Global Climate News

This study explored the electronic and optical properties of MX2/WS2 and MX2/MoSe2 heterojunctions using first-principles calculations. The results showed that these heterojunctions are semiconductors with staggered gaps, enhancing the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. The MoTe2/MoSe2 heterojunction demonstrated a photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.84%, surpassing the recently reported 23.45% for the OsNCl/FeNCl heterojunction. These findings identify excellent candidate materials for advancing optoelectronics and photocatalysis.

This study has explored the development of bipyridine-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia, presenting a green alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. It has successfully synthesized Py-Bpy-Fe, achieving a remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 91.2% at -1.6 V, and a yield rate of 3909.06 μmol h-1 mg-1COF at -2.0 V. A further enhancement led to the synthesis of Py-PyIm-Fe, which improved the yield rate to 4299.61 μmol h-1 mg-1COF. These innovations provide critical insights for the design of efficient COF-based electrocatalysts for sustainable ammonia production.

This article provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues faced by solar inverters, essential components of solar power systems that convert DC electricity from solar panels into usable AC power. The guide covers ten frequent problems, including inverters not turning on, display issues, overheating, and connectivity with monitoring apps, along with suggested fixes and checks. Elios Solar Inverters are highlighted for their advanced features, such as smart diagnostics and cooling systems to enhance performance and reliability in solar energy applications.

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.

Canada has committed new funding of $7.3 million over 5 years to launch the Canadian Trade Gateway for Nuclear Development. This initiative aims to support professionals in the nuclear industry with training and market development, contributing to the region's green economy goals. Minister Ng emphasized the importance of Canada's leadership in nuclear energy for aiding Indo-Pacific economies in achieving their sustainability targets during her visit in February 2025.

US-based Idaho National Laboratory has developed the Sample Preparation Laboratory (SPL), the first new hot cells built in 50 years, to test structural materials for advanced nuclear reactors. SPL aims to cut down irradiated material samples for research and testing in various extreme conditions. The facility is scheduled to go 'hot' in January 2026, with installations and tests of scientific equipment occurring through 2025. This initiative is expected to play a critical role in exploring material properties for sustainable nuclear energy solutions.

US-based researcher Julie Bert runs a project at SRI’s Hardware Research and Technology Lab that uses microbes to sequester rare earth elements while also cleaning up mine tailings. This innovation addresses significant sustainability challenges by cleaning water and extracting essential rare earth elements used in batteries, electronics, and magnets. These elements are crucial for developing a more sustainable energy system that relies less on fossil fuels. This project aims to help future generations experience a world similar to today.

German organization WWF partnered with Microsoft AI and Accenture to develop GhostNetZero, an AI-powered technology that detects ghost fishing nets. This initiative successfully recovered 26 tons of marine waste from the Baltic Sea, proving 90% accuracy in detection. Furthermore, researchers from Peking University and the University of South Denmark developed AI-driven tools for sustainable urban planning by analyzing materials in city buildings, utilizing data from Google Street View and satellites to promote eco-friendly development practices.

Southern California has faced challenges in reducing smog pollution, costing billions and affecting public health. The South Coast Air Quality Management District is proposing stricter limits on gas-burning furnaces and water heaters, promoting heat pumps that produce no on-site emissions. With various state, local, and federal incentives, residents can save significant amounts when switching to heat pumps, with low-income families saving between $2,400 and $4,200. Policymakers must ensure these upgrades remain affordable for households facing high costs of living.

Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, along with PEI’s Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action, announced the Prince Edward Island Regional Energy and Resource Table Framework for Collaboration on the Path to Net Zero. This collaboration aims for PEI to become Canada’s first net-zero province, with initiatives focusing on clean electricity, clean fuels, and clean technology innovation. Additionally, $2.7 million in federal investments were announced for multiple clean energy projects across the province.

Canada's federal and provincial collaboration with Prince Edward Island announced the launch of the Regional Energy and Resource Table in 2022, aimed at achieving net-zero status for the province. The initiative identifies three key areas to boost a low-carbon economy: clean electricity and energy storage, clean fuels, and clean technology innovation, with investments totaling $2.7 million into four specific projects. These projects include capacity building for Indigenous expertise in solar and battery storage, a transmission connection study, an energy management system for Holland College, and home energy labelling for all PEI homes.

