Environmental News
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With new climate plans, countries could supercharge growth, fight poverty, say experts
Economic Growth and Job Creation:
The shift to clean energy is considered a monumental business opportunity, with 2024 seeing investments in climate-friendly energy projects reach $2.1 trillion. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 could elevate global GDP by 7% and generate 14 million clean energy jobs.
Health Benefits:
Reducing emissions can decrease the frequency of extreme weather events, which have resulted in over 2 million deaths and $4.3 trillion in economic losses over the past five decades. Proactive climate measures could prevent an estimated 14.5 million deaths and save $12.5 trillion in economic losses.
Environmental Protection:
Climate change and biodiversity loss are interconnected challenges. Sustainable ecosystem management, including efforts like reducing deforestation and promoting reforestation, could contribute approximately 20% of the emission reductions needed by 2030 to meet Paris Agreement targets. Additionally, restoring 15% of degraded land and halting further conversion could prevent up to 60% of expected species extinctions.
Cost Savings:
Implementing energy efficiency measures could lead to global household savings of $201 billion on electricity and gas by 2040. Transitioning to renewable energy often proves more economical than relying on fossil fuels; for instance, Canada could save up to 15 billion Canadian dollars annually by achieving net-zero electricity grids by 2050, equating to household savings of 1,500 Canadian dollars each year.
Climate Action Will Unleash Huge Benefits for India's People and Economy: UN Climate Chief Delivers Keynote Speech in Delhi
Stiell highlights India’s remarkable progress, noting that the country is already a “solar superpower” with over 100 gigawatts of solar capacity and a total of 200 gigawatts of renewable energy installed. He emphasizes that India’s early success in electrifying villages and its leadership in clean energy provide a strong foundation to further expand renewable capacity, create new jobs, and boost economic growth. According to Stiell, robust climate plans—particularly enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions that integrate both emissions cuts and growth objectives—are essential to capitalize on these opportunities.
Source: UNFCCC
US: EPA chief seeks to claw back $20bn in climate funding
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to reverse contracts made by the previous administration that would have distributed $20 billion in grants for clean energy and transportation projects in disadvantaged communities. The funding—part of the Biden EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund set up under the Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure bill—was meant to kickstart projects over the next seven years, reducing up to 40 million metric tons of climate pollution annually .
Zeldin criticized the grant disbursement as a “rush job with reduced oversight” and is calling on the Inspector General, Congress, and the Justice Department to help end agreements with eight regional organizations that were set up as financial agents for these funds . This move aligns with past efforts by the Trump-era EPA to freeze or cut funding related to climate change and environmental justice, though critics, including Democratic lawmakers like Senator Patty Murray, argue that such changes should require Congressional approval.
Source: Carbon Brief
Micro-nano plastics Make Other Pollutants More Dangerous to Plants and Intestinal Cells
The micro‐ and nanoscale plastic particles in soil and water can greatly boost the uptake of toxic chemicals by both plants and human intestinal cells. Two new Rutgers Health studies provide the evidence:
- In one study published in Nano Impact, lettuce exposed simultaneously to nanoscale plastics and pollutants (for example, arsenic) absorbed considerably more toxins than when exposed to the pollutants alone.
- A companion study published in the journal Microplastics found that human intestinal tissue showed similar increased uptake of toxic substances when plastics were present.
Together, these findings suggest that as plastics break down into micro- and nanoscale particles, they not only persist in the environment but also act as carriers that enhance the absorption of other harmful chemicals. This could create a cycle of contamination in our food chain, posing heightened risks for diseases—especially among vulnerable populations.
Source: Environmental News Network
China’s Reliance on Coal Undermines ‘Unprecedented Pace’ of Clean Energy Production: Report
China’s fast-growing renewable energy sector is being undermined by a simultaneous, large-scale expansion in coal power. According to a new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and Global Energy Monitor (GEM), China added an “unprecedented” 356 gigawatts of solar and wind capacity in 2024, nearly matching the entire U.S. capacity for the year. However, this clean energy boom is counterbalanced by the approval and construction of massive new coal projects—66.7 GW of approved capacity, 94.5 GW under construction, plus resumed projects—that could lock the country into long-term fossil fuel dependence.
