Global Climate News

Several upcoming events in 2025 will focus on climate change and sustainable energy solutions. Notable among these are the CERAWeek Innovation Agora in Houston, the California Energy Transition Summit in Sacramento, and NYC Climate Week in New York. Leading professionals, such as Youssef Tazi and Dr. Etosha Cave, are scheduled to attend various events, highlighting their commitment to addressing climate issues and promoting innovative energy solutions. These conferences aim to accelerate discussions and actions necessary for transitioning towards sustainable energy practices.

The European Union published the 2025 European Aviation Environmental Report to provide insights into the aviation sector's environmental performance. This comprehensive report addresses actions taken for improving sustainability in aviation and offers recommendations for enhancing environmental protection. Key topics include sustainable aviation fuels, market-based measures, and international cooperation on climate impacts.

Norwegian SINTEF has been developing advanced models since the 1980s to simulate cable properties in complex marine environments. These dynamic underwater cables are crucial for transporting energy from floating installations like offshore wind turbines to static seabed cables, essential for Europe’s planned 6,000 km of underwater power cables annually. This transition to renewable energy marks a significant shift from previous oil and gas industry investments, optimizing design and manufacturing processes to reduce costs.

US-based Clean Fuels Alliance America joined 10 other national trade groups in urging EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to establish robust, multiyear Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) for 2026 and beyond. The organizations highlighted that strong RFS volumes are crucial for ensuring energy security and advancing agricultural interests. They emphasized that the standards should reflect ongoing investments in production capacities and the growing demand for clean energy across various sectors. This action also follows a lawsuit filed by Clean Fuels in December 2024 to compel the EPA to set a timeline for the RFS volumes.

Germany-based Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH has laid the cornerstone for one of the largest green hydrogen production plants in Europe. The plant, which will start operating in 2026, is expected to produce around 9,000 tons of green hydrogen per year for carbon-reduced steel production as part of the SALCOS® program. This initiative aims for virtually carbon-free steel manufacturing. The 100 MW electrolysis plant will be supplied by the international technology company ANDRITZ, utilizing HydrogenPro's pressurized alkaline electrolysis technology.

The ICM Forum, established in 2021, has released a major report on Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) that outlines the essential actions needed to unlock its full potential. The report emphasizes the need for regulatory simplifications, stronger carbon accounting frameworks under the EU ETS, and long-term policy adjustments to boost investment certainty. It advocates for the integration of CCU into existing policy frameworks and the establishment of financial and market mechanisms to ensure its adoption, demonstrating the collaborative effort required across multiple sectors to achieve climate goals.

US-based Bloom Energy and Equinix have expanded their collaboration, deploying over 100MW of clean energy capacity across 19 Equinix data centers in six states. This partnership began with a pilot program in 2015, which has now grown significantly, highlighting the increasing demand for clean and reliable onsite power. The fuel cells implemented provide a sustainable energy source, allowing for virtually zero air pollution and no water use, addressing grid constraints effectively.

Spain-based Sidenor participated in the SCALE-UP project, an initiative funded by the Basque Government's HAZITEK program. This project aims to develop innovative methodologies to validate the reliability of large scale wind turbine components without the need for extensive testing facilities. Focused on optimizing induction hardening processes for offshore wind turbine fasteners, Sidenor integrates experimental trials and simulation models to enhance mechanical properties and durability. This effort also aligns with their commitment to reduce carbon emissions in steel production using renewable energies.

ASEAN's Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn attended the Japan-ASEAN Youth Summit 2025, emphasizing the crucial role of youth in tackling societal challenges, particularly in public health and environmental sustainability. He called for the nurturing of youth talent and innovation through initiatives that promote collaboration within the ASEAN community. This summit aimed at fostering closer ties among youth and encouraging them to lead sustainable change within their regions.

Belgium-based ICM Forum released a report detailing key policy recommendations to enhance the deployment of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies in Europe. The report highlights the need to address regulatory barriers, enhance financial incentives, and support the adoption of CCU technologies. It suggests simplifying regulations, establishing a supportive carbon accounting framework under the EU ETS, and adjusting sunset clauses for long-term investment certainty. The report also advocates for a minimum percentage of circular carbon in products and the development of a robust financing ecosystem.

