Global Climate News

The UK’s Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) has added a new category, Low Carbon Energy, to its Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards for SMEs. Two winners from last year’s awards, Intralink and SimVenture, reported revenue growth and market expansion.

Italy-based Medcenter Container Terminal (MCT) has ordered 20 Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers to reduce local emissions, fuel costs and noise levels. Delivery is expected in Q1 2026.

Taiwan's Executive Yuan held its first tourism advisory meeting on January 22, 2024, focusing on strategies for tourism development, international market expansion, labor shortages, and sustainable tourism. The meeting involved 42 officials and private sector members, aiming to generate policy recommendations and development directions.

German scientists from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM) launched the RAMUS project to investigate tire abrasion in electrified vehicles. The project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport with EUR 199,738, aims to develop a forecast model for tire abrasion, considering factors like vehicle weight and driving behavior. The research will help meet new Euro 7 tire abrasion limits.

Taiwan's Ministry of Environment (MOENV) unveiled an expanded carbon reduction reporting plan that includes various sectors consuming high levels of energy. Businesses emitting over 10,000 metric tons of CO2e annually or with single branches emitting over 5,000 MtCO2e must report greenhouse gas emissions starting in 2026. Carbon fees will be levied in 2026 on entities emitting more than 25,000 MtCO2e a year, affecting 281 enterprises.

The European Union has implemented the eFTI Regulation to facilitate paperless freight transport. This digital shift is expected to save the EU transport and logistics sector up to €1 billion per year by reducing administrative burden, increasing data security, and improving efficiency. Member states will start developing necessary IT systems in 2025 and the regulation will apply in full by July 2027.

\"The US Department of Energy (DOE) reported that vehicles and fuels were the top waterborne imports in 2023 by value ($170 billion) and weight, respectively. This highlights the maritime sector's importance to transportation and the US economy.\"

PostNord, a Nordic parcel and logistics services provider, has committed to a sustainable business with fossil-free transport by 2030. Their Green by PostNord program aims to reduce the total carbon footprint by 40 percent by 2025 and achieve emission-free last-mile transports by 2027. This plan is endorsed by the Science Based Targets initiative and aligns with the Paris Agreement.

Generative AI is changing enterprise procurement by enabling the discovery and connection with diverse suppliers, facilitating seamless sharing of supplier profiles, and accelerating the onboarding process. It analyzes supplier performance, market conditions, and cost variables to recommend the best-fit suppliers, also evaluating risks and ESG compliance. This helps create fairer and more competitive supplier ecosystems, promoting supplier diversity and sustainability.

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.

Italian Azienda Trasporti Verona (A.T.V.) awarded a contract worth €4,859,873.50 to A.F. PETROLI SPA for the supply of diesel fuel for transport from May 16, 2024, to September 15, 2024. The contract was concluded on January 8, 2025.

Sweden-based Virta is developing a Megawatt Charging System (MCS) for heavy-duty electric vehicles, with a 1.2 MW system deployed in a pilot project in Sweden in 2025. Further megawatt charging projects are planned in Germany and other countries. The MCS significantly reduces charging times for electric trucks and buses.

Norwegian grocery chain Rema 1000 unveiled a concept store aiming to reduce energy consumption by up to 50%, built using sustainable materials, with solar cells and recycled rock wool. Stockholm-based Lifv transports wooden containers to remote locations as unmanned stores. In Copenhagen, Mond added a 3D body scanner to its store, connecting in-store and online experiences. Swedish pharmacy Apopket used local stores as mini-warehouses to fulfill online demand. PostNord, ICA, and Glue piloted an in-fridge delivery service.

\"Nordea has published a two-part article on addressing supply chain emissions. The article discusses methods for taking ownership of emissions from the value chain (scope 3 emissions), including engagement with supply chain companies and integration of emissions considerations into broader business strategies. The firm highlights the importance of collaboration and flexibility in engaging with suppliers to reduce emissions.\"

Swedish investment company Kinnevik has highlighted the growing focus among consumers on sustainability, impacting its investment decisions in digital consumer sectors like food and healthcare. The company also emphasizes the positive sustainability impact of e-commerce, citing reduced waste from centralized warehouses compared to physical stores.

Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad updated the sector and sub-sector classification for three companies: ENRA GROUP BERHAD (energy), OASIS HARVEST CORPORATION BERHAD (consumer products & services), and VERSATILE CREATIVE BERHAD (consumer products & services). The changes, effective January 13, 2025, reflect changes in the companies’ business activities and their core business contributions to financial results.

India's Ministry of Commerce & Industry, under Shri Piyush Goyal, launched the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 report and the Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2024 awards. The LEADS report includes a new pillar on Sustainable Logistics, and Goyal advocated for a Green Logistics initiative. Several initiatives were launched to improve the efficiency and sustainability of India’s logistics sector.

South Africa has made progress in addressing its energy crisis, going 280 days without load shedding. Increased investment in energy and water infrastructure is underway, alongside economic reforms showing results in job creation and improved business confidence. The country is also focusing on sustainable development, as evidenced by its upcoming hosting of the first G20 Summit on African soil in 2025, where it will work towards solidarity, equality, and sustainable development.

South Africa has reported improvements in its energy sector, emerging from a debilitating energy crisis. The government established a Government of National Unity to focus on growing an inclusive economy, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and lowering the cost of living. Investments in roads, rail, public housing, energy, water, sanitation, and infrastructure have also been highlighted as contributing to economic improvement and job creation.