Global Climate News

Robeco, a Dutch asset manager, has expanded its engagement in climate and nature, focusing on natural resource management, deforestation (expanding from palm oil to soy, beef, leather, paper and pulp), biodiversity, and human capital management. They are also initiating new themes on transition minerals (supply chains in electric vehicle batteries) and protecting shareholder rights from weakening regulations.

The European Energy Exchange (EEX) has introduced new \"Mon-Sun Peak Power Futures\" contracts for the Spanish market and short-term futures for the Greek power market, starting February 24, 2025. These aim to facilitate renewables integration by addressing the impact of solar power on electricity spot prices. EEX also extended expiries to ten calendar years for French and Dutch power markets to support renewables integration and provide PPA hedging opportunities.

Global leader in floating energy infrastructure, Höegh Evi, saw a 50% indirect ownership stake sale from funds managed by Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners to funds managed by Igneo Infrastructure Partners. Aequitas Limited retained its 50% shareholding.

Finland-based Nordea Bank has been elected to the Executive Committee of the Green Bond Principles (GBP) and Social Bond Principles (SBP). Since 2014, Nordea has helped issue more than 280 sustainable bonds totaling over USD 17 billion. The bank is also a founding member of the UNEP FI Principles for Responsible Banking and participated in the European Commission’s Technical Expert Group on Sustainable Finance.

Danish startup EIVEE, providing carbon accounting solutions, attended Nordea’s investor speed dating. They help companies reduce their carbon footprint by calculating scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions. EIVEE had eight meetings with investors and received positive feedback.

The United States' eighth liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal, Plaquemines LNG, shipped its first cargo on December 26, 2024. This facility, developed by Venture Global LNG, uses mid-scale liquefaction technology and has a nominal capacity of 1.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), expandable to 2.6 Bcf/d upon completion of both phases. Another facility, Corpus Christi Stage 3, also began LNG production in December 2024.

Global biodiversity loss is at an unprecedented rate, with up to one million species at risk of extinction. More than 50% of global GDP depends on natural resources. The World Economic Forum estimates business opportunities in sustainable resource use to be worth up to USD 10 trillion annually by 2030. Nordea launched a biodiversity fund investing in sustainable resource use and biodiversity restoration.

The UK's Ofgem extended Jonathan Brearley’s term as CEO for five more years until 31 January 2030. Ofgem has been leading the transition to a clean power electricity system to reach net zero by 2050, developing and executing changes in energy infrastructure planning, building and supervision, and reshaping the retail market.

The Norwegian company Farmforce has developed a software solution to trace agricultural goods, helping its 70 customers meet sustainability targets by tracing crops of 1.1 million small farmers across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Farmforce, with financial support from Nordea, focuses on documenting the absence of child labor and deforestation in production. The company aims to improve farmers' living standards and empower them in the international market. The EU's deforestation-free regulation further emphasizes the importance of Farmforce’s work.

Swedish LKAB, Boliden, and Vattenfall were mentioned in the context of discussions around corporate governance, sustainability, and long-term investments. The article highlights how these companies approach sustainability and emission reduction goals, particularly in mining and energy sectors. No specific actions or targets are announced.

The Nordic sustainable bond market saw a record-breaking year in 2023, exceeding USD 60 billion in issuance, a 16% increase from 2022. This growth outpaced the global market, and three out of four quarters saw record issuance levels. The sustainable share of the total Nordic bond market reached 13% in 2023, up from 9% in 2021 and 11% in 2022. Denmark showed particularly strong growth, with sustainable bonds representing 21% of its yearly bond volume in 2023.

Paptic, a company focused on sustainable packaging, has developed a recyclable and reusable material made from renewable wood fibers as an alternative to plastic packaging for hygiene products. This addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in the hygiene sector and aligns with the European Union’s circular economy goals. The material combines the benefits of paper, plastic, and textiles.

Dr Christine Chow, PhD, CEO of Tracker Group, has 25+ years of experience in investment management, research & consulting, focusing on technology, governance, and sustainability. She's a board member of the ICGN, an honorary advisor to the AFRC Hong Kong, and holds various academic positions. Her work significantly contributes to sustainable finance and responsible investment.

UK-based Solent University has completed the topping out ceremony for its new £7m South Coast Institute of Technology facility, which will focus on reducing carbon in its construction and operation. The facility is expected to open in summer 2025 and will provide technical education to approximately 2,000 students annually.

The Tracker Group, home to Carbon Tracker and Planet Tracker, appointed Christine Chow as its inaugural CEO. Chow has 27 years of finance experience and a focus on sustainable and impact investing. The appointment aims to accelerate the group's work in transforming global financial activities to achieve a net-zero and nature-positive future.

Aurora Energy Research has published the European Renewables Market Overview Report (RESMOR), providing insights into solar PV, onshore wind, and offshore wind markets across 28 European countries. The report includes a comprehensive Excel databook and a 90-minute workshop with Aurora’s experts.

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.

Taiwan's Taipower has refuted media reports of a 7% electricity price hike, stating that the current plan is to subsidize residential electricity prices. They absorbed over TWD 800 billion in costs from 2022-2024, and are requesting government budget support to continue this. Residential electricity prices remain below cost at an average of TWD 2.77 per kilowatt-hour.

French McPhy Energy revised its 2024 revenue guidance to approximately 11 million euros, instead of a range between 18 and 22 million euros. This downward revision is mainly due to the Djewels project not being taken into account for 2024 and the partial termination of a legacy mobility contract.

Taiwanese government aims to install 5.7 gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2025, with an additional 15 GW by 2035. Van Oord has been contracted by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) to install inter-array cables for the Fengmiao 1 offshore wind farm in Taiwan. The 500-megawatt wind farm will be a large-scale source of green electricity. Van Oord will deploy its cable-laying vessel Nexus to install approximately 64 kilometers of cables, starting in 2027.