Global Climate News

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.

US-based REP Provisions published an article about the negative health impacts of seed oils, highlighting their high omega-6 content, processing methods, and potential links to various diseases. The company promotes its own regenerative agriculture products as a healthier alternative.

The UK government announced a plan to unleash artificial intelligence across the UK, including initiatives to create AI Growth Zones, build a new supercomputer, and boost AI adoption in public and private sectors. The plan includes £14 billion investment from three tech companies (Vantage Data Centres, Nscale, and Kyndryl) and aims to create 13,250 jobs. A key focus is on sustainable energy for powering AI ambitions, with Culham, Oxfordshire, selected as the site for the first AI Growth Zone, leveraging the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority’s expertise in fusion energy.

Finnish company Paptic offers a sustainable, fiber-based alternative to plastic packaging for menstrual pads, aligning with CEPI's promotion of renewable resources and improved packaging recyclability. The material combines the benefits of paper, plastic, and textiles, offering a soft, recyclable, and durable solution.

Mozambique's Ministry of Health aims to decentralize services, improve maternal and child health, and expand vaccination programs. However, limited energy access and frequent climate events hinder these goals. Decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions are proposed to provide reliable power for healthcare facilities, ensuring continuous operation of essential medical equipment and services.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) held its Fifteenth Assembly session, focusing on accelerating the renewable energy transition. Discussions included SDG7 progress, renewable energy partnerships in Central Asia (APRECA), legislative pathways for tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency, grid and storage solutions, clean cooking initiatives, Mediterranean energy transitions, risk mitigation instruments, a Global Coalition for Energy Planning, environmental impacts of renewables, empowering lives and livelihoods with renewables, community support for the energy transition, and a youth forum. Multiple MoUs were signed with SAARC and KAZENERGY.

In Uganda, Makerere University honored EfD Uganda leaders and researchers for their contributions to environmental sustainability. Edward Bbaale received the Research and Leadership Excellence Award, and EfD Uganda has secured over USD 1.5 million in research funding in the past five years for projects such as "Improving Bill Payments for Water and Sanitation in Uganda", "Policy Options for Clean Cooking", and "Clean Energy for Development: A Call for Action (CEDCA)". Johnny Mugisha received the Exemplary Leadership Award. Three researchers—Nicholas Kilimani, Florence Lwiza, and Aisha Nanyiti—were awarded Research Excellence Awards for their work on solar-powered irrigation, clean energy usage, and LPG/electric cooking technologies.

India launched the Genome India Project, sequencing the genomes of 10,000 individuals to understand India’s genetic landscape and develop effective treatments for diseases like sickle cell anemia. The project, involving over 20 research institutions, makes genomic data available at the Indian Biological Data Center. India also aims to boost its Bio Economy, recently launching the Bio E3 Policy to become a global biotech leader.

India invited around 10,000 special guests to witness the 76th Republic Day Parade. The guests included representatives from various government schemes focusing on renewable energy (PM Surya Ghar Yojna, PM KUSUM), agriculture (Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Rashtriya Gokul Mission), and rural development (PM-VISHWAKARMA yojana, OM Matasya Sampada Yojana). Disaster relief workers, Pani Samiti, Water Warriors, and environmental conservation volunteers were also invited.

The Netherlands-based Rijnstate hospital received a €90 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to modernize its main building and improve energy efficiency. The project, expected to be completed by the end of 2030, will focus on renovating policlinics, radiology, and nuclear healthcare departments, and improving technical infrastructure. This is part of a wider real estate strategy focused on digitalization and sustainability.

Taiwan's Executive Yuan passed amendments to the Electricity Act, aiming to promote energy structure transformation and a healthy green energy market. The amendments were passed on January 9, 2025.

Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) has announced plans to expand greenhouse gas emission monitoring and registration to approximately 500 more companies, including those in service, transport, medical, and manufacturing sectors. The EPA aims to improve emission data accuracy for future emission reduction strategies. This expansion will not require additional fees or external consultants; the EPA will provide support through a new online platform and training.

Malaysia and Singapore signed an agreement to establish the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), focusing on sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and digital industries. Six memoranda of understanding were also announced, including one related to carbon capture and storage and cooperation on emissions under Article 6(2) of the Paris Agreement.

Croatia's Koprivničko-križevačka County and its affiliated institutions have awarded a contract to MEĐIMURJE-PLIN d.o.o. for natural gas supply from 2025-2027. The contract, worth approximately €3,016,647, covers educational, healthcare, social, and county institutions.

Norwegian Verdane, a private equity manager, established the Idun fund in 2021, focusing on sustainable investments aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Nordea provided an NOK 800 million credit facility. One portfolio company, Topro, manufactures mobility products sustainably, using hydropower and renewable energy sources. Verdane's investment supports Topro’s sustainability efforts.

"Denmark-based Technical University of Denmark (DTU) launched a new initiative called BRIGHT, supported by Novo Nordisk Foundation with up to DKK 1.05 billion (€134.1 million) over seven years. BRIGHT focuses on sustainable materials, microbial foods, and microorganisms for net-zero agriculture to create bio-based solutions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) led 72 Taiwanese tech startups to participate in CES 2025, showcasing AI applications in five areas: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Health, Smart Cities, Sustainability, and Advanced Mobility. The event aimed to attract international talent and business opportunities.

The Plzeňský kraj (Pilsen Region) in Czechia has published a report on demographic, social, and economic development in 2023, including a section on environmental factors such as emissions, waste, and protected areas.

US-based Covestro is investing a low triple-digit million Euro amount to expand its Hebron, Ohio site. This will add multiple new production lines for customized polycarbonate materials, significantly increasing capacity and supporting the American market. The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Poland-based Zespół Szpitali Powiatu Gliwickiego Sp. z o.o. has announced a tender for the installation of renewable energy systems at its Knurów hospital. The project, funded by the Just Transition Fund (FESL.10.06), includes solar photovoltaic modules (160 kWp), heat pumps (100 kW), and energy storage. The deadline for tenders is January 21, 2025.