Global Climate News

The United States hosted a technical program on Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) from March 3-5, 2025, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. The event featured presentations and discussions on various themes including subsurface storage, site selection, injectivity challenges, and global CCUS implementation. Companies like Net Power, ExxonMobil, and Chevron participated, highlighting advancements in CO2 storage and utilization technologies. The program also included discussions on policy innovations for CCUS in India and a model for developing oil and gas regions globally, such as the Niger Delta.

The Union Minister of Coal & Mines of India will attend the Future Minerals Forum 2025 in Saudi Arabia from January 14-16, 2025. The forum will focus on mineral supply chains and energy transition.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Discovery Channel launched a five-part video series, "Good To Know," showcasing how nuclear science addresses global challenges like microplastics, cancer, food insecurity, water scarcity, and industrial contamination. The series airs in over 30 countries, reaching 44 million households.

Global bio-based polymer capacity is projected to grow 13% CAGR (2024-2029), driven by investments in China, Europe, the Middle East, and the US. The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is creating demand for industrial compostable plastics. Companies like NatureWorks, Futerro, and Emirates Biotech are expanding PLA production capacities. The European Union’s Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR) is creating demand for soil-biodegradable products.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Khalifa University collaborated on a comprehensive coastal seabed survey aboard the marine research vessel Jaywun to explore the effects of climate change on the Arabian Gulf’s marine ecosystem. The research, launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will inform future sustainability and conservation projects.

Researchers at Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science have advanced the understanding of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer in lithium metal batteries. Their research, using dynamic nuclear polarization, identified the chemical structure of the SEI layer and its impact on dendrite growth and ion transfer efficiency, potentially leading to safer and more efficient next-generation batteries.

The 15th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly convened in Abu Dhabi, UAE, focusing on tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), supporting transitions in emerging economies, and leveraging innovative financial flows in developing countries. The UAE, Slovenia, and IRENA emphasized the shared responsibility of the energy transition and the need for international cooperation to achieve climate and sustainable development goals.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Hub, a Masdar initiative, participated in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 (ADSW 2025) from January 14-16 at ADNEC. The program focused on youth innovation in sustainability, STEM skills, and utilizing AI for climate solutions.

The Iranian government has committed to removing bureaucratic obstacles to renewable energy production and development in East Azerbaijan province. The government and private sector are cooperating to facilitate the growth of renewable energy projects, specifically solar power.

Iran is planning to address its energy crisis through a 30,000 megawatt project, with 1,500 megawatts already operational. The country is also emphasizing the use of renewable energy sources and has stated that there are no bureaucratic obstacles to renewable energy production in East Azerbaijan province.

The Iranian steel industry, specifically in East Azerbaijan province, aims to invest in renewable energy to address energy imbalances. The private sector is committed to collaborating with the government to achieve this goal. East Azerbaijan produces 25-27% of Iran's steel and accounts for 30% of its steel exports.

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have made progress in understanding lithium dendrite threads in lithium metal batteries. They found that batteries with 40% ceramic in their electrolyte had the longest lifespan, while performance decreased above or below this ratio. The study used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to observe dendrite development in real time.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) held its Fifteenth Assembly session, focusing on accelerating the renewable energy transition. Discussions included SDG7 progress, renewable energy partnerships in Central Asia (APRECA), legislative pathways for tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency, grid and storage solutions, clean cooking initiatives, Mediterranean energy transitions, risk mitigation instruments, a Global Coalition for Energy Planning, environmental impacts of renewables, empowering lives and livelihoods with renewables, community support for the energy transition, and a youth forum. Multiple MoUs were signed with SAARC and KAZENERGY.

In Azerbaijan, the head of the Azerbaijan Steel Association emphasized the need for strong government-private sector collaboration to overcome the energy crisis. The association is advocating for increased use of solar energy and has expressed concerns about past energy planning failures and the lack of emphasis on clean energy in development plans. They have also noted government commitments to address power outages and support for private sector-led solar power plant initiatives.

GIZ is advising Pakistan on a more efficient, transparent and citizen-oriented approach to governance. This also involves shaping the way that refugees and host communities live together. GIZ’s work in the country focuses on sustainable economic development, good governance and an efficient energy supply.

The UK launched the Global Clean Power Alliance, bringing twelve countries together to accelerate clean energy deployment and green job creation. The UK also committed to increasing its defence spending to 2.5% of GDP and pledged continued military aid to Ukraine (\"3 billion a year\"). Further, the UK is developing legislation for a new sanctions regime targeting irregular migration, and is reforming the FCDO to better connect its work to domestic priorities.

Africa and the Middle East are emerging as key players in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development. In Africa, South Africa has the potential to produce 3.2-4.5 billion liters of SAF annually, exceeding its domestic demand. The Middle East, particularly the UAE, is investing heavily in SAF production, aiming for 700 million liters annually by 2031. Saudi Arabia plans a major e-SAF plant producing 350 million liters annually by 2029. Challenges include feedstock availability and high upfront costs.

\"India and the Middle East-based sentra.world, a sustainability integration company, has partnered with over 30 steel companies to help them decarbonize. They offer digital solutions for CO2 emissions measurement, reporting aligned with standards like CBAM and ISO, and net-zero target achievement. They also facilitate carbon credit monetization and ESG metric management.\"

Iranian company, Fooladnab Tabriz, obtained several certifications including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and ISO 17025:2017, demonstrating commitment to quality, environmental protection, occupational health and safety, and laboratory management. The company also received multiple awards for its commitment to employee training, occupational safety and health, research and development, quality control and environmental protection.

Ghana-based EfD Ghana organized a workshop on a 30-month project exploring voluntary carbon markets in developing countries. The project aims to improve carbon market initiatives, strengthen government assessment capacity, and facilitate future research calls. The initiative is also being implemented in Rwanda, Kenya, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Morocco. Stakeholders from Ghana’s environment and climate sectors shared insights and expertise.