Global Climate News

Grenada: The Green Climate Fund, through GIZ, has approved a project to improve water resource management and resilience to climate change, benefiting over 100,000 people by 2024. This includes building 16 storm-proof water storage facilities and improving water efficiency. Renewable energy will also be implemented for the National Water and Sewerage Authority, co-financed by the BMU.

The US Congress passed several bills related to water conservation and drought preparedness. The Great Salt Lake Stewardship Act will divert funds to conserve Utah’s Great Salt Lake. The WATER Data Improvement Act will support U.S. Geological Survey programs tracking water availability. The Drought Preparedness Act reauthorizes the Bureau of Reclamation’s Drought Response Program. The America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act supports wildlife habitat restoration.

France has experienced significant glacier melt, impacting Mont Blanc's stability and causing increased rockfalls. Geomorphologist Ludovic Ravanel's research highlights the link between climate change and these events, emphasizing the need for safety measures and route reassessment for mountaineers. The mayor of Saint-Gervais proposed a €15,000 deposit for climbers, covering rescue and funeral costs.

The Los Angeles-area wildfires caused an estimated $52-$57 billion in damage and economic loss. At least five people died, and tens of thousands evacuated. Around 170,000 Southern California Edison customers lost power.

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.

US-based EcoFlow has published a blog post on preparing for power outages, including creating an emergency supply kit with essential items like water, food, flashlights, and backup power solutions such as EcoFlow Portable Power Stations and solar generators. The blog also provides guidance on evacuation plans, vehicle preparedness, and actions to take during a power outage.

India invited around 10,000 special guests to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade. The guests included representatives from various government schemes focusing on renewable energy (PM Surya Ghar Yojna, PM KUSUM), agriculture (Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Rashtriya Gokul Mission), and rural development (PM-VISHWAKARMA yojana, OM Matasya Sampada Yojana). Disaster relief workers, Pani Samiti, Water Warriors, and environmental conservation volunteers were also invited.

The UK government has announced a new farming roadmap focusing on sustainable food production, business diversification, and nature restoration. £5 billion will be invested over two years in sustainable farming methods. The government will also monitor public sector food sourcing to increase purchases of British produce and introduce reforms to improve supply chain fairness and planning regulations for farm businesses. New precision breeding technologies will be introduced to improve crop resilience.

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.

South Africa's eThekwini Municipality banned fishing activities in the Umngeni Estuary due to severe sewage discharge near the mouth of the Umngeni River. The decision followed a Coastal Compliance Notice issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), citing pollution and E. coli levels. The municipality is investigating the sewage discharge and will repair damaged infrastructure.

Taiwan's Craft Center launched the \"City Craft Travel\" project, collaborating with enterprises using ESG as the core to create a sustainable future for crafts. The project aims to promote sustainable practices within the craft industry.

Taiwan plans to invest NT$807.7 billion over the next eight years to reduce its national water leakage rate to 10%, in line with advanced countries. The government aims to achieve this by investing in smart water grid management and upgrading infrastructure.

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.

US-based Edison International saw its shares plunge after its subsidiary, Southern California Edison, shut off power to nearly 70,000 customers due to the Los Angeles-area wildfires. The wildfires caused at least two deaths and widespread evacuations. Strong Santa Ana winds have prompted similar power outages in previous months.

UK-based Llanmoor Development Co. Limited was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £6,280.79 in costs and a £190 victim surcharge for polluting a tributary of the River Ogmore with silt and mud between August 2021 and March 2022. The pollution, originating from their Parc Tondu construction site, harmed water quality and ecology. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) prosecuted the case, with assistance from the Ogmore Angling Association.

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.

California is battling intense wildfires, causing mass evacuations and significant damage. Over 3,000 acres have been destroyed, and 30,000 residents have been evacuated. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, mobilizing state and federal resources. The American Red Cross and other organizations are providing support to affected residents. Climate change is cited as a contributing factor to the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires.

Researchers at MIT have developed a software platform, DyMonDS, to improve grid resiliency and integrate renewable energy. The system, tested using Puerto Rico data, can prevent widespread outages and optimize resource use, potentially reducing the need for new power plants. The platform supports real-time decision-making and long-term planning, aiding in the transition to renewable energy sources.

The UK government, through the Environment Agency, is responding to recent floods impacting England. Over 41,000 properties were protected, but at least 300 flooded. £2.4 billion is invested over two years to improve flood resilience. The Floods Resilience Taskforce is accelerating flood defenses and enhancing national resilience to extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change.

Studies of 15 dominant tree species in the interior western United States have revealed that seedlings are occupying historically cooler areas than mature trees, indicating regeneration failures in the hottest parts of species’ ranges. Disturbances did not uniformly catalyse climatic range shifts; differences were species- and disturbance-specific. Assisted migration programmes may be needed to help trees adapt.