Welcome to last week’s edition of the CBKNY’s Weekly News Highlights.
We bring you the latest updates, insights, and innovations in the world of climate technology. Here's what made headlines last week.
- Climate Tech Startups Shift Focus to National Security | March 23, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal Facing reduced government support and investor pressure, climate tech startups like Magrathea Metals and Brimstone are repositioning their products to emphasize national security benefits over environmental impact. This strategic pivot aims to attract funding and market viability amid changing political and economic landscapes. 🔗 Read more
- Scientists Explore Artificial Snow to Preserve Glaciers | March 27, 2025 - MIT Technology Review Researchers are investigating the use of artificial snow to slow the melting of glaciers. By deploying snow machines to cover glaciers with artificial snow, they aim to reflect sunlight and reduce ice melt, potentially preserving these vital water sources threatened by climate change. 🔗 Read more
- South Korea Utilizes Favorable Weather to Combat Wildfires | March 28, 2025 - Reuters South Korea is leveraging improved weather conditions to contain deadly wildfires that have resulted in significant casualties and property damage. Authorities are intensifying firefighting efforts during this window of favorable weather to prevent further devastation. 🔗 Read more
- Global Renewable Energy Capacity Growth Falls Short of Targets | March 26, 2025 - Reuters Despite record growth in renewable energy capacity in 2024, the expansion remains insufficient to meet the 2030 targets. Analysts emphasize the need for accelerated investment and policy support to bridge the gap between current progress and future goals. 🔗 Read more
- China Expands Carbon Trading Market to Heavy Industries | March 26, 2025 - Reuters China is broadening its carbon trading market to include the steel, cement, and aluminum industries, adding approximately 1,500 companies to the system. This expansion aims to cover over 60% of the nation's emissions, encouraging major polluters to adopt cleaner technologies. 🔗 Read more
- Major Energy Firms Invest $714 Million in Carbon Storage Expansion | March 27, 2025 - Reuters Shell, Equinor, and TotalEnergies are collectively investing $714 million to expand carbon storage projects in Western Norway. This initiative follows a commercial agreement with Stockholm Exergi and represents a significant step in advancing carbon capture and storage solutions. 🔗 Read more
- GridPoint Secures $45 Million to Advance Building Decarbonization | March 27, 2025 - ESG Today Energy management technology company GridPoint has raised $45 million to support the expansion of its platform aimed at decarbonizing commercial buildings and enhancing grid stability. The funding will facilitate international growth and further development of energy optimization solutions. 🔗 Read more
- Airbus Reaffirms Commitment to Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft | March 26, 2025 - ESG Today Airbus has reiterated its dedication to developing hydrogen-powered aircraft, selecting fuel cell technology as the preferred propulsion method for its upcoming zero-emission planes. This commitment underscores the aviation industry's efforts to reduce carbon emissions through innovative technologies. 🔗 Read more
- California Bill Seeks to Expand State's Emissions Authority | March 27, 2025 - E&E News A proposed California bill aims to broaden the state's regulatory authority over indirect emissions sources, such as warehouses and ports. The legislation intends to address pollution from these facilities, which contribute significantly to the state's overall emissions. 🔗 Read more
- Unlocking the True Potential of Carbon Markets | March 26, 2025 - Cipher News Experts highlight three key strategies to enhance the effectiveness of carbon markets: improving transparency, standardizing methodologies, and implementing robust regulations. These measures are essential to build trust and drive meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. 🔗 Read more
- Massachusetts Advances V2X Technology for Grid Resilience | March 24, 2025 - Canary Media Massachusetts is promoting vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, enabling electric vehicles to interact with the power grid as energy storage resources. This initiative aims to enhance grid resilience and support the integration of renewable energy sources. 🔗 Read more
