How much mining will be needed to transition the economy to electric and batteries by 2050? BloombergNEF published a new study this morning that says it’s going to take $2.1 trillion dollars worth of mining. (See the image of the day at the bottom of this post.) That’s not good news. Big change is required on multiple fronts to decarbonize.
Update: The scale of these things is something I'm working to wrap my head around, but from one perspective, $2.1 trillion in new investment by 2050 might not be so big relative to the rest of the transformation. It's still a lot of mining, but the IEA reported in June that the world spends more than that every year on new investments in energy: "Total energy investment worldwide is expected to exceed $3 trillion in 2024 for the first time, with some $2 trillion set to go toward clean technologies – including renewables, electric vehicles, nuclear power, grids, storage, low-emissions fuels, efficiency improvements and heat pumps – according to the latest edition of the IEA’s annual World Energy Investment report."
This and much more in the following 63 selected updates today from 1012 organizations. Subscribe by email via the link above and we'll send you just 3 that we think would be valuable to you personally.
May these collected updates bring you lessons learned that you can use to amplify your work!
Table of Contents
Steinhöfel Climate Park's 753 MWp agri-PV project; Soul Fire Farm's hurricane relief for southeastern farmers
Landfill gas plant opens in California; Charm Industrial's forest biomass project; Carbon Mapper webinar; Canada's carbon credit system; carbon pipeline disputes; AI emissions concerns; geoengineering journalism; Cap-and-Invest Offsets draft rules
MIT's recycled glass bricks, Textile Exchange's fiber report, Mankato's Zero Waste Day, and Washington's battery recycling initiative
PFAS concerns, microplastics in wilderness, Indigenous climate partnerships, satellite deforestation monitoring, Kenya's urban ecology, and Egypt's tree removal controversy
NYC's green building push: Solar power, water conservation, and eco-materials meet regulations as Bay Area faces record-breaking heat wave
Finnish-Estonian FINESTJAP project, Work on Climate's partnership with 9Zero, and LevelTen-Ecohz collaboration for European PPAs
Resistance to battery storage in Texas, Western grid management proposal, Powin's $200M credit boost, and virtual power plants challenging gas peakers
Indigenous-led initiatives and land rights gain momentum, with Impact Hub's global network and Brazil's progress on Munduruku territory demarcation
Clean hydrogen policies, plasma-based chemical production, and mining sector's $2.1 trillion investment need for net-zero transition
CNX's environmental justice funding, NY nuclear debate, IRA preservation efforts, California's climate transparency law, Wyoming's methane decision, and G20 urged on Global South energy transition
Tax credits, SwRI geothermal workshop, Taipower agreement, solar expansion, Oregon offshore wind setback, Illinois solar job training for ex-offenders
United Airlines tackles aviation emissions; Texas plans heavy-duty EV charging; California boosts transport spending transparency
Agriculture
Germany's Steinhöfel Climate Park, Europe's largest agri-PV project, merges 753 MWp solar capacity with farming, demonstrating the potential for agricultural energy trading.
Soul Fire Farm compiles vital relief resources and disaster assistance programs for southeastern U.S. farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Carbon
California's largest landfill gas-to-renewable natural gas plant, capable of reducing 62,000 metric tons of carbon emissions yearly, has opened in Pittsburg.
Charm Industrial collaborates with national agencies to transform forest biomass into bio-oil for carbon removal in California's Inyo National Forest, aiming to sequester 5,000 tonnes of CO2 by year-end.
Carbon Mapper will host a webinar on October 8th showcasing its data portal, which provides access to global methane and CO2 emissions information.
Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations provide carbon credit opportunities for fleet operators, EV charging infrastructure owners, and renewable fuel developers through fuel supply or usage.
Policy expert warns that disputes over carbon pipelines are hampering progress on direct air capture initiatives, potentially slowing climate change mitigation efforts.
AI's surging popularity is driving a sharp increase in data centre emissions, casting doubt on its viability as a tool to combat climate change.
Upcoming webinar explores journalistic approaches to geoengineering, examining ethical considerations and global scientific debates surrounding climate change mitigation technologies.
The Department of Ecology has unveiled draft rule language for Cap-and-Invest Offsets Rulemaking, with virtual public meetings and a comment period set for October 2024.
Circular
Mankato's Zero Waste Day event drew over 300 residents, highlighting local waste reduction efforts, policy achievements, and upcoming legislative objectives.
