*[Enwl-eng] 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Record CO2 Levels, Climate Policy Overview, and COP29 Plans
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Tue Nov 5 17:06:13 MSK 2024
Climate Activism and Green Transition in EECCA
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Climate Change and Energy News:
Weekly Digest by CAN EECCA
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Dear subscribers,
In just five days, the 29th Conference of
the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP29, will
kick off in Baku. For the first time, a climate COP is taking place in our
region, marking a pivotal moment for us as climate activists from Eastern
Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. This issue highlights how our region
is preparing for this historic event.
Starting on November 11, we’ll be sharing
daily updates from Baku, covering key moments and negotiations. Join us to
follow our region’s participation and stay informed on global efforts to
combat the climate crisis.
Aliya, CAN EECCA Communications Coordinator
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Civil Society Initiatives
CAN EECCA’s Regional Position Ahead of
UNFCCC COP29
Fifty-seven civil society organizations and
groups, united under the Climate Action Network for Eastern Europe, the
Caucasus, and Central Asia, have released a joint position ahead of COP29,
set to commence in less than a week in Baku, Azerbaijan. CAN EECCA urges
summit delegates to prioritize climate justice, accelerate the phase-out of
fossil fuels, and reallocate subsidies away from fossil fuels and misleading
alternatives like nuclear energy toward genuine solutions such as energy
efficiency and renewable energy.
How EECCA is Navigating Climate Action Amid
a Triple Crisis: Climate Policy Overview 2024
The latest Climate Policy Overview for
Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia is now available. This CAN
EECCA report highlights how the region’s 11 countries are advancing their
climate actions amid escalating climate crisis impacts while also navigating
complex geopolitical and socio-economic challenges. It reveals weak and
inconsistent ambitions for mitigation and adaptation, along with a continued
heavy reliance on fossil fuels and modest targets for energy efficiency and
renewable energy.
Green Technologies Support Highland Families
in Tajikistan (RU)
Another 20 vulnerable families across 10
different villages in the Yagnob Valley of Tajikistan have received
energy-efficient equipment sets. The valley's residents face numerous
challenges typical for high-altitude settlements, including shortages of
energy resources for cooking and heating. The accessible and reliable
devices provided by the environmental organization “Little Earth” will help
reduce firewood and coal consumption, improve sanitation, and save family
budgets.
Promoting Solar Energy in Kyrgyzstan —
Expert Discussion (RU)
International and local experts gathered at
a roundtable in Bishkek to discuss the promotion of solar energy and the
importance of microgeneration for the resilience and independence of
businesses. The meeting presented initiatives aimed at raising awareness and
supporting innovation in solar generation in Kyrgyzstan.
COP29, Climate Justice, and
Authoritarianism: Side Event at Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2024
On October 4, 2024 at the OSCE Warsaw Human
Dimension Conference, Crude Accountability and Freedom Now co-hosted the
side event, “Climate Justice, Authoritarianism, and COP29,” discussing human
rights and environmental degradation in Azerbaijan, and the unlikelihood of
transparent and meaningful climate talks at this year’s COP in Baku.
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News from the EECCA Region
IFC to Support Uzbekistan's Renewable Energy
Transition
The International Finance Corporation will
provide a $240 mln loan to Saudi-based ACWA Power to advance green energy in
Uzbekistan. IFC’s financing will support the construction and operation of
two projects, with a cumulative capacity of a 1-gigawatt solar PV plant, a
668-megawatt battery energy storage system, and approximately 500 km of
high-voltage transmission lines.
New Waste-to-Energy Plant in Bishkek — What
City Authorities “Forgot” to Tell Residents (RU)
In March 2024, Bishkek laid the foundation
for a new waste-to-energy plant aimed at processing municipal solid waste.
The project, backed by a $95 million investment from the Chinese company
JunXin, promises to generate electricity while managing waste. However,
"Mediazona. Central Asia" obtained a framework agreement between the Bishkek
city hall and the developer, uncovering numerous previously undisclosed
details.
