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Climate
Change and
Energy News:
Weekly
Digest by CAN EECCA
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Dear
subscribers,
We
are pleased to bring you a post-COP compilation
of news on energy transition and adaptation to a
changing climate in our region and the
world.
In
this issue, we have collected key developments
and ideas that have caught our attention. If
we've missed anything, we welcome your comments
- we're always open to feedback.
Stay
up to date on the latest climate news with
us,
CAN EECCA
team
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News
from the EECCA Region
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The
geographical and cultural proximity of
Azerbaijan, the COP29 host, enabled Eastern
Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia (EECCA)
countries to advance national interests and
strengthen regional cooperation, but limited
negotiating experience hindered their broader
engagement. While some national delegations were
active, their efforts often lacked alignment
with COP29 objectives, and others remained
passive, failing to define their role in global
climate discussions.
In
recent days, Georgia has been engulfed in
significant political unrest triggered by the
government’s decision to suspend European Union
accession talks until 2028. This decision has
sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators
voicing strong pro-European sentiments and
raising concerns about democratic backsliding.
While these protests are primarily focused on
Georgia’s geopolitical future and democratic
integrity, they also have profound implications
for the country’s climate action, human rights,
and environmental commitments.
At
the COP29 climate conference in Baku,
Azerbaijan, the Kyrgyzstan pavilion hosted the
event “Just Transition in Central Asia: Pathway
to Climate Resilience and Social Justice”,
organized by CAN EECCA. Participants discussed
concrete steps and challenges related to the
region’s transition to a low-carbon economy,
including decarbonization, the introduction of
renewable energy, and the role of civil
society.
In
Kyrgyzstan, millions of trees are planted
annually as part of the national campaign
“Jashyl Muras”, claiming growth of forest areas,
but the reality often diverges from official
reports. Journalists have identified problems
with the care of saplings, their high mortality
due to lack of watering, violation of planting
terms and conditions, which casts doubt on the
effectiveness of the project. Despite loud
claims about the trees taking root, significant
areas of planting turned out to be dried and
unmaintained, turning the initiative into formal
PR without sustainable results.
The
Rogun Dam project in Tajikistan, if completed to
its maximum specifications, would impose severe
economic and environmental costs, making its
electricity uncompetitive compared to renewable
alternatives, according to a report by Rivers
Without Boundaries. Experts warn that continuing
the project at its current scale would
exacerbate regional ecological issues,
contribute significantly to greenhouse gas
emissions, and hinder efforts toward
decarbonization.
Kazakhstan's
journey to carbon neutrality by 2060 requires a
grassroots approach, as Nobel laureate Raekwon
Chung emphasizes empowering individuals and
local communities to take ownership of green
initiatives. Environmental challenges, including
melting glaciers, desertification, and
climate-induced migration, demand immediate
attention, alongside urban infrastructure
upgrades and sustainable business practices.
While top-down policies dominate, projects like
AEOK's campaigns and renewable energy solutions
aim to engage younger generations and foster a
"me first" ethos for sustainable
change.
Alim Sailybaev is
pioneering Kazakhstan's voluntary carbon credit
market by restoring degraded land in the Aral
Sea region through innovative projects like
planting saxaul and developing agroparks. His
organization, Qazaq Carbon, aims to use carbon
revenues as financial levers to promote
sustainable agriculture, biodiversity
conservation, and community welfare, despite
challenges like low local carbon pricing and
limited market infrastructure.
Businessman
Koka Kokolashvili, with family ties to Georgia's
political elite, has obtained government
contracts to develop at least 25 hydroelectric
power plants despite lacking experience in
renewable energy. These secretive deals, awarded
under unclear circumstances, have sparked
concerns over transparency, environmental
impact, and local community benefits. Critics
argue that Georgia’s renewable energy sector is
becoming increasingly opaque, raising questions
about who truly profits from its
development.
In
2024, Kyrgyzstan faced a record number of
mudflows, resulting in significant loss of life
and damage exceeding 1.2 billion soms. The main
causes of the catastrophic consequences were
heavy rains, insufficient work of local
authorities and chaotic development in hazardous
areas. The Ministry of Emergency Situations
warns that due to climate change and lack of
funds for prevention, the situation may worsen
in the future.
The
report analyzes the problems of Georgia's gas
sector, including the economic efficiency and
safety compliance of the gasification process,
as well as their contradiction with the NECP
objectives and the country's international
commitments. It notes that current energy
policies increase dependence on other countries
and threaten energy security, requiring
transformation of the sector for sustainable
development. The village of Kvatsikhe is cited
as an example of an alternative approach, where
solutions that take into account environmental,
social and economic factors are
proposed.
