Climate Finance, News from Governments & More
India Green Steel Mission; ADNOC's 5-year AED 200 billion investment plan; UK Space Agency's funds new heat loss detection satellite; Indonesia's Biodiesel implementation plan from Jan 1
In this newsletter
Climate Finance -
China contributes to APEC
ADNOC to invest AED 200 billion over next 5 years
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Brazil funds weather recovery
UK Space Agency funds satellite for detecting heat loss
News from Governments
India Green Steel Mission
UK guidance on electronic waste management
Indonesia B40 Biodiesel implementation from Jan 1
Uzbekistan biodiversity project
EU clean air rules
Zimbabwe ban on riverbed mining
Research
Microscopic algae & climate change
Plastic impact of the apparel industry
Domestic EV supply chains will increase sulfur pollution by 20% in India & China
Climate Finance
China Funds APEC Digitalization for Green Transitions
(December 30)
China has voluntarily contributed USD 1,000,000 to the newly established sub-fund on promoting digitalization for green transitions for APEC initiatives that support policy exchange, information sharing and capacity building aimed at promoting digitalization and innovation towards sustainable economic growth including combating climate change. The contribution will provide additional resources for sustainable and digital economic development and covers priority areas including regional adoption of digital solutions and green technologies, the role of Artificial Intelligence in green transitions, and fostering an enabling ecosystem that supports innovation, entrepreneurship and investment as well as promoting the nexus between sustainable growth and digital transformation.
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
Colombia's La Mojana Wetlands Restoration Project
(December 30)
Colombia's "Mojana: Climate and Life" program, implemented by Fondo Adaptación, the Ministry of Environment, and UNDP with Green Climate Fund funding, aims to restore 40,000 hectares of wetlands and build community resilience to climate change impacts. The program integrates traditional Zenú water management with modern approaches, benefiting around 400,000 people and involving Indigenous-led initiatives to revive traditional knowledge and practices.
ADNOC's AED200 Billion Investment to Boost UAE Economy
(December 29)
The UAE's ADNOC plans to inject AED200 billion into the nation's economy over the next five years through its In-Country Value (ICV) Program. This initiative aims to boost economic growth and diversification, creating 5,500 jobs for UAE Nationals in 2024 alone and totaling 17,000 since 2018. ADNOC also supports the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy and the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative, with recent agreements totaling over AED720 million for local manufacturing.
Zayed Sustainability Prize 2025 Finalists Announced
(December 29)
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, based in the UAE, announced 33 finalists from 5,980 submissions across six categories (Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools). Winners, to be announced on January 14, 2025, will receive US$1 million (Climate Action categories) or up to US$150,000 (Global High Schools). The prize highlights innovative solutions addressing global challenges and supports sustainable development.
Brazil Funds Extreme Weather Recovery in Rio Grande do Sul
(December 29)
Brazil has allocated R$ 525.71 million to address the consequences of extreme weather events in Rio Grande do Sul. The funds will support emergency measures, reconstruction of the social assistance network, infrastructure recovery in various sectors (metrological control, agrarian settlements, and transportation), and financial aid for affected families. Specific allocations include R$ 168.26 million for the MDS, R$ 34.51 million for social assistance network reconstruction, R$ 13 million for Inmetro, R$ 57.98 million for Incra infrastructure, R$ 120.19 million for Incra credit operations, R$ 71.75 million for MIDR, and R$ 60 million for Trensurb.
UK Space Agency Funds Climate-Focused Space Technologies
(December 30)
The UK Space Agency's National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) has funded two projects that use space technology to address climate change. SatVu, a UK SME, received £5.9 million to develop a satellite-based system for detecting heat loss, which will help the UK reach its Net Zero ambitions. Northumbria University received £4.98 million to develop a laser-based communication system for small satellites, improving data transmission capacity and security for future mega-constellations. NSIP funding also leveraged significant additional investment, creating jobs and boosting the UK space sector.
