*[Enwl-eng] CAN EECCA Newsletter: Attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, preservation of the Aral Sea and promises before COP29
enwl
enwl at enw.net.ru
Mon Mar 25 17:49:20 MSK 2024
<!--[if !mso]-->
<!--[endif]-->
Climate Action Network
Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia
Digest of news on climate change, energy
issues
www.caneecca.org
--------------------------------------------------
Someone forwarded this digest to you?
You can subscribe using this link
--------------------------------------------------
Regional Climate News
Putin bombards Ukraine but US tells Kyiv to
stop targeting Russian oil
In a recent barrage, Moscow targeted
Ukrainian energy infrastructure with cruise missiles, resulting in
widespread power outages in cities such as Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa.
Amidst this escalation, Washington has urged Ukraine to cease drone strikes
on Russian oil refineries, citing concerns over potential disruptions in
global oil markets. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has called for increased
military aid from allies while emphasizing the need for air defense systems
to protect critical infrastructure.
Tajikistan: solar energy to help HPPs
There is a shortage of solar resources in
Tajikistan, which hinders solar energy development and investment
attraction, especially in the context of persistent energy shortages and a
crisis in the country's electricity system. Rising temperatures and changes
in precipitation have an acute impact on the hydropower system, which is
responsible for more than 95% of electricity generation. While the country
has huge potential for solar energy, more government support and investment
in alternative energy sources is needed to ensure continued access to
electricity for residents.
How does the wind rose affect air pollution
in Tashkent?
In Tashkent, economic growth and a
construction boom have led to changes in urban architecture, but failure to
respect the wind rose in the construction of high-rise buildings is
worsening the environmental situation. A proposed draft general plan for the
capital, approved in 2023, envisages the creation of a new city of New
Tashkent to address housing and infrastructure. Despite the efforts of the
authorities and the concerns of the population, the issue of air pollution
remains relevant due to insufficient consideration of wind patterns in urban
planning and technical aspects of construction.
American Student Tells How and Why She
Planted Haloxylon on the Bottom of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan
Carolina Solomon, a student from the United
States, talks about her participation in an environmental action to restore
the Aral Sea ecosystem, where she and other volunteers planted 5,100 saxaul
seedlings at the bottom of the Aral Sea. For three days, the volunteers
traveled through the Kyzylorda region of Kazakhstan, immersing themselves in
unique landscapes and carrying out a charitable mission. Their efforts are
intended to help preserve the natural wealth and prevent the recurrence of
similar environmental disasters.
“As Cop29 president, I will build bridges
between the diverging north and south to keep 1.5C in reach” - Mukhtar
Babayev
Last year witnessed record highs in electric
vehicle usage and global electricity generation from coal in 2023, driven by
increased demand and geopolitical conflicts. To meet 1.5C climate goals,
there's an urgent need for synchronized shifts towards clean energy
consumption and production, necessitating continuity in international
agreements like Cop29 in Azerbaijan to ensure effective implementation.
Azerbaijan's Cop presidency aims to bridge the gap between industrialized
and developing nations, emphasizing green technology transfer and ambitious
post-conflict renewable energy projects as part of its transition strategy.
Ukraine: Young European Ambassadors organise
environmental academy in Sumy
Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) from
Ukraine organized a 'Green Restoration Academy' in the Sumy region to
address the environmental impact of Russia's war, engaging participants in
discussions about ecocide awareness and EU-supported environmental projects
during conflict. Despite security concerns, the academy successfully
combined online and in-person sessions, facilitating dialogue on
environmental issues and EU cooperation in green restoration efforts in
Ukraine. The initiative, led by YEAs Nataliia Yaroshenko and Daryna Lynnyk,
underscores the importance of raising awareness about war's environmental
consequences and fostering youth engagement in promoting sustainable
policies and practices.
