Global Climate News

The Nature Returns programme, led by Natural England in partnership with the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission and Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, has published results demonstrating nature-based solutions' carbon and flood benefits. - **Programme achievements and interventions:** Over four years the six Local Partnership Projects across England delivered **800 hectares of habitat created**, **95,000 trees and shrubs planted**, **16 km of hedgerow restored**, **2.5 km of watercourses improved**, and engaged **over 7,000 people** with **400 volunteer days**. Projects trialled **3D laser scanning** to measure hedgerow carbon (finding hedgerows can rival woodlands) and identified **soil fungi** as an indicator for soil carbon; practical interventions included **leaky dams** that reduced peak flows by **12%** in Plymouth’s Seaton Valley. - **Funding, partnerships and monitoring:** The programme was funded by **HM Treasury’s Shared Outcomes Fund** and **Defra’s Net Zero R&D budget**, and worked with partners to develop **blended public-private finance models**. Sites will be monitored for **10 years** to track long-term carbon storage and biodiversity, with lessons feeding into England’s forthcoming **Land Use Framework**.

The fifth ASEAN Economic Ministers Consultation was held on 25 September 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, co-chaired by H.E. Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz (Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia) and Minister Liz Lloyd (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, UK). - **Main announcement/action:** The meeting reviewed ASEAN-UK economic cooperation and progress under the **ASEAN-UK Work Plan**, noting **UK-ASEAN trade of £53.9 billion** (four quarters to end Q1 2025) and **UK FDI into ASEAN of USD 18.7 billion in 2024**; the meeting recorded that **95 activities** across **11 priority areas involving 22 ASEAN Sectoral Bodies** were completed since 2024 with **an additional 80 activities planned**, and noted that **all three pillars of the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme (EIP) are now operational**. - Date: 25 September 2025 - Time: not specified in the source - Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Agenda/subject: review of the ASEAN-UK Work Plan and Joint Ministerial Declaration on Future Economic Cooperation; discussions on trade, FDI, EIP implementation, supply chain resilience, digital innovation, MSMEs, sustainable finance, and semiconductor supply chain initiatives. - **Background and implementation details:** The meeting highlighted UK support programmes and initiatives including **ASPIRE** (impact analysis for AEC Blueprint 2025), **ARVC II**, **AIPBI**, the **ASEAN Green Investment Catalyst** (launched December 2024), support for **AFISS** and semiconductor industry workshops, promotion of **DEFA**, skills and education programmes (ASLIP, ASEAN Chevening, ASEAN Women in STEM, RIDA, ASEAN i-Teams), and MSME/women entrepreneur support (SheTrades Outlook, AWEN). The meeting agreed to **review and update the Work Plan in 2026**, referenced cooperation on **WTO reform** ahead of **MC14 in Cameroon in March 2026**, and reaffirmed support for **Timor-Leste’s Roadmap to full ASEAN membership** with continued capacity building and technical assistance.

The RPD portal (EPR digital service) has gone live with enhanced functionality and opened registration and submission windows. - **Main announcement:** The Report Packaging Data (RPD) service and EPR for packaging digital service have launched multiple new features now available to producers, including **H1 2025 data submission window open**, **2026 registration capability**, an **updated subsidiaries module**, direct **recyclability assessment data submission**, **new joiner/leaver codes (01-17)**, public registers access, and a **2025 recycling obligations calculator**. Key submission deadlines: **Large producers** must submit H1 2025 data (1 Jan–30 Jun 2025) **by 1 October 2025**; **Small producers** must submit full-year 2025 data (1 Jan–31 Dec 2025) **by 1 April 2026**. - **Background and supporting details:** The portal updates are intended to support compliance with the **Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024** and regulator guidance; supporting resources linked on GOV.UK include **data collection guidance**, **packaging data specification and valid file generator**, **example data files**, the **Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM)**, and an **instructional video**. The civil sanctions register is noted as **not yet published** and will be released in due course.

