Two snippets of wisdom come to my mind this morning:
Action is the antidote to despair.
And when opportunity to act comes, it's too late to prepare.
Now is a great time to take preparatory actions, get systems in place, practice using them.
May the personalized updates below help you build, refine, and practice using systems.
And as part of that, I would also offer this: “Systems thinking is not better than reductionist thinking any more than looking through a telescope is better than looking through a microscope.” -Donella Meadows, Thinking in Systems. Alternating between telescope and microscope can be a great action to take, too.
In today's email, you’ll find three updates our system selected just for you, from a collection of over 1,000 green tech and sustainability organizations. In this blog post, you'll see the full collection of today’s 90 total selected updates.
Visual of the Day
"In the small rural village of Khamergragram in Kishoreganj, Nilphamari Shahina Begum, once a full-time homemaker, has transformed her life through sustainable farming practices."
Today's Updates
Table of Contents
Agriculture (8 stories) - African farmers could cut methane by 30% with improved practices, Greenpeace links reduced meat production to lower global temperatures, and major agri-tech firms collaborate for sustainable farming expansion.
Carbon (6 stories) - Planetary Technologies delivers first ocean alkalinity CDR credits as Drax pursues biomass-CCS transition; UN approves carbon market framework while Congo forest credits face oversight concerns
Circular (3 stories) - Asian nations receive massive Western plastic exports while startups like BioDefense and manufacturers of palm leaf, bagasse plates advance sustainable packaging solutions
Ecosystems (8 stories)
Efficiency (2 stories) - Heat pump cost calculator launches as California unveils $8,000 TECH Clean California rebates for electric home upgrades
Finance (5 stories) - Wall Street's $20-25B clean energy tax credit market and $320B utility grid investments drive climate finance, while PJM Interconnection faces pushback over gas project prioritization
Grid (3 stories) - Major grid investments by utilities hit $320B as PJM faces renewable pushback; Station A deploys AI for commercial clean energy planning
Indigenous (9 stories) - Native Alaskan land return to Eyak people, COP29's "The Answer Is Us" campaign, and Tongass Forest tribal partnerships highlight growing Indigenous leadership in conservation and climate action
Industry (4 stories) - Sigma Lithium's Brazil mining waste concerns, LIME Foundation's green construction training, Kyoto Fusioneering's fusion project, and Enviva pellet plants face dust complaints
Policy (37 stories) - Federal climate policy shifts as Trump nominee Chris Wright heads to DOE, while COP29 advances global initiatives, Massachusetts passes major climate bill, and UN plastic treaty talks gain momentum with 574 NGOs joining negotiations
Transport (1 story) - Oregon surpasses 100K EVs with $99M state incentives and charging expansion
Agriculture
African farmers could cut methane by 30% with improved practices, Greenpeace links reduced meat production to lower global temperatures, and major agri-tech firms collaborate for sustainable farming expansion.
Methane Solutions for African Livestock Systems: Mazingira Research Highlighted at the Climate and Clean Air Conference 2024 (CGIAR) - Research shows African farmers could slash methane emissions by 30% while boosting incomes through enhanced livestock feed management and breeding practices, scientists report at Climate and Clean Air Conference 2024.
At COP29, world leaders can slow down time on climate change (Greenpeace) - Global temperature rise could drop by 0.12°C if wealthy and middle-income nations reduce meat and dairy production, according to Greenpeace's analysis of COP29 climate talks in Baku.
Indigo Ag and Truterra launch strategic collaboration to accelerate adoption of agriculture sustainability solutions (Indigo Ag) - Two leading agricultural technology firms join forces to expand sustainable farming initiatives across their combined networks, reaching more than 30,000 U.S. farmers.
The climate and biodiversity crises are entwined, but we risk pitting one against the other (The Conversation) - Scientists warn that global net-zero plans could endanger biodiversity and food supplies by converting vast tracts of land to bioenergy crop production.