Global fiber production reached 124 million tonnes in 2023, according to Textile Exchange's latest report, which also details upcoming conference plans and updates on traceability systems and standards.
Engineers at MIT have developed 3D-printed building bricks made from recycled glass, potentially reducing construction's carbon footprint by up to 50% compared to traditional concrete blocks.
Engineers at MIT have developed 3D-printed building bricks made from recycled glass, potentially reducing construction's carbon footprint by up to 50% compared to traditional concrete blocks.
Washington's Battery Stewardship Rulemaking committee will convene on October 21 to craft regulations for a new extended producer responsibility program aimed at enhancing battery recycling efforts.
Ecosystems
Environmental advocates gathered in Philadelphia, urging officials to prohibit PFAS-laden artificial turf on municipal lands, citing health and environmental concerns associated with these persistent chemicals.
Filmmaker Emily Tidwell's "Saving Silence" exposes concerning microplastic contamination in pristine wilderness areas, emphasizing the need for environmental protection and nature's therapeutic benefits.
Climate Week NYC 2024 highlighted nature-based solutions, emphasizing Indigenous partnerships, NatureTech progress, carbon market integrity, and increased funding for natural climate initiatives.
Satellite technology enables precise deforestation monitoring and EUDR compliance, offering sustainable supply chain advantages and reducing false positives, according to LiveEO.
Experts examine Kenya's ecological challenges, focusing on urban growth, conservation, and community-led initiatives to revitalize green spaces, according to The Wellbeing Project.
Egypt's government has felled thousands of healthy trees, exacerbating heat and pollution issues, in a move that prioritizes development over environmental and social concerns.
Efficiency
Sustainable building design in New York City emphasizes energy efficiency, water conservation, and eco-friendly materials, with solar power crucial for meeting new environmental regulations.
The Bay Area sweltered as San Francisco hit 93°F, its hottest day of 2024, while other areas saw temperatures soar up to 35 degrees above normal.
Finance
Finnish and Estonian cleantech firms target Japan's green tech market, with FINESTJAP project kick-off on October 9 in Helsinki focusing on energy storage and smart construction sectors.
Work on Climate collaborates with 9Zero Climate Innovation Hub to establish regional coworking spaces, fostering local climate ecosystems and offering discounted memberships to WoCl members.
Energy firms LevelTen and Ecohz collaborate to offer European clients improved access to Power Purchase Agreements via LevelTen's marketplace and analytics tools.
Grid
Hill Country residents resist Texas' battery energy storage expansion, citing noise, fire, and environmental concerns, despite industry assertions of grid advantages.
A new proposal suggests creating an independent regional body to manage Western power markets, potentially expanding into a full transmission organization.
Energy storage firm Powin has secured a $200 million revolving credit facility from KKR to support growth and innovation, as global demand for battery storage solutions surges.
Virtual power plants and distributed energy resources present eco-friendly options to meet rising peak electricity demand, challenging traditional gas peaker plants.
Indigenous
Global network Impact Hub celebrates over 3,000 'Makers' across 120 hubs in 68 countries, driving social change through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and community leadership.
Brazil's Justice Minister advances demarcation of Munduruku territory Sawré Muybu, bolstering Indigenous land rights despite persistent threats to the Amazon rainforest.
Industry
Taylor Krause, known from "Love Is Blind," discusses her role in developing clean hydrogen policies aimed at reducing industrial emissions while balancing her career with reality TV fame.
Plasma technology demonstrates potential for efficient, low-emission chemical production via electrification, potentially cutting energy needs by 30% compared to traditional methods.
The mining sector must invest $2.1 trillion by 2050 to meet net-zero raw material demands, with potential supply shortages risking clean energy technology adoption.
Policy
Pennsylvania fracking firm CNX, with over 2,000 environmental violations, secures federal environmental justice funding, raising concerns about industry self-regulation and state oversight.
153 organizations and Onondaga Nation allies call on Gov. Hochul to reject nuclear power and follow NY climate law, citing safety and waste management concerns.
Experts at the US Climate Action Summit explore ways to maintain the Inflation Reduction Act's climate measures despite political challenges.
California's new climate legislation mandates businesses to boost transparency, quantify emissions, and implement comprehensive sustainability strategies for compliance and market edge.
Wyoming confronts a pivotal choice on methane regulations, set to shape the state's energy sector competitiveness and environmental footprint.
Hurricane Helene's catastrophic toll of at least 120 lives underscores the pressing demand for oil industry accountability in the face of climate-driven extreme weather events.