The MicroCarb satellite captured its first view of Earth on 28 August, following its 25 July launch. - **First observation details:** MicroCarb collected initial images and spectrometer measurements over the **Amazon Basin** (a region with sparse ground-based CO₂ observations). The **onboard imager** identified cloud-free areas and urban/agricultural/forested interfaces, while the **spectrometer** detected distinct **CO₂ and O₂ spectral signatures**, confirming instrument functionality. - **Background, validation and next steps:** Data were calibrated using **pre-launch characterizations** (including thermal vacuum testing completed in **late 2022**) and **early in‑flight calibrations** (dark current, internal lamp, solar reference). Cross-checks used **Sentinel-2 imagery** for the imager and **4AOP radiative transfer simulations** for the spectrometer, showing both instruments operate **within expected parameters**; the team will now begin **fine calibration** and **tuning of data processing algorithms** to deliver precise space-based atmospheric CO₂ measurements.

The Ministry of Environment and National Cheng Kung University co-hosted the “Net-zero Technology Strategy × Industrial Sustainability Summit” on September 26 at NCKU’s Gezhiy Hall, convening industry, government, academic, and research leaders to discuss concrete policy and technology solutions for industrial low-carbon transition. - **Main announcement/action:** The Ministry of Environment (Minister Peng Chih-ming present) and National Cheng Kung University **co-hosted the summit on 26 September** at **NCKU Gezhiy Hall**, focusing on supporting industry decarbonization through policy, funding, and technology; the Ministry stated **Taiwan's carbon pricing system began this year (Year 114)** and **~90% of obligated entities submitted voluntary reduction plans** to seek preferential rates. - **Background and details:** - **Event details:** Date: **September 26**; Time: **not specified in article**; Location: **NCKU (Gezhiy Hall)**; Agenda/subject: three themed sessions — 1) **Taiwan industry transition opportunities under global green competition** (speakers included China Steel, ITRI, Prof. Chen Zhi-yong from NCKU), 2) **Building low-carbon materials for semiconductor industry** (participants included China Steel, CPC, Formosa Petrochemical, Sheng Yi Chemical), 3) **Urban mining and strategic metals planning** (participants included Taiwan Jingcai, Lianyou Metals, Epoxy Technology, GreenRise International). The Ministry said **carbon pricing revenues will be used to support industrial low-carbon transitions**, and reiterated the **2030 emissions reduction target of 28 ± 2%**.

BRGM has released a series of films illustrating applications of 3D subsurface modelling, produced with the help of l’Esprit Sorcier and published via BRGM's YouTube channel. - **Main announcement:** BRGM released a video series (produced with **l’Esprit Sorcier**) that demonstrates how the organisation uses **3D subsurface modelling** and software to address concrete problems across **groundwater resources**, **geothermal energy**, **mineral resources**, and **risk management**; films are available on BRGM's YouTube channel. - **Background and examples:** The North-Aquitaine model **MONA** has existed since the **1990s** and is described as the product of **30 years of research** to better understand **aquifer recharge**; example films listed include: **water in Nouvelle-Aquitaine**, **geothermal in Orléans**, **French tungsten**, and the **Le Teil earthquake** case.

