Global Climate News

Thailand has unveiled initiatives to become a global leader in agriculture, using gene editing (GEd) to modernize its sector, combat climate change, and improve food security. The plan includes developing GEd crops like maize, soybeans, sugarcane, and medicinal herbs, reducing import reliance and creating high-value products. International collaborations with the US and Japan are supporting research and regulatory frameworks.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has conducted 66 auctions, generating a total of $8,616,386,174.45 in proceeds. Auction 66, held on 2024-12-04, saw 15,943,608 allowances sold at a clearing price of $20.05, generating $319,669,340.40.

The Environment Agency in England issued an environmental permit (EPR/BQ1972IR/V007) to Young’s Seafood Limited for their Humberstone Road Fish Processing facility in Grimsby under the Industrial Emissions Directive.

The Environment Agency in England issued an environmental permit (EPR/DP3498HP) to Southern Water Services Limited for the Ham Hill Wastewater Treatment Works & Sludge Treatment Centre in Kent, under the Industrial Emissions Directive.

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.

India has organized India Energy Week 2025 (IEW’25) from February 11-14 in New Delhi, focusing on decarbonization, energy equity, and low-carbon economies. The event featured 70+ CEOs from major energy companies, 20+ foreign energy ministers, and discussions on clean power pathways, grid-scale energy storage, and methane mitigation. IEW’25 also highlighted India’s advancements in renewable energy and technologies like green ammonia and hydrogen production.

The article discusses the growth of ESG data services and ratings in financial markets, driven by the European Commission’s Action Plan on Sustainable Finance. It highlights the increasing investment in ESG data services, the need for harmonization of concepts and methodologies, and the importance of improving data availability and quality. The article also points out inherent biases in ESG ratings and suggests best practices for corporations in working with ESG ratings and data.

The European Commission launched a public feedback period on a uniform format for Member States’ national restoration plans under the Nature Restoration Regulation. The aim is to reduce administrative burden and improve transparency in the implementation of the EU’s Nature Restoration Law, which aims to restore Europe’s environment and ensure the availability of ecosystem services.

The European Commission announced that the 2025 EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) will focus on "Powering a fair and competitive green transition." The event, scheduled for June 10-12, 2025, will address key energy priorities, including increasing investments in clean energy and technologies. Calls for policy session proposals and EUSEW Awards nominations are open.

The UK government published guidance on landfill and deposit for recovery: aftercare and permit surrender. The guidance helps operators understand aftercare procedures and permit surrender applications. Updates were made on January 13, 2025, and March 30, 2022, to improve clarity and address specific landfill types.

The US-based EcoFlow has published a blog post explaining how to get the 30% solar tax credit, which is part of the Inflation Reduction Act and is valid from tax year 2023 through 2032. The post details what costs qualify for the credit, how to claim it, and how it works with other incentives and rebates.

The UK government is exploring a smart data scheme for the energy sector, aiming to replicate the success of Open Banking. The scheme would allow customers to securely share their energy consumption data with authorized third parties to receive personalized services, potentially leading to cost savings and increased control over energy usage. The call for evidence will remain open until March 10, 2025.

UK-based Mannington Energy Centre Limited has been granted an electricity generation licence by Ofgem on January 8, 2025, authorizing it to generate electricity.

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that there are currently no plans to raise water or electricity prices. The government will review water prices within 3 months, considering affordability and user fees. To stabilize prices for the Lunar New Year, gasoline prices will only decrease, and prices for natural gas and bottled gas will remain unchanged until the end of February. Additionally, the price of small packages of sugar and 3-liter bottles of cooking oil will remain stable until the end of February.

UK-based Green Blades Engineering Limited has been granted an electricity generation licence by Ofgem, authorizing it to generate electricity.

The UK's Ofgem is reviewing the gas disconnections framework to ensure it supports the transition to net zero and protects consumers. The review considers the costs of disconnections, the disconnection process, and how to make it easier for consumers to switch to electric heating.

The International Capital Market Association (ICMA), Climate Bonds Initiative, and the EU have provided guidance on transition finance to achieve climate goals set in the Paris Agreement. The guidance includes handbooks and reports on transition finance pathways, use of proceeds instruments, and aligning with Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles. The EU report clarifies how companies can disclose compliance with the EU Green Bond Standard. The Climate Bonds Initiative offers a labelling framework for credible transitions.

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.

South Africa's tourism sector, driven by natural resources, shows potential for inclusive growth. In 2023, 8.5 million international tourists spent over R95 billion. Strategies to boost tourism include visa improvements, streamlined licensing, infrastructure investment, and safety enhancements. Sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices are also growing. The country aims to leverage the G20 summit to promote itself as a leading tourism destination.

Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration clarified that hotels must provide liquid toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion) in containers of 180ml or larger, and that other personal hygiene items (combs, toothbrushes, etc.) may not be displayed but can be provided upon request.