*[Enwl-eng] CAN EECCA Newsletter: Wind energy breakthrough in Georgia, data gaps in Tajikistan and water problems in the region
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Tue Aug 6 15:05:35 MSK 2024
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Climate Action Network
Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia
Digest of news on climate change, energy
issues
www.caneecca.org
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Regional Climate News
Air in Tajikistan: lack of data generates
unreliable ratings
There is a lack of air quality data in
Tajikistan, which leads to insufficiently substantiated assessments of the
environmental situation in the media. Experts emphasize the need to reform
existing monitoring systems and create a unified regional standard for
Central Asia to improve data quality. Updating the regulatory framework and
introducing an automated monitoring system can contribute to a more
objective assessment and improvement of the environmental situation.
Liberalising the energy market of Moldova
The program "Addressing the Energy Crisis in
the Republic of Moldova" significantly contributed to overcoming the energy
crisis in the country, including support to vulnerable population and
development of strategic documents. The program helped more than 800
thousand families through electricity compensation, and implemented pilot
projects to improve energy efficiency and install photovoltaic panels. As a
result, new heating systems were installed and conditions improved for more
than 400 families, as well as training and equipping educational
institutions to train energy professionals.
Enhancing the Resilience of Civil Society in
the Eastern Partnership (ERICS-EaP)
A resilient and dynamic civil society is
crucial for sustaining pluralistic democracies, but it is increasingly under
threat due to the erosion of democratic values, deepening social divides,
and rising authoritarianism across the EU. The Eastern Partnership (EaP)
region faces additional challenges including conflict, corruption, and weak
democratic institutions, putting further strain on civil society efforts.
The ERICS-EaP projectaims to strengthen civil society in the EaP countries
by improving resources, enhanc ing capacities, and fostering regional and
international cooperation to support democratic processes and reform.
ADB Approves Programs to Support Reforms in
Uzbekistan’s Energy, Financial Markets
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has
approved two policy-based loans totaling $400 million to support
Uzbekistan's financial market and power sector reforms. The $300 million
loan focuses on improving the power sector's structure, legal framework, and
governance, while promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.
The $100 million loan aims to enhance financial market regulation and
transparency, including the establishment of a dedicated regulator and a
fintech sandbox, as well as streamlining capital market access and public
debt laws.
Russia and Central Asian countries are
overwhelmed by the problem of contaminated water
In 2023, Russia is experiencing
environmental deterioration: 162 water bodies have extremely high levels of
pollution, the area of forest fires has increased, and the number of
extremely hot days has risen, causing an increase in mortality. Kazakhstan
is building reservoirs to address water supply problems, Uzbekistan is
taking steps to improve air quality, and Kyrgyzstan is considering
legislative changes to build small hydropower plants, raising concerns for
UNESCO.
Georgia's Wind Farm Outperforms Multiple
Hydropower Plants (geor)
In January 2023, Georgia's only wind farm
generated 8.063 million kilowatt-hours of energy, surpassing the combined
output of over 16 medium and small hydroelectric power plants. Despite this,
the Georgian government remains focused on building more hydroelectric
plants rather than investing in wind and solar energy. The success of the
Kartli wind station highlights the need for Georgia to diversify its energy
sources and transition to renewable energies beyond traditional hydropower.
"We can't change the course of climate
events, but we can try to adapt and do things to mitigate the effects"
As a result of the hurricane in the Gomel
region of Belarus on July 13-14, power supply and mobile communications were
disrupted, forests and farmlands were damaged, children were killed and many
people suffered. Experts of the Alliance "Green Belarus" call for better
preparation and response to emergencies through modernization of warning
systems, strengthening coordination between government agencies,
introduction of alternative energy sources, and development of volunteer
movements. It is necessary to take climate change into account in strategic
planning and to train the population to act in emergency situations to
mitigate their consequences.
Is the Caspian Sea Going to Experience Aral
Sea Syndrome?
