*[Enwl-eng] CAN EECCA Newsletter: Struggles for Environmental Rights in Georgia and Russia, a Glimmer of Hope for the Aral Sea, and Youth in Climate Advocacy
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Tue Oct 1 15:08:55 MSK 2024
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Climate Action Network — Eastern Europe, the
Caucasus, and Central Asia
Climate Change and Energy News Digest
www.caneecca.org
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Dear subscribers,
We are pleased to bring you the latest
update on how the Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia region is
tackling climate change and gearing up for the energy transition. This
collection highlights significant events and developments that have caught
our attention. If you feel we’ve overlooked anything crucial, please don’t
hesitate to reach out—we greatly value your feedback. Also, be sure to check
out the section at the end of the digest for exciting opportunities.
Stay engaged with the climate agenda
alongside us,
Aliya, CAN EECCA Communicator
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News from the EECCA Region
Water Crisis in Ararat Valley — Short
Documentary (AM)
A new video by Ecolur, our member
organization in Armenia, highlights the water crisis in the Ararat Valley,
emphasizing the severe threats to the water resources of the Ararat artesian
basin due to fish farming, overexploitation, and climate change. Key impacts
include a significant reduction in the area of flowing waters, a drop in
artesian pressure, and a groundwater level decrease of up to 17 meters,
resulting in diminished irrigation and drinking water quality for local
residents. The video features perspectives from community members and local
organizations, illustrating how the water deficit has adversely affected the
region's productivity.
In 2024, 2 Billion Cubic Meters of Water
Were Directed to the Aral Sea, but Ecologists Doubt Its Full Restoration Is
Possible (RU)
In 2024, the Aral Sea received 2 billion
cubic meters of water thanks to spring floods, raising the volume of the
Northern Aral to 22 cubic kilometers. During a meeting of the International
Fund for Saving the Aral Sea on September 18, 2024, experts discussed the
second phase of the Aral restoration project. However, ecologists express
skepticism regarding the feasibility of fully reviving the sea due to
increasing water scarcity and significant evaporation rates.
Shukruti Residents Continue to Protest and
Demand Compensation from Georgian Manganese
Residents of Shukruti village continue their
protests in Tbilisi, demanding compensation from Georgian Manganese for
damage caused by the company's mining activities. Since September 11,
participants have marched to the Public Broadcaster of Georgia, emphasizing
the destruction of their homes and the environmental degradation affecting
their livelihoods. The protesters, some of whom have resorted to hunger
strikes, insist that Georgian Manganese fulfill previous compensation
agreements made during earlier protests, although the company claims it has
already provided more than the agreed amount.
Potential "Zone of Alienation" at Gas Field
in Uzbekistan's Surkhandarya Due to Ongoing Hydrogen Sulfide Leak (RU)
In Uzbekistan's Surkhandarya region,
authorities are considering establishing a "zone of alienation" due to a
persistent hydrogen sulfide leak that has forced the evacuation of residents
from one village. This situation has persisted for several weeks, resulting
in unpleasant odors and the risk of gas poisoning affecting neighboring
areas. Local residents have reported various health issues and a lack of
adequate support from government authorities, despite reassurances from the
Ministry of Emergency Situations that the crisis will be addressed soon.
"We Are Nobody Here": A Report from Yugra,
Where Oil Workers Displace the Khanty from Their Ancestral Lands (RU)
In the summer of 2024, human rights
activists called on Russian authorities to amend laws that permit industrial
companies to occupy indigenous lands in Yugra. Local residents have
expressed frustration that oil companies are constructing facilities on
their ancestral territories without proper consent, despite legal
obligations to consult with them. As a result, indigenous communities often
feel compelled to accept compensation, as they lack genuine property rights
over these lands.
Uzbekistan Approves National Program to
Combat Dust Storms (RU, UZ)
Uzbekistan has approved a national program
aimed at combating dust storms and mitigating their negative impacts from
2024 to 2030. Key measures include improving forecasting and monitoring
systems for dust storms, implementing modern technologies to prevent and
alleviate their effects, and increasing green cover in affected regions. One
of the program's goals is to reduce the occurrence of severe dust storms by
50% by 2028.
Moldova Takes First Steps Towards Carbon
Pricing as Part of Energy Community Commitments
Moldova is taking significant steps towards
implementing carbon pricing, highlighted by the inaugural meeting of the
working group at the Ministry of Environment. This initiative aims to
develop a regional carbon trading system, in line with Moldova's commitments
as a member of the Energy Community and a signatory to the UN Convention on
Climate Change. The Ministry emphasized that establishing a comprehensive
Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification system will not only mitigate
environmental impacts but also encourage investments in cleaner
technologies, ultimately aiming for climate neutrality by 2050.