Meat, Dairy and Pesticide Lobbyists Return in High Numbers to Climate Summit (DeSmog) - Agriculture industry's presence at COP29 climate summit draws scrutiny, as 204 delegates, including meat and dairy representatives, secured access—with 40% holding privileged country badges.
World’s Biggest Meatpacker JBS Wants Public Money to Fight Climate Change (DeSmog) - Meat giant JBS, responsible for 28% of Brazil's greenhouse emissions through cattle farming and deforestation, is now pursuing public climate funding.
Farmers ‘more inclined than ever’ to repurchase trusted tech instead of chancing it on ‘something new’: report (AgFunderNews) - US farmers are 3.5 times more likely to repurchase existing farm tech than adopt new solutions during economic uncertainty, a Boston Consulting Group study finds.
Empowering farmers through vermicomposting production in Bangladesh (CGIAR) - A Bangladeshi farmer has boosted earnings to 3,000 taka monthly through vermicomposting, cutting chemical fertilizer usage by 30% in a sustainable agriculture initiative.
Carbon
Planetary Technologies delivers first ocean alkalinity CDR credits as Drax pursues biomass-CCS transition; UN approves carbon market framework while Congo forest credits face oversight concerns
DRC carbon credit projects surge amid lack of regulation (Mongabay) - Carbon credit projects spanning 54 million hectares of forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo face scrutiny over weak government oversight and questionable community impacts.
Newsweek Pillars of the Green Transition interview with Drax CEO, Will Gardiner (Newsweek) - Energy giant Drax aims to shift from coal to biomass power while implementing carbon capture technology, targeting negative emissions within seven years.
Planetary Delivers First Ocean Alkalinity Credits: A Milestone in Ocean-Based Carbon Removal (Evok Innovations) - Canadian firm Planetary Technologies has delivered 138 tonnes of carbon dioxide removal credits using ocean alkalinity enhancement, marking the first commercial deployment of this technology.
🌎 The UN gives (carbon) credit where it’s due #223 (CTVC) - Global carbon markets gain momentum as UN delegates at COP29 approve two key articles establishing standards and a centralized marketplace for international emissions trading.
Planetary Delivers First Ocean Alkalinity Credits: A Milestone in Ocean-Based Carbon Removal (Planetary Technologies) - Ocean tech firm Planetary Technologies has delivered 138 tonnes of carbon removal credits to Shopify and Stripe through its pioneering ocean alkalinity enhancement system.
Meltwater from Greenland and the Arctic is weakening ocean circulation, speeding up warming down south (The Conversation) - Alarming new data reveals Arctic and Greenland meltwater is accelerating Atlantic Ocean circulation decline 30% faster than predicted, with severe climate impacts possible by 2040.
Circular
Asian nations receive massive Western plastic exports while startups like BioDefense and manufacturers of palm leaf, bagasse plates advance sustainable packaging solutions
How ‘waste colonialism’ underpins Asia’s plastic problem (commentary) (Mongabay) - Western nations exported 1.4 million metric tons of plastic waste to developing Asian countries in 2022, perpetuating colonial-era patterns of environmental exploitation.
Choosing The Right Eco-Friendly Disposable Plates For Your Party Needs (EcoSoul Home) - Eco-conscious consumers can now choose from palm leaf and bagasse disposable plates, which are 100% compostable and suitable for various dining occasions.
BioDefense seeks to disrupt seafood market with ‘tasteless, odorless, and invisible’ coating that can boost shelf life 2-3x (AgFunderNews) - Singapore startup BioDefense has created an invisible, edible coating that triples seafood shelf life while maintaining taste and freshness.
Ecosystems
How cool are forests? A hot new study has answers (Conservation International) - A leading environmental group has safeguarded more than 6 million square kilometers across 70-plus nations through science-based initiatives since 1987.
A Ramsar site in Bangladesh fast loses its fish diversity amid government inaction (Mongabay) - Bangladesh's Tanguar Haor wetland has lost more than 40 fish species in the past 20 years, as overfishing and habitat destruction continue to threaten this crucial ecosystem.