AIMC 2025 (Angola International Mining Conference) unveiled an expanded roster of sponsors and exhibitors and will formally launch Angola's Digital Mining Cadastre at the event in Luanda. - **Main announcement/action:** AIMC 2025 has published an initial sponsor and exhibitor list and will **formally launch the Digital Mining Cadastre** during the conference; the Cadastre will centralise permit applications, geological and spatial data, license histories and compliance records and will feature a **live demonstration** and stakeholder Q&A. - **Event details:** - **Date:** October 22–23, 2025 - **Time:** not specified in the article - **Location:** Luanda, Angola - **Agenda/subject:** launch and demo of the Digital Mining Cadastre; panels on financing, regulation, sustainable supply chains, oil & mining synergies, women in mining, and strategic minerals for the energy transition. - **Background and additional details:** The sponsor/exhibitor lineup includes **government bodies (ANRM, SODIAM E.P., ENDIAMA E.P.)**, major operators (Sociedade Mineira de Catoca, De Beers, Rio Tinto), energy firms (Sonangol), financiers and insurers (ENSA Seguros de Angola, Caixa Angola, Banco Keve), and equipment/service providers (HiperMáquinas Angola, Maqman / Maqtools, GeoAtlanticus, Huawei). - The conference program lists thematic sessions such as **"Financing the Future"**, **"Risks, Taxation & Regulation"**, **"Sustainable Supply Chain"**, **"Oil & Mining Synergies"**, and **"Strategic Minerals & Energy Transition"**; a pre-event webinar on the Lobito Corridor drew **more than 700 participants**.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs published the "Annual National Power Resources Supply and Demand Report for Year 113" on 9/26, presenting a 10-year demand projection and supply planning for years 114–123. - **Main announcement:** The report projects an **average annual electricity demand growth of ~1.7%** for Years **114–123 (ROC calendar; roughly 2025–2034)** and plans to continue deploying **renewable energy and gas-fired generation** to ensure stable supply; it estimates a **net increase of 12.2 GW of gas generation capacity from 2025–2034** and sets **renewable share targets of 20% by 2026 and 30% by 2030**. - **Background and implementation details:** The assessment incorporated **AI demand, semiconductor expansion timing adjustments, and deep energy-saving measures**; it notes **first-half GDP growth of 6.75% and electricity consumption down 1.1% YoY**, reports the **Hsingta (興達) gas pipeline leak on Sept 9** which delayed the Hsingta new gas Unit 2 dispatch to **May of Year 115**, and includes updated private gas generation plans from **Guoguang Power** and **Mailiao Cogeneration**; daytime solar will be prioritized with **high-efficiency gas units, energy storage, and hydropower** used to meet night peak demand.

The Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) announced the exhibition of 40 winners of the 113th National Invention and Creation Award at the "Taiwan Patent Super Station" during the 2025 Taiwan Innotech Expo. Interested investors and partners are invited to register and attend for on-site matchmaking. - **Main announcement:** TIPO will present **40 award-winning patents** from the National Invention and Creation Award at the **Taiwan Innotech Expo (TIE) "Taiwan Patent Super Station"**, held **October 16–18, 2025**; interested companies can **pre-register** via the provided URL to receive fast entry and on-site matching services. - **Details & background:** The 40 winners span **industry, government, academia, research, and individuals** with **~50% from enterprises** and **~30% in smart medical & biotech** (examples include **walker**, **genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells**, **surgical imaging systems**, **drug scanning & recognition**, and **coronary blockage prediction devices**); other highlighted areas include **5G/next-gen communications**, **AI applications**, **agricultural sensing**, **sustainable devices** (e.g., agricultural bird-repellent sensing device, kitchen-waste stirring device) and a disclosed track record of **international deployment (including EU markets)**.

Vladimir Putin met with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan at the Kremlin to discuss **nuclear energy cooperation**, Rosatom’s work on the Armenian nuclear power plant, and bilateral trade figures. - **Main announcement/action:** The leaders discussed extending the operational life of the Armenian nuclear power plant (Rosatom is working on this); the plant currently provides **30 percent** of Armenia’s electricity and Armenia aims to extend its operation **until 2036**. They also cited bilateral trade figures of **nearly US$11 billion** (Russia’s estimate) and **US$11.7 billion** (Russia’s statistics), described as a **record figure for 2024**. - **Background and event details:** Russia hosted and the leaders participated in an international nuclear sector event; key factual details: - **Global Atomic Forum / World Atomic Week forum** held **25 September 2025** at the **Atom Museum at VDNKh, Moscow** (agenda: development of the nuclear energy sector). - **Bilateral meeting** took place **26 September 2025, 00:40**, at **The Kremlin, Moscow** (agenda: Russian-Armenian talks on energy, nuclear cooperation, trade).