Bakhyt Essekina on Improving Climate
Legislation in Kazakhstan
Ahead of COP29 in Baku, Kazakhstan is
positioning itself as an active participant in climate discussions, with
President Tokayev urging businesses to adopt advanced emissions-reducing
technologies. Since ratifying the Paris Agreement, the country has committed
to carbon neutrality by 2060, updating its Environmental Code and
establishing a national emissions trading system. However, emission
reductions require stronger incentives across key economic sectors.
Drought and Deluge: Russia’s Future Grain
Harvest at Risk (RU)
The severe weather conditions that struck
Russia in 2024 continue to test its agricultural sector. While the full
scale of damage from May frosts and the summer drought remains uncertain,
the sowing and future harvest of winter grains are already under threat.
Experts speaking to Forbes predict that next year’s grain yield will fall
below 2024 levels, though the exact extent of losses is yet to be
determined.
COP29 Is Azerbaijan’s Moment to Step into
the Global Sunshine — Opinion
COP29, the UN climate change conference,
convenes in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, from November 11-22. Compared to
Cop28 host, the United Arab Emirates, less is known about Azerbaijan – but
that is about to change. The South Caucasus country bridging Eastern Europe
and Western Asia is poised to be a middle power in a multipolar world.
We Must Work Together to Build a Sustainable
Energy Future for Armenia — Deputy Speaker of the Parliament
At the Climate Change and Energy Transition
Conference, Armenian Parliament Deputy Speaker Hakob Arshakyan emphasized
the urgent need for unified action to build a sustainable energy future for
Armenia. The conference, attended by government officials, international
representatives, and experts, highlighted green financing opportunities and
the parliament's role in shaping environmental policies.
Moldova Launches Sustainable Energy
Investment Hub (RO)
Moldova has launched the Sustainable Energy
Investment Hub, an innovative platform aimed at uniting stakeholders in
renewable energy and energy efficiency to promote sustainable solutions. The
hub will facilitate collaboration, simplify bureaucratic procedures, and
enhance access to resources and permits.
Ukraine to Highlight Resilience and Green
Innovation at COP29 Despite Ongoing War (UA)
At COP29, Ukraine plans to shed light on the
environmental damage caused by Russia's aggression and to demonstrate its
commitment to global climate goals. The Ukrainian pavilion at COP29 will
feature around 50 events, showcasing Ukraine's resilience, progress in green
technology, and commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Uzbekistan Embraces Cultural Heritage and
New Initiatives at COP29
At the UN climate conference in Baku,
Uzbekistan will present a National Pavilion inspired by traditional Uzbek
architecture, designed to highlight sustainability and environmental
awareness rooted in its cultural heritage. The pavilion will host over 20
events. Key events at the National Pavilion will include the signing of the
International Youth Strategy, ministerial meetings of the Turkic
Environmental Forum, a joint initiative on the Silk Road Declaration for
Climate Migration, and an event for the Aral Sea Multi-partner Trust Fund.
Hydropower Plants in Central Asia Threaten
Regional Ecosystems — Weekly Eurasianet Review (RU)
While Russia has temporarily safeguarded its
nature reserves, hydropower plants in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan
are creating significant environmental risks. Key events and updates on
nature conservation and climate issues in Russia and Central Asia are
featured in Eurasianet’s weekly blog, “Environment in Russia and Central
Asia.”
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World Climate and Energy News
Atmospheric CO2 Hits 420 ppm, Rises 11% in
Just Two Decades
Atmospheric CO2 concentrations increased to
420 parts per million last year, the 12th year in a row when climate
pollution rose by at least 2 ppm, reports the World Meteorological
Organization. The analysis shows CO2 levels rising 11.4% in just 20 years,
“committing the planet to rising temperatures for many years to come.” The
Earth last experienced comparable CO2 levels in the atmosphere three to five
million years ago, “when the temperature was 2° to 3°C warmer and sea level
was 10 to 20 metres higher than now.”
