Global Climate News

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, welcomed the World Trade Organization's (WTO) announcement that the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies entered into force on September 26, 2025. - **Main action:** Canada **welcomed** the WTO announcement and was the **fifth WTO member to accept** the Agreement; the Agreement establishes new multilateral trade rules addressing **harmful fisheries subsidies** related to **illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing**, **overfished stocks**, and **unregulated high seas fishing**, and is the WTO’s **second multilateral agreement** and first to prioritize **environmental sustainability** as a core outcome. - **Background and implementation details:** The news release quotes **Maninder Sidhu** (Minister of International Trade) and **Joanne Thompson** (Minister of Fisheries); Canada **encourages** remaining WTO members to submit acceptance of the Agreement. Media contacts provided: Huzaif Qaisar, Director of Communications (Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca, 343-575-8816) and Media Relations Office (media@international.gc.ca).

The fifth ASEAN Economic Ministers Consultation was held on 25 September 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, co-chaired by H.E. Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz (Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia) and Minister Liz Lloyd (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, UK). - **Main announcement/action:** The meeting reviewed ASEAN-UK economic cooperation and progress under the **ASEAN-UK Work Plan**, noting **UK-ASEAN trade of £53.9 billion** (four quarters to end Q1 2025) and **UK FDI into ASEAN of USD 18.7 billion in 2024**; the meeting recorded that **95 activities** across **11 priority areas involving 22 ASEAN Sectoral Bodies** were completed since 2024 with **an additional 80 activities planned**, and noted that **all three pillars of the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme (EIP) are now operational**. - Date: 25 September 2025 - Time: not specified in the source - Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Agenda/subject: review of the ASEAN-UK Work Plan and Joint Ministerial Declaration on Future Economic Cooperation; discussions on trade, FDI, EIP implementation, supply chain resilience, digital innovation, MSMEs, sustainable finance, and semiconductor supply chain initiatives. - **Background and implementation details:** The meeting highlighted UK support programmes and initiatives including **ASPIRE** (impact analysis for AEC Blueprint 2025), **ARVC II**, **AIPBI**, the **ASEAN Green Investment Catalyst** (launched December 2024), support for **AFISS** and semiconductor industry workshops, promotion of **DEFA**, skills and education programmes (ASLIP, ASEAN Chevening, ASEAN Women in STEM, RIDA, ASEAN i-Teams), and MSME/women entrepreneur support (SheTrades Outlook, AWEN). The meeting agreed to **review and update the Work Plan in 2026**, referenced cooperation on **WTO reform** ahead of **MC14 in Cameroon in March 2026**, and reaffirmed support for **Timor-Leste’s Roadmap to full ASEAN membership** with continued capacity building and technical assistance.

The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced over $1.44 million in funding for 10 projects under Natural Resources Canada’s Global Forest Leadership Program, delivered through the International Model Forest Network. - **Funding and projects:** Canada announced **over $1.44 million CAD** to support **10 projects** under the Global Forest Leadership Program, delivered via the **International Model Forest Network (IMFN)**; funds will be used to **restore damaged ecosystems, support agroforestry and sustainable local businesses, and empower Indigenous and local communities (including women and youth)**. - **Background and program details:** The Global Forest Leadership Program **expands Canada’s international engagement** and shares Canadian expertise; the Model Forest approach originated in the **early 1990s at 10 sites in Canada** and the IMFN now includes **more than 60 Model Forests in more than 30 countries**, with activities focused on sustainable management and landscape-level conservation.

The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced an investment of over $1.44 million on September 26, 2025, to fund 10 projects under Natural Resources Canada’s Global Forest Leadership Program, delivered through the International Model Forest Network. - **Main announcement:** On **September 26, 2025**, Canada (Natural Resources Canada) committed **over $1.44 million** to **10 projects** under the **Global Forest Leadership Program**, delivered via the **International Model Forest Network**; notable grants include **$350,000** to Kasetsart University (Bangkok, Thailand) and **$150,000** to Association Forêt Modèle Ifrane (Ifrane, Morocco), with the remaining project grants ranging from **$100,000 to $125,000** (see project list for exact amounts). - **Background and project details:** The funded projects target **rehabilitation and restoration**, **agroforestry and tree planting**, **forest and mangrove restoration**, **graduate curriculum development for forest leaders**, **nursery development**, **invasive species control**, and **landslide-affected land restoration** across **Morocco, Cameroon, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Switzerland (project supporting India), and India**; recipients include local model forest associations, universities, municipal bodies and IUCN, each receiving specific grant amounts as listed in the announcement.

