Global Climate News

German organization WWF partnered with Microsoft AI and Accenture to develop GhostNetZero, an AI-powered technology that detects ghost fishing nets. This initiative successfully recovered 26 tons of marine waste from the Baltic Sea, proving 90% accuracy in detection. Furthermore, researchers from Peking University and the University of South Denmark developed AI-driven tools for sustainable urban planning by analyzing materials in city buildings, utilizing data from Google Street View and satellites to promote eco-friendly development practices.

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.

Carbonmark hosted a webinar titled "On-Chain Carbon Credits: A New Era of Transparency and Trust" to discuss blockchain's transformative effect on the voluntary carbon market (VCM). The event featured industry leaders discussing how blockchain enhances transparency and reduces costs in carbon trading. Limenet shared its plan to use limestone for carbon removal in Italy, aiming to eliminate one million tons of CO₂ by 2030. One Earth Fund highlighted its initiative to turn food waste into compost to combat climate change. Through modern engineering and blockchain technology, both projects exemplified innovative approaches to carbon reduction.

US-based Blake Lively has launched "Fashion Forward", an innovative AI platform aimed at revolutionizing fashion forecasting with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The platform leverages advanced algorithms to analyze social media trends, allowing fashion professionals to make informed decisions based on real-time consumer behaviors. By promoting insights into sustainable materials and production practices, Fashion Forward helps brands reduce their environmental impact, aligning with the growing demand for responsible fashion choices.

Germany's Fraunhofer Society awarded the Hugo-Geiger-Preis on February 19, 2025, to three young researchers for their innovative doctoral thesis projects. Dr. Kerstin Müller won first place for developing a thermoplastic cellulose alternative that can be industrially processed. The second prize went to Dr. Patricia Erhard for her sustainable 3D printing method of ceramic casting cores. Dr. Sarah Klein received third place for improving laser technologies aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in industries. The awards emphasize the real-world applicability of scientific research and the support for transforming ideas into industry-ready solutions.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), under the leadership of President Nadia Calviño, has significantly increased its investments in energy infrastructure and security. In 2024, the EIB signed investment agreements totalling around €1 billion in Ukraine, focusing on areas such as energy, transport, water, and infrastructure rehabilitation. Furthermore, the EIB has notably doubled its support for security and defence initiatives, aligning its financial strategies with the growing needs of EU member states amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

Southeast Asia has experienced a significant shift towards prioritizing sustainability in its tech sector during 2024. Startups are now focusing on sustainable revenue growth, as seen with Traveloka, which turned around from a canceled SPAC IPO to profitability and repaid a $300 million private credit loan early. Additionally, regional governments are ramping up support for tech initiatives, with Malaysia’s Khazanah launching a fund to nurture local fund managers and Indonesia establishing the Danantara Sovereign Fund worth approximately $600 billion to invest domestically and internationally.

Qatar Insurance Group (QIC) has recently announced strategic investments in three insurtech startups, aiming for regional leadership and global expansion. These partnerships include Jaguar Transit and Digital Petroleum, focusing on innovative insurance solutions across GCC countries and emerging markets in Asia and Africa. QIC has signed agreements to provide financial support and strategic guidance, enhancing insurance offerings and operational efficiency in the energy sector.

China-based DeepSeek has revolutionized the AI landscape by proving that powerful AI systems can be built with fewer resources. The company used only 2000 GPU chips to develop its chatbot, DeepSeek-R1, as opposed to the previously assumed 16,000. This innovative approach allowed them to spend less than $6 million on computing power, significantly less than what US companies typically invest, such as the estimated $100 million used to train ChatGPT-4. With this breakthrough, the company is paving the way for more sustainable AI technologies by reducing energy consumption associated with chip use.