In a digital-first world, data centers are witnessing a surge in energy demand, responsible for nearly 1% of global electricity use. Twelve, a US-based company, has introduced eDiesel, a clean, carbon-neutral diesel alternative made from CO2, water, and renewable energy. This solution enables data centers to operate with up to 90% lower emissions compared to conventional diesel, supporting their sustainability goals without compromising reliability. eDiesel allows for seamless integration with existing infrastructure, thereby ensuring data centers can meet power needs responsibly and sustainably.

US-based MIT has seen eight of its researchers elected to the National Academy of Engineering for 2025, recognizing their outstanding contributions to engineering fields, including clean energy. This distinguished membership reflects both individual achievements in areas such as energy storage and clean energy technologies. Evelyn N. Wang, vice president for climate and Ford Professor of Engineering, was specifically honored for her work in clean energy and water technology.

US-based Twelve Company has developed eFuels aimed at decarbonizing transportation and logistics at scale. Their innovative eFuel products, including E-Jet® SAF and Electrol™ eDiesel, provide a sustainable alternative for aviation and trucking, respectively, achieving up to 90% lower lifecycle emissions compared to conventional fuels. This significant reduction supports global efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining the efficiency of supply chains. Twelve's solutions are crucial for sectors where electrification remains a challenge.

Finland-based Wärtsilä Corporation has reinforced its commitment to decarbonisation by setting a new target of reducing 25% of greenhouse gas emissions from direct suppliers by 2030. This target will focus on Tier 1 suppliers and includes Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions related to their deliveries. The baseline for this target will be established using data collected from suppliers in 2024. The company is already on track to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations by 2024, having decreased emissions by 50% compared to the 2021 baseline. Wärtsilä continues to innovate sustainable technologies and has launched several zero-carbon fuel solutions for the marine and energy sectors.

China-based researchers analyzed seventy drinking water samples collected from tap water, water boiling machines, and water vending machines in Shanghai for seven target organotin compounds (OTCs). They found that the summed concentrations of target OTCs (ΣOTCs) reached up to 129 ng Sn/L, with significant levels varying among drinking water types and source zones. The research identified materials used in pipes and emissions from maritime, agricultural, and industrial activities as the main pollution sources, supporting the need for informed policy and urban planning to maintain drinking water quality in rapidly urbanizing regions.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) published a report titled 'Building Resilience in Education Systems' in February 2025 to address the impact of disasters, pandemics, and conflicts on education in Asia and the Pacific. This publication consists of 13 chapters focused on strengthening education system resilience, providing key insights and experiences from diverse contexts across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. One critical chapter addresses how to transform education systems for a climate-resilient and sustainable future, emphasizing that while solutions will vary by country, leveraging resources is essential for building a more resilient education system.

Norway's parliament (Stortinget) has recently decided to allow development projects in protected waterways, which previously were safeguarded from water power development. This decision has sparked intense debate about the potential loss of valuable natural heritage. Researchers from NTNU and SINTEF are now working to gather new data on the state of these protected waterways and the implications of any developments.

UK-based KI Hydrogen and Wales & West Utilities are collaborating on a £446k project to scale biomass electrolysis for producing cost-effective green hydrogen. This initiative follows a successful Discovery phase funded by the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund. The project's goal is to demonstrate the potential for green hydrogen to be produced at cost parity with grey hydrogen, significantly aiding the UK's decarbonisation efforts.

The US-based iMicrobes Company is transforming ethanol into biobased chemicals as demand for fuel-grade ethanol declines. They have successfully produced over 10 kg of polymer per run, scaling fermentation to 1,500L, and achieved a 60% cost reduction since early 2024. Supported by the Department of Energy and BioMADE, they are advancing toward cost-competitive, scalable biomanufacturing solutions.

Japan hosted the 7th CEFIA Public-Private Forum in Kobe, attracting participants from the Japanese and ASEAN governments, businesses, and financial institutions. The forum showcased cooperation projects for introducing clean energy technologies in ASEAN, introduced Japan's hydrogen and ammonia policies, and launched new initiatives in this field. Active discussions were held regarding advanced technologies such as perovskite solar cells, CCUS, and transition finance.