Sustainability Notice #5 (11-17 July)

Climate Change, Heatwaves, Wildfires, Drought, Floods and Deforestation: Longest-Lives Trees, Europe, China, US, Turkey, UK, France, Portugal, California, Utah, Italy, Virginia, Mexico and Brazil

The world’s longest-lived trees couldn’t survive climate change (Source Link)

A new study, published, found that climate change has pushed almost a quarter of Earth’s best-protected forests to a “critical threshold” for lost resilience — the point at which even a minor drought or heat wave could tip them into catastrophic decline.

Europe swelters as heatwave spreads (Source Link)

Droughts and forest fires have hit Spain and Portugal and the scorching heat has spread to France and the UK. Temperatures are set to peak in France and Spain and authorities have cancelled traditional fireworks displays on France's national day to reduce the risk of fires. Heatwaves have become more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting because of climate change.

Western Europe heatwave to peak in Spain as searing heat fuels wildfires (Source Link)

The heatwave sweeping across southwestern Europe is expected to peak in Spain, with blistering temperatures already fueling wildfires across the Iberian Peninsula and France.

Shanghai declares third rare extreme heat warning of summer (Source Link)

China’s most populous city, Shanghai, has issued its highest alert for extreme heat for the third time this summer as sweltering temperatures repeatedly tested records.

Dangerous Heat Wave Strikes China (Source Link)

As dozens of cities in eastern and southern China issued heat alerts, with some temperature forecasts exceeding 104 degrees. Roofs melted, roads cracked and some residents sought relief in underground air-raid shelters.

Unforgiving heat wave in Texas and Southern Plains to worsen next week (Source Link)

The temperatures in Texas and the Southern Plains are about to be turned up throughout an already traditionally scorching summer time.

Strong winds fan forest fire in southwestern Turkey (Source Link)

Firefighters tackled a forest fire which broke out near the tourist town of Datca in southwestern Turkey, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet, local authorities and media reported. Nine helicopters, five aircraft and several other firefighting vehicles were sent to the region.

Britain Braces for ‘Exceptionally’ Hot Weather (Source Link)

“Temperatures in the UK have never reached 40 C since records began,” the organization said this month. (That’s 104 Fahrenheit.) “But at the end of June 2022, for the first time ever, weather forecast models started to show it as a possibility for mid-July.”

Wildfires still raging in southwestern France, now almost 4,000 hectares burnt (Source Link)

About 1,000 firefighters, supported by six water-bomber aircraft, were battling to bring under control two wildfires in southwestern France that have already burnt almost 4,000 hectares.

As Europe bakes in heatwave, wildfires rage from Portugal to Croatia (Source Link)

Wildfires raged across tinder-dry country in Portugal, Spain, France and Croatia, burning homes and threatening livelihoods, as much of Europe baked in a heatwave that has pushed temperatures into the mid-40 degrees Celsius in some parts.

California firefighters gain against Yosemite wildfire (Source Link)

California firefighters gained ground in the battle against a wildfire that poses a threat to a grove of giant sequoias and a small community in Yosemite National Park.

Utah's Great Salt Lake is drying out, threatening ecological, economic disaster (Source Link)

Utah's Great Salt Lake dropped to its lowest recorded level this month amid a two-decade drought, a grim milestone as researchers and politicians point to grave threats to wildlife and people along its receding shores.

Farmers watch crops wither amid Italy’s worst drought in 70 years (Source Link)

Italy’s farmers cope with the worst drought in 70 years that prompted the government to declare a state of emergency.

No deaths in Virginia flooding that washed out homes, roads (Source Link)

Rains that swiftly flooded a remote corner of southwest Virginia washed out roads, tore homes from their foundations. Authorities feared the worst as they were unable to reach family members, leaving a total of 44 people unaccounted for. But everyone had been located.

Deforestation in Brazilian Amazon hits tragic record in 2022 (Source Link)

Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon during the first half of 2022 broke all records, the increasing destruction taking place under the presidency of Bolsonaro. Satellite images taken between January and June show 1,500 square miles of forest destroyed, the extent is 4 times the size of New York City.

