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.

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.

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.

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.

India's Inland Waterways Authority (IWAI) has commissioned a feasibility study for the Urban Water Transport System across 17 cities. The initiative, led by Kochi Metro Rail Limited, aims to create a sustainable urban transport system by utilizing waterways—promoting energy-efficient electric ferries and modernized terminals. The selected cities include Ayodhya, Kolkata, Varanasi, and others, with a focus on leveraging existing navigable waterways to connect municipalities and promote tourism and regional economic growth.

EU-based Commissioner Tzitzikostas hosted a high-level roundtable focusing on the transition of Europe's automotive industry to clean and smart mobility on February 20, 2025. Key European industry leaders, social partners, and stakeholders participated. This discussion is part of a broader effort to enable collaboration in shaping the sector's future. The output from these discussions will inform the upcoming EU Industrial Action Plan for the automotive sector, set to be presented on March 5, 2025.

India's Vice President, Dr. Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressed the African-Asian Rural Development Organization conference, highlighting the importance of gender participation in governance. He stressed that climate change is a significant issue stemming from the reckless exploitation of natural resources, with India leveraging technology to empower people and combat these issues. His government has invested heavily in rural development and education, with a goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.

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.

The FIA's commitment to a sustainable motorsport future has become a reality as motorsport embraces hydrogen technology. The Extreme H championship represents a significant shift towards greener racing, showcasing the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Major manufacturers, including Toyota, have announced plans to race hydrogen-powered cars at Le Mans by 2028. H24EVO, a hydrogen-electric race car, has also been introduced, demonstrating the competitive viability of hydrogen in endurance racing.

Taiwan-based 瑞儀光電 has invested over 13.3 billion in building R&D centers and cleanroom facilities to develop wafer-level optical components, incorporating AI smart manufacturing to enhance production efficiency. The company is also implementing energy-saving and carbon-reduction measures using green construction materials. This investment, expected to create around 480 jobs, aims to position 瑞儀光電 as a leader in optics solutions for displays, wearables, automotive, robotics, and biomedical applications.

South Africa's Cabinet approved the submission of the Protocol on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in the Western Indian Ocean to Parliament. The Nairobi Convention promotes sustainable biodiversity management and enhances resilience to climate change impacts. This protocol offers opportunities for South Africa to enhance its capacity for climate change mitigation. The adoption was made official on 12 September 2023.

South Africa hosted the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg from February 19 to February 22, 2025, under the theme 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability'. President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of addressing climate change and sustainable development during his speech, emphasizing that Africa must be represented in discussions on these global issues. This meeting aligns with South Africa's G20 presidency and aims to prepare for the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit later in the year.

The IEEE Standards Association has highlighted key mobility trends, particularly focusing on electrification and automation in vehicles. With a significant portion (25%) of global CO2 emissions originating from the transportation sector, the IEEE is advocating for programs like the Impact Assessment Framework for Sustainable Mobility Systems to promote industry standards that assess and advance sustainable mobility. One crucial point raised is the electrification of vehicles, indicating a shift to electric vehicles that ideally would contribute to reducing emissions provided they are charged from renewable sources. This transition is essential to creating a more sustainable mobility framework.

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.

Norway-based Nofima is exploring the possibility of slaughtering fish at sea under a project called 'Harvesting at Sea'. Currently, fish from Norwegian aquaculture are mainly transported to shore for processing. Nofima researchers are investigating the implications of slaughter boats for improving fish welfare and quality, with 50% of fish farms already using bleeding boats. Despite a regulatory amendment in 2019 that complicates sea slaughter for certain fish, the organization continues to study potential benefits and environmental impacts of this method.

US-based President Trump signed multiple executive orders on February 10, 2025, drastically impacting climate initiatives. These orders led to the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, termination of the Green New Deal, and removal of financial commitments to climate projects. The actions are expected to result in a 36% increase in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared to previous targets and signify a shift towards promoting fossil fuels while blocking clean energy investments.

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.

The EU's expert group on climate change policy (CCEG) is currently accepting applications from organizations to enhance the aviation formation. The CCEG aims to strengthen discussions and effectively implement the EU ETS Directive for aviation. The selected members will contribute to achieving the EU's target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Additionally, a new support mechanism to accelerate the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) has been introduced, allocating 20 million allowances worth an estimated €1.6 billion. The first meetings will begin in 2025.

The European Commission has adopted a crucial measure to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection within EU waters. By amending the Vessel Monitoring Directive, the proposal mandates that all ships entering mandatory ship reporting systems provide proof of adequate insurance. This ensures that vessels operating near EU waters are properly insured, allowing for better monitoring and investigation of potentially unsafe vessels. This new regulation aligns EU maritime operations with international standards and addresses risks posed by hazardous cargo operations.