Ukraine Announces the First Online Auction
for the Allocation of Green Energy Support Quotas (UA)
Ukraine has announced its first online
auction for carbon support quotas, designed to boost renewable energy
sources, particularly solar power. Scheduled for October 31, 2024, the
auction will feature an additional annual quota of 11 MW for solar energy
production. This initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to
enhance transparency and bolster support for green energy, following a
recent increase in the support quota for renewable energy producers to 110
MW for 2024.
The Third Conference of the Air Quality
Central Asia Platform Took Place in Almaty
Strengthening regional cooperation in air
quality monitoring and dust storm management in the context of climate
change was the central theme of the third AQCA platform conference, held in
Almaty on September 19-20, 2024. The event brought together over 360
participants from diverse international and national organizations, focusing
on strategies for improving air quality, monitoring dust storms, and sharing
best practices. Following the discussions, representatives from Central
Asian countries collaboratively developed a regional action plan aimed at
enhancing air quality by 2025.
Russian Journalist and Researcher Angelina
Davydova: "The Green Movement Has Great Potential" (RU)
In this interview, journalist and researcher
Angelina Davydova discusses the current state of the environmental movement
in Russia, which she characterizes as "almost the only mass protest group"
in the country. The withdrawal of international NGOs has weakened activism,
yet local groups persist in their fight for nature conservation and the
ecological rights of citizens. Davydova believes that this social capital
will be pivotal in shaping democratic processes following the war.
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World Climate and Energy News
Hypocrisy Claims Leveled at Climate
Negotiators Pushing for Low Emissions While Backing Oil and Gas
Climate negotiators from the UAE,
Azerbaijan, and Brazil urged global leaders to increase their climate
targets ahead of next year's deadline, calling for plans aligned with
limiting warming to 1.5°C. However, critics pointed out the hypocrisy of
these countries, which continue to invest heavily in oil and gas production
while advocating for emissions cuts. Small island nations, represented by
Samoa, expressed frustration with the lack of ambition from countries most
responsible for the climate crisis.
Earth May Have Breached Seven of Nine
Planetary Boundaries, Health Check Shows
A major study has found that Earth has
crossed six out of nine planetary boundaries, crucial limits for maintaining
life-support systems. These boundaries include climate change, biodiversity
loss, and freshwater usage, with ocean acidification also nearing critical
thresholds. Scientists warn that breaching these boundaries could
destabilize the planet's health, impacting ecosystems and human well-being
globally.
Climate Change Made Central Europe’s Deadly
Flooding Twice as Likely, Scientists Say
A new study from World Weather Attribution
reveals that human-caused climate change doubled the likelihood of the
deadly flooding in Central Europe caused by Storm Boris. The storm, which
hit in mid-September, unleashed record rainfall across multiple countries,
leading to severe damage and displacing thousands. Scientists stress that
without a shift to renewable energy, extreme weather events like these will
grow even more frequent and devastating.
Uber Calls on EU to Ban Combustion Engines
on Ridesharing Cars by 2030
Uber has called on the EU to ban combustion
engine cars in corporate fleets by 2030 and implement binding targets to
accelerate electric vehicle adoption. Corporate fleets, responsible for 71%
of new car emissions, are seen as key to helping the EU achieve its 2050
net-zero goals. Uber also urged policymakers to introduce consistent
incentives and policies to make the transition to electric vehicles more
affordable, especially for low-income households and drivers.
Revealed: How the Fossil Fuel Industry Helps
Spread Anti-protest Laws Across the US
New reports reveal that fossil fuel
companies have been heavily involved in pushing anti-protest laws across the
U.S. These laws, designed to curb demonstrations, specifically target
environmental activists who oppose fossil fuel infrastructure projects.
Critics argue that these laws threaten free speech and are part of a broader
strategy to protect the interests of the fossil fuel industry at the expense
of environmental advocacy.
First Tranche of Loss and Damage Fund Ready
to Be Disbursed in 2025
The Loss and Damage Fund, created to aid
nations most vulnerable to climate disasters, is set to disburse its first
funds in 2025 after significant groundwork was completed during meetings in
Baku, Azerbaijan. Nearly $800 million in pledges have been made by countries
including the UAE, Germany, and the U.S., with further contributions
expected at COP29 to scale up the fund. This milestone follows years of
negotiations and represents a crucial step in addressing the escalating
economic and environmental costs of climate change, which are projected to
reach up to $1.8 trillion by 2050.
Rich Countries Could Raise $5tn of Climate
Finance a Year, Study Says
Research by Oil Change International shows
that wealthy nations could generate up to $5 trillion annually through
measures like windfall taxes on fossil fuels, ending subsidies, and
implementing a wealth tax on billionaires. This amount is five times what
poorer nations are requesting to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
address extreme weather impacts. Critics argue that despite the available
financial resources, wealthy countries are offering much lower sums and need
to do more to support global climate action.
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Opportunities
Enhancing EECCA Youth Engagement in Climate
Policy — