Carbon Emissions








Asia

North America

Environment

Microsoft announces a large carbon removal agreement to support AtmosClear Louisiana project

Microsoft announced on Tuesday that it had signed a contract in Louisiana for a project which would remove 6,75 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide within 15 years. Microsoft claims this is the largest permanent carbon removal project ever undertaken. Microsoft's greenhouse gases emissions last year were 29.1% more than the 2020 levels due to a growing demand for energy in artificial intelligence applications. It reported greenhouse gas emission of 17.2 millions tons annually at the end 2023. AtmosClear, a company that specializes in carbon capture, is developing a bioenergy project at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. The project...

Climate Change

Trump Administration cancels $3 billion climate-friendly agriculture program

After a review, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it has canceled a program worth $3 billion for climate-smart agriculture projects. The program did not match the priorities of President Trump's administration. Donald Trump has tried to cut back on other climate initiatives approved under the former administration of Joe Biden. This includes a $20 billion program that funds projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the USDA's website, The Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities has allocated $3 billion for 135 projects across all 50 states that encourage soil health, carbon sequestration and reduced methane emission. Some of...

Environment

White House budget proposal eliminates NOAA climate research

According to a draft White House Budget document, the administration of Donald Trump wants to eliminate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration arm that oversees climate change research and redirect the U.S. Fisheries Service to support energy development. According to the proposal, these moves are part a plan that aims to drastically reduce NOAA, cutting funding by approximately $1.67 billion or 27%. Under the proposal, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, also known as NOAA Research would be closed, along with funding of $480 million for regional climate information, agency laboratories and cooperative institutes among other programs. NOAA is...

Carbon Emissions

U.S. renters are afraid of higher rents and eviction because of energy-efficient homes

Focus of policymakers on emissions from buildings and homes Renters are concerned that home renovations could lead to displacement Pennsylvania protects tenants with green push By Carey L Biron As homes and buildings contribute more than one-third of the U.S. greenhouse gases, policymakers are now pushing landlords for weatherization, energy efficiency improvements and replacing old fossil fuel appliances. There is growing concern, however, that these incentives may also encourage landlords to increase rents or evict tenants under the pretext of eco-friendly upgrades. Rent regulations and other protections are needed to keep tenants in their homes. Federal funding of tens of...

Carbon Emissions

Santander and BNDES support Mombak reforestation by drawing on Brazil Climate Fund

Mombak, a Brazilian startup that specializes in reforestation, announced on Monday it had secured 100 million reais (17.8 million dollars) from Santander Brasil, and the Brazilian Development Bank BNDES. The company is aiming to grow rapidly in the market for carbon removal. Mombak, a company that buys land from farmers or ranchers to restore it to its original state in the Amazon Rainforest, and partners with them, will be first to receive funding for reforestation projects with the support of Brazil's New Climate Fund. The Brazilian government announced the initiative to finance climate related projects in 2023. Santander will act...

Fossil Fuels

Canada gas prices fall after removal of carbon tax

The government removed the consumer carbon tax that was in place since 2019 on Tuesday, resulting in a sharp drop of gasoline prices across Canada. Mark Carney, Canada's new Prime Minister, signed an order removing the Justin Trudeau era consumer carbon taxes on his first official day in office. He declared that the decision will help Canadians who are struggling to make ends meet. The Conservatives had been campaigning against the tax for years. GasBuddy, a fuel market tracker, reported that fuel prices in eight provinces fell by more than six cents a litre after taxation was officially ended on...

Energy Markets

Japan's bank lobby chair suggests that tariff-hit companies may require business turnaround financing.

The head of Japan's banking lobby has said that Japanese banks might need to provide business turnaround assistance to companies affected by tariffs imposed on them by Donald Trump's administration. This week, many large Japanese companies, including major exporters, manufacturers and suppliers, will be facing U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, as well as a 25% duty on imported cars and small trucks. In an interview, Junichi Hanzawa said, "We believe tariffs could result in a decline in corporate earnings." Hanzawa said, "We'll have to see if this burdens employment and wages and becomes a burden on companies and...