Wright State University researchers Natasha Banerjee and Sean Banerjee received a nearly **$3 million NSF grant** to study converting scrap metal from large broken consumer goods into new small products. - **Main announcement:** Wright State University (Department of Computer Science and Engineering) awarded a **nearly $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation** to fund research on recycling manufacturing that makes small products from broken but intact large metal objects (examples cited: **refrigerators, washing machines**). Principal investigators are **Natasha Banerjee** and **Sean Banerjee**. - **Project details and collaborators:** The project will explore how **small-scale manufacturing** can use recycled materials and scale for business; employees would be trained as **“recyclofacturers”** using **artificial intelligence, virtual reality headsets, and robots**. Collaborators include an economist from **Chapman University**, a sociologist from **University of Lynchburg**, a roboticist and a human factors expert from **Santa Clara University**, community recycling/manufacturing leaders, and members of the public. (No implementation timeline provided in the article.)

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) held a briefing on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change in federal policy-making. - **Main announcement/action:** EESI convened a briefing that provided a **foundational understanding of AI’s role in the climate and energy arena**, highlighting trade-offs where **AI can boost climate resilience and economic competitiveness** while also increasing **energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage**; speakers included **Ahmed Aziz Ezzat** and **Fatima Ahmad**, and speaker slides are available for download. - **Background and details:** Panelists discussed the **massive energy and water needs of data centers** running AI algorithms and concrete AI applications such as **precision agriculture**, **resilient grid infrastructure**, and **improved weather forecasting**; the briefing noted the federal role in R&D at the **Department of Energy’s National Laboratories** and examined **Congress’s role** in aligning AI development and use with global emissions reduction and adaptation goals.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced two new international climate partnerships with Brazil and Kenya at Climate Week in New York. - **Main announcement:** Governor Newsom launched new partnerships **between California and Brazil** and **between California and Kenya** to scale cooperation on **climate action, clean energy, cutting pollution, and boosting trade**, announced on the sidelines of Climate Week/UN General Assembly in New York; the Brazil partnership is positioned ahead of **COP30 in November 2025** and the Kenya partnership included a bilateral meeting with **Kenyan President William Ruto**. - **Background & additional facts:** California reported **nearly 23% of new medium- and heavy-duty truck sales were ZEVs in 2024**, **201,180 fully public and shared EV charging ports** statewide, **more than 11.5 million households** will automatically receive **electric bill refunds in October** via the **California Climate Credit**, and the historic legislation signed last week anticipates **up to $60 billion** for the electric Climate Credit through **2045**; Governor Newsom also met delegations led by **Ambassador Kevin Rudd and Chris Bowen (Australia)**, **Ed Miliband (UK)**, and **Wopke Hoekstra (EU Commissioner)**, and highlighted state metrics including **20% GHG reductions since 2000**, **~15,000 MW battery storage**, and **over 25,000 MW of new resources** added to the grid.

Transport Canada announced funding under its Quiet Vessel Initiative to support Indigenous-led monitoring of underwater vessel noise along the Trans Mountain Expansion Project marine shipping route (September 25, 2025). - **Main action:** Transport Canada’s Quiet Vessel Initiative will fund **seven Indigenous communities** (T’Sou-ke, Tsartlip, Malahat, Penelakut, Stz'uminus, Snuneymuxw, Halalt) with individual grants ranging from **$397,375 to $400,000** to build scientific capacity to **measure and monitor underwater vessel noise** and assess impacts on marine mammals, including the **Southern Resident killer whale**. - **Project details & background:** Projects include deployment of **shore-based and vessel-mounted hydrophones**, integration of **Automatic Identification System (AIS)** and camera data, use of **autonomous surface vessels**, dashboards for real-time noise/whale localization, community training, IT procurement, and multi-year community-based monitoring in locations such as **Saanich Inlet** (no implementation timeline beyond the announcement provided).