|
Climate Action
Network
Eastern Europe, Caucasus
and Central Asia
Digest
of news on climate
change, energy
issues
| | | |
|
Someone
forwarded this digest to you?
You can
subscribe using this
link
| |
| |
|
Environmental
activists in Kyrgyzstan are concerned about
potential disasters following the parliament's
decision to resume uranium mining after a
five-year ban. The government argues that
uranium mining could significantly boost the
economy, providing up to $2 billion in revenue,
but activists warn about the environmental costs
and safety risks, especially in earthquake-prone
areas. An accident involving a Rosatom truck and
concerns over unstable dams containing uranium
tailings underscore the fears of a possible
nuclear disaster.
Kazakhstan,
participating in the St. Petersburg
International Economic Forum 2024, signed a
long-term contract to supply Russian gas to
Uzbekistan through its territory, raising
concerns over the loss of energy sovereignty.
Experts believe that Kazakhstan, dependent on
Russian gas, finds itself in a vulnerable
position, especially against the backdrop of
geopolitical risks. At the same time, the Kazakh
government has not invested enough in developing
its own gas infrastructure, which exacerbates
energy dependence on Russia.
The
New Democracy Fund is launching a call for
support to civil society actors based in
Georgia. Who
call apply? Civil
society actors are broadly defined as
democratically organised civil society
organisations, social movements, media,
academia, trade unions as well as
community-based groups and organisations,
including cultural, educational, and knowledge
institutions. Civil Society Actors from all the
Eastern Neighborhood Countries can apply as long
as they are based in Georgia.
Ukrainian
startup Releaf Paper, founded by Valentyn
Frechka, uses dead leaves instead of trees to
produce paper, significantly reducing
environmental impact by emitting 78% less CO2
and using 15 times less water than traditional
methods. Cities in Europe provide Releaf with
collected leaves, which are processed into
cellulose, enabling the production of paper
products for clients like L'Oréal and Google.
Releaf's first commercial factory, set to open
near Paris, will process 5,000 tonnes of leaves
annually, with plans for global
expansion.
On 20
June, EU Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke
Hoekstra visited Azerbaijan to discuss COP29
preparations, which will be hosted in Baku in
November 2024. Hoekstra met with various
Azerbaijani officials, including the Minister of
Ecology and Natural Resources and the Energy
Minister, to discuss Azerbaijan's climate
targets and the strategic energy partnership
with the EU. He also emphasized the importance
of civil society participation and human rights
in the climate discussions, highlighting the
EU's commitment to these values in the lead-up
to COP29.
The
EU-supported strategy for the restoration of the
Lake Sevan ecosystem was presented in Yerevan,
Armenia. The strategy includes goals,
principles, and a detailed action plan for the
lake's restoration. Deputy Minister of
Environment Ara Mkrtchyan emphasized adaptive
management for long-term stability, while Frank
Hess of the EU Delegation highlighted the
importance of financial investments and a
participatory approach.
| | | |
|
Youth
climate activists in Hawaii have secured a
historic settlement in a groundbreaking
constitutional climate case, Navahine v. Hawaii
Department of Transportation, which addressed
transportation sector emissions. The settlement
recognizes the state’s obligation to provide a
life-sustaining climate, committing Hawaii to
transformative changes aimed at achieving
net-negative emissions by 2045. The agreement,
announced by Governor Josh Green and public
interest law firms Our Children's Trust and
Earthjustice, marks the first settlement between
a state government and youth plaintiffs to
address constitutional climate issues,
emphasizing the state's duty to develop
sustainable transportation solutions.
Spain
is leading Europe in solar power generation this
June, with solar energy expected to account for
30% of its electricity mix. On 21 June, solar
power is projected to make up 20% of global
electricity at midday peaks, up from 16% last
year, according to clean energy think tank
Ember. The rapid growth of solar energy, driven
by decreasing battery costs and increased
efficiency, positions it as the fastest-growing
source of electricity and a key player in the
future energy landscape.
Wind
energy, pivotal in the global shift from fossil
fuels to renewables, harnesses wind currents to
generate electricity through turbines, making it
a sustainable alternative with significant
environmental benefits. It's the second largest
renewable energy source globally, crucial for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated
with traditional power plants. Wind farms,
whether onshore or offshore, are expanding
rapidly, expected to increase tenfold by 2050 to
support global efforts toward achieving net-zero
emissions.
Greece
is experiencing severe impacts from climate
change, including its earliest heatwave on
record, resulting in multiple deaths and
disruptions. The Mediterranean region,
particularly Greece, is heating faster than
other parts of Europe, with temperatures rising
over 1.5°C in the past 30 to 40 years. Greece's
unique geography, with extensive coastlines and
numerous islands, makes it particularly
vulnerable to heatwaves, strong winds, and
forest fires, which have become increasingly
frequent and severe, prompting the country to
adopt new climate resilience
measures.
| |
| |
|
This
email has been sent to you, because you are a
subscriber of CANEECCA
| | | | |
Sent: Monday, June 24,
2024 4:00 PM
Subject: CAN EECCA
Newsletter: Victory of youth activists, renewables rise while uranium
mining resumes in Kyrgyzstan
|
