Global Climate News

Global biodiversity loss is at an unprecedented rate, with up to one million species at risk of extinction. More than 50% of global GDP depends on natural resources. The World Economic Forum estimates business opportunities in sustainable resource use to be worth up to USD 10 trillion annually by 2030. Nordea launched a biodiversity fund investing in sustainable resource use and biodiversity restoration.

The EU's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 7% in 2023 compared to 2022 and by 18% compared to 2013, totaling 3.4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalents. Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply saw the most significant reduction (43%). Transportation and storage was the only sector with increased emissions (14%). Household emissions also decreased by 14%. The greenhouse gas emissions intensity decreased by 32% from 2013 to 2023.

Swedish LKAB, Boliden, and Vattenfall were mentioned in the context of discussions around corporate governance, sustainability, and long-term investments. The article highlights how these companies approach sustainability and emission reduction goals, particularly in mining and energy sectors. No specific actions or targets are announced.

The EU's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 7% in 2023 compared to 2022 and by 18% compared to 2013. Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply saw the most significant reduction (43%). Transportation and storage were the only sectors with increased emissions (14%). Household emissions also decreased by 14%. The greenhouse gas emissions intensity decreased by 32% from 2013 to 2023.

The Union Minister of Coal & Mines of India will attend the Future Minerals Forum 2025 in Saudi Arabia from January 14-16, 2025. The forum will focus on mineral supply chains and energy transition.

Global mining projects face disruptions, delays, and cost increases. Mali's new mining code caused disputes, leading Leo Lithium to sell its Goulamina lithium project stake to Ganfeng Lithium Group. Barrick faced similar issues in Mali. Syrah Resources' Balama graphite project in Mozambique was impacted by civil unrest. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that announced mining projects only meet a portion of future demands for key minerals, with China dominating supply chains. China's significant investment in overseas mining further complicates diversification efforts.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection suspended Bluestone Coal Corporation’s Poca surface mine permit due to numerous violations, including failures in reclamation, sediment and runoff control, and unlawful dumping. The mine, operated by the family of Senator Jim Justice, had received 13 notices of violation and 16 cessation orders in the past year. The suspension follows a federal directive to revoke the permit.

The Pew Charitable Trusts, in collaboration with 32 international scientists, conducted a horizon scan identifying 15 significant issues shaping environmental conservation. Four key issues highlighted include: macroalgae as a sustainable source of rare earth elements; record low Antarctic sea ice impacting marine ecosystems; human impact on seabed carbon stores; and offshore wind farms altering ocean processes. The study was published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution and partially funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

The US passed the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024, allowing NGOs to remediate polluted mines. The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act of 2024 designates these Florida waterways as estuaries of national significance, increasing protections and restoration efforts. The EXPLORE Act, improving public lands recreation access, awaits President Biden’s signature. The FISHES Act expedites federal disaster relief for fisheries.

The Environment Agency in England is consulting the public on an environmental permit application submitted by Indurent Strategic Land Ltd for land off Junction 1 of the A50 in Leicestershire. The application concerns waste and mining waste operations, installations, water discharge and groundwater activities, and medium combustion plant and specified generators.

The European Central Bank (ECB) analyzed the short-term effects of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) on European investment. The study found that while carbon price increases temporarily dampened domestic investment and shifted global FDI away from Europe, long-term benefits outweigh these short-term effects. High-carbon sectors, particularly construction, transportation, and manufacturing, were most affected. The analysis covered 2003-2019, excluding the pandemic.

The Norwegian producer price index (PPI) measures price developments for goods at the producer level, for both the domestic and export markets. The index covers oil and gas extraction, industry, mining, power supply, water supply and some services. In 2024, industrial prices increased by 3.7 percent, while energy prices decreased. The reference year for PPI was changed to 2021=100 from January 2024.

Norway's Statistics Norway (SSB) has updated its Producer Price Index (PPI) with a new reference year of 2021. The change affects the index from January 2024 onwards, but does not significantly impact year-on-year changes.

Norway's SSB has published production index data for oil and gas, industry, mining, and power supply for November 2024, showing a 1.1% increase in industrial production from October. The three-month period of September-November 2024 saw a 1.8% decrease compared to the previous three months.

Australian-based Fortescue awarded A$123,000 in its inaugural Innovation Grants to seven Pilbara initiatives focused on environmental sustainability. These include a traditional bush medicine ‘pharmacy’, green power solutions, and a school upgrade project. The grants aim to support projects with positive sustainable impacts on Pilbara communities.

The Environment Agency in England is consulting the public on RIG Scorrier Ltd's environmental permit application for land near Redruth, concerning waste and mining waste operations, installations, water discharge, and combustion plants.

The Indian Ministry of Mines organized a Chintan Shivir to discuss transformative strategies for the mining sector, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and local manufacturing. Key initiatives included promoting a circular economy, expanding access to geo-scientific data to attract private investment, and boosting the ‘Make in India’ initiative to develop local mining equipment manufacturing. The Ministry also launched the Annual Capacity Building Program and approved 18 research and development projects.

The Norwegian Statistics Norway (SSB) has published monthly turnover statistics for oil and gas extraction, mining, manufacturing, and power supply, providing data on domestic and export markets. The statistics include various breakdowns by industry, product type, and market, offering insights into economic trends within these energy-related sectors.

The William Blair Investment Management, LLC published a blog post analyzing the impact of the global energy transition on base metals markets in 2025. The analysis highlights the increasing demand for copper and aluminum driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy, and data centers. Supply chain disruptions in alumina production, particularly in Guinea and Australia, are noted as a factor influencing prices. The potential impact of a second Trump administration, including tariffs and higher interest rates, and China’s role in the market are also discussed. The blog also considers the sustainability challenges of gold mining.

The BAPE report on the Falco Horne 5 mining project in Quebec, Canada, highlighted the project’s modest contribution to the energy transition and decarbonization. Over 90% of the commission’s opinions have been considered, and a committee will be formed to ensure the project’s compatibility with a local radio-oncology center. The project is expected to start in 2030.