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.

South Africa, during its G20 Presidency, demonstrated commitment to global solidarity, equality, and sustainability. The Government of National Unity focuses on inclusive economic growth, job creation, and building a capable state. A strategic partnership between the South African government and business tackles energy security, infrastructure, crime, and job creation.

The article discusses the GHG-SMART program for new actors in ecological maritime transport. It also mentions the importance of choosing a relevant thesis topic for maritime and port studies in Africa, focusing on readily available documentation and addressing real-world industry challenges.

A team of researchers at MIT has developed a new method for producing ammonia underground using Earth's natural heat and pressure, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The process involves injecting water with nitrogen and a catalyst into iron-rich rocks, generating hydrogen that reacts with nitrogen to form ammonia. This could reduce global CO2 emissions by up to 1 percent.

South Africa, during its G20 Presidency, will prioritize solidarity, equality, and sustainable development. Key focuses include debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, strengthening disaster resilience (due to increasing climate-induced disasters), and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth. The country aims to increase climate finance flows to developing economies and redirect Special Drawing Rights more equitably.

South African biotech Afrigen Biologics received a $6.2m grant from CEPI to develop the first mRNA-based vaccine against Rift Valley fever, a climate-sensitive disease. The funding will support preclinical testing and a Phase I clinical trial, potentially in South Africa or another affected country. Concerns exist about increasing Rift Valley fever rates due to climate change, and CEPI highlights the need for a new vaccine to address the risk of spread and increased frequency or size of outbreaks due to changing weather events. Additionally, CEPI previously funded research at the University of Oxford for a Rift Valley fever vaccine candidate, providing $3.7m for a Phase II clinical trial in Kenya.

South Africa, during its G20 Presidency, will prioritize a just and inclusive energy transition, addressing systemic disparities and promoting unity to tackle shared global challenges collaboratively. President Ramaphosa will deliver a special address at the World Economic Forum highlighting South Africa’s economic priorities and the G20’s theme of "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability".

South Africa-based Hessequa Municipality, in partnership with the Western Cape Government, is implementing a R210 million renewable energy project in Riversdale. This project aims to protect residents from power cuts, secure economic growth, and create jobs by providing affordable, renewable energy.

South Africa hosted a roundtable discussion with African energy ministers to consolidate perspectives and priorities for the 2025 Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) of the G20, aligning Africa's energy aspirations with Agenda 2063. Key discussions included energy security, advancing the needs of developing nations, collaboration, legislative reforms, enhancing energy access and affordability, promoting cleaner energy production (including natural gas and nuclear), and regional integration of energy infrastructure. Minister Ramokgopa will represent South Africa at the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Tanzania to support the Africa Energy Compact.

South Africa's Eskom reached 300 days without load shedding, aiming for a full year by March 26, 2025. This success is attributed to reduced unplanned outages, improved energy availability (7% increase), and R16.42 billion in diesel cost savings. The progress is putting Eskom on a path to profitability and long-term sustainability.

South Africa's Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment announced a 36% increase in fish allocations for small-scale fishers. This aims to improve livelihoods, empower fishing communities, and stimulate economic activity in coastal regions while ensuring sustainable use of marine resources.

Malawi-based Green Safaris announced a Secret Season promotion offering two free nights for stays of nine nights at their lodges in Malawi and Zambia between January to June and November to December 2025. The offer includes accommodation, meals, select activities, and transfers but excludes premium drinks and international travel. Rates are per person, per night sharing, with a 40% single supplement for single occupancy. The promotion highlights sustainable tourism and supports local communities.

Ethiopia's Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) developed a clean cooking roadmap (2025-2035). Recommendations from the Inclusive Green Economy in Practice (IGE) program participants, including a Transition Initiative (TI) focusing on private sector incentives, were integrated. The roadmap addresses health risks, environmental degradation, and economic inefficiencies from traditional fuels, proposing policy and investment recommendations.

Southern African countries are collaborating to strengthen environmental action through enhancing the impact of Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded programmes. The GEF has dedicated $136.6 million for the 2022-2026 funding period to environmental efforts in 10 Southern African countries, with South Africa receiving the largest allocation of $49.1 million. The total GEF active environmental support includes 123 active projects with $553 million GEF commitments and more than $3 billion in leveraged co-financing.

Nigerian company Star Plus Battery produces various inverter batteries, including lead-acid, tubular, lithium-ion, AGM, and gel batteries. The article details their uses, selection factors (power requirements, battery capacity, type, and maintenance costs), and maintenance tips (checking water/acid levels, cleaning terminals, ensuring ventilation).

South Africa, during its G20 Presidency themed ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’, is committed to fostering economic growth with social inclusion and environmental stewardship. The country aims to leverage technological advancements for inclusive growth and enhance global competitiveness by modernising industries, advancing skill development, and improving public services. President Ramaphosa led a delegation including key ministers to the WEF annual meeting in Davos to strengthen partnerships and advance South Africa’s economic and social agenda.

South Africa, during its G20 Presidency themed "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability", is committed to fostering economic growth with social inclusion and environmental stewardship. The country aims to leverage the G20 platform to address systemic disparities and promote unity to tackle shared global challenges. South Africa also highlighted its potential as a hub for global investments and ongoing structural reforms at the World Economic Forum.

Globally, carbon markets are evolving but face scaling challenges. A recent London event, organized by ZERO13 with participation from various financial market climate experts, highlighted issues like governance, technology adoption, and market clarity. Panelists discussed Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need for national regulation and bilateral partnerships alongside voluntary markets. The lack of digitalization was noted, with many transactions relying on spreadsheets and WhatsApp. Digital tools like DMRV were highlighted for improving market integrity and value, with one example showing a three-times price premium for digitally traceable climate project credits. The shipping industry's decarbonization challenges and Africa's potential exclusion from carbon finance due to low-carbon grids were also discussed. The event concluded by emphasizing the need for greater technology adoption, standardized methodologies, financial innovation, and a broader view of additionality to scale carbon markets effectively.

Ghana and Singapore strengthened their collaboration under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, enabling the transfer of carbon credits (ITMOs). Ghana’s EPA partnered with ZERO13 to link the Ghana Carbon Registry (GCR) to a blockchain-based ITMO Trading Hub. The first projects focus on agroforestry, aiming for community benefits and transparent carbon credit trading.

South Africa, in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF), hosted an international environmental action seminar from January 20-23 in Sandton, Johannesburg. The workshop focused on integrated approaches to environmental investments and included a site visit to a GEF-funded project in Johannesburg aimed at sustainable urban development. Ten countries participated, including government officials, international agencies, and civil society organizations.