Global Climate News

India's ISRO plans key 2025 missions including Gaganyaan's uncrewed orbital test, two GSLV missions, a commercial LVM3 launch with AST SpaceMobile, and the NISAR Earth observation satellite collaboration with NASA. The NISAR satellite will provide data on agriculture, natural disasters, and climate monitoring.

Norway-based Cemit, a rail tech company, has developed technology using sensors and AI to increase train efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. They secured funding from Nordea with a guarantee from the European Investment Fund (EIF), aiming for a NOK 500m turnover and 300 employees by 2025. Their technology improves punctuality, efficiency, and reliability, contributing to the green transformation of the railway industry.

Norwegian Verdane, a private equity manager, established the Idun fund in 2021, focusing on sustainable investments aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Nordea provided an NOK 800 million credit facility. One portfolio company, Topro, manufactures mobility products sustainably, using hydropower and renewable energy sources. Verdane's investment supports Topro’s sustainability efforts.

The Panasonic Group showcased innovations at CES 2025, focusing on technologies to improve social sustainability. They introduced Panasonic Go, an AI-based business model initiative, and highlighted solutions contributing to carbon neutrality and a circular economy. Specific examples include the OASYS residential central air conditioning system (reducing energy consumption by over 50%), use of natural refrigerants, and hydrogen energy solutions. Panasonic also emphasized its commitment to a circular economy through product design and recycling initiatives.

Singapore-based PaxOcean has secured shipbuilding contracts for two Offshore Construction Vessels (OCVs) with a European shipowner. The vessels, measuring 123 meters in length, will support both conventional and renewable offshore energy industries and include features like a 1000KWh battery energy storage system and options for methanol readiness. Delivery is scheduled for 2027.

Singapore-based GE Vernova Inc. announced a USD$20 million investment to enhance repair capabilities and technologies for its High Efficiency, Air-Cooled (HA) gas turbines. This will involve the introduction of advanced robotic technologies, AI, and lean methodologies, and the creation of over 100 technical roles at its Advanced Manufacturing Repair Technology Center in Singapore. The project is supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board.

India's Ministry of Science and Technology, under Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted the newly launched BIO-E3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Environment) Policy, aimed at boosting India’s biotechnology sector for economic growth, employment, and environmental sustainability. The Ministry also emphasized ongoing initiatives like the Deep Sea Mission and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) to foster innovation. India shared an ambitious timeline for space missions, including advancements in NAVIC, the Gaganyaan mission, and plans for a space station and moon landing.

India has launched the BIO-E3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Environment) Policy to boost its biotechnology sector and improve environmental sustainability. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), passed in 2024, is set to foster innovation in 2025. India also shared an ambitious timeline for space missions, including the Gaganyaan mission and the development of its own space station, Bharat Antariksh Station.

India's Ministry of Panchayati Raj implemented various initiatives in 2024 to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Over 2.5 lakh Panchayats received localized climate data for weather forecasting. The ministry also launched a training module on Own Source Revenue to make Panchayats self-reliant and sustainable, and promoted the use of renewable energy and carbon neutrality in the National Panchayat Awards 2024.

McKinsey has analyzed the cost reduction potential of shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) and found that total costs could fall to about \\$1.30 per vehicle mile traveled (VMT) by 2035, largely due to increased vehicle utilization, advancements in AV technology, and the use of purpose-built vehicles. They also highlighted the importance of addressing safety, accessibility, and sustainability concerns to ensure widespread adoption of SAVs. McKinsey's analysis suggests that current BEV emissions could be reduced by about 71 percent through improvements in the vehicle life cycle.

India's Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) focuses on sustainable development. Dr. Jitendra Singh's visit to YSR Kadapa highlighted initiatives such as the Ayushman Arogya Mandir (improving healthcare access), nutrition programs at Anganwadi centers, progressive farming practices, water conservation, and the Namo Drone Didi scheme (empowering women's SHGs through drone technology for agricultural services, aiming for at least ₹1 lakh additional income per SHG annually).

Taiwan announced the official start of its carbon fee system on January 1, 2025, as a step towards its net-zero emissions goal by 2050. The government also launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan, including six major regional flagship projects to invest in public infrastructure and develop local industries, aiming to reduce urban-rural and wealth gaps.

Taiwan announced the official start of its carbon fee system on January 1, 2025, as part of its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The government also launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan to expand investment in public infrastructure and local industries, aiming to narrow urban-rural and wealth gaps.

The Uttar Pradesh Government is implementing environmental sustainability measures for Maha Kumbh 2025, including installing 3 temporary sewage treatment plants to protect the Ganga and Yamuna rivers and promoting solar power for lighting, reusable materials, and a ban on single-use plastics.

Researchers at the University of Iowa and Tulane University simulated the Multi-Hazard Tournament (MHT) framework using AI agents to improve flood mitigation and water resource management decision-making for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The simulation integrated AutoGen and DarkIdol-Llama-3.1-8B to manage multi-agent interactions and facilitate complex discussions, with 1,000 AI agents representing diverse stakeholders and a $15 million budget.

India's CSIR launched a National Mission on Sustainable Packaging Solutions, aiming to develop advanced packaging materials and improve recycling methods. Additionally, CSIR-NIIST developed Jaivam, an eco-friendly, high-speed composting technology, and CSIR-NGRI discovered a potential geothermal reservoir in Eastern Ladakh, promoting sustainable energy development. CSIR also collaborated with Airbus on green aviation fuel development and introduced an electric tiller for sustainable farming.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) partnered with Nabat, a climate tech venture, to use AI and autonomous robotics for mangrove restoration in Abu Dhabi. This initiative, part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI) and the Year of Sustainability, aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of mangrove restoration efforts. The collaboration leverages EAD’s ecological expertise and Nabat’s technological capabilities to achieve data-driven and impactful mangrove conservation.

The U.S. has achieved record crude oil production of 11.3 million barrels per day in November 2024, a 3% year-over-year increase despite a decrease in active rigs. This is attributed to improved operational efficiency driven by technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, electronic hydraulic fracturing, and automated drilling processes. Increased well productivity and additional pipeline capacity, like the Matterhorn Express pipeline in the Permian region, further contribute to this growth.

Bulgaria's Professional High School of Electrotechnics and Electronics \"Kapitan Petko Voyvoda\" has announced a tender for the delivery, installation, and commissioning of specialized equipment. The project, partially funded by EU funds, includes six lots with a total estimated value of 547,632.81 BGN (excluding VAT) and aims to build a high-achievement center for vocational education and training. The tender emphasizes the reduction of environmental impacts and adherence to EU Green Public Procurement criteria.

Germany has awarded a contract to thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to build a new research icebreaker, Polarstern II, for €1.185 billion. The ship, expected to be delivered in 2030, will be equipped with advanced technologies for climate research and will support the UN Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences and the International Polar Year. Reederei F. Laeisz will manage the ship for the first ten years.