Energy Markets

Dow and X-energy apply for a nuclear construction permit in Texas

The companies announced on Monday that Dow Chemical and X-energy Reactor Company had submitted a permit application to Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a proposed project at Seadrift in Texas. Why is it important? In recent years, the U.S. Nuclear Industry has experienced challenges with expansion. However, the industry is now experiencing a boom in demand due to the power-intensive nature of data centers, and the shift towards low-emission, alternative energy sources. Small modular reactors are becoming more popular among companies. They are compact, cost-effective and faster to construct than full-sized nuclear reactors which can take years to build. The project...

Environment

Amazon will sell carbon credits to customers and suppliers

Amazon, the U.S. retailer, has announced that it will begin selling carbon credits, which are used to offset climate-damaging emissions, to its business customers, suppliers and other companies. The launch coincides with a heated debate among companies, scientists and project developers about how carbon credits can be used by companies to reduce their emissions. The retailer stated that it uses industry-leading standards for its credit checks and supports the development of rigorous standards when existing checks are inadequate. Amazon is the first company to sell credits. However, it has participated in efforts to establish industry standards, and invested directly in...

Carbon Emissions

US Releases $57 Million in Financing to Reopen Michigan Reactor

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on Monday that it had disbursed $57 Million of a loan guarantee of up to $1.52 Billion for Holtec’s Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan. Holtec hopes this will be the United States' first commercial reactor to resume operations after ceasing to operate. The conditional guarantee of loan was part of a campaign by former President Joe Biden's administration to support nuclear power, which produces virtually emissions-free electricity, to curb climate changes and to help meet the rising demand for electricity from artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles, and digital currencies. After closing the loan financing...

Environment

US Releases $57 Million in Financing to Reopen Michigan Reactor

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on Monday that it had disbursed 57 million dollars of a loan guarantee of up to $1.52billion for Holtec’s Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan. Holtec hopes this will be the U.S.'s first commercial reactor to resume operations after ceasing to operate. The loan guarantee was part a larger effort by former President Joe Biden's administration to support nuclear power, which produces virtually emissions-free electricity, and to curb climate changes and to satisfy the rising demand for electricity from artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles, and digital currencies. The Loan Programs Office of the Department closed...

Mineral Resources

Draft document shows that the EU will examine import limits in aluminium industry

A draft EU plan shows that European Commission is considering possible import curbs due to concerns about the Trump administration's metals duties diverting a large amount of aluminum to Europe. According to the plan, the EU may also consider imposing duties on its scrap metal exports in order to support the industry. Last week, U.S. president Donald Trump raised tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum to 25%. This prompted the EU to announce duties on up to 28 billion dollars worth of American products. The EU has already put in place safeguards, such as import limits for steel, and...

Europe

Carbon Emissions

Stellantis will buy CO2 credits also in 2025 from Tesla's 'pool', says exec

Stellantis, a group of carmakers, will also buy credits in 2025 from a "pool", led by Tesla, to meet the European Union's CO2 requirements. This is despite Brussels' three-year deadline for carmakers to comply. The carmakers who are facing stricter EU emission rules this year have agreed to pool emissions in order to avoid heavy fines. They will buy carbon credits for their lower sales of electric vehicles (EVs) from the segment leaders, including Tesla and Polestar. Stellantis is the second-largest car manufacturer in Europe. It joined a group led by Tesla that also included other competitors. The European Commission...

Carbon Emissions

Shell, Equinor and TotalEnergies invest $714 Million in Carbon Storage Expansion

Shell, Equinor, and TotalEnergies announced on Thursday that they would invest 7.5 billion Norwegian crowns (713.66 million dollars) in expanding their flagship project for carbon storage in western Norway. This follows a recent customer agreement. They said that the decision was made after the partners signed an agreement for a 15-year period with Stockholm Exergi, to store and transport 900,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually at the Northern Lights facility. Shell stated in a press release that the expansion will more than triple CO2 injection capability at the site to 5 million tonnes annually, which is equivalent to 10% of...