- Paris Agreement's Crediting Mechanism Approves First Project | March 24, 2025 - Trellis The United Nations' new carbon crediting mechanism under the Paris Agreement has approved its first project, focusing on cookstove distribution in Myanmar. While marking a milestone, some experts question the project's methodologies and call for rigorous standards to ensure environmental integrity. 🔗 Read more
- Commonwealth Fusion Systems Achieves Key Reactor Construction Milestone | March 25, 2025 - TechCrunch Commonwealth Fusion Systems, backed by Bill Gates, has reached a significant milestone in constructing its SPARC fusion reactor. This progress brings the company closer to demonstrating net energy gain from fusion, a critical step toward commercializing fusion energy. 🔗 Read more
- Revel Opens First EV Fast Charging Hub in San Francisco | March 24, 2025 - TechCrunch Revel has launched its first West Coast electric vehicle fast-charging hub in San Francisco's Mission District. The facility features 12 publicly accessible DC fast chargers, supporting the city's goal to electrify 25% of private vehicles by 2030.🔗 Read more
- Innovative Wind Turbine Tower Design Enhances Efficiency | March 26, 2025 - IEEE Spectrum Engineers have developed a new wind turbine tower design that utilizes advanced materials and construction techniques to increase height and efficiency. This innovation aims to capture stronger winds at higher altitudes, boosting energy production. 🔗 Read more
- The Saya de Malha Bank: A Hidden Climate Asset | March 25, 2025 - Inside Climate News The Saya de Malha Bank, the world's largest submerged ocean bank, plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration and marine biodiversity. Scientists emphasize the need to protect this underexplored area to maintain its climate-regulating functions. 🔗 Read more
- Texas Embraces Nuclear Renaissance Amid Energy Transition | March 25, 2025 - Inside Climate News Texas is witnessing a renewed interest in nuclear power as part of its energy transition strategy. New policies and investments aim to develop advanced nuclear reactors to provide reliable, low-carbon energy and support the state's growing electricity demand. 🔗 Read more
- Farmers Face Uncertainty as Clean Energy Grants Shift | March 26, 2025 - Floodlight News Farmers in traditionally conservative regions were relying on federal clean energy grants to diversify income and adopt sustainable practices. However, recent policy changes have altered funding priorities, leaving many in financial uncertainty. 🔗 Read more
- SEC Drops Legal Defense of Climate Disclosure Rule | March 28, 2025 - ESG News The Securities and Exchange Commission has ceased defending its climate disclosure rules amid mounting legal challenges. This decision casts uncertainty over the future of mandatory carbon emissions reporting for companies. 🔗 Read more
- Type One Energy Releases Unified Fusion Power Plant Design | March 27, 2025 - Climate Insider Type One Energy has unveiled the first realistic, unified design basis for a fusion power plant. This development provides a comprehensive framework for future fusion energy facilities, aiming to accelerate the path to commercial fusion power. 🔗 Read more
- Schneider Electric to Invest Over $700 Million in U.S. Energy and AI Sectors | March 26, 2025 - Climate Insider Schneider Electric plans to invest more than $700 million in its U.S. operations by 2027, focusing on enhancing energy infrastructure and integrating artificial intelligence. The initiative is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs nationwide. 🔗 Read more
- Apple Launches $99 Million Clean Energy Fund in China | March 26, 2025 - Climate Insider Apple has initiated a $99 million clean energy fund to finance renewable energy projects across China. This move aligns with the company's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and builds upon its previous investments in the region. 🔗 Read more
- Top 3 Pure-Play Battery Stocks to Watch in 2025 | March 26, 2025 - Carbon Credits Investors are eyeing three pure-play battery companies poised for significant growth in 2025. These firms are leading advancements in energy storage technology, crucial for the expanding electric vehicle and renewable energy markets. 🔗 Read more
- National Bank of Canada Targets $20 Billion in Renewable Energy Lending by 2030 | March 27, 2025 - Carbon Credits The National Bank of Canada has set a goal to allocate $20 billion toward renewable energy projects by 2030. This commitment underscores the bank's dedication to supporting sustainable development and combating climate change. 🔗 Read more