World, UN, ECOSOC, IFRC and COP27: Ukraine, SDGs, Europe, Egypt, France, India and Africa

UN warns of toxic environmental legacy for Ukraine, region (Source Link)

The conflict in Ukraine has significant impacts on urban and rural environments that could leave the country and region with a toxic legacy for generations to come, according to initial impact monitoring conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and partner organizations

SDGs can be reached ‘despite our grim times’: ECOSOC President (Source Link)

Despite two years of a “surreal struggle” against the COVID-19 pandemic, and amidst rising global challenges, optimism for achieving sustainable development persists, a senior UN official declared.

IFRC warns that the growing heatwave in Europe could have tragic consequences (Source Link)

Extreme temperatures have spiraled countries into dangerous heat waves and wildfires across Europe. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) urges cities.

COP27 summit must focus on how world will adapt to climate change, says UN envoy (Source Link)

Mahmoud Mohieldin, the United Nations climate change high-level champion for Egypt, says November’s COP27 summit must focus on adapting to life in a changing climate and grapple with finance for loss and damage given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

COP27 will be ‘implementation COP’: Egypt COP27 Presidency (Source Link)

The 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held in this November. The expectations from the event — termed ‘African COP’, ‘Adaptation COP’ and ‘Implementation COP’ depending on who you ask, are high, and much hope rests on the unity and strength of voices from the developing world to fight for what they deserve.

Egypt, France boost cooperation ahead of COP27 (Source Link)

Egypt and France are boosting their bilateral cooperation, especially with respect to temperature-tolerant and sustainable crops, in the midst of Egypt's preparations to hold the COP27.

India preparing to submit new climate targets to UN ahead of COP27 talks (Source Link)

The world’s third largest emitter will be among the last major economies to put forward targets required under the Paris Agreement.

The road to COP27: Making Africa’s case in the global climate debate (Source Link)

15 recommendations from the Ibrahim Governance Forum call on climate leaders to take urgent action to make Africa's case ahead of COP27.

World: Saudi Arabia, Australia, China, EU and UK

Saudi Arabia doubles Q2 Russian fuel oil imports for power generation (Source Link)

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, more than doubled the amount of Russian fuel oil it imported in the second quarter to feed power stations to meet summer cooling demand and free up the kingdom’s own crude for export, data showed and traders said.

Labor backing fossil fuel projects could scupper Greens support for 43% target (Source Link)

The Greens leader in Australia, Adam Bandt, says the party’s support for the government’s climate legislation may hinge on whether it continues to back new fossil fuel projects, vowing to push Labor to go “further and faster” on its emission reduction goals.

China’s ambitious rooftop solar pilot helps drive ‘blistering’ capacity growth (Source Link)

The housing department and the National Development and Reform Commission, which oversees strategic planning, announced a plan for new-build public buildings and factories in town and cities to be covered at 50% by solar panels by 2025.

EU Invests €1.8 Billion in Clean Tech Decarbonization Projects (Source Link)

The EU Commission announced investments of more than €1.8 billion investment in 17 large-scale clean tech projects. The projects are located in Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden.

Theresa May urges candidates to double down on climate action to tackle cost of living crisis (Source Link)

Former PM argues a lot of the measures needed to deliver net zero will help curb energy bills, as COP26 President Alok Sharma warns ditching climate action would put UK on a 'road to nowhere'.

Business, Fossil Fuel, EVs, Climate Tech, Investments and Commitment: BP, Shell, General Motors, Panasonic, Hyundai, Paul Polman, Apollo, Budderfly, Microsoft, FactSet and Iberdrola

BP aims to start producing green jet fuel in Australia by 2025 (Source Link)

BP is aiming to start producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Australia by 2025 after converting its oil refinery near Perth to produce renewable fuels, a senior executive of the British company said.

Shell wants to share more of its blockbuster profits, CEO says (Source Link)

Shell is considering boosting shareholder returns on the back of bumper profits from soaring energy prices, while the extra cash will also help it shift more swiftly towards renewables and low-carbon energy, the chief executive said.