Third Act's political action committee, GrayPAC, aims to raise $50,000 for canvassing efforts supporting progressive candidates in crucial districts before November's elections.
UNDRR project in Moldova and Ukraine develops INFORM Subnational risk index, bolstering local disaster preparedness through advanced assessment tools and training initiatives.
G20 leaders urged to tackle investment gaps in Global South's energy transition by enhancing risk mitigation and bolstering national energy planning strategies.
UN Environment Programme seeks scientific experts to contribute to its seventh Global Environment Outlook report, addressing key environmental challenges including climate change and biodiversity loss.
Advocacy group Third Act unveils diverse October lineup featuring welcome calls, strategy sessions, guest speakers, climate tours, and voter outreach initiatives in preparation for November elections.
Ohio Senator JD Vance questioned climate science and declined to acknowledge climate change during the vice presidential debate, even as Hurricane Helene's effects continued to be felt.
Study reveals hurricanes claim 7,000-11,000 American lives annually for over 15 years post-landfall, vastly exceeding previous estimates by hundreds of times.
Conservative think tank opposes initiative to inform federal judges about climate science, sparking debate over judicial education on environmental issues.
The White House has levied tariffs on solar cells from four South Asian nations, amid concerns they serve as conduits for Chinese imports evading existing trade restrictions.
Pennsylvania's razor-thin electoral margins and intense campaigning efforts make it a pivotal battleground, with state Rep. Leanne Krueger highlighting challenges in swaying undecided voters for the 2024 presidential election.
Climate Cabinet's analysis spotlights local elections pivotal for U.S. decarbonization, pinpointing races and offices with substantial influence on climate policy implementation.
Renewables
New technology-neutral tax credits for clean electricity projects, replacing existing incentives with broader eligibility criteria, are set to launch in 2025, offering similar financial benefits to developers.
Comprehensive guide illuminates solar energy fundamentals, highlighting industry expansion and system design factors for novices and experts alike.
SwRI's Geothermal Energy Machinery and Systems Workshop in San Antonio aims to advance power plant technology and identify research needs for surface equipment and systems.
Taipower inked a geothermal agreement with global partners to harness Taiwan's Datun Mountain resources, targeting clean energy expansion and 2050 net-zero objectives.
Climate Week NYC underscores the critical necessity for governments and businesses to swiftly intensify efforts in transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy alternatives.
Utility-scale solar generation in the Lower 48 states averaged 63.1 gigawatthours daily in August 2024, marking a 36% increase from the previous year, with further capacity growth anticipated.
Oregon's inaugural offshore wind lease sale faces cancellation amid mounting opposition and diminishing industry enthusiasm, marking a setback for the state's renewable energy ambitions.
Climate Week 2024 in New York showcased advancements in renewable energy and climate technology, while emphasizing the urgent need to expedite efforts for achieving worldwide climate targets.
Illinois initiative trains ex-offenders for solar jobs, offering holistic support and contributing to state clean energy targets.
Transport
United Airlines' Chief Sustainability Officer will discuss aviation industry decarbonization strategies and sustainable fuel adoption in a webinar tomorrow, focusing on the sector's environmental challenges.
Texas unveils report outlining strategies to bolster heavy-duty electric vehicle charging infrastructure, highlighting the state's unique advantages and policy recommendations.
California's governor has signed legislation mandating Caltrans to increase transparency on transport spending and its effects on climate and equity objectives.
Image of the Day: Major Mining Forecast
“NEW YORK – October 3, 2024 – Despite the growth in metals supply over the last decade, BloombergNEF’s (BNEF’s) annual Transition Metals Outlook finds that there are still not enough raw materials to meet growing demand. This supply squeeze could slow the adoption of clean energy technologies. In order to meet the demands of a net-zero emissions world, BNEF estimates $2.1 trillion is needed in new mining investments by 2050…Kwasi Ampofo, head of metals and mining at BNEF and lead author of the report said, ‘the prolonged deficit of these metals will lead to higher prices for raw materials, which increases the cost of clean energy technologies. High costs could slow their adoption, and the energy transition at large’.”
I’ll share this with the mining-watchers at SIRGE, the Coalition to Secure Indigenous Rights in the Green Economy. And I’ll note this interesting new study about the role of community and institutional capacity building in making Free, Prior, and Informed Consent meaningful in mining conflicts around the world. Capacity building and execution are the name of the game!
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