenstam, owning 66 wind turbines, is self-sufficient in renewable energy. They prioritize five UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on sustainable cities and communities. A stakeholder analysis showed surprisingly aligned priorities across groups, with social issues ranking highly. Individual electricity and water metering reduced consumption by 10-25%.

The Audubon Society's 125th Christmas Bird Count in Central Park, NYC, collected data on bird populations. The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service use this data in reports on climate change and biodiversity loss. The count revealed a banner year for Tufted Titmice (283) and a record number of Red-tailed Hawks (25).

US-based Climate Access Fund (CAF) launched the Solar4Us @ Henderson-Hopkins project, installing a 808-kilowatt solar array on a Baltimore school. This community solar project will provide discounted electricity to approximately 150 low-to-moderate income households, saving subscribers an estimated $1.1 million over the panels’ lifetime. The project also includes job training and educational opportunities.

GIZ is advising Pakistan on a more efficient, transparent and citizen-oriented approach to governance. This also involves shaping the way that refugees and host communities live together. GIZ’s work in the country focuses on sustainable economic development, good governance and an efficient energy supply.

India's Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organized the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue from January 10-12, 2025. One of the ten identified themes was \"Steering India Towards a Sustainable Future.\" 3000 young leaders presented innovative solutions for a developed India to policymakers and the Prime Minister.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) provided a €4.7 million loan to Lviv, Ukraine, to reclaim the Hrybovychi landfill. This is part of the EIB’s Ukraine Solidarity Urgent Response package and the Ukraine Municipal Infrastructure Programme (UMIP). The project will improve waste management, minimize ecological impact, and transform the landfill into a green zone and park. Earlier phases received €6.04 million from EIB and co-financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The UN Secretary-General expressed sorrow over devastating wildfires in California, claiming lives and displacing thousands. Damages are estimated to exceed $50 billion. The UN commended first responders and highlighted prevention strategies such as clearing underbrush and improving evacuation planning. The WHO emphasized the health risks of wildfire smoke. The UN stands ready to provide assistance if needed.

Taiwan's Craft Center launched the \"City Craft Journey\" project, collaborating with businesses using ESG as a core principle to create a sustainable future for crafts.

India's Prime Minister mentioned renewable energy, aviation ecosystem, electric mobility, metro network expansion, and bullet train projects as examples of the country's rapid progress. He also highlighted India's progress in renewable energy and its aim to become a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing the role of the Indian diaspora in this journey.

A study across seven European neighbourhoods examined the impact of neighbourhood interventions on collective climate action. The interventions, including workshops and interactive events, aimed to strengthen collective motivation. While the small sample size limits conclusiveness, the study indicates potential for increasing social norms, neighbourhood identification, and reducing perceived barriers to action.

Taiwan's Craft Center launched the \"City Craft Travel\" plan, collaborating with businesses to use ESG as the core to create a sustainable future for crafts.

Oregon is experiencing warming temperatures, increased drought, and reduced snowfall due to climate change. The Oregon Climate Assessment highlights adaptation efforts by businesses, including Oregon's high number of B Corporations. The assessment also notes potential economic losses from wildfires, increased health impacts from smoke, the role of reforestation in carbon storage, challenges and benefits of offshore wind energy, and the impact of climate change on the legal system.

India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023 with a goal to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. Visakhapatnam will be one of the two initial green hydrogen hubs, creating numerous job opportunities and boosting the manufacturing ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh. Projects worth over 2 lakh crore rupees were launched, including a Bulk Drug Park in Nakkapalli and the KrishnaPatnam Industrial Area (Kris City).

India's Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched several key knowledge products to drive urban transformation, including the Urban Learnathon 2.0, NULP 4.0, and a discussion paper on \"Pathways for Mainstreaming Urban Climate Action.\" The initiatives aim to build institutional capacity for sustainable urban governance and empower urban officials for digital governance, focusing on citizen-centric approaches and resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban futures.

US-based NRDC supported over 20 cities diverting over 35,750 tons of food waste, preventing nearly 62,000 metric tons of emissions. $11.5 million in USDA grants funded 38 composting projects. California banned confusing food date labels. Illinois mandated organic waste collection at large events. Michigan aims to halve food waste by 2030. The National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste was released. The Zero Food Waste Coalition grew to over 250 members. EPA invested $39 million in a national campaign.

India has launched the first Green Hydrogen Hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The NTPC Green Energy Limited Green Hydrogen Hub Project in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, entails an investment of approximately ₹1,85,000 crore and will produce 1500 TPD Green Hydrogen and 7500 TPD Green Hydrogen derivatives. This project will contribute to India's target of 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.

India has created around 56,000 sq meters of dense forests in Prayagraj in the last two years using the Miyawaki technique. The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation planted trees at more than 10 locations, transforming garbage dumps into green spaces and improving air quality. The project included various species, including fruit-bearing, medicinal, and ornamental plants.

Norwegian grocery chain Rema 1000 unveiled a concept store aiming to reduce energy consumption by up to 50%, built using sustainable materials, with solar cells and recycled rock wool. Stockholm-based Lifv transports wooden containers to remote locations as unmanned stores. In Copenhagen, Mond added a 3D body scanner to its store, connecting in-store and online experiences. Swedish pharmacy Apopket used local stores as mini-warehouses to fulfill online demand. PostNord, ICA, and Glue piloted an in-fridge delivery service.

Multiple countries pledged to increase climate finance and achieve emission reduction targets at COP27. Developed countries aim to deliver at least USD 100 billion in climate finance this year and double adaptation finance by 2025. Around 20 of 200 countries submitted updated commitments, with Australia's being the most significant. Nordea, as part of GFANZ, is committed to net-zero transition targets and plans. Africa is likely to raise the issue of loss and damage help.

The Brazilian Government has allocated over R$ 100 billion to reconstruct Rio Grande do Sul after severe flooding in 2024. This includes 11,500 new housing units, special Minha Casa, Minha Vida programs, and R$ 6.5 billion for drainage and dike repairs. The government also established a Casa de Governo to coordinate reconstruction efforts across various sectors.