Global Climate News

The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) Carbon Markets Initiative (CMI) has published a detailed technical explainer on carbon credits for improved rice cultivation. - The explainer analyzes the invalidation of nearly all rice methane avoidance credits in 2024 due to additionality concerns, and highlights the release of updated, more rigorous methodologies by Verra (2025), Gold Standard (2023), and Climate Action Reserve (2013, 2023). It details the primary and secondary rice cultivation practices eligible for crediting, quality risks (notably baseline setting, additionality, and MRV), and mitigation measures including use of site-specific methane emissions factors and digital MRV technologies. - The report emphasizes the potential for improved rice cultivation projects to generate high-quality methane reduction credits, contributing to climate mitigation, water savings, and rural development, especially in Asia where over 90% of rice is grown by smallholder farmers. It also notes the invalidation of 4.5 million credits from 37 projects by Verra in 2024 and the transition to updated methodologies with currently limited credit issuance.

The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, delivered a keynote address at the 9th Global Technology Summit in New Delhi, emphasizing India's vast trade and investment opportunities. He pointed out that India could grow eight times over the next two to two-and-a-half decades, fueled by a strong domestic market. The minister noted the necessity of reforms in the WTO, especially concerning the definition of 'developing countries' and issues related to e-commerce and agriculture. He also highlighted challenges posed by the EU regarding climate regulations linked to non-trade issues, warning that these could hinder global trade.

Robotron NZ has completed a project with Mercury NZ Ltd., where its esales software manages the commercial and industrial division of Mercury, covering 7,000 ICPs. This solution oversees all billing tasks, achieving a billing accuracy of over 95% from the first run. Mercury NZ generates electricity solely from renewable sources and operates as a retailer for electricity and other services, with a majority shareholding by the New Zealand Government.

In March 2025, battery energy storage systems in the NEM earned 40% lower revenues than the previous month due to fewer periods of extreme prices. New South Wales was the only state that experienced energy price spikes, thereby increasing potential revenues for battery operations. Philip Island’s batteries outperformed expectations due to co-optimised dispatch between energy and FCAS regulation – earning higher revenues than if they had perfectly captured energy price spreads. Additionally, it was noted that batteries reduced their energy discharge bids when prices were likely to spike to maintain high energy output.

The study analyzed four decades of fire behavior in the Brazilian Caatinga biome from 1985 to 2023. It revealed that approximately 10.9 million hectares (12.74% of the biome) were affected by fires, with an increasing trend in frequency and intensity. The research highlighted critical peaks of fire activity from August to November, particularly in October. Significant concentrations of fires were found in the western and southern regions, mainly linked to human activities. The study calls for urgent land and fire management measures.

The MIT-Ukraine hackathon, co-sponsored by MIT-Ukraine and Mission Innovation X, focused on developing solutions to key challenges faced by Ukraine. It consisted of one week of training followed by three weeks of project development. The energy resilience team explored low-cost heating technologies for homes, while other teams addressed demining efforts and educational support for displaced students. The projects aim for real-world impact and will be considered for further development through MIT's research programs.

The California Jobs First regional plans were formally accepted by the United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) as Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This marks the first time all communities across California, including 482 cities and 58 counties, have a federally recognized strategy. The approval allows these communities to access additional federal funds alongside state and private investment to facilitate local economic growth and sustainable development. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that this collaborative initiative is crucial for developing good-paying jobs and fostering inclusive economic development in California.

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) approved several major projects to conserve and rejuvenate the Ganga River during its 61st Executive Committee Meeting. A sewerage project for the Ramganga River with an estimated cost of ₹409.93 crore aims to construct Sewage Treatment Plants in U.P. Another project in Arrah, Bihar, costing ₹328.29 crore, will include a state-of-the-art STP with a capacity of 47 MLD. In Kanpur, a project targeting the interception of 14 untapped drains was also approved at an estimated cost of ₹138.11 crore. Additionally, an Integrated Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant in Pujali was approved with a cost of ₹5.96 crore. These initiatives will enhance river cleanliness and promote sustainable water management.

Senegal launched a Technological New Deal aiming to establish itself as a digital leader in Africa by 2050. As part of this initiative, startups including Bakhtech have focused on improving digital accessibility for people with disabilities. Bakhtech, co-founded by Amath Ndiaye, aims to ensure that technology is usable and understandable for everyone. They have developed AI-based tools to detect accessibility errors and promote inclusive digital ecosystems. Marieme Soda Sall, director of SAMRES Sénégal, highlighted how technology facilitates better service provision for customers with disabilities.

The ReSET (Restarting Economy in Support of Environment, through Technology) project has successfully harnessed Environmental Intelligence (EI) to promote sustainable development across Europe. Key tools developed include WaterWorld, which simulates water quantity and quality for policy planning, and FreeStation, which enables environmental data collection. These tools have seen implementation in countries such as the UK, Spain, Italy, and Romania, aiding in natural flood management initiatives.

Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, stated the goal of achieving zero tariffs between the USA and the EU during a summit in Caserta. He expressed the need for agreement with the USA to avoid escalating trade wars and mentioned that counter-tariffs will commence on April 15. The government is exploring various funding sources, including unused European funds, to support companies facing difficulties. Tajani emphasized the importance of dialogue, showing intent to facilitate negotiations between the EU and the USA for better trade relations.

The EPA published the Bathing Water Quality in Ireland report for 2022 on May 11, 2023, indicating that 97% of Ireland's bathing sites met or exceeded the minimum quality standards. Of the 148 monitored sites, 79% were classified as 'Excellent', an increase from 115 in 2021. While most sites show improvement due to local authority management and urban wastewater infrastructure investments, three sites were classified as 'Poor', prompting calls for more official designations to protect swimmers' health.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ireland published the Bathing Water Quality in Ireland report for 2023, indicating that 97% of bathing waters met or exceeded minimum quality standards. However, extreme weather, particularly heavy rainfall, increased beach closures due to pollution risks from wastewater overflows and run-off. Dr. Eimear Cotter emphasized the necessity to integrate climate resilience in managing bathing waters to address pollution risks during wet weather events.