Organizations tackle droughts, floods in Brazil by planting forests (Mongabay) - Brazilian groups have restored native forests along waterways, successfully mitigating floods and protecting water supplies despite minimal government backing.
A father and son duo fight invasive lionfish on a Honduran reef (Mongabay) - Local engineers spearhead initiative to protect Tela Bay's coral reef by developing affordable lionfish hunting gear and organizing competitions to combat the invasive predator.
Biden’s Amazon Legacy: Bold Promises Demand Bold Actions Amid Looming Threats to the Rainforest’s Survival (Amazon Watch) - President Biden pledges conservation support during Amazon visit as protesters decry Cargill's railway project, which could destroy 2,000 square kilometers of rainforest.
Nature-Based Solutions Commitment Tracker: nearly half of current pledges show no evidence of progress since COP 28 (Nature4Climate) - Global climate action faces concerning decline as only 5 new nature-based pledges emerge in 2024, while nearly half of existing commitments show zero progress since COP28.
Volunteer Fundraiser – Resilient Ecosystems Institute (Climate Cleanup) - Mexico's Resilient Ecosystems Institute launches global search for remote volunteer fundraiser to support vital tropical restoration efforts across the Yucatán Peninsula.
Salmon Have Returned Above the Klamath River Dams. Now What? (The Revelator) - After more than a century's absence, over 100 Chinook salmon have returned to spawn in Oregon's Upper Klamath Basin tributaries following the removal of four hydroelectric dams.
Efficiency
Heat pump cost calculator launches as California unveils $8,000 TECH Clean California rebates for electric home upgrades
How Much Should Your Heat Pump Really Cost? (Elephant Energy) - A new online calculator draws from 800-plus heat pump installations to instantly estimate costs based on home details, weather patterns and available rebates.
Californians can now apply for HEEHRA rebates for home electrification through TECH Clean California (Building Decarbonization Coalition) - California's new $45 million rebate program offers income-eligible households up to $8,000 for electric appliance upgrades through TECH Clean California.
Finance
Wall Street's $20-25B clean energy tax credit market and $320B utility grid investments drive climate finance, while PJM Interconnection faces pushback over gas project prioritization
Climate Project Explorer (Adaptation Fund) - A new AI-powered tool launched at COP29 enables users to search and analyze climate projects across four major multilateral funds.
We pay less for houses in one-in-100 year flood zones – but overlook risks of more devastating floods (The Conversation) - New research reveals homebuyers accept an 11% discount for properties in moderate flood zones while disregarding risks of catastrophic flooding, despite mounting climate change concerns.
Americans face an insurability crisis as climate change worsens disasters – a look at how insurance companies set rates and coverage (The Conversation) - Insurance costs for U.S. homeowners surged 11.3% in 2023 as climate-driven disasters forced carriers to hike premiums and limit coverage amid evolving risk assessments.
Americans face an insurability crisis as climate change worsens disasters – a look at how insurance companies set rates and coverage (The Conversation) - Insurance costs for U.S. homeowners surged 11.3% in 2023 as climate-driven disasters forced carriers to hike premiums and limit coverage amid evolving risk assessments.
Biden’s Climate Law Can’t Die. Wall Street Loves It Too Much. (Heatmap News) - Clean energy tax credits have sparked a $20-25 billion transfer market since 2022, with Wall Street's deep financial stake suggesting the climate law's durability against political headwinds.
Grid
Major grid investments by utilities hit $320B as PJM faces renewable pushback; Station A deploys AI for commercial clean energy planning
Grid infrastructure investments drive increase in utility spending over last two decades (EIA) - U.S. utilities have invested $320 billion in grid infrastructure over two decades, marking a 12% spending surge focused on transmission, distribution, and renewable energy systems.
Broad Coalition of 34 Environmental and Clean Energy Groups Unite to Oppose PJM’s Proposal to Fast-Track Natural Gas Projects (Chesapeake Climate Action Network) - Environmental advocates unite as 34 groups challenge PJM Interconnection's plan to fast-track gas projects over renewable energy initiatives across the mid-Atlantic region.