Poland,
preparing to take over the EU Council
presidency, sees Ukraine's resilience in
rebuilding its energy infrastructure amidst war
as a critical learning opportunity for Europe to
enhance energy security and system
transformation. Key priorities for Poland's
presidency include supporting Ukraine's energy
system, advancing its EU accession talks, and
promoting a full withdrawal from Russian energy
imports to bolster Europe's
security.
Russia
has seen a sharp rise in environmental problems,
including an increase in oil pipeline accidents
and predatory natural resource extraction.
Kazakhstan faces catastrophic air pollution in
key cities, as well as unsolved environmental
incidents. Other Central Asian countries are
taking steps towards sustainable development,
for example through international partnerships
and projects, but problems with air pollution,
water supply and waste management continue to
have a negative impact on people's lives and
nature.
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World
Climate and Energy News
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Once
dismissed as a climate solution, nuclear energy
is now gaining global support, with 28 countries
pledging to triple its capacity by midcentury to
curb carbon emissions. The renewed interest is
driven by its ability to provide reliable,
carbon-free electricity, complementing
intermittent renewables like wind and solar,
though challenges like high costs, delays, and
public opposition remain. While critics
highlight safety and affordability concerns,
proponents emphasize nuclear’s role in achieving
climate goals and enhancing energy security,
particularly in Eastern Europe and developing
nations.
President-elect
Donald Trump pledges to prioritize domestic
energy production by easing drilling
restrictions, expanding infrastructure, and
boosting natural gas exports to solidify U.S.
energy dominance. His agenda includes re-exiting
the Paris Climate Accord, rolling back emissions
regulations, and promoting fracking, while
potentially limiting the Inflation Reduction
Act's impact through tighter EV tax credits and
tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles. Trump’s
pro-energy strategy aims to deliver affordable
energy, strengthen the economy, and enhance U.S.
geopolitical influence, though it faces
political and environmental
challenges.
Japan
wants renewable energy to account for up to 50%
of its electricity mix by fiscal year 2040 with
nuclear power taking up another 20%, according
to a draft of its revised basic energy policy,
as it makes a clean energy push while meeting
rising power demand. As
the world's second-largest importer of liquefied
natural gas and a major consumer of Middle
Eastern oil, Japan and its basic energy plans
are drawing global attention from oil, gas and
coal producers.
The
International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights
geothermal energy as a promising, low-emissions
resource that could meet 15% of global
electricity demand by 2050, with oil and gas
industry expertise playing a crucial role in its
expansion. Technological advancements could
reduce geothermal costs by 80% by 2035, making
it the cheapest dispatchable renewable energy
source, while policy support could boost global
investments to $2.5 trillion and create one
million jobs by 2030.
Over
the past two decades, the EU has significantly
reduced its reliance on nuclear and coal power,
with nuclear energy dropping to 23% and coal to
12% of the electricity mix, while renewables
have surged to 35%. Despite this shift, nuclear
energy remains crucial in several countries,
including France and Belgium, while Germany has
completely phased it out in favor of a
controversial hydrogen strategy. Renewables'
rapid growth reflects the EU's commitment to
climate neutrality by 2050, though challenges
such as grid limitations and market volatility
continue to impact energy systems and
prices.
The
UK spent over £1 billion this year to turn off
wind farms and activate gas plants due to grid
infrastructure mismatches and outdated energy
system rules, exposing flaws in renewable energy
integration. Despite a 50% increase in offshore
wind capacity, the lack of grid upgrades has led
to inefficiencies, rising energy bills, and
undermined decarbonization goals. This situation
highlights the need for better infrastructure
planning and serves as a cautionary tale for
other nations pursuing hasty green energy
transitions.
The
first-ever Climate Fiction Prize has unveiled a
longlist of nine novels, all written by women,
showcasing diverse narratives that place the
climate crisis at the forefront. Notable works
include 2024 Booker Prize winner Orbital by
Samantha Harvey and debut novels like The
Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley, exploring
themes from apocalyptic futures to resilience in
the face of environmental
disasters.
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The
OSCE is calling for applications for the third
edition of its Women’s Peace Leadership
Programme (WPLP), focusing on the intersection
of gender, climate, and mediation. The program
aims to empower women in the OSCE region and
Partners for Cooperation to take leadership
roles in climate action, offering training on
leadership, negotiation, and gender equality in
environmental policies. Eligible women with at
least seven years of experience in
climate-related fields can apply by January 15,
2025, to participate in workshops, training in
Vienna, and networking opportunities.
The
Youth for Water and Climate Programme (YWC) is
inviting young people aged 18-30 from Romania,
Greece, Lithuania, France, Bulgaria, Hungary,
and the Netherlands to apply. Participants will
attend two international workshops, receive
mentorship, and join a community of practice
focused on water and climate issues.
Applications are due by December 20, 2024, and
candidates must submit a short video and an
essay to be considered for the
program.
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Sent: Tuesday,
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CAN EECCA Newsletter: Grey skies of Central Asia, risky bet on
hydropower and nuclear rising star
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