Carbon Emissions

Sweden offers state loans to build new nuclear reactors

The Swedish government proposed Thursday state loans and guarantees of power prices to help companies finance the construction of four nuclear power plants as part of its strategy for increasing electricity output and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The Swedish government said that the Nordic country could need up to 10 large nuclear reactors in 2045, as industry and transport move away from fossil fuels. Demand for electricity will also increase to 300 terawatt-hours (TWh), from 135 TWh by 2023. The government is now willing to finance the construction costs estimated by previous studies at 10s of billions dollars. The right-wing...

Western Europe

East Asia

Mining

Stellantis Chairman: US tariffs and EU rules put auto industry at risk

John Elkann, Chairman of Stellantis, said on Tuesday that the U.S. Tariffs and strict European Union emission standards put automakers in danger at a time they are facing increased competition from China. Elkann, at a shareholder's meeting, said that the American and European auto industries were at risk due to the current course of tariffs and regulations. He said: "That would be tragic as the car industry is a source for jobs, innovation, and strong communities." Elkann is leading the group as it searches for a new chief executive officer after Carlos Tavares departed late last year. He said that...

Carbon Emissions

China to sell its first green sovereign bond Wednesday

China will finalise the long-awaited global green sovereign bonds on Wednesday. This is expected to mark the beginning of a series that will increase its market share at a crucial time. The signal was sent to indicate that the vehicle was ready Last month Top Chinese Finance Ministry officials laid out the detail at a meeting in London with investors on Tuesday. The 6 billion yuan bond ($825 millions) is scheduled to be listed on the London Stock Exchange. Green bonds have grown to a market value of $3 trillion over the past few years. China's state-run firms have made...

Oil & Gas

Maruzen Petrochemical Japan to close ethylene unit at Chiba

Maruzen Petrochemical in Japan, a subsidiary of Cosmo Energy Holdings will close its ethylene plant in Chiba during the fiscal year 2026/27 and consolidate its production at Keiyo Ethylene - its joint venture with Sumitomo Chemical - the companies announced on Tuesday. The three companies released a joint statement saying that the move is intended to improve the utilization rate of Keiyo Ethylene. Keiyo Ethylene is owned by Maruzen and Sumitomo, respectively. Low operating rates have plagued Japanese ethylene plants due to a global oversupply caused by China's large-scale capacity expansions, as well as a declining domestic market. Energy transportation...

Energy Markets

French battery maker ACC welcomes EU support for the auto sector but fears that it is too late

The French battery manufacturer Automotive Cells Company announced on Thursday that they welcomed the support of the European Union in the auto industry, but also expressed concern that the support would be too late. The European Commission released an action plan on Wednesday for the automotive industry to help them reach the target of zero carbon emissions for any cars or vans sold within the region by the year 2035. The money included 1.8 billion Euros ($1.94 billion), which was allocated to secure the supply chain for raw materials used in batteries. ACC, owned jointly by Stellantis Mercedes and TotalEnergies...

Carbon Emissions

Renault cautions pooling CO2 emissions might compromise EU cars and truck market, requires clearness

French automaker Renault is devoted to complying With tighter EU guidelines on CO2 emissions this year, it stated believes automakers pooling their emissions could compromise the European cars and truck industry. The EU substantially decreased its cap on automotive carbon dioxide emissions from Jan. 1, meaning at least one-fifth of all sales by the majority of cars and truck companies need to be EVs to prevent heavy fines. Business with lower electrical automobile sales can swimming pool their emissions with section leaders, nevertheless buying emissions credits from other makers to decrease their general averages and save them numerous countless euros...