UK-based Imperial College recently showcased the pivotal role of Quality-Related funding (QR) in facilitating critical climate research initiatives. The Future Vaccine Manufacturing Research (FVMR) Hub, boosted by QR funding, is focused on advancing vaccine technologies for low- and middle-income countries, especially in response to public health threats like the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, Imperial's Centre for Cryo Microscopy of Materials, developed with a £10.3m EPSRC grant, received support from QR funding to enhance research into environmentally sensitive materials critical for the energy transition.

ETH spin-off RTDT has developed Aerosense, an intelligent plaster for wind turbines that improves electricity production and performance. The technology collects aerodynamic and structural data to optimize rotor blade design, potentially reducing material use by 5-10% and cutting production costs. The system is currently being tested in Austria with a goal of demonstrating performance over one year. RTDT plans to achieve full integration of Aerosense into rotor blades by 2027.

Vema Hydrogen, supported by US-based Pace and other investors, is pioneering a revolutionary approach to low-cost and low-emissions hydrogen production. They are developing a technology to generate hydrogen directly underground by stimulating iron-rich rock formations. This method, known as 'Orange Hydrogen,' aims to produce hydrogen at costs below $1/kg with emissions as low as 0.5 kgCO₂e/kg. Vema plans to deliver hydrogen to off-takers by 2028, potentially reshaping the hydrogen industry by making clean hydrogen affordable and scalable.

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.

India is experiencing a clean energy revolution driven by lithium battery technology, particularly due to initiatives outlined in the 2025 Union Budget aimed at enhancing domestic manufacturing. The budget includes a reduction of GST on lithium-ion batteries from 18% to 5% and allocates ₹5,000 crores for battery research and development. These measures are anticipated to attract more startups into the lithium battery market, strengthening local supply chains and improving EV infrastructure.

UK-based Last Energy has entered the nuclear site licensing process with the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) for its plan to develop four 20 MWe microreactors in South Wales. The licensing process is crucial for ensuring that prospective licensees are prepared to meet their obligations to protect both their workforce and the public. Last Energy has been involved in the ONR's early regulatory engagement framework since May 2024, which helps applicants understand regulatory processes and expectations. ONR inspectors will now provide pre-application advice to Last Energy, informing them of the regulatory expectations and legal responsibilities of a nuclear site licensee in Great Britain.

The US-based American-Made programme launched in 2018 has administered over 100 prizes, with more than $400 million allocated in prize money to support clean energy technologies. The annual Solar prize rewards innovators with funding to develop technologies that enhance solar energy deployment. In the UK, the Longitude prize has focused on tackling antimicrobial resistance with significant amounts of funding awarded for solutions. One winner, Origami Solar, developed lightweight frames for solar panels reducing carbon footprint, while Sysmex Astrego won for their point-of-care test for urinary tract infections. Overall, these initiatives aim to spur innovation through competitive funding and collaborative efforts.

Germany-based AI Superior specializes in developing AI-driven solutions aimed at enhancing urban efficiency, sustainability, and security. Their innovative approach integrates artificial intelligence, IoT, and big data analytics to optimize urban infrastructure and public services, thus transforming cities into smarter, more resilient environments.

The article discusses various companies involved in smart city design, focusing on sustainable urban living through advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics. The featured organizations include AI Superior, IBM, Hitachi, ABB, and others, each contributing to smart infrastructure and sustainability efforts. Notable technologies include predictive analytics, digital twins, smart grids, and green solutions. These companies are actively engaged in enhancing urban livability, public safety, and energy efficiency, showcasing innovations such as air quality monitoring, EV charging solutions, and urban planning tools. Their collective efforts aim to create resilient, efficient, and connected cities that prioritize sustainability and improved quality of life for residents.

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.

India hosted the India Energy Week 2025, marking its position as a global energy leader with significant participation from various sectors. The event highlighted strategic goals including increasing natural gas consumption to 15% from 6%. Innovations such as a biofuel conversion kit and advancements in green hydrogen production were showcased. Furthermore, collaboration with US entities for liquefied natural gas supplies and extensive reforms in the Exploration and Production sector were major themes discussed during the event.