Based on the provided web search results, here’s a comprehensive reply focusing on the key points related to emissions, targets, and initiatives:
The global push for net-zero emissions is gaining momentum, notably in Asia, as highlighted by the UNFCCC event “The Race to Zero Emissions Accelerates in Asia.” This event, launched by YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, economic Planning Unit, discussed climate issues in the local landscape and the latest updates on the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi). Organizations are being encouraged to decarbonize by 2050 to achieve net zero.
The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has reported significant progress in its 2021 Progress report. Companies with science-based targets saw a record reduction in emissions, with an average decrease of 29% in combined scope 1 and 2 emissions between 2015 and 2020. This represents the biggest emissions reduction to date for companies with approved targets.
However, there are concerns about the integrity of net-zero targets. A recent check revealed that one-third of companies dropped by the SBTi for failing to meet net-zero target validations are from the Asia Pacific region. This raises alarm bells among sustainable finance advocates who worry it may open the door to deregulation.in other developments, the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) has indicated that electrification in the chemical sector could be doubled or even quadrupled depending on the pathways, with up to 90% of current processes potentially connected to clean power sources to decarbonize.
French energy giant TotalEnergies increased its annual spend on carbon credits by 2% year-on-year to $49 million in 2024, according to its financial results published recently. Additionally, a French startup has partnered with a carbon storage firm to launch France’s first bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) project.
Simultaneously occurring, another major European fossil fuel producer has cut its clean energy targets, following similar moves by BP and Shell last year. This trend is concerning for those advocating for more aggressive climate action.
The UK government is taking steps to facilitate the construction of small modular reactors (SMR) to keep the country on track for net zero with nuclear power. The government is “ripping up archaic planning rules” and overriding local resident complaints to allow the first SMRs to be built.
In the Americas, particularly in California, efforts are underway to promote low-carbon initiatives. the state is leading the way in sustainable practices and policies,which are crucial for meeting broader climate goals.
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Impacts on Biodiversity and Climate Projects Worldwide
There are growing concerns about the impacts on biodiversity and climate projects worldwide, with some weighing options to bridge the funding gap amid fears that recent moves could foreshadow a permanent cut to aid for nature conservation.
The agricultural industry has destroyed biodiversity over an area of 55 million square kilometers across its supply chain, according to a report by CDC Biodiversite.
A Colombian developer and asset manager plans to put up to 30,000 biodiversity credits generated within a marine conservation project in Zanzibar up for sale later this year, the company told Carbon Pulse.
A group of global NGOs has included funding biodiversity credits among the steps that the EU Commission should take to mobilize financing under the bloc’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform.
An England-based nature tech company released a framework on Tuesday aimed at steering private organizations to invest in nature, including a hierarchy of metrics to measure the recovery of ecosystems.
Events
India Climate Week – Feb. 3-7, New Delhi
The Carbon Markets Association of India (CMAI) is launching India Climate Week at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. This event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and climate action advocates to discuss carbon markets, green technologies, and India’s Net Zero path. Highlights include panel discussions on emerging climate trends, a two-day certification workshop on carbon markets by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), the launch of India SAF and EPR Alliance, and field visits to CBG and Article 6 technologies.The event will feature Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, and Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Power. Register here.
Carbon Forward
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2025 advertising Brochure and Media Pack
Table of Contents
- 2025 advertising Brochure and Media Pack
- New Office for large-Scale Commercial Implementation
- Green Takeoff: athens International airport
- Carbon Cost relief for British Steel
- SCIENCE & TECH
- AND FINALLY…
- Interview with James Hansen on Climate Change
- Q: Can you summarize your recent analysis on global heating and its implications?
- Q: What policy measures do you propose to mitigate the impacts of climate change?
- Q: Do you believe geoengineering could play a role in combating climate change?
- Q: How do you envision the transition to a low-carbon economy?
- Q: What message do you have for policymakers and the public?
- Conclusion
We are excited to present our 2025 advertising brochure and media pack, featuring updated offerings and prices. With that, bookings are now open for advertising on our website and in our newsletters.
BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Blue carbon Competition – Two global conservation organizations, the Nature Conservancy and conservation International, have launched Blue Carbon Plus (BC+), an initiative aimed at developing regenerative business models that support coastal conservation. The initiative is partnering with Hatch Blue, a global aquaculture accelerator, to run the BC+ Challenge, a competition to support early-stage projects that contribute to blue carbon ecosystem conservation. The BC+ Challenge is currently seeking applications until April 1, 2025, for the competition’s first iteration. The challenge is split into three mini-competitions, offering $50,000 in grant funding for one team in each category: Pilot Stage, Scaling Stage, and Community-led Enterprise. The competition will take place May 5-9, 2025, on-site in Singapore.