General Motors will build a network of EV fast chargers at Pilot travel centers along U.S. highways (Source Link)

General Motors is building out a new network of EV fast chargers in partnership with Pilot Co. The companies will install a total of 2,000 fast chargers at 500 of Pilot’s locations along American highways at intervals of approximately 50 miles.

Hyundai unveils new Ioniq 6 EV — an ‘electrified streamliner’ with unique design (Source Link)

The South Korean automaker unveiled the Ioniq 6 as an “electrified streamliner,” a nod to its aerodynamic design that Americans may know best through the design of an Airstream trailer.

Panasonic, Kansas Plan $4 Billion EV Battery Plant (Source Link)

Panasonic Group’s lithium-ion batteries company Panasonic Energy announced an agreement with the state of Kansas, which would make the state the location for a proposed $4 billion US-based lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant.

Paul Polman-backed climate tech fund raises $70m (Source Link)

A climate-tech venture capital fund backed by Unilever boss and corporate sustainability veteran Paul Polman has announced it has raised $70m in its latest funding round to support the next generation of green entrepreneurs.

Apollo Invests $175 Million in Summit Ridge to Help Scale Community Solar Platform (Source Link)

Global alternative investment manager Apollo announced a $175 million investment in community solar operator Summit Ridge Energy aimed at helping scale the company’s platform and expand its geographic footprint.

Partners Group Buys Majority Stake in Energy Management Startup Budderfly for $500M (Source Link)

As energy prices soar and environmental concern grows, startups that help companies manage their energy usage and carbon footprint continue to generate interest from VC and private equity firms. The latest example is Partners Group’s $500 million investment in Shelton, Connecticut-based Budderfly, a startup that provides companies equipment and systems to manage their energy use.

Microsoft Signs 10,000 Ton Carbon Removal Agreement with DAC Provider Climeworks (Source Link)

Zurich-based Direct Air Capture (DAC) startup Climeworks announced a 10-year carbon removal offtake agreement with tech giant Microsoft, marking one of the largest DAC agreements ever signed. Under the new agreement, Climeworks will permanently remove 10,000 tons of CO2 emissions from the atmosphere on Microsoft’s behalf.

FactSet Announces 2040 Net Zero Commitment (Source Link)

Financial information and analytics provider FactSet announced a series of climate commitments, including establishing a target to reach net zero emissions by 2040 and pledging to set a near-term emission reduction goal aligned with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Iberdrola Extends Sustainable Finance to Include Water Goals with New $2.5 Billion Credit Agreement (Source Link)

Continuing the transition of its capital structure towards sustainable finance, global energy and electricity provider Iberdrola announced that it a new €2.5 billion credit line linked to the company’s water footprint. The multi-currency line was signed with a consortium of 24 international banks.

Research and Report: Heatwaves, Rising Seas, US Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Biodiversity, Copper Shortage, Energy, AI, Climate Change Comic Book, Net Zero Carbon Buildings, UK Water Companies, Fossil Fuel-Dependent Economies and Climate Change Damage

Heatwaves worsen mental health conditions (Source Link)

Heatwaves have a huge impact on our physical and mental health. Recent studies suggest at least a 10% rise in hospital emergency room visits on days when temperatures reach or exceed the top 5% of the normal temperature range for a given location.

Heat and humidity get dangerous to health sooner than most people realise (Source Link)

One question a lot of people are asking is: “When will it get too hot for normal daily activity as we know it, even for young, healthy adults?” The answer goes beyond the temperature you see on the thermometer. It’s also about humidity. Research shows the combination of the two can get dangerous faster than scientists previously believed.

Study: Rising seas are weakening nature’s storm shields (Source Link)

When storms like last year’s Hurricane Ida come barreling toward the mainland U.S., the first thing they often strike are barrier islands: wisps of land that run parallel to the shore, shielding the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Around the world, they can be found protecting some 10 percent of the planet’s shores. But a new study suggests they will start retreating faster toward the mainland as a delayed effect of sea level rise — diminishing their ability to protect coastlines from storms.