Why Was Valencia Flooding So Deadly, Did
Warning Texts Come Too Late, and What’s the Climate Link?
Some areas saw a year’s worth of rain in
just eight hours leaving people trapped in their homes by floodwaters. More
than 200 people have been killed in southern and eastern Spain following
deadly flash flooding. That number is expected to rise further as the search
continues for dozens still missing, some regions yet to report their victims
and more rain forecast to hit some of the worst affected parts of the
country.
Will COP29 Unlock a New Era of Action? What
to Watch at the 2024 Climate Summit
Amid rapidly escalating disasters and with
planet-warming emissions at an all-time high, the next UN climate summit
(COP29) offers an opportunity to unlock more ambitious climate action around
the globe. Taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan from Nov. 11-Nov. 22, 2024, the
summit's primary focus will be how to deliver more and better climate
finance to the countries and communities that need it most urgently. But it
is also a key moment for world leaders to signal how they will strengthen
their national climate commitments and make good on past pledges.
Japan, Australia, ASEAN Countries Adopt
Action plans for Decarbonizing Asia
Leaders of Japan, Australia and ASEAN
countries have adopted a joint statement on measures to accelerate
decarbonization in Asia over the next 10 years. The meeting of the Asia Zero
Emission Community was held on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit with
Myanmar being the only ASEAN member not to attend. As of last year, Asian
nations, including China and India, emitted about 60% of global CO2
emissions. Their energy consumption has been increasing as their economies
develop.
Armenia Elected as the Host Country for the
17th Biodiversity COP
On October 31, during the 16th meeting of
the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity
Armenia was elected as the host country of the 17th meeting of the
Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17).
The UN Convention on Biodiversity is one of the three global environmental
conventions, which regulates the efforts of the international community in
the areas of environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation,
restoration and sustainable use of natural resources.
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Opportunities
BETD Media Fellowship 2025: An Opportunity
to Report on the Global Energy Transition
The Federal Foreign Office, GIZ and the
German Renewable Energy Federation invite international journalists to
report on the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, March 18-19, 2025. This
BETD Media Fellowship allows young journalists from around the world to come
together in the German capital in order to participate in this exclusive
conference, talk to high-ranking stakeholders from science, politics,
industry and civil society as well as to connect with other BETD Media
Fellows from all over the world and strengthen international energy
journalism that does not stop at national borders. Deadline for Application:
24th November 2024, 11:55 pm CET.
"Turn It Around" Youth Contest for Central
Asia (RU)
Be part of creating a unique climate-themed
card deck that reimagines the challenges of climate change through art and
storytelling! If you're from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, or
Uzbekistan, this is your chance to share your perspective on environmental
issues and propose meaningful solutions. Let your voice shine in this
creative project!
Climate Justice for the EECCA Region: Join
the Youth-Led Campaign for COP29
This campaign calls on climate advocates and
communicators from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia to unite
in addressing the region's colonial legacy and environmental exploitation
ahead of COP29. With the upcoming UN climate conference in Baku, the
campaign aims to amplify the voices of those affected by authoritarianism
and ecocide, advocating for decolonial action and human rights. Whether
attending COP29 or supporting remotely, participants can contribute by
sharing local stories, creating campaign materials, or engaging with the
media.
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Three Previous Issues
a.. Waste-to-Energy in Uzbekistan,
Violations of the Aarhus Convention in Ukraine, and Voices of Climate
Communicators — October 29
b.. A Solution from Kyrgyz Women, the EU
Without Russian Gas, and Networking Ahead of COP29 — October 24
c.. Ukraine Prepares for Winter,
Disinformation and Climate Change, Promoting Renewable Energy in Central
Asia — October 15
Would you like to reach out to us?
We welcome your feedback at
can.eecca at gmail.com
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From: Aliya from CAN EECCA
Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2024 2:47 PM
Subject: 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Record CO2 Levels,
Climate Policy Overview, and COP29 Plans
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