EMEA
Council of the Willing – The UK government’s ‘Net Zero Council’ met to agree on a series of priorities for 2025-26, the government saeid in a statement Wednesday. Leaders from major businesses, civil society, and local authorities backed the UK government’s pro-growth and clean energy superpower missions, with a plan to help sectors accelerate to net zero and support thousands of jobs. Co-chaired by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Co-operative Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq,the Council also includes Siemens,Nestlé,and HSBC. The Council now wants to focus on providing expert input to inform government strategies relating to net zero; supporting the development and delivery of sector roadmaps; helping businesses to develop transition plans and investors to identify opportunities; and supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises.
If you have any additional information or need further updates, please let me know!Here’s a cleaned-up and structured version of the text:
New Office for large-Scale Commercial Implementation
A new office is being established to support large-scale commercial implementation of proven products and services.This initiative is expected to considerably boost sales and customer support for European concrete and steel manufacturers.
Green Takeoff: athens International airport
Athens International Airport (AIA) is poised to become the first airport in europe to meet 100% of its energy needs from renewable sources, without relying on guarantees of origin or carbon offsets. This transition is part of AIA’s “route 2025” initiative,which aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions 25 years ahead of the 2050 target set by European airports.
- Current Status: The renewable energy project is in an advanced stage of construction and will fully power the Greek airport’s operations.
- Existing Installations: AIA commissioned a 16 MWp PV park in March 2023, covering 210,000 square meters, which, along with an existing 8 MWp installation, supplies approximately 45% of the airport’s electricity needs.
- Next Phase: Adding a 35.5 MWp PV system with an 82 MWh battery energy storage system, scheduled for completion in the second half of 2025.
Carbon Cost relief for British Steel
Three trade unions have put forward plans to ensure British Steel’s blast furnaces in Scunthorpe continue operating throughout the transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) and low-carbon steelmaking. They emphasize the need for the government to provide relief from carbon costs under the UK Emissions Trading System (UK ETS).
- Trade Union Stance: “Thousands of jobs and primary steelmaking cannot be lost becuase carbon costs rule out British Steel pursuing a sensible and just transition to low-carbon steelmaking,” said Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, national officer at trade union GMB.
This structured format highlights the key points and initiatives discussed in the original text.Here’s a summary of the key points from the provided text:
- Eneos and Nippo Partnership:
– Eneos started selling carbon offset-linked fuels in 2024 and has added asphalt to its sales list.
– Nippo will use Eneos’ asphalt products featuring Gold Standard-certified credits starting from FY2025.- No financial details were disclosed.
- Drought Risk in Planted Forests (China):
– A study found that planted forests in China face a higher risk of drought compared to natural ones.
– Planted forests, particularly in subtropical and warm temperate regions, show lower drought resistance and resilience.
– Recommendations include preserving natural forests and increasing structural diversity in planted areas.
- Singapore Airlines and Aether Fuels Agreement:
– Singapore Airlines Group will source sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Aether Fuels.
– The agreement is for five years with an option for a five-year extension.
– Aether will first supply neat SAF, which will be blended with jet fuel for Singapore Airlines and scoot.
– Supply begins when Aether starts production.
- Blue Carbon Satellite (South Korea):
– Telepix launched BlueBON, a satellite for monitoring blue carbon data.- BlueBON is equipped with a multispectral camera for efficient observation of marine ecosystems.
- Telepix plans to use the data to enter carbon markets.
- Clean Truck Delay (Americas):
- Oregon lawmakers introduced House Bill 3119, which delays the implementation and enforcement of certain environmental regulations by the Department of Environmental Quality.