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions have caused over $1.8 trillion in global economic losses, study says (Source Link)

The U.S. and China, the world’s two greatest greenhouse gas emitters, have each caused global economic losses of more than $1.8 trillion from 1990 to 2014, according to a new Dartmouth College study that connects emissions from individual countries to the economic damage of climate change in others.

Biodiversity crisis affecting billions who relies on wild species, researchers say (Source Link)

Billions of people worldwide depend on nearly 50,000 wild species for food, energy, medicine and income, according to a comprehensive new scientific report that concluded that humans increasingly need hunting and other wild species to address the biodiversity crisis.

A coming copper shortage could derail the energy transition, report finds (Source Link)

An all-electric future depends heavily on copper, and looming supply shortfalls could hamper nations’ goals of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, according to a new report from S&P Global.

Energy charter treaty makes climate action nearly illegal in 52 countries – so how can we leave it? (Source Link)

The energy charter treaty has 52 signatory countries which are mostly EU states but include the UK and Japan. The claimants are suing 12 of them including France, Germany and the UK – all countries in which energy companies are using the treaty to sue governments over policies that interfere with fossil fuel extraction. For example, the German company RWE is suing the Netherlands for €1.4 billion (£1.2 billion) because it plans to phase out coal.

Transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy can pose fiscal challenges for India: study (Source Link)

The global transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources could trigger financial challenges for India and major developing countries such as Russia, Brazil and China because of their high dependence on revenues from fossil fuel, according to a study by the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD).

How IT leaders can make AI environmentally sustainable (Source Link)

In a recent paper, researchers performed a life cycle assessment for training several large, common AI models. They found that the process can emit more than 626,000 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent — nearly five times the lifetime emissions of the average American car.

How do we teach young people about climate change? We can start with this comic (Source Link)

Young people are “angry, frustrated and scared” about climate change. They want to do more to stop it but the school system is not set up to help them address their concerns and learn the information they seek. For this, geography and environment researchers have written a comic that looks at how people around the world experience climate change. This is aimed at high school students as well as university students and the broader public. Called ‘’Everyday Stories of Climate Change’’, it looks at the ways low-income families have had to adapt to climate change in 5 countries across 3 continents.

Financing Net Zero Carbon Buildings (Source Link)

This news aims to build the foundation for future work by the Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance (the Alliance) through a structured approach to analyze the challenges and priorities relevant to cities in decarbonizing the buildings sector. Buildings contribute 37% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Nine percent of emissions are from on-site energy generation, 18% are from grid electricity, and 10% are from materials and construction.

The Untapped Climate Opportunity in Alternative Proteins (Source Link)

A research shows that consumers are embracing alternative proteins and that protein transformation is one of the best tools available to combat the climate crisis.

Plumbing the depths: Environmental performance at UK water companies 'hits new low' (Source Link)

The latest Environmental Performance Assessment report reveals performance across UK water companies worsened in 2021, despite recent flurry of record-breaking fines. Pollution levels and overall environmental performance at the UK's water and sewerage companies are the worst they have been in years, according to the latest update from the Environment Agency (EA). 

Six Fossil Fuel-Dependent Economies Could Face a USD 278 Billion Revenue Gap by 2030—New report (Source Link)

As the global clean energy transition gathers pace, six emerging economies need to start adjusting their fiscal policies now to account for declining fossil fuel use—or risk a USD 278 billion gap in revenues by 2030, equivalent to the combined total government revenues of Indonesia and South Africa in 2019, according to a new report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).

These 5 countries alone inflicted nearly €6 trillion in climate damage on the rest of the world (Source Link)

The economic impact of top greenhouse gas emitters on other countries can now be calculated thanks to a new study published. The study from US-based Dartmouth College has been billed as a potential game-changer for climate litigation as figures could be used in courtrooms or international climate negotiations to work out payments from countries that burn more fossil fuels. Researchers found that a small group of heavy polluters has caused trillions of dollars of economic losses due to warming caused by their emissions. The top 10 global emitters caused more than two-thirds of losses worldwide. Warmer and poorer countries in the Global South have been hit hardest.