LDCF/SCCF Council Meeting Progress Report on Climate Funds
(December 20)
The 37th LDCF/SCCF Council Meeting was held virtually on December 19-20, 2024. The meeting reviewed progress on the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and the Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF). As of September 30, 2024, total cumulative pledges to the LDCF amounted to $2,246.70 million, with $2,265.84 million received. The SCCF received cumulative pledges of $445.70 million, with $436.10 million received. Several projects were approved, totaling millions in funding for climate change adaptation in LDCs and SIDS.
the global environment facility
News from Governments
India's Green Steel Mission: Reducing Carbon Emissions in Steel Production
(December 30)
India's Ministry of Steel launched the Green Steel Mission with a budget of Rs 15000 Crore to reduce carbon emissions in the steel industry. The mission includes a PLI scheme for green steel, incentives for renewable energy use, and mandates for government agencies to purchase green steel. Additionally, two pilot projects to produce Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) using 100% hydrogen were awarded.
UK Guidance on EEE and WEEE Waste Management
(December 30)
The UK Environment Agency has published guidance on when electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) becomes waste (WEEE). The guidance clarifies the conditions under which EEE can be reused without becoming WEEE, outlining specific scenarios such as returns, householder sales, and charity donations. It also details requirements for managing WEEE, including assessment for hazardous substances and compliance with environmental permits.
Indonesia Prepares for B40 Biodiesel Implementation in 2025
(December 28)
Indonesia is preparing for the implementation of the B40 biodiesel program in 2025. The program aims to achieve energy security and support a green and sustainable Indonesia. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is overseeing the implementation, and Pertamina has prepared two main refineries to support B40 production. The estimated biodiesel need is 15.6 million kiloliters per year.
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia
Uzbekistan Biodiversity Project agreed at COP16
(December 13)
The UNDP and the Ministry of Ecology, Environment Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan signed a Statement of Intent in Riyadh on December 4, 2024, to cooperate on the GEF-8 Umbrella Programme. This program will support the update of Uzbekistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the 7th National Report to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The updated NBSAP will boost efforts to protect Uzbekistan’s natural environment and unique ecosystems.
EU adopts stricter air quality rules for cleaner air by 2030
(December 10)
The European Union has implemented a revised Ambient Air Quality Directive, cutting the annual limit value for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by more than half and setting stricter standards for twelve air pollutants. Member states have two years to adopt the necessary provisions, and the European Commission will provide further support. The directive aims to achieve zero pollution for air by 2050 and includes provisions for compensating those suffering health damages due to air pollution.
Zimbabwe bans riverbed mining, sets penalties
(November 29)
The Government of Zimbabwe has banned all alluvial mining operations due to environmental concerns and health risks. The new law, Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, imposes penalties of a minimum fine of US$5,000 or up to 12 months in prison for violators. The ban revokes all existing permits and licenses for riverbed and alluvial mining.
CNRG Zimbabwe | Link to Document published in the Gazette
Research
UNH Research Tracks Microscopic Algae's Role in Marine Ecosystems
(December 16)
University of New Hampshire researchers are studying the role of microscopic algae in marine ecosystems and their response to climate change. Their research, supported by various organizations including the National Science Foundation and National Marine Fisheries Service, focuses on phytoplankton dynamics, including the impact of microzooplankton on coccolithophore calcium carbonate and the effects of climate change on phytoplankton populations in the Gulf of Maine, one of the fastest-warming bodies of water globally. The research team uses a FlowCam to monitor phytoplankton species composition and abundance.
Apparel Industry Leaks Millions of Tons of Plastic into Environment
(December 16)
Researchers from UC Santa Barbara and North Carolina State University found that the global apparel industry leaked over 8.3 million tons of plastic into the environment in 2019, primarily from synthetic clothing. The study highlights the disproportionate environmental burden on developing economies due to unsustainable apparel consumption in high-income countries, emphasizing the need for a more circular framework and increased use of renewable textiles.
EV Transition: Air Pollution Hotspots in China and India
(December 12)
Researchers from Princeton University found that fully domesticating electric vehicle supply chains in China and India could increase sulfur dioxide emissions by up to 20%. The study highlights the need for stricter air pollution standards in battery manufacturing and exploring alternative battery chemistries to mitigate this issue. Both countries, already facing high air pollution levels, need to address this challenge proactively.
Telborg.com uses AI to make it easy to read verified Global Climate News. We focus on Climate Finance, Carbon Removal, Climate Policy and Synthetic Fuels.
Consolidated by Soumya Gupta (Twitter, LinkedIn).