Unlocking the power of clean energy with Kevin Berkemeyer (Station A) - Station A's AI software platform accelerates clean energy assessments for commercial properties, analyzing data to determine optimal solar and storage solutions.
Indigenous
Native Alaskan land return to Eyak people, COP29's "The Answer Is Us" campaign, and Tongass Forest tribal partnerships highlight growing Indigenous leadership in conservation and climate action
Field Notes on Repair: 5 (Places Journal) - Experts examine how design and urban planning can heal colonial damage and climate issues through indigenous wisdom and maintenance-focused solutions.
NDN COLLECTIVE COMPLETES LANDBACK DEAL IN ALASKA (NDN Collective) - Native Alaskan organization returns two acres of ancestral land to Eyak people, enabling first totem pole placement in region since 1873.
They are the answer! (350.org) - Indigenous leaders from three continents unite at COP29, launching "The Answer Is Us" campaign while pressing for leadership positions in upcoming global climate summits.
Dam displaces farmers as drought parches Indonesia’s Flores Island (Mongabay) - Indigenous farmers protest Indonesia's $88 million Lambo Dam on Flores Island as forced relocations and disputed compensation packages threaten ancestral farmlands amid water shortages.
Estamos de Luto (ISA) - Renowned Brazilian anthropologist Neide Esterci, who dedicated 50 years to studying Amazonian communities and exposed modern slavery practices, has died at 80.
COP16 reflections and the path forward (Stand.earth) - Global biodiversity talks in Colombia conclude with the creation of an Indigenous peoples' forum, though funding disputes between the EU, UK, and Japan block key conservation agreements.
Walking in Two Worlds: Highlighting Alaska Natives (USFS) - Native relations specialists in Alaska's Tongass National Forest have fostered partnerships between 20 tribal governments and federal land managers, leading to shared stewardship of 16.7 million acres.
Good Neighbor Authority: The Jackknife Project, a story of forest management (Montana DNRC) - Montana's Jackknife Project unites state and federal agencies to manage forests through local contractors, blending fire prevention with timber operations.
Le prix François Sommer 2025 dévoile sa sélection (Fondation François Sommer) - Eight literary works exploring humanity's bond with nature vie for the €15,000 François Sommer Prize, with results due December 10 under wildlife photographer Vincent Munier's leadership.
Industry
Sigma Lithium's Brazil mining waste concerns, LIME Foundation's green construction training, Kyoto Fusioneering's fusion project, and Enviva pellet plants face dust complaints
Lithium mining brings sickness to Jequitinhonha Valley communities (Mongabay) - Mining giant Sigma Lithium's waste rock pile, now spanning 560,000 square meters in Brazil's Jequitinhonha Valley, sparks health and environmental fears among local communities.
Underserved Marin Youth Paid to Build a Greener Bay Area (MCE) - The Marin Community Foundation has invested $380,000 to equip over 80 disadvantaged youth with green construction skills through LIME Foundation's academy, offering paid training and $21-30 hourly starting wages.
November Newsletter 2024 (Kyoto Fusioneering) - Japanese energy firm Kyoto Fusioneering will launch its FAST fusion power generation demonstration project in November 2024.
Stop Enviva's Dust: Fight for Clean Air (Dogwood Alliance) - Environmental advocates have filed dust complaints against three Enviva wood pellet plants in North Carolina, warning of health risks from industrial wood dust emissions.
Policy
Federal climate policy shifts as Trump nominee Chris Wright heads to DOE, while COP29 advances global initiatives, Massachusetts passes major climate bill, and UN plastic treaty talks gain momentum with 574 NGOs joining negotiations
Donald Trump’s pick for energy secretary says ‘there is no climate crisis’ (The Verge) - Energy secretary nominee Chris Wright dismisses climate crisis claims and champions fossil fuels, contradicting 97% of climate scientists who warn of environmental threats.
Compromise Climate Bill Finally Approved by Mass. Legislature (Acadia Center) - Massachusetts lawmakers pass sweeping climate legislation after two years of deliberation, incorporating gas sector changes and clean energy measures that now await Governor Healey's approval.
