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Climate Action
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Eastern Europe, Caucasus
and Central Asia
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In the
world of international climate negotiations, the
term “climate finance” is often heard. But what
exactly does climate finance mean for the civil
society sector? Today we will try to clarify the
term and equip the civil sector in Eastern
Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) with
the knowledge to help them unlock the
opportunities of such finance and ensure
responsible governance through effective
monitoring.
July
has set new records for global temperatures,
making it the hottest month in over 120,000
years, a stark reminder of climate change's
impact. As Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29 in
four months, there is a pressing need to enhance
climate ambition, secure a robust climate
finance goal, and push for strong Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs). The COP29
Presidency must proactively address these
challenges, engage with civil society, and
manage expectations to effectively drive
progress on climate action and
finance.
The
residents of Khumgaron village in Tajikistan
suffer from severe pollution caused by the
nearby Chinese-operated gold mine, Zarafshon,
which has led to significant health and
environmental issues. Despite filing official
complaints, villagers faced intimidation from
local authorities who prioritize Chinese
investment due to its economic significance.
This situation illustrates Tajikistan's
dependency on Chinese economic support, which
comes at the cost of local well-being and
environmental health.
One of
the four power units at the Rostov nuclear power
plant in southern Russia was shut down due to a
malfunction in the turbine generator, according
to Rosatom. The company reported that the
shutdown was automatic, radiation levels remain
normal, and other units at the plant are
functioning or under maintenance. Temporary
power restrictions have been imposed in southern
Russia amid an ongoing heatwave that has led to
widespread power outages in the
region.
Ecologists
in Uzbekistan are concerned about the decline in
reptile and reptile species caused by climate
change and anthropogenic factors. Today there
are 64 species of reptiles in Uzbekistan, 21 of
which are listed in the Red Book and are
threatened with extinction. Fears and myths
associated with these animals lead to their
killing and consumption, which also contributes
to their extinction.
Amnesty
International presented its concerns on
Azerbaijan’s human rights record and
corresponding implications for Azerbaijan as a
host country which aims to ensure effective
discussions at COP29 and meaningful outcomes.
These concerns include violations of the rights
to freedom of expression, association and
peaceful assembly, reprisals against human
rights defenders and journalists, an effective
ban on independent human rights monitoring in
the country, widespread violations of the right
to a fair trial, and abuse of the criminal
justice system for political
purposes.
Moldova
is hosting the 8th Energy Community Summer
School from 19 to 27 July at the Technical
University of Moldova in Chisinau. The event
gathers 46 students from 26 countries to engage
in an intensive week of learning focused on
energy, decarbonisation, and geopolitics. The
program features a comprehensive curriculum and
esteemed speakers, fostering a network of young
energy experts.
A bill
to change the borders of specially protected
natural territories is being discussed in
Russia, which raises concerns among
environmentalists, as it could threaten the
country's entire system of nature reserves. The
State Duma passed a bill authorizing clear-cut
logging in the Baikal territory, which also
causes protests among scientists and
environmentalists. At the same time, Russia has
experienced an energy collapse in the south, and
the Ministry of Education is canceling the
school Olympiad on ecology, which is also
causing discontent among teachers and
graduates.
The
Kazakh government has decided to retain a
controversial recycling fee for imported
vehicles, claiming it supports an
environmentally responsible recycling program
and protects the domestic market. Critics argue
that the fee is counterproductive, keeping
high-polluting old cars on the road by making
newer, cleaner vehicles financially inaccessible
to many Kazakhs. Despite public outcry and a
petition for repeal, officials maintain that the
fee is essential for environmental protection
and domestic industry growth, although some
industry observers believe it primarily serves
to shield local automakers from foreign
competition.
The
course is designed for media and bloggers to
help them properly cover the topic of climate
change, including related topics, necessary
terms and scientific resources. The training
covers global and regional manifestations of
climate change, mitigation and adaptation
measures, and the basics of climate policy. As a
result of the course, participants will gain
structured knowledge of climate change and
practical advice on how to create quality
materials and media projects.