The report points out that outdated power purchase agreements, established for energy security since 2020, mandate minimum coal purchases by local governments. This arrangement has led to an unexpected decline in renewable energy utilization later in 2024, with solar output dropping and wind curtailment rising. Experts warn that these factors, driven by industry interests rather than actual grid needs, are preventing a true energy transition and instead fostering an “energy addition” model that continues to favor coal.
In essence, despite being the world’s largest renewable energy producer and pledging to peak carbon emissions before the decade’s end with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2060, China’s simultaneous coal investments could jeopardize its clean energy ambitions unless urgent policy reforms are implemented.
Source: Eco Watch
Arctic meltdown" is already changing Earth in unimaginable ways
Despite global commitments like the 2016 Paris Agreement pledge to keep warming under 1.5°C, the planet’s temperature surpassed that mark in 2024. Key points include:
Accelerated Warming: Global temperatures have increased faster than anticipated, largely because the Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the world. The rapid loss of sea ice exposes dark ocean water, which absorbs more sunlight and creates a feedback loop that speeds up warming.
Thawing Permafrost: As the Arctic warms, permafrost is melting and releasing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and methane. This release of greenhouse gases further intensifies global warming, echoing the emissions of industrialized nations.
Global Impacts: The melting Arctic ice is not an isolated issue—it is reshaping weather patterns worldwide. The effects include intensified storms, longer and more extreme heat waves, and increased risks of droughts and wildfires. Coastal communities face additional challenges from rising sea levels and altered marine ecosystems, while newly accessible Arctic shipping routes and fossil fuel reserves may spark geopolitical tensions.
Future Projections and Urgency: Current policies could lead to an average warming of 2.7°C by the end of the century. This scenario poses severe economic, social, and environmental challenges, highlighting the urgent need for both mitigation of emissions and adaptive strategies at global, national, and local levels.
Source: Earth.Com
How to counter the deadly scourge of air pollution
Health and Economic Impact:
A recent WHO study shows that cancer rates among non-smokers are rising, a trend partly attributed to air pollution. Airborne contaminants are linked to around 8 million premature deaths annually and cost the global economy over US$8 trillion each year.
Pathways to Improvement:
Despite these staggering statistics, experts emphasize that effective solutions exist. By making targeted investments and enforcing robust clean-air laws, nations can significantly reduce pollution levels and improve public health.
Plastic pollution negotiations adjourn with new text and a follow-up session planned
The UNEP-hosted the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC- 5) in Busan, South Korea, which concluded with
progress on a draft “INC Chair’s Text” for a global treaty on plastic pollution. Delegates from over 170 nations discussed reducing pollution throughout
the plastic life cycle but faced unresolved issues requiring further negotiation in 2025. This treaty aims to address marine and terrestrial pollution comprehensively. UNEP emphasized the urgency of tackling plastic pollution to safeguard ecosystems and health.
COP16 to Address Global Land Degradation and Desertification Begins in Saudi Arabia
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focuses on combating land degradation, drought, and desertification, crucial for tackling climate change. The UN emphasizes restoring 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030, requiring an estimated $2.6 trillion investment. Experts stress the interconnection of land degradation, biodiversity loss, and global warming. Saudi Arabia, a desert nation, leads restoration efforts with plans to rehabilitate millions of hectares. Holistic and collaborative actions are deemed essential to achieving global climate and environmental goals.
Source: Eco Watch
Urban biodiversity is not a luxury – it is attainable for everyone
The article highlights that urban biodiversity is not limited to wealthy communities, challenging the “luxury effect” Researchers propose the POSE framework (Power, Objectives, Social/Ecological context, Effort) to show how collective actions, such as planting native species or creating green spaces, can enhance biodiversity regardless of economic status. The study emphasizes community collaboration and urban planning as essential tools for integrating biodiversity into cityscapes, making it accessible to all.
Source: Earth.com
NAERLS advocates insurance for farmers against climate change
The National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services (NAERLS) emphasizes the need for insurance to protect Nigerian farmers against climate change its impacts. It advocates funding for climate-resilient practices, affordable inputs, and better insurance coverage. This approach aims to
encourage adoption of sustainable farming practices while mitigating risks from climate-related disasters, such as erratic rainfall and rising temperatures. NAERLS also calls for collaboration with research institutions to develop local innovations that enhance food security and livelihoods.
Source: Enviro News
Nigeria, Netherlands develop oil & gas emissions methane tracker
The Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with the Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) and support from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
are spearheading the development of a methane tracker to curb greenhouse gas emissions in its oil and gas sector.
Source: Nature News