Joint Statement: Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience (Adaptation Fund) - Global climate leaders unveiled the Baku Initiative at COP29, merging human welfare priorities with resilience planning to safeguard education, healthcare, social services and employment opportunities for at-risk communities.
A Need for Control in a Climate Out of Control (Climate Generation) - A Minnesota teen activist's journey from childhood weather anxiety to climate justice advocacy underscores stark disparities in how climate impacts affect different socioeconomic groups.
The future of the IPCC: Experts give recommendations as COP29 continues (Tyndall Centre) - Climate experts at the Tyndall Centre have issued key recommendations for the IPCC's seventh assessment report, calling for broader intellectual diversity and more accessible findings.
Flood wreckage confronts big oil and gas in global climate justice protests (Greenpeace) - Climate activists in 30 nations staged protests at oil company offices, using flood debris to demand compensation for climate disaster damages.
Taxing Big Oil would grow UN climate loss and damage fund by more than 2000%, analysis finds (Greenpeace) - A $5 carbon tax on major oil firms could boost UN climate damage funding by 2000%, raising $15.02 billion compared to current $702 million pledges, Greenpeace reports.
The solutions to the climate and plastic crisis are connected (Greenpeace) - Plastic production from fossil fuels could derail global climate targets as world leaders gather for parallel environmental summits in Baku and Busan, warns Greenpeace.
What to watch in week 2 of COP29, from the finance conversation to critical sectoral action (EDF) - Global climate talks enter decisive phase as negotiators tackle finance gaps between developed and developing nations, while advancing key initiatives on methane reduction, indigenous rights and food systems.
Review of the environment sector in hydrometeorological post-disaster needs assessments (PDNAs) (UNDRR) - Analysis of 42 post-disaster assessments exposes major gaps in environmental impact evaluation methods, prompting calls for standardized ecosystem data collection protocols.
Second advisory panel annual summary report for the UN Secretary-General’s early warnings for all initiative (UNDRR) - Global early warning systems for natural disasters are on track to reach all populations by 2027, with increased national adoption of multi-hazard alerts, UN officials report.
Big Pivots: What Does the Election Mean for Colorado’s Decarbonization Goals? (Big Pivots) - Federal funding and state policies shield Colorado's decarbonization targets from potential political shifts, with billions secured for clean energy initiatives through 2024 and beyond.
Training the Clean Energy Workforce through Registered Apprenticeships (IREC) - Department of Labor apprenticeships deliver validated training for clean energy workers, yielding 94% retention rates and $1.47 return per dollar invested for employers.
New Report Offers Critical Policy Lessons for Florida on Insurance and Climate Risks in Light of Recent Hurricanes (EDF) - Florida's insurance market faces mounting pressure as climate disasters intensify, with experts urging policy reforms after Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread devastation.
What to watch in week 2 of COP29, from the finance conversation to critical sectoral action (EDF) - Global climate talks enter decisive phase as negotiators tackle finance gaps between developed and developing nations, while advancing key initiatives on methane reduction, indigenous rights and food systems.
Nature’s Newsroom: COP29 Highlights in Video (Nature4Climate) - Global climate summit's opening week sees Brazil and UK unveiling new pledges, while nature funding and Article 6 negotiations lag behind key methane and forest protection talks.
Taking stock (Keep Cool) - Trump's energy and environment cabinet picks include Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright for DOE, Doug Burgum for Interior, and Lee Zeldin for EPA, marking a stark shift in policy direction.
Federal agencies sued for giving unlawful approval for mining in Nolichucky River Gorge (Southern Environmental Law Center) - Environmental advocates filed suit against federal regulators after CSX Transportation received approval to mine the Nolichucky River during rail repairs, threatening local wildlife and tourism revenue.
New Report Offers Critical Policy Lessons for Florida on Insurance and Climate Risks in Light of Recent Hurricanes (EDF) - Florida's insurance market faces mounting pressure as climate disasters intensify, with experts urging policy reforms after Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread devastation.