US-based Bechtel’s Leonard Berestov has been elected a full member of the prestigious Ukrainian Academy of Construction Science. Berestov, a veteran of Bechtel since 1981, has contributed significantly to projects in nuclear power and environmental safety, including overseeing efforts to stabilize the Chornobyl reactor. His leadership at the Kiev office reflects Bechtel's ongoing commitment to impactful infrastructure projects in Ukraine.

US-based The Business Council for Sustainable Energy has highlighted a significant shift in America’s energy landscape, indicating that renewable energy technologies are now essential rather than optional. The recent study emphasizes the readiness of offshore wind energy to meet growing energy demand, projecting it as a crucial part of the U.S. energy mix. The increasing energy demand, driven by population growth and energy-intensive sectors, underscores the necessity to develop various energy sources, particularly offshore wind, which is already operational and contributing to the economy with thousands of jobs and billions in investments.

Chile-based Schmidt Ocean Institute has successfully completed its first scientific expedition to Antarctica aboard the research vessel Falkor (too). The three-week expedition explored marine biodiversity and included eight dives using the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian, reaching depths of nearly 2.5 miles. The initiative was part of a collaboration with National Geographic Society's Perpetual Planet Ocean Expeditions, aimed at understanding and conserving the critically important Southern Ocean ecosystem. This mission marked a significant milestone for the Institute and laid groundwork for future explorations planned over the next decade.

Brazil faced an environmental tragedy with historic rains and floods affecting nearly 90% of its cities, impacting two million people. The need for collaboration between computer scientists and biologists is crucial in addressing biodiversity crises. By leveraging AI, efforts could streamline the identification and classification of species, ultimately accelerating conservation strategies. The dual approach would involve better data for AI tools while ensuring the integrity of scientific contributions from biologists. This collaboration aims to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and species loss.

India-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has transferred two novel bioactive non-chemical solutions, AphidControl and XanthoControl, to PI Industries Ltd. The technology transfer is part of the ‘Transforming Deep Science Discoveries into Impactful Innovations for India’ initiative under the Discovery to Innovation Accelerator (DIA) programme. These 100% biological alternatives to synthetic pesticides will support sustainable agriculture by combating pests and diseases that contribute to significant crop loss in India, estimated at 10-35% annually. AphidControl and XanthoControl represent critical advancements in sustainable agriculture by providing eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides.

India-based Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) has developed an innovative method to minimize anion migration in perovskite nanocrystals, enhancing stability and color consistency in green light emitting cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr₃) perovskite nanocrystals. This method involves a hot injection technique, utilizing oleylamine as a passivating ligand and applying argon-oxygen (Ar-O₂) plasma treatment for stabilization. The breakthrough significantly improves durability and efficiency in optoelectronic devices.

Vietnam hosted the IOSCO Asia-Pacific Regional Committee (APRC) meeting from 19 to 21 February 2025, aiming to enhance collaboration among regional securities regulators. During the meeting, the SFC's CEO, Julia Leung, emphasized the importance of building consensus on regulatory issues related to sustainability and digital transformation in capital markets. The signing of the SMMoU for supervisory cooperation was also a key milestone, marking the SSC Vietnam as the 14th signatory. The forum allowed regulators to discuss strategies to combat online fraud and the integration of technology in regulatory practices.

Germany-based GS YUASA Battery Germany GmbH, part of the GS Yuasa Corporation, has been innovating in the battery sector since 1982. They are a significant player in the development of rechargeable lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries for motorcycles, automotive, and industrial use. Recently, they announced initiatives to enhance e-mobility through partnerships, notably with Mitsubishi and Honda, focusing on the production of next-generation lithium-ion vehicle batteries, contributing to a carbon-neutral future.

Norway's Norwegian Offshore Directorate upgraded its FactMaps, enhancing accessibility and integrating third-party data from various players, including the UKCS/ENS. This improvement introduces new functionalities such as predefined filters for easier data visualization. The old FactMaps will remain accessible until May 2025, ensuring a smooth transition to the upgraded system.