The
EPIC Air Quality Fund is offering grants of up
to $75,000 for projects related to air pollution
and the installation of monitoring sensors, with
applications accepted through September 10,
2024. Support is available to governmental and
non-governmental organizations, universities and
NGOs, with priority for applications from 75
countries with high PM2.5 data needs. To
participate, you must register for the webinar
on July 31, 2024 and confirm the legal use of
PM2.5 monitoring equipment in the
country.
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Rising
global temperatures have heightened the
frequency and intensity of extreme weather
events, and studies now directly attribute many
such events to climate change driven by fossil
fuel emissions. Fossil fuel companies,
responsible for about 70% of carbon dioxide
emissions since the industrial revolution, have
known about their impact on climate change for
decades while actively opposing climate action.
Legal actions are increasingly holding these
companies accountable, seeking reparations for
climate damages as their substantial profits far
exceed the estimated economic damages they have
caused.
At the
start of COP28 in Dubai, the UAE announced a $30
billion climate fund, ALTÉRRA, aimed at
accelerating energy transition and building
climate resilience, especially in the Global
South. However, four months later, one of
ALTÉRRA’s initial investments, BlackRock’s
Global Infrastructure Fund IV, purchased a major
fossil gas pipeline in North America. This has
led to criticism from climate advocates who
argue that ALTÉRRA is masking its investments in
fossil fuels under the guise of green progress,
casting doubt on the fund's commitment to
genuine climate solutions.
Vice
President Kamala Harris quickly emerged as the
favorite to win the Democratic nomination for
the U.S. presidency, supported by her extensive
climate-focused background and a substantial $81
million in donations within 24 hours after
President Joe Biden ended his re-election
campaign. Harris has gathered endorsements from
prominent figures and amassed significant
grassroots support, indicating strong momentum
for her candidacy. Her campaign emphasizes
protecting climate achievements, increasing
renewable energy, and addressing environmental
justice, resonating with voters concerned about
climate change amid a summer of record
heat.
COP30
will take place in Belém, Pará, Brazil in
November next year, with promises of sustainable
transformation from State Governor Hedler
Barbalho, focusing on the Amazon forest.
However, the construction of the controversial
Avenida Liberdade highway, which will cut
through the Belém Environmental Protection Area,
threatens to undermine these promises by
fragmenting ecosystems and potentially
accelerating local extinctions. Despite state
officials' assurances of mitigating measures,
environmentalists and local communities express
concerns about the project's long-term impact on
biodiversity and social dynamics.
Finance
ministers from major rich and developing nations
met in Rio de Janeiro to discuss a proposed
global tax on billionaires, a key agenda item
for Brazil’s presidency of the G20. The proposal
suggests taxing individuals with over $1 billion
in assets at 2%, which could raise $200-$250
billion annually, though U.S. Treasury Secretary
Janet Yellen expressed opposition to a global
agreement on tax policy. Despite some support
from other countries, including France and
Spain, the initiative faces challenges, as the
U.S. and others remain skeptical about its
feasibility.
During
the G20 Finance Track ministerial meeting in Rio
de Janeiro, Brasil’s Finance Minister Fernando
Haddad and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen
signed a landmark Climate Partnership agreement
aimed at addressing climate challenges and
promoting sustainable development. The agreement
outlines cooperation on clean energy supply
chains, carbon markets, nature and biodiversity
finance, and multilateral climate funds,
highlighting a commitment to joint action on
environmental priorities. Both leaders
emphasized the significance of this partnership
in strengthening bilateral ties and setting an
example for international cooperation amid
global geopolitical tensions.
Spain's
ambition to lead in green hydrogen production
received a major boost with the European
Commission approving €1.2 billion in state aid.
This funding, from the EU recovery fund, will
support the development of large-scale hydrogen
production plants and "hydrogen valleys" across
Spain, leveraging the country's potential in
solar and wind energy. The initiative aligns
with EU goals to reduce reliance on fossil fuels
and advance towards a net-zero economy, with
Spain aiming for the highest electrolyser
capacity in Europe.
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Sent: Monday, July 29,
2024 4:00 PM
Subject: CAN EECCA
Newsletter: COP28 broken promises, climate financing for EECCA and energy
community of Moldova
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