SCIENCE & TECH
Worst-case scenario – New analysis by climate scientist James hansen concludes the pace of global heating to be vastly underestimated and the 2C target to be “dead”, and calls for a carbon fee and dividend policy to be instated to avoid tipping points, as well as the potential use of geoengineering to block sunlight. Under such a carbon fee,all fossil fuels would be taxed and the revenue returned to the public,Hansen suggested in the study. The research tries to account for the extreme temperatures over the last two years, which cannot fully be explained by burning of fossil fuels and the el Nino climate cycle, finding that recent cuts in sun-blocking shipping pollution have raised temperatures and the climate has also been more sensitive to increasing fossil fuel emissions. The group’s results are at the high end of estimates from mainstream climate science but cannot be ruled out,autonomous experts said. If correct, they mean even worse extreme weather will come sooner and there is a greater risk of passing global tipping points, such as the collapse of the critical Atlantic ocean currents.(the Guardian)
AND FINALLY…
From cubicles to crops – With office vacancies reaching as high as 25% in some cities, start-ups are transforming empty spaces into indoor farms, growing produce such as kale, cucumbers, and herbs, BBC news reported. In Calgary, Canada, a section of the iconic Calgary Tower has been converted into a 6,000-square-metre farm, demonstrating the potential### Urban Agriculture: Repurposing Underutilized Commercial Real Estate
the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light significant vulnerabilities in global supply chains, prompting a surge in investments in vertical farming. This innovative approach to agriculture involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often in controlled indoor environments. As cities grapple with the challenge of revitalizing vacant office buildings, urban farming emerges as a practical and sustainable solution.Vertical farming offers numerous advantages over conventional farming methods. One of the most compelling benefits is the dramatic reduction in water usage. According to market analysis, vertical farming can use up to 95% less water than conventional farming techniques. This efficiency is crucial in an era were water scarcity is an increasing concern.
Moreover, vertical farms can produce higher crop yields per square foot compared to traditional farms. This increased productivity is due to the controlled environments that allow for year-round crop cultivation, regardless of external weather conditions. The proximity of these farms to urban centers also reduces transportation costs and carbon emissions associated with food distribution.
However, vertical farming is not without its challenges. High energy demands and zoning restrictions are significant hurdles that need to be addressed. Despite these obstacles, the potential for vertical farming to disrupt the food and agriculture sector is substantial. Market projections indicate that the vertical farming market is expected to reach $5.05 billion by 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.61% from 2023 to 2033.
In the United States, companies like 80 Acres have already started converting vacant office spaces into indoor farms. For instance, in September 2024, 80 Acres developed a 200,000-sq-ft facility inside a former office building in Hamilton, Ohio. Such initiatives not only address the issue of underutilized commercial real estate but also contribute to local economies by creating jobs and reducing food miles.
### Summary of Vertical Farming Benefits and Challenges
| Aspect | Benefit | Challenge |
|————————-|————————————————————————-|————————————————|
| Water Use | Up to 95% less water usage compared to conventional farming | High energy demands for operation |
| Crop Yield | Higher yields per square foot due to controlled environments | Zoning restrictions and regulatory hurdles |
| Distribution | Reduced transportation costs and carbon emissions | Initial setup costs and technological requirements|
| Economic Impact | Job creation and local economic stimulation | Financial sustainability of early ventures |
vertical farming presents a promising solution for repurposing underutilized commercial real estate. While challenges exist, the long-term benefits and market growth potential make it an attractive option for investors and city planners alike.As urbanization continues to rise, the integration of vertical farming into cityscapes could be a key component in creating sustainable and resilient food systems.
Interview with James Hansen on Climate Change
Recently, we had the possibility to sit down with renowned climate scientist Dr.James Hansen to discuss his latest findings and recommendations on climate change. Here’s a detailed account of our conversation:
Q: Can you summarize your recent analysis on global heating and its implications?
James Hansen: My recent analysis suggests that the pace of global heating has been vastly underestimated. We are currently on a trajectory that makes the 2°C target essentially “dead.” This means that we need to take immediate and drastic action to avoid crossing critical tipping points.
Q: What policy measures do you propose to mitigate the impacts of climate change?
James Hansen: I advocate for the implementation of a carbon fee and dividend policy. this would involve taxing all fossil fuels and returning the revenue to the public. This approach incentivizes the reduction of carbon emissions while providing economic relief to the populace.
Q: Do you believe geoengineering could play a role in combating climate change?
James Hansen: Geoengineering, specifically methods that block sunlight, could potentially be used as a last resort to mitigate some of the impacts of global heating.However, it’s crucial to remember that these are temporary solutions and do not address the root cause of the problem, which is the excessive burning of fossil fuels.
Q: How do you envision the transition to a low-carbon economy?
James hansen: The transition to a low-carbon economy will require significant investments in renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and carbon capture technologies. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in this transition.
Q: What message do you have for policymakers and the public?
james Hansen: My message is one of urgency and hope. We are at a critical juncture, but with bold action, we can still avoid the worst impacts of climate change. policymakers must take decisive action, and the public must demand that action be taken. Together, we can create a sustainable future.
Conclusion
Dr.James Hansen’s insights underscore the urgency of addressing climate change through immediate and thorough action. His call for a carbon fee and dividend policy and the potential use of geoengineering offers a roadmap for mitigating the worst impacts of global heating. As we move forward, it is essential to integrate these recommendations into our collective efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
For more information, you can read Dr. Hansen’s analysis in the [[1]], [[2]], [[3]].