China announced an absolute emissions reduction target and related clean-tech pledges. - **Main announcement:** China (announced by **Xi Jinping**) will **adopt an absolute emissions reduction target** for the first time: **cut greenhouse gases by 7–10% by 2035** (from an unspecified peak/year); **expand wind and solar capacity more than sixfold from 2020 levels**; and make **new energy vehicles the mainstream of new car sales**. - **Background and related developments:** The **EU missed the UN deadline** to submit updated targets and has issued a **statement of intent** proposing **66.25–72.5%** emissions reductions by **2035** while member states are divided over a **90% 2040** target; the article calls for Europe to agree a credible **2040** target and to back climate partnerships via the next **multiannual financial framework**, **technology-transfer instruments**, and **local content rules** (mentions partner countries **Brazil** and **India** and contrasts China’s export-and-investment model).

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs published the ICF KPI 6 methodology guidance on 26 September 2025. - **Main announcement:** The three UK government departments **published the ICF KPI 6 methodology** on **26 September 2025**, providing the methodology to report tonnes of GHG emissions **reduced or avoided (tCO2e)** for UK International Climate Finance; the guidance is available as a **52-page PDF (991 KB)** and an HTML publication on GOV.UK. - **Background and details:** The guidance defines KPI 6 as an **outcome indicator** aligned with **UNFCCC** and the **Paris Agreement**, links reporting to **SDG 13**, notes that ICF results are reported in the ICF results publications, and provides an accessibility contact **fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk** for alternative formats.

Seventeen African governments committed to reforms and actionable National Energy Compacts under Mission 300 at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum to expand electricity access and help connect 300 million Africans by 2030. - **Main announcement/action:** Seventeen countries (Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, São Tomé and Principe, Sierra Leone, and Togo) endorsed **National Energy Compacts**—practical blueprints integrating **infrastructure, financing, and policy**—aimed at expanding electricity access, guiding public spending, triggering reforms, and attracting private capital. The Mission 300 partnership (led by the **World Bank Group** and **African Development Bank Group**) reports **30 million people already connected** and **more than 100 million in the pipeline**, with the overarching target to connect **300 million Africans by 2030**. - **Background and implementation details:** Development partners supporting implementation include the **Rockefeller Foundation**, **GEAPP**, **SEforALL**, and the World Bank's **ESMAP** trust fund; many **development finance institutions** are providing co-financing and technical assistance. Earlier this year additional countries (Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, DRC, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia) endorsed Compacts and together pledged **more than 400 policy actions** to strengthen utilities, reduce investor risk, and remove bottlenecks. São Tomé and Principe's Compact specifically targets raising **US$190 million** from the private sector to finance its objectives, and multiple Compacts set the implementation timeline of achieving **universal access by 2030**.

Greenpeace has carried out a series of large-scale photo-activism actions and protests across Romania/Bulgaria, the USA, the Philippines, and Mexico this week. - **Main actions and specifics:** Greenpeace activists staged a **50+ person** action at the Romania–Bulgaria border with a giant life ring carrying the message **"No New Oil and Gas Drilling in the Black Sea"**; Greenpeace Mexico had **9 activists** climb to **70 meters** at the Estela de Luz and unfurl a **27-meter** banner reading **"The Maya Forest is crying out. Semarnat, save it!"**; Greenpeace USA projected a message at the **Marin Headlands** marking **100 days** into the administration’s second term and launched the global **#TimeToResist** campaign; Greenpeace USA also deployed a nearly **160-foot** “**Climate Polluters Bill**” through midtown Manhattan during the **Make Billionaires Pay March**. - **Background, dates and other details:** Actions took place around **NYC Climate Week** and on the eve of the **UN General Assembly** and the **UN Secretary-General’s Climate Ambition Summit**; the international mobilizations titled **Draw the Line** occurred **September 19–21**; Greenpeace continues to emphasize photo-activism after **50+ years** and directs readers to its **Media Library** for more photos and videos.

