Global Climate News

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 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.

South Africa's eThekwini Municipality banned fishing activities in the Umngeni Estuary due to severe sewage discharge near the mouth of the Umngeni River. The decision followed a Coastal Compliance Notice issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), citing pollution and E. coli levels. The municipality is investigating the sewage discharge and will repair damaged infrastructure.

Researchers are developing various bio-based methods to degrade PFAS, including silk-based membranes (MIT), fungi (Texas A&M), and PFAS-eating microbes (Northern University, Princeton). These methods aim for sustainable and low-cost solutions to remediate PFAS contamination in soil and water, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical treatments.

Taiwan plans to invest NT$807.7 billion over the next eight years to reduce its national water leakage rate to 10%, in line with advanced countries. The government aims to achieve this by investing in smart water grid management and upgrading infrastructure.

Poland's BYTOMSKIE PRZEDSIĘBIORSTWO KOMUNALNE SPÓŁKA Z O.O. is building solar photovoltaic farms at three wastewater treatment plants and a pumping station in Bytom. The project, partially funded by the Just Transition Fund, involves design, construction, and connection of photovoltaic installations, energy storage, and heat pumps. Three lots are available with varying deadlines and financial guarantees (120,000, 190,000, and 280,000 PLN).

US-based MIT engineers have developed a new nanofiltration membrane technology to recover aluminum ions from cryolite waste in aluminum production. The membrane selectively captures more than 99 percent of aluminum ions, reducing waste and enabling a circular economy for aluminum. This reduces the need for new mining and improves the environmental quality of waste generated by aluminum plants.

The UK government, through the Environment Agency and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, published guidance on risk assessments for environmental permits. The guidance details when risk assessments are required, who is responsible for conducting them, and how to perform them, including considerations for protected sites and species and various emission types.

A study by researchers from Florida International University and other institutions has simulated the effects of sea level rise on the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem in Florida. Their models predict substantial deterioration of ecosystem services by 2050, including inundation of boat ramps and spoil islands, and a decline in seagrass distribution. By 2100, even more severe impacts are projected.

Spain-based CIRCULAR BIOCARBON project, coordinated by Urbaser and Zaragoza City Council, inaugurated a biorefinery in Zaragoza to transform sewage sludge and organic waste into biopolymers, biofertilizers, and green graphene. The biorefinery aims to reduce waste sent to landfills and boost sustainable waste treatment processes, creating economic and environmental benefits for Zaragoza and the region. A second biorefinery line is being set up in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, to test the model’s replicability across Europe.

Czech scientists from Mendel University in Brno have developed highly efficient algae for removing fertilizer and pharmaceutical residues from water. These algae are grown in bioreactors, and lab experiments show promising results for water purification.

The City of Pasco, Washington, expanded its Process Water Reuse Facility for $180 million, a project that involved mitigating impacts on the burrowing owl population. The mitigation plan included pre-construction surveys, habitat protection, and the creation of artificial burrows. Three pairs of owls successfully raised young in 2024.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) received over 21 international awards in 2024 for its initiatives in sustainable agriculture, food security, and technology. These awards recognize ADAFSA's innovative projects on water recycling, digital platforms for food trade and agricultural monitoring, and community engagement programs. ADAFSA's efforts contribute to Abu Dhabi's food security goals and sustainable development.

The Environment Agency in England has issued an environmental permit (EPR/HP3632TS/V005) to Thames Water Utilities Limited for the Crawley Sludge Treatment Centre in West Sussex. The permit is issued under the Industrial Emissions Directive.

The Environment Agency in England issued an environmental permit (EPR/LP3593VN/C007) to Anglian Water Services Limited for the Cliff Quay Sludge Treatment Centre in Ipswich. The permit and decision document are available online.

The Environment Agency in England has issued an environmental permit (EPR/VP3730GB/V005) to Yorkshire Water Services Limited for their Mitchell Laithes Sludge Treatment Facility in Dewsbury. The permit was issued under the Industrial Emissions Directive.

The Environment Agency in England has issued an environmental permit (EPR/YP3430LL/V006) to Thames Water Utilities Limited for the Beddington Sludge Treatment Centre in Surrey. This permit is under the Industrial Emissions Directive.

The Environment Agency in England is consulting the public on Mr. Richard Adams' environmental permit application for Deben Lodge and Honeypot Cottage in Falkenham, Ipswich. The application concerns waste and mining waste operations, installations, water discharge and groundwater activities, and medium combustion plant and specified generators.

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.