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 European Union proposed a European Green Bond Standard (EuGBS) to increase the convergence of green bonds internationally. The ECB recommended that the EuGBS should become mandatory for newly issued green bonds within 3-5 years to enhance market functioning and strengthen the green credibility of the EU green bond market. The EuGBS requires supervision of external reviews by ESMA and taxonomy alignment of use of proceeds. The global supply of green bonds in 2021 nearly doubled compared to 2020.

The UK and France agreed to deepen cooperation on energy during a bilateral summit. Both leaders discussed their aims to deepen cooperation on growth, defence, security, AI and energy to deliver for people in both the UK and France.

Czechia's Pardubický kraj is constructing a 180 kWp solar photovoltaic power plant at Gymnázium Pardubice Dašická. The open tender, with a deadline of February 12, 2025, includes supply and installation of photovoltaic modules and related construction work.

North Macedonia's JP Ohridski Komunalec Ohrid issued a tender for the supply of oil derivates, with an estimated value of 12,877,000.00 MKD. The open tender procedure, identified as 3325a0a1-776b-445a-9428-50a36daa4588, covers petroleum products, fuel, electricity, and other energy sources. The deadline for tender submission is February 4, 2025.

Bulgaria's Svishtov Municipality has launched a tender for construction works to renovate the "Maria Luiza" retirement home. The project includes energy-saving measures like thermal insulation, installation of heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, and improved accessibility for people with disabilities. The estimated value is 9,620,495.27 BGN.

Egypt's government has outlined a strategy for exploiting mineral resources and supplying petroleum products. العلمين للبترول allocated $25 million to drill three developmental wells. أدنوك للغاز awarded a $1.2 billion contract. The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources presented a plan to increase mining's contribution to GDP from 1% to 5-6%. 10 companies bid to supply 400 tons of coal. Saudi Arabia allocated 5 complexes for mining activities.

Denmark has issued green government bonds of around DKK 26bn (around 4.5% of the total Danish government bond market) to fund the green transition. The government plans to issue more green bonds in the future.

US business groups are attempting to weaken EU sustainability rules. The article does not provide specifics on which groups or the exact methods they are using.

The US Environmental Protection Agency’s finalized power plant greenhouse gas standards will deliver significantly more emissions reductions by 2040 than predicted, at relatively small costs to industry. The standards ensure coal use continues to decline and cut carbon dioxide emissions by an additional 68-390 million tons annually in 2040.

The Government of Canada has invested $500,000 in the Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP) for renovations and modernization, including improving energy efficiency through LED lighting, HVAC systems, window and roof replacements. An additional $1.8 million has been contributed through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund and Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.

Canada's Polar Knowledge Canada opened a new office in Whitehorse, Yukon, to strengthen relationships with researchers and Indigenous knowledge holders. Since 2021, it has provided over $4 million in grants for 25 Yukon projects and over $470,000 to 119 students for research. Research includes testing clean energy technologies to reduce fossil fuel dependence and understanding diseases affecting wildlife sustainability.

Grenada: The Green Climate Fund, through GIZ, has approved a project to improve water resource management and resilience to climate change, benefiting over 100,000 people by 2024. This includes building 16 storm-proof water storage facilities and improving water efficiency. Renewable energy will also be implemented for the National Water and Sewerage Authority, co-financed by the BMU.

China has implemented its first energy law, promoting green and low-carbon transition and including hydrogen energy. The government set 10 key energy priorities for 2025, including accelerating renewable energy and implementing the energy law. Over 300GW of renewable energy capacity was installed in 2024. A 3tn yuan ($411bn) stimulus package is planned, largely for EVs and green energy. China approved the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet, with an annual output of 300 terawatt hours. EV sales surged in 2024, exceeding 4.3m vehicles for BYD alone. A trade-in subsidy for EVs was renewed.

The UK Environment Agency has provided low risk waste positions (LRWPs) for landspreading waste operations, allowing certain activities without environmental permits if conditions are met. LRWPs may be reviewed or withdrawn; the agency replaced LRWP 13 (zoo manure) with RPS 313 and added waste type 03 01 05 to LRWP 61.

India and Scotland discussed cooperation in green energy, IT, AI, and other sectors. The Indian Parliament's use of AI and technology has enhanced productivity. India's New Education Policy may open avenues for Scottish universities.

\"International parties discussed marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) activities under the London Convention and Protocol. While some progress was made, no concrete action was taken. Differing opinions on commercial activity and governance were expressed among parties including Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US. The parties agreed to continue work and evaluate options for appropriate action, including considering both potential risks and benefits of mCDR techniques.\"

India launched the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), aiming to increase organic exports to Rs 20,000 crore in three years. The program includes simplified certification, TraceNet 2.0 for traceability, and new portals for organic promotion and Agri-exports. The initiative promotes sustainable farming to combat water scarcity and pesticide overuse.

The Environment Agency in England is consulting the public on Sizewell C Limited’s application for an environmental permit to construct a highway drainage surface water headwall and remove an associated ash tree near the River Yox/Minsmere River. The works will take place on the south bank of the river, downstream of the A12 Yoxford road bridge.