Global Climate News

MIT researchers conducted an experiment in Amsterdam, resulting in households reducing energy expenses by half, and a 75% success rate in alleviating energy poverty. The experiment involved providing energy usage data and coaching, along with smart devices in one version. Electricity consumption decreased by 33% and gas by 42%, lowering bills by 53%. A follow-up experiment will examine the benefits of residential building retrofits to lower energy costs.

The Los Angeles area experienced unprecedented Santa Ana winds causing multiple wildfires. The Palisades fire was uncontainable due to strong winds, and water hydrants ran dry due to insufficient water pressure. The Eaton Canyon fire, possibly caused by an electrical tower, spread to Altadena. SoCal Edison faced criticism due to past fire-related settlements.

Taiwan's Land Administration Agency clarified that building quality and the size of areas undergoing危老重建(renewal of dangerous and old buildings) are unrelated. The agency emphasized the importance of local governments' roles in enforcing construction safety regulations and supervision to prevent incidents like the recent collapse in New Taipei City. They will continue to improve construction safety management through training and review policies.

Taiwan's Executive Yuan held its first tourism advisory meeting on January 22, 2024, focusing on strategies for tourism development, international market expansion, labor shortages, and sustainable tourism. The meeting involved 42 officials and private sector members, aiming to generate policy recommendations and development directions.

India reported a 7.93% reduction in GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019, as highlighted in its 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4). The energy sector contributed 75.66% of emissions. India aims for net-zero emissions by 2070 and has launched several initiatives including the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" tree plantation campaign and the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) Program, with ₹12.55 crores allocated in FY 2024-25.

Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) and the Junior Chamber International (JCI) signed a memorandum of understanding to reduce cigarette butt litter. The initiative will involve public awareness campaigns, encouraging businesses to install cigarette butt collection facilities, and promoting environmental responsibility. The goal is to improve public spaces and align with UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 14.

Researchers from Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Washington quantitatively compared five environmental justice screening tools used in California to classify disadvantaged communities. They found substantial variation among the tools in designating communities and prioritizing sociodemographic groups, with potential implications for resource allocation and policy interventions. The study highlights the need for careful consideration of tool selection in environmental justice research and policymaking.

Oregon-based Climate Solutions advocates for a 2025 transportation package to address climate pollution, focusing on zero-emission school buses (LC 1772) and charging infrastructure (LC Pending). They also aim to advance an energy affordability package, including measures to protect ratepayers from utility costs (LC 1806, LC 1547), and expand access to clean technologies (LC 1823, LC 1953). Additionally, they promote innovative transmission solutions (LC 1902, LC 3681) and economic growth through clean tech initiatives (LC 3353) and funding for existing climate programs.

Many companies are prioritizing high-quality, sustainable office spaces with amenities, leading to increased demand and higher rents in top-tier buildings. Tenants value sustainability investments for cost savings and emission reduction. Renovations focusing on amenities, outdoor spaces, and energy-efficient systems are attracting tenants. The office market recovery is stronger in New York City and the Sun Belt than other regions. Cousins Properties recently acquired a lifestyle office property in Charlotte, North Carolina for $328.5 million.

The MCJ newsletter discussed climate change adaptation, featuring Kathryn Bakos from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation and Seyed Madaeni from Verse, a clean energy procurement software company. It also highlighted a YouTube video from Google on wildfire prediction and listed several climate-related job openings.

Greenpeace conducted various climate activism campaigns globally, including a petition with over 1,640,108 signatures submitted to the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to ban bee-killing pesticides; a protest against Woodside’s drilling project in Australia impacting endangered species; and highlighting the impact of climate change on residents of Bilangbilangan and Batasan Islands in the Philippines, where solar panels and charging stations were installed.

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.