Carbon Emissions








Asia

North America

Environment

Jim Ratcliffe, founder of INEOS, calls on Britain to reduce environmental costs

INEOS's owner, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, has urged the government to reduce the environmental costs businesses face, which he says, together with high energy prices, are driving away investment from the country. Energy-intensive companies in Britain, such as steelmakers, are struggling with the highest costs in Europe. INEOS said it faces a bill of 15 million pounds ($20 million) for its obligations under Britain’s Emissions Trading System. The ETS is a system that charges industrial entities and power plants for every ton of CO2 they emit, as part of broader efforts to reduce emissions and achieve climate targets. Ratcliffe said...

Mineral Resources

Blue chip-backed Biomas launches first Brazil reforestation project

Biomas, an initiative for reforestation in Brazil backed by several major corporations, unveiled on Friday its first project. It aims to restore 1,200 ha (2,965 acres), of Brazil's Atlantic coast rainforest, with more than 70 native tree varieties. The project represents a major milestone for the company formed in 2022 by Vale Mines, Marfrig Meatpackers, Suzano Pulpmakers, Santander Brasil, Itau, and Rabobank. The initiative comes at a time when Brazil's carbon removal industry is growing, and major reforestation initiatives are already underway. Startups Mombak and Re.green offer credits to companies who want to offset their greenhouse gas emission. These two...

Fossil Fuels

Sources: State Department revamps energy bureau and eliminates climate office

Four sources who are familiar with the notification said that the Trump administration terminated federal employees responsible for U.S. climate policy, climate aid and global climate policy as part of a reorganization at the State Department. Career employees at the Office of Global Change in the State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs played a leading role in U.S. negotiation under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The office's officials also represented the United States in the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization and their respective sectors of commercial aviation and shipping....

Oil & Gas Refining

California Governor seeks assistance for struggling oil refiners

California Governor Gavin Newsom directed state officials in California to increase efforts to ensure reliable fuel supplies to the nation's largest auto market. This prompted oil companies to blame state policy for difficult business conditions, and high pump prices. Newsom's April 21 letter to California Energy Commission vice chair Siva Gunda was seen by us on Wednesday. This came just days after Valero Energy announced that it would permanently close or restructure the refinery in Benicia by April 2026. Benicia refinery represents about 9% state crude oil refining capability. Newsom wrote: "I am writing to ask you to intensify the...

Carbon Emissions

Sources say that Brazil is pushing for tougher emission goals ahead of the climate summit

Three people familiar with the plans of Brazil, which is hosting this year's United Nations Climate Summit, said that their main objective was to persuade Europe, China, and other developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to keep global temperatures well below 2 degrees Celsius. Sources said that the goal was set on Wednesday when President Luiz inacio Lula da So and U.N. Sec.-General Antonio Guterres convened 17 leaders from large and small economies to an online closed meeting to discuss stronger commitments to their 2035 emissions targets. Brazilian diplomats work closely with U.N. officials in order to encourage countries...

Oil & Gas

US Supreme Court to revisit challenge to California emission standards

The U.S. Supreme Court appeared to be sympathetic to fuel producers' bid to challenge California's vehicle emission standards and electric cars in an air pollution case under federal law. This is a case that involves the Democratic-governed State's ability to combat greenhouse gases. The Justices heard arguments from a Valero Energy sub-division and groups representing the fuel industry in their appeal of a lower courts ruling that they did not have the legal standing required to challenge the 2022 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's decision to allow California to set its own rules, separate from the federal government. Both conservative and...

Pollution

US House votes on Republican proposal to repeal California EV regulations

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote next week on the Republican plan to repeal Biden's approval of California’s landmark plan that would end the sale of only gasoline vehicles by 2035. The office of House Majority leader Steve Scalise said that on Wednesday, lawmakers would vote to repeal the waiver given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in December to California allowing it to mandate at minimum 80% electric cars by 2035. These rules have also been adopted by 11 other states. The question remains as to whether Congress has the power to revoke the waiver under the Congressional...

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...

Europe

Energy Markets

Enea's preliminary Q1 profit increases 13% due to mining and distribution gains

Polish utility Enea has reported an increase in preliminary net profit for the first quarter, thanks to stronger performances from its mining and distribution segment. The company reported on Monday that the net profit for the quarter increased by 13%, to 1.05 billion Zlotys ($278.40 millions), compared with the same period a year ago. The polled analysts expected a quarterly net profit of 1.02 billion zlotys. The EBITDA (earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortization) increased to 1.94 billion Zlotys. Mining contributed 389 million Zlotys while the distribution segment contributed 744 million Zlotys. Enea stated that higher mining EBITDA was due...

Carbon Emissions

Wolff: Sustainable F1 fuel costs more than expected

Toto Wolff, Mercedes' team chief, says that the switch to 100 percent sustainable fuel in Formula One from next season has proven to be more costly than anticipated. One of the engine makers raised the issue of fuel costs at a recent Formula One Commission meeting, which included team managers and other major stakeholders. Wolff, speaking to reporters at the Miami Grand Prix round six of the year, said that it is expensive because the entire supply chain and the energy contribution must be green. "To achieve that, you'll need to use a very specific set of ingredients which are...

Fossil Fuels

Business groups and industry call for Britain and the EU's carbon markets to be linked

Over 50 business groups and companies from across Europe have called for Britain and the EU at a upcoming summit to begin talks on linking their carbon market, which will they claim help reduce costs for consumers. When leaders meet on the 19th of May, Britain will seek enhanced cooperation in security, law enforcement, and removing trade barriers between the EU. As part of a larger effort to reduce emissions and achieve climate targets, the EU and UK Emission Trading Systems charge power plants and industrial entities per ton of CO2 they emit. The letter, signed by Equinor Orsted RWE...

Western Europe

East Asia

Pollution

EU legislators set to accelerate softer CO2 emissions targets for cars

The European Parliament has cleared the way for a rapid approval of EU CO2 emission targets for cars and vans, which will give automakers more time and reduce potential fines. European automakers warned that failing to meet existing targets this year could lead to fines up to 15 billion euro ($17.0 billion), as the goals depend on selling more electric cars, a segment in which they are behind their Chinese and U.S. competitors. After heavy lobbying by automakers, the European Commission has proposed that they meet their targets using the average emissions for the period of 2025-2027 rather than this...

Oil & Gas

Republican lawmakers are faced with a clean-energy dilemma as they work on a tax bill

Republican lawmakers who are working to extend President Donald Trump’s tax cut legislation face a clean-energy dilemma at home. Major clean energy investments are being made in their districts, but Trump’s skepticism about the industry is at odds. The Ways & Means committee of the House of Representatives, which is responsible for drafting the tax legislation to extend the 2017 tax cuts, has 11 Republicans who represent regions that have seen green energy investments of hundreds of millions or billions of dollars over the past few years. Clean energy investments boomed after former President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act passed...

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...