Carbon Emissions

Trump consultants advise ending ecological reviews for mines receiving United States funds

Advisers to incoming U.S. President Donald Trump are advising he waive environmental reviews for federally moneyed vital minerals jobs to enhance domestic production of products utilized in electric lorries, electronics and weapons, according to a file seen . Implementation would show a significant shift in how Washington evaluations proposed mines on federal lands and aims to guarantee that projects receiving loans, grants or other federal government support are able to assist the U.S. cut reliance on China, the world's. largest miner and processor of lithium, cobalt and other. important minerals. The consultants, entrusted by Trump's transition group to develop. policy...

Energy Markets

Japan targets 40-50% power supply from renewable energy by 2040

Japan wants renewable energy to account for approximately 50% of its electrical energy mix by fiscal year 2040 with nuclear power using up another 20%, according to a. draft of its revised standard energy policy, as it makes a tidy. energy push while meeting rising power need. As the world's second-largest importer of melted natural. gas and a major consumer of Middle Eastern oil, Japan and its. fundamental energy plans are drawing worldwide attention from oil, gas. and coal producers. Thermal power usage, particularly from inefficient. coal-fired power plants, is set to decrease to in between 30% and. 40% by...

Fossil Fuels

France's EDF, TotalEnergies awarded Saudi solar tenders during Macron check out

TotalEnergies will develop an 0.3 gigawatt (GW) solar park in Saudi Arabia, while EDF Renewables will build 2 solar parks totalling 1.4 GW, as part of a series of offers announced on Tuesday throughout a see by French President Emmanuel Macron to Riyadh. The French companies participated in 25-year power purchase contracts with the Saudi Power Procurement Company for the jobs, which were granted on a build-own-operate model as part of the kingdom's fifth renewable tender round. Saudi Arabia is intending to build 130 GW of eco-friendly capability by 2030, up from less than 5 GW today, with the International...

Carbon Emissions

Amazon to pilot AI-designed material for carbon elimination

Amazon.com Inc prepares to pilot a new carbonremoval product for data centers, which are at threat of getting worse emissions from expert system systems they power, a startup behind the deal said on Monday. In a twist, AI itself, from the start-up Orbital Products, is what created the carbon-filtering substance, its Chief Executive Jonathan Godwin stated. It resembles a sponge at the atomic level, Godwin informed Reuters. Each cavity in that sponge has a particular size opening that engages well with CO2, that doesn't communicate with other things. Prospective cost-savings are partially the draw. The new material amounts to an...

Climate Change

China scientists rush to climate-proof potatoes

In a research study center in the northwest of Beijing, molecular biologist Li Jieping and his team harvest a cluster of seven abnormally small potatoes, one as tiny as a quail's egg, from a potted plant. Grown under conditions that replicate forecasts of greater temperatures at the end of the century, the potatoes supply an ominous sign of future food security. At just 136 grams (4.8 oz), the bulbs weigh less than half that of a normal potato in China, where the most popular varieties are often two times the size of a baseball. China is the world's most significant...

Pollution

Can a COP29 deal clean up scandal-ridden carbon offsets?

An offer at the COP29 environment talks on trading carbon credits might see billions of dollars move into emissionsreduction jobs this years however after a. string of scandals, the marketplace will first need to win over wary. countries and neighborhoods. Carbon trading is viewed as one way for richer nations to. fulfill their emissions reduction targets at the exact same time as. helping poorer nations move to greener energy and to enhance. their durability versus environment modification. A U.N.-backed international market for producing and trading carbon. credits has actually been discussed for at least 10 years. In its. lack, a...

Coal

A trillion dollar question - fossil fuel aids

Federal governments around the globe are ploughing billions of dollars into fossil fuel subsidies to shelter people from higher energy costs, but that comes at a. financial burden, develops ineffectiveness, and obstructs the objective of. decreasing total usage. At the U.N.'s COP29 environment top in Baku, conversations are. continuous over decreasing distortions and inefficiencies produced by. aids - a crucial to decrease the production and use of fossil. fuels, which contribute significantly to climate modification and. pollution. JUST HOW MUCH DO GOVERNMENTS SPEND ON FOSSIL FUELS? The International Energy Company (IEA) computed that fossil. fuel consumption aids stood at $620...