Global Climate News

Italy-based Medcenter Container Terminal (MCT) has ordered 20 Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers to reduce local emissions, fuel costs and noise levels. Delivery is expected in Q1 2026.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recommended policy solutions to address the impacts of megatrends, including climate change, on labor markets in Asia and the Pacific. These solutions focus on creating a jobs-centered approach to megatrends, strengthening capacity to anticipate changing labor demand, understanding the distributional impacts of megatrends on people and jobs, and adapting to an era of uncertainty.

South Korea-based Sambo+Mobility showcased its hydrogen-battery hybrid electric flying taxi, HAM III-2, at CES 2025. The two-seater aircraft has a 30-foot wingspan, 15-foot height, and weighs 1,875 pounds. It boasts a cruising speed of 110 mph, a range of 62 miles, and a maximum flight time of 40 minutes. Testing is expected to begin in early 2025.

US-based SkySpecs has developed a new metric for automated rotor imbalance monitoring in wind turbines using high-frequency SCADA data. This allows for earlier identification of potential issues and improved operational decisions. The method involves spectral analysis of high-frequency rotor speed signals, focusing on the 1p component to assess imbalance. The metric is calculated at 10-minute intervals for compatibility with existing data.

Ireland-based Construct Innovate and Engineers’ Ireland West region have organized an 8-week webinar series on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to increase productivity and efficiency in the construction industry while addressing environmental, sustainability, and circular economy imperatives. The series aligns with SDGs 8, 9, and 12.

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.

Brazilian farmers are increasingly adopting sustainable agricultural practices, including biostimulants, biofertilizers, and biocontrols, to enhance soil health and boost productivity. More than 60 percent of surveyed farmers utilize these biological products, exceeding adoption rates in Europe and the US. They are also prioritizing regenerative agriculture techniques like no-till farming and cover cropping to reduce emissions and lower costs. However, challenges remain in monetizing carbon credits due to difficulties in proving additionality and permanence.

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.

India's Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has implemented numerous schemes to improve agricultural practices and support farmers. These include the PM-KISAN income support scheme (over Rs 3.46 lakh Cr disbursed), the PMFBY crop insurance scheme (over ₹1.70 lakh crore in claims paid), and the AIF providing infrastructure financing (₹51,364 crore sanctioned). The Digital Agriculture Mission (₹2,817 crore budget) aims to modernize agriculture through technology. Other initiatives focus on promoting natural farming, improving water use efficiency, and boosting oilseed production (NMEO-Oilseeds, Rs 10,103 crore outlay). The ministry also developed 109 climate-resilient crop varieties.

India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways organized a two-day workshop to discuss solutions for transforming the road transport sector. Key initiatives included accelerating the Vehicle Scrapping Policy, pan-India adoption of PUCC 2.0, and the introduction of BS-VII emission norms. A scheme for pan-India Driver Training Institutes was launched, along with new road safety technologies like Naksha. Efforts also focused on improving e-rickshaw safety, vehicular safety (including bus body codes and ADAS for trucks), and implementing integrated command control centers for women's safety in public transport.

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.

China-based Huawei Digital Power released the Top 10 Trends of FusionSolar 2025, predicting future trends in the PV and energy storage industry, including renewable energy generators accelerating PV to become the main energy source, all-scenario grid forming, cell-to-grid ESS safety, full-lifecycle intelligence, high frequency and density, high voltage and reliability, 100% renewable microgrid, PV+ESS+Charger+Load synergy, energy community sharing, and flexible adaptation to all business models. Steven Zhou, President of Smart PV & ESS Product Line, Huawei Digital Power, released the trends along with a white paper.

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).