Global Climate News

The EU's greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 7% in 2023 compared to 2022 and by 18% compared to 2013. Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply saw the most significant reduction (43%). Transportation and storage were the only sectors with increased emissions (14%). Household emissions also decreased by 14%. The greenhouse gas emissions intensity decreased by 32% from 2013 to 2023.

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.

Iran is planning to address its energy crisis through a 30,000 megawatt project, with 1,500 megawatts already operational. The country is also emphasizing the use of renewable energy sources and has stated that there are no bureaucratic obstacles to renewable energy production in East Azerbaijan province.

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.

Taiwan's Railway Bureau and the Forestry Bureau signed a memorandum of understanding to promote sustainable forestry and construct low-carbon railway stations. The 79.53 billion NTD project will use domestic sustainable wood in the renovation of Tanaka Station and future railway stations to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The European Union has implemented the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, effective January 1, 2025, to decarbonize its maritime sector. This regulation mandates a gradual reduction in greenhouse gas intensity, starting at -2% in 2025 and reaching -80% by 2050 compared to 2020 levels. The EU has also committed EUR 20 million in EU Allowances and EUR 530 million through Horizon Europe for research and innovation in renewable and low-carbon fuels for the maritime sector.

Greenpeace conducted various climate activism campaigns globally, including a petition with over 1,640,108 signatures submitted to the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to ban bee-killing pesticides; a protest against Woodside’s drilling project in Australia impacting endangered species; and highlighting the impact of climate change on residents of Bilangbilangan and Batasan Islands in the Philippines, where solar panels and charging stations were installed.

The European Union has implemented the eFTI Regulation to facilitate paperless freight transport. This digital shift is expected to save the EU transport and logistics sector up to €1 billion per year by reducing administrative burden, increasing data security, and improving efficiency. Member states will start developing necessary IT systems in 2025 and the regulation will apply in full by July 2027.

\"The US Department of Energy (DOE) reported that vehicles and fuels were the top waterborne imports in 2023 by value ($170 billion) and weight, respectively. This highlights the maritime sector's importance to transportation and the US economy.\"

PostNord, a Nordic parcel and logistics services provider, has committed to a sustainable business with fossil-free transport by 2030. Their Green by PostNord program aims to reduce the total carbon footprint by 40 percent by 2025 and achieve emission-free last-mile transports by 2027. This plan is endorsed by the Science Based Targets initiative and aligns with the Paris Agreement.

India's Prime Minister mentioned renewable energy, aviation ecosystem, electric mobility, metro network expansion, and bullet train projects as examples of the country's rapid progress. He also highlighted India's progress in renewable energy and its aim to become a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing the role of the Indian diaspora in this journey.

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.

India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023 with a goal to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. Visakhapatnam will be one of the two initial green hydrogen hubs, creating numerous job opportunities and boosting the manufacturing ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh. Projects worth over 2 lakh crore rupees were launched, including a Bulk Drug Park in Nakkapalli and the KrishnaPatnam Industrial Area (Kris City).

\"Two hydrogen-diesel hybrid trucks, equipped with dynaCERT’s HydraGEN™ technology, are participating in the 2025 Dakar Rally. One is a DAF prototype truck supporting the Overdrive Toyota Hilux team, and the other is a MAN racing truck competing in the Dakar Classic. The HydraGEN™ system uses electrolysis to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen, enhancing diesel combustion, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing emissions. The Dakar Rally provides a real-world test for HydraGEN™, gathering data for broader applications in industries like mining, forestry, and logistics.\"

Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) led 72 Taiwanese tech startups to participate in CES 2025, showcasing AI applications in five areas: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Health, Smart Cities, Sustainability, and Advanced Mobility. The event aimed to attract international talent and business opportunities.

Czech Statistical Office has published data on the consumption of selected oil products and natural gas for September 2024, including tables and graphs on consumption, import, and export.

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.

Australia: Höegh Autoliners and Svitzer partnered to implement Svitzer’s EcoTow solution, achieving a near 100% reduction in CO2 emissions from towage operations of the Höegh Aurora during its maiden voyage. The EcoTow solution uses carbon credits generated from biofuel use to offset emissions.

British Columbia implemented the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) on January 1, 2024, replacing the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act. The LCFS incentivizes low-carbon fuels based on greenhouse gas reduction, driving innovation and reducing emissions. New regulations include requirements for renewable jet fuel and ground support equipment, along with updated penalty provisions and a volumetric exclusion for electricity.

New Zealand's Government has begun enabling works for the new Westgate bus station, which will provide better connections to local bus services and support urban development in Auckland. The project aims to address increased demand for public transport as the population in the northwest of Auckland grows by over 100,000 residents by 2051.