Rising global temperatures contribute to the
peril of shrinking inland seas, with the Caspian Sea exemplifying this trend
by dropping two meters in water level from 1993 to 2023. Without significant
intervention, the Caspian Sea faces further declines, potentially shrinking
its surface area by 23% to 34% by the century's end, posing environmental
and socio-political threats to the millions living nearby. To combat this,
comprehensive studies, increased global awareness, reduced greenhouse gas
emissions, sustainable agricultural practices, and international
collaboration are essential, alongside leveraging innovative technologies
like Digital Twin for strategic decision-making.
CAREC Program calls for nominations for
Gender Climate Awards 2024
The Central Asia Regional Economic
Cooperation (CAREC) Program is calling for nominations for the CAREC Gender
Climate Awards 2024, to recognize individuals and organizations who are
making significant contributions to gender equality in the context of
climate change resilience, adaptation and mitigation.
EPIC Air Quality Fund: Applications
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.
Apply now: COP29 Cross-Border Energy
Transition Reporting Fellowship
To meet the growing global demand for energy
and address climate change, a substantial increase in green skills within
the energy sector is crucial. The COP29 Cross-Border Energy Transition
Reporting Fellowship, organized by Clean Energy Wire and the Stanley Center
for Peace and Security, offers five journalists the opportunity to report on
the energy transition and green workforce during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan,
with travel and stipend provided. Applications are open until August 12, and
selected fellows will investigate how governments and businesses are
addressing the skilled labor gap and implementing green energy commitments.
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World Climate News
Wind and solar overtake EU fossil fuels in
the first half of 2024
Fossil generation continues to fall in the
EU, even as demand rebounds. Wind and solar rise to new highs, reaching a
share of 30% of EU electricity generation and overtaking fossil fuels for
the first time.
United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to
Action on Extreme Heat
The global crisis of extreme heat requires
immediate action to mitigate its deadly effects. Governments and communities
need to implement concrete measures to protect lives and livelihoods,
supported by policies that incorporate the latest data and scientific
research on heat risks. International cooperation is essential to share good
practices in policy, governance, and risk management, ensuring a resilient
response to extreme heat worldwide.
Fair taxes can raise over US$2 trillion
yearly for climate-vulnerable communities
A new ActionAid report reveals that
implementing fair taxes could generate over US$2 trillion annually to
support communities impacted by climate change and transition to greener
pathways. This report coincides with climate negotiations in Bonn and
emphasizes the importance of tax justice in raising necessary funds for
climate action, proposing that developed countries increase their tax-to-GDP
ratios to achieve international climate finance goals. Developing countries
have potential to raise significant domestic revenue by adopting progressive
tax policies, which would alleviate debt and fund essential climate and
public service initiatives, while also calling for changes in global tax
rules to enable these efforts.
‘A symbol of change’: Historic buildings
keep their charm thanks to cleverly installed solar panels
As the demand for green energy rises,
historic buildings across Europe are increasingly being fitted with solar
panels through innovative techniques. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao,
Spain, recently installed 300 solar panels on its roof, ensuring that the
design aligns with the building's architectural style and contributes to its
goal of becoming climate neutral by 2030. This trend is part of a broader
movement, with cities like Amsterdam relaxing regulations to allow visible
solar panels on protected buildings, and advances in building-integrated
photovoltaics (BIPV) enabling a blend of energy efficiency with historical
aesthetics.
Positive environmental stories from 2024 so
far
Despite prevalent climate anxiety, numerous
positive environmental developments in 2024 demonstrate that there is hope
for the planet. Highlights include renewable energy surpassing fossil fuels
in the EU for the first time, advancements in eco-friendly transportation
initiatives across Europe, and significant conservation successes like the
recovery of the Iberian lynx. Additionally, efforts such as innovative
agricultural practices, expanded use of geothermal and solar power, and
strengthened legal protections for ecosystems illustrate a growing momentum
toward sustainability.
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Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2024 4:00 PM
Subject: CAN EECCA Newsletter: Wind energy breakthrough in Georgia,
data gaps in Tajikistan and water problems in the region
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