Global Climate News

Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa initiated a dye tracer study at Red Hill, Oʻahu, in February 2025 to investigate groundwater flow. The approved method involved injecting a non-toxic fluorescent compound into a monitoring well to study its migration over the spring of 2025 as part of ongoing recovery efforts following prior jet fuel leaks. The team plans to monitor the water extraction and dye recovery effectiveness to ensure community drinking water safety.

US-based Appalachian State University hosted former FEMA Head Brock Long and heat policy expert Ashley Ward on February 25, 2025, as part of its Pathways to Resilience initiative. They discussed actionable solutions to help communities prepare for and recover from climate-related disasters. Their expertise in climate resilience and emergency management was highlighted during this public engagement event.

South Africa experienced persistent rainfall caused by tropical moisture affecting the eastern and central regions. The South African Weather Service issued yellow warnings for various areas, indicating the potential for disruptive rainfall and localized flooding. This weather pattern is expected to continue into the weekend, particularly in the eastern regions, affecting local communities and infrastructure.

US-based researchers leveraged extensive community science resources to investigate how extreme weather events (EWEs) affect the phenology of 581 angiosperm species and 172 Lepidoptera across the contiguous United States. Their study revealed that plant and insect phenology is highly responsive to EWEs, which are expected to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change. The findings suggest that EWEs may be crucial drivers of mismatches in the timing of plant flowering and insect activity.

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.

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.

Caribbean nations faced various crises, including the climate crisis and socio-economic instability, as highlighted by Secretary-General Guterres during the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Bridgetown. He underscored the need for global commitments on climate action, emphasizing the urgent call for nations to present new climate plans ahead of the COP30 summit. The Secretary-General urged for financial mobilization to support adaptation and climate action initiatives, referencing the insufficient $1.3 trillion agreed upon at previous COP meetings, and called for developed countries to honor their promises for finance aimed at climate adaptation and the new Loss and Damage Fund.

US-based Bechtel National, Inc. has been awarded two new contracts by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The first contract, worth $5.3 million, involves the demilitarization of liquid fueling facilities in Ukraine, dismantling SS-19 ICBM facilities and nuclear weapons storage areas. The second, a $8.1 million contract, is a five-year project to convert oxidizers from Russian ICBMs into nitric acid, part of a push for environmental cleanup and safety in nuclear weaponry.

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.

China-based researchers analyzed seventy drinking water samples collected from tap water, water boiling machines, and water vending machines in Shanghai for seven target organotin compounds (OTCs). They found that the summed concentrations of target OTCs (ΣOTCs) reached up to 129 ng Sn/L, with significant levels varying among drinking water types and source zones. The research identified materials used in pipes and emissions from maritime, agricultural, and industrial activities as the main pollution sources, supporting the need for informed policy and urban planning to maintain drinking water quality in rapidly urbanizing regions.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) highlighted the need for countries to cut emissions by 42% by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement targets. UNEP is currently working with over 60 low and middle-income countries to promote the adoption of electric vehicles as part of their strategy to reduce transportation emissions. Projects such as the procurement of electric buses in Antigua and Barbuda and legislation in Kenya supporting electric motorcycles were mentioned as part of the global efforts to address climate change.

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.

A study conducted by researchers from the Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies (IMEDEA) in Spain examined the dynamics of harmful algal blooms in nearshore environments. The research combined field observations and a one-dimensional advection-diffusion model, focusing on the effects of wind and buoyancy-driven flows on phytoplankton communities. The findings revealed critical interactions between environmental drivers and phytoplankton behavior, offering insights into coastal water quality management.

The commercial washer and dryer market has seen a surge in demand as businesses prioritize energy efficiency and eco-friendly options. Retailers are encouraged to invest in high-efficiency models to reduce utility costs, which is particularly beneficial for laundromats or other businesses with frequent laundry demands. This market growth is driven by the hospitality and healthcare sectors, with urbanization and advancements in technology playing key roles. A continued emphasis on selecting efficient washers and dryers aligns with environmental sustainability goals, boosting the market potential for sellers catering to various industries.

UK-based Christopher Williams was sentenced to 44 weeks in prison for operating a waste site without an environmental permit at Whinfield Industrial Estate, Gateshead. This included a 26-week sentence and an additional 18 weeks due to a breach of a suspended sentence for prior environmental offences. The Environment Agency expressed that the illegal waste posed a significant fire risk and highlighted the importance of environmental permits to safeguard public health and the environment.

On February 13, 2025, a workshop was held on the sidelines of the Paris conference on Syria, led by M. Thani Mohamed Soilihi. The meeting discussed humanitarian challenges and the need for reconstruction in Syria after 15 years of war. Key objectives included ensuring humanitarian access, supporting reconstruction in energy and other key sectors, and facilitating the return of refugees. Institutions like the UN and World Bank were represented, emphasizing collaborative efforts for Syria's future.

The European Parliament urged the EU to suspend its Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains with Rwanda until it ceases all interference in the Democratic Republic of Congo. MEPs called upon the European Commission and member states to freeze direct budget support for Rwanda and halt military assistance to its armed forces. This decision follows the condemnation of Rwanda's military actions in the DRC and the support for peace negotiations.

Europe must consider its strategic interests in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the threat of a Third Congo War looms. The DRC is rich in critical minerals essential for the green energy transition, which Europe heavily relies on. The stability of the Lobito Corridor project is under threat due to the ongoing conflict, endangering significant European investments. Furthermore, Rwanda plays a pivotal role in regional security and has established mineral agreements with Europe, which are essential for ongoing climate change discussions.

Rwanda's support for M23 rebels in eastern Congo poses a threat to Europe's investment in critical minerals essential for the green energy transition. The ongoing conflict could disrupt projects like the Lobito Corridor, crucial for connecting Congo's resources to global markets. European leaders are urged to negotiate between Rwanda and Congo to prevent further escalation, thereby securing their existing investments and ensuring a stable supply of minerals.

Costa Rican NGO La Ruta del Clima promotes public participation in climate and environmental decision-making through its Climate Radio Route. The initiative aims to amplify voices from vulnerable communities impacted by climate change, providing insights into climate governance and fostering dialogue on issues concerning human rights, gender perspectives, and community engagement in climate decisions. UNESCO supports this endeavor, recognizing the potential of radio in democratizing information access, especially in areas lacking internet connectivity.