Don’t Miss Out. This Is Your Moment to Fight for a Safer Climate. (Terra.do) - A leading climate action group reports that 12-week programs can help professionals worldwide apply their expertise to fight global warming through community-driven solutions.
The Moana effect: how small island developing states are bringing their struggle against climate change to the world (The Conversation) - Youth activists and small island nations emerge as powerful voices at COP29, channeling Moana-like determination in their urgent calls for global climate action.
What is net zero? What is blue carbon? Experts explain key climate terms (The Conversation) - Climate scientists have launched a video dictionary series to help the public better understand key environmental terms, including 'net zero' and 'blue carbon'.
'You're not the boss of me' (The Crucial Years) - Clean energy advocates shift focus to economic gains and individual freedom after Trump-era policies favoring fossil fuels weakened environmental messaging.
Fossil of the Day awards at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan (Climate Citizen) - Nations including G7 members, Italy, South Korea, and Finland face criticism at COP29 for impeding climate finance and sustaining fossil fuel subsidies.
Why Climate Conservatives Are Excited About Trump 2.0 (Heatmap News) - Trump allies signal plans to boost fossil fuel exports and roll back clean energy incentives if he wins in 2024, according to conservative climate advocates.
Can the G20 Save Climate Finance? (Heatmap News) - G20 leaders debate climate funding from developing nations amid COP29 uncertainty, as Trump selects fossil fuel CEO Chris Wright to lead Department of Energy.
Day 5 - COP29 Video diaries (COP29 Daily) - Global clean energy investment remains heavily concentrated in the US, China, and EU at 85%, as the European Commission announces its membership in the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance.
Day 4 - COP29 Video diaries (Under2 Coalition) - A global alliance of 170 state and regional governments, representing 1.75 billion people, convened at COP29 to advance policies targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.
Day 3 - COP29 Video diaries (COP29) - Local leaders from Washington state, Malaysia, and New Mexico highlighted climate initiatives during a Scale Partnership gathering hosted by C40 and the US State Department at COP29.
Day 2 - COP29 Video diaries (COP29 Daily) - Global climate summit unveils ambitious targets, including UK's pledge to cut emissions 81% by 2035, while US faces policy scrutiny despite state-level progress.
Day 1 - COP29 Video diaries (Climate Group) - U.S. states, led by California, have doubled down on their climate pledges at COP29 in Baku, maintaining environmental targets regardless of potential federal changes.
"The voice of subnational governments is critical" - Under2 Coalition General Assembly at COP29 (Under2 Coalition) - Regional leaders at COP29 stress that subnational governments are essential for delivering national climate pledges and fostering community engagement.
First informal webinar with Observers ahead of INC-5 (11:00 - 12:30 PM) (UNEP) - UN observers call for binding global plastic pollution rules and greater inclusion of marginalized groups ahead of final treaty negotiations in Busan.
Budgets for Beginners (Environmental Protection Network) - A new budgeting toolkit aims to help grant seekers navigate federal funding applications through step-by-step worksheets and expert guidance sessions.
Risk Spotlight Common Country Analysis: Kyrgyzstan (UNDRR) - Analysis reveals comprehensive disaster risk data for Kyrgyzstan, aiming to bolster government and UN resilience planning efforts.
Second informal webinar with Observers ahead of INC-5 (08:00 - 09:30 PM) (UNEP) - Global plastic pollution treaty talks draw unprecedented participation, with 2,000 observers from 574 NGOs joining UNEP's pre-Busan negotiations webinar.
Davao Disaster Assistance and Youth Awareness Workforce (DDAYAW) (UNDRR) - Davao's youth-led NGO empowers communities through disaster resilience initiatives, reaching over 10,000 residents annually with emergency response and education programs.
Transport
Oregon surpasses 100K EVs with $99M state incentives and charging expansion
Celebrating 100,000 electric vehicles registered in Oregon (Oregon Department of Energy) - Oregon hits major milestone as electric vehicle registrations exceed 100,000, bolstered by £99 million in state rebates and expanded charging networks aimed at cutting transport emissions.
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