Global Climate News

US-based Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) has faced legal challenges regarding the extension of its construction deadline for the Southgate project in Virginia and North Carolina. Environmental groups argue that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) failed to conduct an adequate environmental review after MVP announced a significant overhaul to the project, increasing its gas capacity by nearly 50 percent. Despite strong opposition from local communities and state officials, FERC granted an extension for the project certificate, allowing MVP to exercise eminent domain without a thorough evaluation of the new impacts.

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.

US-based NRDC and Earthjustice have challenged President Trump's executive order that revokes protections for over 625 million acres of ocean. The lawsuit, filed in Alaska, seeks to restore safeguards against offshore oil and gas leasing established by previous administrations. These areas, which support critical marine ecosystems, are at risk from increased drilling activities. The plaintiffs argue that the legal precedent exists to reinstate these protections, ensuring the sustainability of marine environments and coastal economies.

US-based environmental groups, including Coal River Mountain Watch, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, Appalachian Voices, and Sierra Club, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lawsuit challenges the issuance of a Clean Water Act permit for the Turkeyfoot Surface Mine in West Virginia, operated by Alpha Metallurgical Resources. The permit allows for valley fills that would impact over 3.5 miles of streams, raising concerns about water pollution and community health. The groups argue that the Corps acted arbitrarily in granting the permit, ignoring evidence of environmental harm.

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.

Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation held a hearing to determine if national courts have jurisdiction over climate-related matters. The decision affects a climate lawsuit by 12 citizens and NGOs against ENI and other entities for their role in the climate crisis. The plaintiffs argue that ENI has knowingly caused significant climate damage through its business activities. This case could set a precedent for future climate litigation in Italy, impacting recognition of climate change as a judicial matter.

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.

Greenpeace International filed a lawsuit in the Netherlands against Energy Transfer for over 300 million dollars in response to meritless lawsuits aimed at silencing dissent. This action aims to test the European Union's anti-SLAPP Directive, designed to protect organizations against abusive litigation. The move signifies a crucial moment in defending civil society and environmental activism against corporate bullying.

US-based 6K has developed new microwave plasma technology called UniMelt that eliminates toxic waste while recycling all byproducts. The company is scaling up production of battery materials and critical minerals processing, with a new 100,000-square-foot facility set to begin construction in Jackson, Tennessee, expected to produce 13,000 tons of material annually. This technology addresses U.S. national security concerns by reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

The Sabin Center for Climate Change Law provided updates on climate-related litigation, including cases involving Exxon Mobil, BP, and Chevron. The updates cover various legal challenges and decisions in the US and globally, highlighting significant climate litigation developments.

UK-based Grantham Research Institute experts responded to a recent Supreme Court ruling that quashed the approval of new oil development at the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields in the North Sea. They emphasized the ruling's significance relative to government commitments on climate change, noting that developing new fossil fuel infrastructure would threaten efforts to limit global warming. They urged the government to reject future fossil fuel project applications, asserting that recent judgments represent a shift in public scrutiny over climate impacts.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas ruled that American Airlines and the Employee Benefits Committee breached their duty of loyalty under ERISA by allowing corporate ESG goals to influence management of investments in 401(k) plans. The Court highlighted that BlackRock's proxy voting activities, which included support for climate change-related proposals, led to conflicts of interest for the Defendants. The ruling emphasizes a need for fiduciaries to meticulously review ESG investment practices to align them with financial interests of plan participants.

US-based ExxonMobil's lobbying firm, DCI Group, was allegedly involved in a hacking operation targeting climate activists. The hacking was purportedly commissioned to discredit those involved in climate litigation against the oil and gas industry. The U.S. Department of Justice is currently investigating the matter and trying to extradite an Israeli private investigator, Amit Forlit, who is accused of orchestrating the hacking campaign.

On January 27, 2025, the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced a temporary pause on all federal financial assistance programs related to climate, which includes key projects under the Biden Administration’s priorities. This action was ordered to comply with President Trump's executive orders, specifically the "Unleashing American Energy" order. Agencies have been instructed to halt disbursements of funds until a comprehensive review of these programs is completed, which could take several months. Federal grantees, such as state and local governments, may face significant impacts on their climate work due to this freeze, and legal challenges regarding the memorandum are already underway.

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.

The Kyoto climate treaty, while hailed on stage, is showing a different reality in practice. The Guardian article highlights this discrepancy.

Ireland's High Court ruled that An Bord Pleanála (national planning authority) acted unlawfully by not prioritizing climate objectives when rejecting a wind farm project. The court emphasized the need to comply with Ireland’s Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act and EU law, highlighting the climate emergency and legally binding targets. The decision requires An Bord Pleanála to reconsider its decision, giving due weight to climate implications.

The Sabin Center filed an amicus brief supporting the EPA’s 2024 greenhouse gas emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles. The brief, on behalf of the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, highlights the negative public health and climate impacts of heavy-duty vehicles in cities, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Trump administration’s potential rollback of these standards is also discussed.

The Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School published a report reviewing climate litigation developments in 2024. The report covers nine thematic areas, including international and regional court cases, constitutional and human rights cases, and cases against major emitters. It draws from the Sabin Center’s United States and Global Climate Litigation databases and monthly litigation updates.

US-based Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP leads a coalition including 22 states and industry associations in challenging the Department of Energy’s final rule on gas tankless water heaters. The rule eliminates non-condensing gas tankless water heaters, deemed highly efficient and affordable, impacting consumer choice and potentially hindering energy savings and emission reductions.