Global Climate News

Robeco, a Dutch asset manager, has expanded its engagement in climate and nature, focusing on natural resource management, deforestation (expanding from palm oil to soy, beef, leather, paper and pulp), biodiversity, and human capital management. They are also initiating new themes on transition minerals (supply chains in electric vehicle batteries) and protecting shareholder rights from weakening regulations.

Global biodiversity loss is at an unprecedented rate, with up to one million species at risk of extinction. More than 50% of global GDP depends on natural resources. The World Economic Forum estimates business opportunities in sustainable resource use to be worth up to USD 10 trillion annually by 2030. Nordea launched a biodiversity fund investing in sustainable resource use and biodiversity restoration.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Discovery Channel launched a five-part video series, "Good To Know," showcasing how nuclear science addresses global challenges like microplastics, cancer, food insecurity, water scarcity, and industrial contamination. The series airs in over 30 countries, reaching 44 million households.

In Wales, Natural Resources Wales’s Four Rivers for LIFE project, funded by the EU LIFE Programme, Welsh Government and Welsh Water, has installed 25km of riparian fencing on 27 farms along the Teifi, Tywi, Cleddau and Usk SAC Rivers. This aims to reduce soil, sediment and nutrient runoff, improving water quality and benefiting livestock management.

Wales' Natural Resources Wales (NRW) published an interim State of Natural Resources Report (SoNaRR 2025), highlighting urgent need for collective action to address nature degradation, climate change, and pollution. The report emphasizes the importance of pro-nature thinking and decision-making across government, business, and society to ensure the sustainability of Wales’ natural resources. The full report, to be published by the end of 2025, will offer a comprehensive evidence base for decision-making.

Chinese researchers investigated the mechanical behavior of geogrid-soil interface under rainfall infiltration using a large direct shear apparatus. The study found that rainfall infiltration reduces peak shear stress, cohesion, and the friction angle of the interface. The research provides guidance for predicting and mitigating rainfall effects on soil properties in geotechnical engineering.

Taiwan approved a plan to invest NT$80.77 billion (US$2.45 billion) over eight years to reduce its water leakage rate from 11.99 percent in 2024 to 9.77 percent by 2032. This will save 59.1 million cubic meters of water annually. The government will also review water prices, currently among the world's cheapest at NT$9.24 per cubic meter.

Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior (MOI) National Parks Administration held a "2025 Wetland Day" event in Kaohsiung, highlighting the importance of wetlands in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. The event included awards for wetland conservation efforts and promoted public awareness of wetland conservation.

In Uganda, Makerere University honored EfD Uganda leaders and researchers for their contributions to environmental sustainability. Edward Bbaale received the Research and Leadership Excellence Award, and EfD Uganda has secured over USD 1.5 million in research funding in the past five years for projects such as "Improving Bill Payments for Water and Sanitation in Uganda", "Policy Options for Clean Cooking", and "Clean Energy for Development: A Call for Action (CEDCA)". Johnny Mugisha received the Exemplary Leadership Award. Three researchers—Nicholas Kilimani, Florence Lwiza, and Aisha Nanyiti—were awarded Research Excellence Awards for their work on solar-powered irrigation, clean energy usage, and LPG/electric cooking technologies.

The Environment Agency in England is consulting the public on an environmental permit application submitted by Old Knowle Square Management Limited for waste and mining waste operations, installations, water discharge and groundwater activities, and medium combustion plant and specified generators in Farnham, Surrey.

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 West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection suspended Bluestone Coal Corporation’s Poca surface mine permit due to numerous violations, including failures in reclamation, sediment and runoff control, and unlawful dumping. The mine, operated by the family of Senator Jim Justice, had received 13 notices of violation and 16 cessation orders in the past year. The suspension follows a federal directive to revoke the permit.

US-based Algaeo, founded by Nick Sokol, has developed a technology to produce organic fertilizers from microalgae. This reduces reliance on petroleum-based synthetic fertilizers, decreasing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Algaeo is part of the Innovation Crossroads program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, utilizing ORNL resources to optimize its fertilizer production.

Grenada: The Green Climate Fund, through GIZ, has approved a project to improve water resource management and resilience to climate change, benefiting over 100,000 people by 2024. This includes building 16 storm-proof water storage facilities and improving water efficiency. Renewable energy will also be implemented for the National Water and Sewerage Authority, co-financed by the BMU.

The Environment Agency in England is consulting the public on Sizewell C Limited’s application for an environmental permit to construct a highway drainage surface water headwall and remove an associated ash tree near the River Yox/Minsmere River. The works will take place on the south bank of the river, downstream of the A12 Yoxford road bridge.

US-based Plug Power has detailed its hydrogen production process, from water purification to liquefaction and distribution, emphasizing its use of proton exchange membrane-based electrolyzers and commitment to sustainable practices. The company has completed its first customer fill of liquid green hydrogen at its Georgia plant.

The US Congress passed several bills related to water conservation and drought preparedness. The Great Salt Lake Stewardship Act will divert funds to conserve Utah’s Great Salt Lake. The WATER Data Improvement Act will support U.S. Geological Survey programs tracking water availability. The Drought Preparedness Act reauthorizes the Bureau of Reclamation’s Drought Response Program. The America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act supports wildlife habitat restoration.

The US passed the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024, allowing NGOs to remediate polluted mines. The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act of 2024 designates these Florida waterways as estuaries of national significance, increasing protections and restoration efforts. The EXPLORE Act, improving public lands recreation access, awaits President Biden’s signature. The FISHES Act expedites federal disaster relief for fisheries.

The Environment Agency in England is consulting the public on an environmental permit application submitted by Mr Richard Geoghegan and Mrs Jane Skelton for waste and mining waste operations, installations, water discharge and groundwater activities, and medium combustion plant and specified generators at The Rosery, Basingstoke Road, Old Alresford, SO24 9DL.

UK-based Severn Trent Water Limited submitted an environmental permit application to the Environment Agency for Loggerheads Sanatorium Sewage Treatment Works. The application concerns water discharge and is subject to public consultation.