British Ambassador Hamish Cowell and Lebanon's Minister of Energy and Water Joe Saddi launched Lebanon’s National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP 2025–2030). - **Launch and technical support**: The UK (through the British Embassy to Lebanon) partnered since **2024** with the **Lebanese Centre for Energy Conservation** to provide **targeted technical support** to update the NREAP. The updated **NREAP 2025–2030** outlines Lebanon’s renewable energy ambitions and **implementation priorities for 2025–2030**, and the UK says the support aims to enable **policy reform**, **innovation**, and **investment/finance** in renewable energy technologies. - **Event and context**: - **Event**: Lebanon Grand Energy Event 2025 (launch took place during the event) - **Date**: 24–26 September 2025 - **Location**: Lebanon (Lebanon Grand Energy Event 2025; city not specified in source) - **Agenda/subject**: Launch of the updated National Renewable Energy Action Plan 2025–2030 and discussions on renewable energy policy, implementation priorities, and enabling investment.

Vladimir Putin held talks with President Alexander Lukashenko in the Kremlin. - **Main action:** Discussed deepening **nuclear energy cooperation** between Russia and Belarus, including potential **expansion of the existing nuclear power plant** or **construction of a new power unit or plant**, possibly in **eastern Belarus** to supply electricity to the Kherson, Zaporozhye, Lugansk and Donetsk regions. **Rosatom** has prepared several scenarios for expanding Belarusian nuclear capacity; Putin said **"Financing should not be an issue"**, and a decision could lead to immediate start-up once the Government finalises numbers. Lukashenko said there are a couple of **issues to settle by the end of the year** before moving forward. - **Background and details:** **Belarus' NPP now supplies ~40% of national electricity**; Russia–Belarus **trade turnover exceeds US$50 billion** and **accumulated Russian investment is US$4.5 billion**. Belarus exports **EV charging stations** to Russia and has construction workers operating in Russia; Belarus operates gas-fired plants in 'cold mode' for activities like mining and imports gas from **Gazprom**. - Event details: - Date: September 26, 2025 - Time: 17:30 - Location: The Kremlin, Moscow - Agenda/subject: 80th anniversary of Russia’s nuclear industry; bilateral cooperation on energy, nuclear projects, and security

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs published the ICF KPI 2 methodology on 26 September 2025. - **Main announcement:** The guidance sets out the methodology for **ICF KPI 2**, an **output indicator** that counts the number of **people and social institutions with improved access to clean energy** as a result of UK International Climate Finance; the methodology document is available as a **17-page PDF (593 KB)** and an HTML guidance page. - **Background and details:** The indicator is explicitly aligned to **SDG 7** and **SDG 13**, results are reported in the ICF results publications, the guidance was **published 26 September 2025**, and requests for accessible document formats can be sent to **fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk**.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs published methodological guidance on reporting ICF KPI 1 on 26 September 2025. - **Main announcement:** The departments published the ICF KPI 1 methodology: an **output indicator** that measures the reach of UK International Climate Finance programmes by counting the **number of people supported to prepare for and deal with the effects of climate change**. The guidance is published in **PDF (530 KB, 15 pages)** and **HTML** formats and is dated **26 September 2025**. - **Background and details:** The guidance clarifies the scope (including **long-term changes in weather patterns** and the **increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events**) and points readers to **ICF results publications** for reporting outcomes. For accessible formats, the document instructs readers to contact **fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk**.

The HKMA announced a set of actions to build a transition finance ecosystem in Asia, including taxonomy updates, guidance for banks on transition planning, enhanced disclosure alignment, and scaled capacity-building programmes. - **Main actions by the HKMA:** Published Phase 1 of the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance and launched a consultation on the prototype of **Phase 2A taxonomy** (expanding sectors, increasing activities from 12 to 25, adding **transition elements** such as interim decarbonisation targets, supportive measures, and sunset dates, and introducing a new environmental objective on **climate change adaptation**); issued **good practices** for bank transition planning (Dec 2024) and is revising **draft guidelines** after industry consultation; will align banking disclosure requirements with **ISSB Standards** and the **Basel disclosure framework** (Basel framework issued June 2025); administers the **CBSS** (since 2022) with **>7,600 reimbursements** approved amounting to **over HK$42 million**, and launched the **ECF-GSF** Professional Level module (Nov 2024). - **Background and implementation details:** HKMA framed the need with IMF estimates that **emerging and developing Asia needs at least US$1.1 trillion per year** for climate actions and faces an **investment shortfall of about US$800 billion**; the HKMA is the first Regional Anchor with the **IFC's Alliance for Green Commercial Banks** (Alliance has 18 member banks); event context: keynote delivered at the **CASI Sustainability Forum**, Hong Kong, **12 September 2025** (part of Hong Kong Green Week).