Global Climate News

Syria's energy sector is a key focus for the new interim government under Ahmed Al-Sharaa. The government is actively engaging with Arab neighbors, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and Turkish companies like TPAO and BOTAŞ, to revitalize oil and natural gas production. Reintegrating with the Kurdish-led SDF and AANES in North-Eastern Syria is also crucial for energy resource development. The World Bank estimates that Syria's GDP has contracted by 84% since 2010.

The White House withdrew the proposed rule, “Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Related Financial Risk”. AGC of America submitted comments highlighting challenges the proposal would have posed to the construction industry.

US-based Gilbane Development Company has partnered on several projects focused on sustainable infrastructure and energy conservation. These include a $200 million public-private initiative at Eastern Michigan University, which included a $115 million upfront payment and $50 million to the university for sustainability improvements and energy conservation measures. Other projects include a $162 million housing renovation and construction project at the University of Idaho, and a $90-$100 million student housing complex at Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Chinese company Hanyesteel produces specialized steel alloys used in various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and energy. These alloys offer benefits such as high strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability, contributing to advancements in modern industry and renewable energy technologies like wind turbines and solar panels.

The global steel industry is accelerating decarbonization efforts in 2025 to prepare for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in Europe and similar carbon border taxes in other regions. More than 40 steelmakers, representing 45% of global capacity, have announced carbon neutrality roadmaps aiming for 2050. China is considering including its steel sector in the carbon trading market, indicating short-term low carbon emission costs but expecting long-term increases. India introduced a star rating system for steel based on embodied carbon, with a 2030 deadline for minimum emission intensity of 2.2 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of steel.

China-based Hanyesteel Group, a leading steel plate factory, focuses on manufacturing high-quality steel plates with exceptional strength and corrosion resistance for various applications, including shipbuilding and construction. The company emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility in its manufacturing processes.

Several New Hampshire-based companies utilize geospatial technologies for various applications, including urban development, agriculture, environmental conservation, and disaster response. FlyPix AI, for example, offers AI-powered geospatial analysis solutions, while Geosyntec Consultants focuses on environmental and geospatial solutions for land-use planning and resource management. Other firms like Brown Engineering and Surveying, CAI Technologies, Nobis Group, Horizons Engineering, and Greenman-Pedersen provide services such as drone-based photogrammetry, GIS mapping, and environmental consulting.

China-based Hanyesteel, a steel plate factory, is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility in its steel manufacturing processes. By adhering to stringent environmental standards and promoting eco-friendly practices, Hanyesteel contributes to a greener future.

Hong Kong: AECOM has been selected to conduct an investigation study for the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park (SPS WCP), the first wetland conservation park under the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy. The study will cover preliminary design, engineering, wetland enhancement, landscaping, sustainability integration, digital monitoring, and park management. The park aims to enhance ecological quality, biodiversity, and provide eco-education and recreational facilities.

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is cooperating with the investigation progress of Dalinpu relocation and will continue to handle the environmental impact assessment work of the New Material Circular-Industrial Park. The initiative aims to create a model circular economy park that fosters regional economic prosperity while harmonizing development and ecological preservation. MOEA will coordinate the park's establishment process with CPC, ensuring the Dalinpu relocation timeline is considered.

Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior (MOI) announced the results of its 2024 assessment of barrier-free road and shared utility construction. The MOI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, has invested NT$400 billion over four years to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility. The assessment recognized several cities and counties for their achievements, with central government providing additional funding to top performers. The MOI also highlighted the progress of shared utility construction, aiming to reduce road digging and improve road quality.

China-based researchers from Kunming University of Science and Technology investigated the water retention characteristics and mechanisms of organic clay. They used red clay and peat to create samples with varying organic matter content and employed pressure plate, filter paper, and vapor equilibrium methods to analyze soil-water characteristic curves. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) were used to analyze the microstructure.

US-based AECOM is playing a key role in the design of the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP), which aims to improve the Northeast Corridor rail line's resilience and reliability. The project incorporates advanced flood protection and sustainable design principles aligned with the Envision framework, aiming to minimize energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The project is expected to create nearly 100,000 jobs and generate over $19 billion in economic activity and eliminate more than 2 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.

US-based AECOM has a Sustainability initiative focused on protecting, enhancing, and restoring the world’s natural and social systems. The company's Water business line includes projects such as the Ohio Canal Interceptor Tunnel and the City of Akron Northside Interceptor Tunnel, showcasing their work in water infrastructure.

US-based Amerikohl Aggregates produces high-quality anti-skid aggregates for improved traction on roads, driveways, and other surfaces during winter or wet conditions. They prioritize environmentally responsible practices, including energy-efficient processes and responsible land management.

The UK and Indonesia have partnered to boost sustainable infrastructure projects in Indonesia, aiming to help Indonesia achieve its net-zero goals. The partnership will involve British firms like Arup, Mott McDonald, and PwC, focusing on environmental best practices. This builds upon previous collaborations, such as work on Jakarta’s Mass Rapid Transit and Light Rapid Transit systems. The initiative is part of a broader UK-Indonesia Strategic Partnership focused on sustainable economic growth and climate action, including the UK-Indonesia Just Energy Transition Partnership and new Blue Planet Fund and COAST programmes.

USGBC and CAGBC have released LEED v5, prioritizing decarbonization, quality of life, and ecological conservation. A new "Assess and Quantify Embodied Carbon" prerequisite and a "Reduce Embodied Carbon" credit (up to six points) encourage the reduction of embodied carbon in building materials. CarbiCrete's technology, using steel slag and carbon mineralization, reduces the GWP of concrete by over 90%, aligning with LEED v5's focus.

The article discusses the benefits of metal roofing in educational institutions, focusing on safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Metal roofs offer protection from weather, high impact resistance, and fire resistance. They contribute to energy savings by reducing heat transfer. The article also highlights the importance of proper design, material selection, and maintenance for long-term performance. Examples of successful installations at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia and Colegio Mayor de Bogotá are provided, showcasing reduced maintenance costs and energy consumption.

UK-based Sizewell C Limited submitted an application to the Environment Agency for constructing an Environmental Sheet Pile Barrier around the north-west corner of the Main Construction Area and realigning the Sizewell Drain. The application concerns an environmental permit for waste and mining operations, installations, water discharge, and groundwater activities.

Taiwan is accelerating the "Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli Greater Silicon Valley Promotion Plan". The National Development Council (NDC) convened a meeting with central government ministries and the mayors/county magistrates of Taoyuan, Hsinchu County, Hsinchu City, and Miaoli County to discuss the plan. The NDC will work with local governments to improve infrastructure and living conditions in nine areas, including water, electricity, housing, education, healthcare, culture, transportation, shopping, and zero-waste.