Global Climate News

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.

A recent study by Li and colleagues found a positive association between PFAS detected in US drinking water above maximum containment levels and higher incidence of cancers of the digestive system, endocrine system, oral cavity and pharynx, and respiratory system. The study used county-level cancer incidence data from the US National Cancer Institute and PFAS levels from the EPA, covering approximately half the US population. Further research is needed to understand the mechanism and mitigation of PFAS's impact on cancer.

Norwegian research institute SINTEF has found that microbial corrosion (MIC) caused by bacteria is a growing problem in sprinkler systems. Millions of meters of zinc-coated pipes, despite a 2021 recall, remain in use. SINTEF and Teknologisk Institutt have investigated hydrogen gas formation from corroding zinc coatings. The issue affects various building types, including hospitals, and requires further research into prevention and material selection.

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.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) launched its inaugural health strategy in December 2024, with a focus on strengthening resilient, inclusive, and sustainable health systems. The strategy builds on AIIB’s experience financing 22 health projects (USD 4.87 billion). AIIB also strengthened its commitment to climate-resilient infrastructure with a AUD 500 million bond issuance and advanced its 2025 funding program with a USD Sustainable Development Bond. Furthermore, AIIB supported clean, renewable energy development in Tajikistan and Central Asia with a USD 500 million multiphase program.

Germany-based adelphi consult published a report on Kommunale Handlungsoptionen zum Schutz vor den gesundheitlichen Folgen des Klimawandels (Communal options for action to protect against the health consequences of climate change), focusing on health risks from climate change (heat, UV radiation, extreme weather, allergens, communicable diseases, and mental health) and measures to address them at the local level.

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of Taiwan is not directly involved. A conference at Cheng Shiu University in Taiwan will focus on AI and SDGs in aging health and management. The conference will cover topics such as AI in healthcare, telehealth, health monitoring, data analysis, and AI's innovative applications in organizational management. The registration fee is NT$1,000 per paper.

India has made significant advancements in disaster management. Rs. 27,000 Crore has been allocated for the Amaravati project. Rs. 2 lakh Crore will be invested to make Visakhapatnam a green hydrogen hub. The 12th Finance Commission allocated Rs 12,500 crores for disaster management, increased to Rs 61,000 crores in the 14th Finance Commission. India established the CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure), with 48 member countries.

The UK government is using AI tools to improve public services and speed up the connection of clean energy projects to the national grid. The AI tool, ‘Connect’, aims to reduce delays in connecting renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar farms, to the grid. Another AI tool, ‘Scout’, will help manage large infrastructure projects. These initiatives are part of the government’s Plan for Change and aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance energy security.

The AI-driven investment strategy ML10, developed by Aisot Technologies, has outperformed the S&P 500 for three consecutive years by focusing on a portfolio of just 10 stocks. The portfolio dynamically adjusted its sector allocation across Technology, Telecommunications, Healthcare, and Energy, demonstrating adaptability and resilience in both bullish and bearish markets.

India's Ministry of Science & Technology launched a monograph, "Pollution and Health," addressing pollution's health impacts. The monograph, by the Association of Physicians of India, covers air, water, soil, and noise pollution, global warming, and climate change, and includes chapters on socio-economic impacts and AI's role in mitigation. It will be distributed freely.

The Environment Agency in England has issued an environmental permit to Veolia Energy & Utility Services UK Plc for the Royal Victoria Infirmary Energy Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne under the Industrial Emissions Directive.

SoluLab, a blockchain development company, has discussed DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) use cases in various sectors, including decentralized energy grids, data storage, and telecommunications. DePIN integrates blockchain and AI to improve resource access, promoting transparency and sustainability. SoluLab also helped Spherium Finance develop a decentralized finance platform.

India's Ministry of Labour & Employment, in collaboration with CII, hosted a conference on the future of jobs. The conference highlighted the importance of skill development for addressing global workforce shortages and creating a future-ready workforce. Green jobs, digital technologies, and service sectors were identified as key growth areas. India aims to create 100 million highly skilled jobs in smart manufacturing and reach 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, creating 10.3 million new green jobs globally.

Australia’s CEFC has invested $100 million in a build-to-rent (BTR) strategy managed by AXA IM Alts and St George Community Housing, aiming to deliver 3,000 sustainable, affordable apartments across Australia’s major cities. At least half will be offered at discounted rents to means-tested tenants in key worker hubs. The first project, a 397-unit development in Sydney’s Westmead, is expected to be completed in late 2025.

US-based Stony Brook University has expanded Judi Brown Clarke’s role to include Chief Health Equity Officer, focusing on the intersection of climate change and health disparities. A new Office of Health Equity and Climate Medicine Research will open on January 20, 2025, to advance research in this area.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, issued a \$2 billion three-year social bond to support low-income communities in emerging markets. The bond will fund projects in areas such as health, education, and food security, and is the largest social bond ever issued by IFC.

The United Kingdom's climate technology sector, while promising, faces challenges in scaling. McKinsey's analysis reveals risk aversion among investors, limited late-stage capital, and fragmented ecosystems. The report highlights the need for increased ambition, securing capital for hyperscaling through captive demand and cost advantages, building talent, and fostering collaboration between startups, incumbents, and the public sector. Examples include investments in CCUS and EV battery technologies, with funding figures cited for various projects and companies.

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) has conducted a seminar series exploring emerging technologies and their policy implications, including a session on the basics of atomic energy and the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) for future energy needs. The course was offered free to congressional staff.

US-based Extra Space Storage Inc. invested \$30 million in new solar projects in 2024 to achieve 90% utility consumption with solar, targeting a 12% ROI. Veris Residential, Inc. invested \$30 million in Liberty Towers refurbishment, aiming for high-teens IRR. Ventas, Inc. invested \$300 million in 215 senior housing projects, resulting in over 530 basis points occupancy growth. Simon Property Group invested over \$300 million redeveloping Phipps Plaza, expecting high single-digit stabilized returns.