Caspian energy roundup: Baku prospects for
investment to realize energy-export plans
Azerbaijan stands to benefit from shifting
dynamics in the Caspian Basin energy market amid the ongoing conflict in
Ukraine, particularly regarding oil exports previously reliant on Russian
transit routes. Kazakhstan's quest for alternative export routes has led to
expanded agreements with Azerbaijan, including utilizing the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, indicating Baku's potential as a
strategic energy hub. Furthermore, Azerbaijan is exploring opportunities in
natural gas transit, aiming to increase volume through agreements with
Turkmenistan and Turkey, while also prioritizing renewable energy
development to meet domestic needs and potentially supply Europe, backed by
international investment and EU cooperation.
--------------------------------------------------
World Climate News
Oil Execs Drink Their Own Kool-Aid, Talk
Down the ‘Fantasy’ of Fast Energy Transition
At the CERAWeek conference in Houston, oil
and gas industry executives downplayed the urgency of the energy transition,
emphasizing continued reliance on fossil fuels despite mounting climate
concerns. Media coverage challenged industry narratives, highlighting
contradictory statements amidst growing scientific evidence of climate
change impacts. Critics underscored the need for a transition to renewables,
contrasting industry perspectives with calls for urgent action to curb
greenhouse gas emissions.
UN’s climate body faces “severe financial
challenges” which put work at risk
UNFCCC chief Simon Stiell urgently appeals
for increased funding from governments to address severe financial
challenges facing the climate body. With less than half of its budget
currently funded, the UNFCCC risks being unable to fulfill its expanding
workload, including critical activities mandated by countries. Despite
repeated pleas and warnings, the organization remains heavily reliant on
voluntary donations, prompting concerns about its long-term sustainability
and ability to support essential climate negotiations and initiatives.
US surprised about Cop troika 'vision' on
finance, NDCs
The US expressed concern today over certain
elements in the "vision" presented by the Cop presidencies Troika,
consisting of the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil, regarding ongoing
negotiations on a new global finance goal for developing nations. The
Troika's proposal suggests reframing ambition in Nationally Determined
Contributions (NDCs) to include finance for developing countries, a stance
deemed inconsistent with the Paris Agreement by the US delegate.
Additionally, the vision emphasizes the importance of high ambition NDCs
incorporating finance, technology, and capacity-building resources for
developing countries, further reflecting ongoing discussions surrounding
climate finance ahead of Cop 29.
AI robots are patrolling Dutch tulip fields
to root out viruses
In the Netherlands, tulip fields were under
threat from viruses until Theo, an AI robot, was introduced to monitor and
protect the flowers. Named after a retired employee, Theo roams the fields,
using cameras and AI to detect diseased tulips, preventing the spread of
viruses. As part of efforts to combat the tulip-breaking virus, 45 robots
patrol fields across the country, providing precision agriculture and
reducing reliance on human labor.
Eleven pro-nuclear member states back
declaration at landmark conference
A Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels saw EU
leaders from 11 member states endorsing a declaration supporting nuclear
power, aiming to attract financing for new and existing plants. The
declaration emphasized the need to fully unlock the potential of nuclear
energy and enable financing conditions for extending the lifetime of
existing reactors.
A Journey of Resilience: Taking the climate
fight to the International Court of Justice
"Noqu mata vuvale" holds a profound
significance in Fijian culture, symbolizing the warmth and inclusivity of
welcoming someone into the family fold. Originating from a small group of
Pacific Island law students, the movement has evolved into a global effort,
emphasizing the urgent need for evidence-based advocacy and celebrating
recent victories, such as Australia's commitment to submit to the ICJ.
Looking forward, envision a future where voices from all corners of the
globe converge to safeguard the planet for future generations.
© Copyright, CANEECCA
This email has been sent to you, because you
are a subscriber of CANEECCA
From: CAN EECCA
Sent: Monday, March 25, 2024 4:00 PM
Subject: CAN EECCA Newsletter: Attack on Ukraine's energy
infrastructure, preservation of the Aral Sea and promises before COP29
<!--[if mso]-->
<!--[endif]-->
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.enwl.net.ru/pipermail/enwl-eng/attachments/20240325/4e3f2d26/attachment-0001.html>
More information about the Enwl-eng
mailing list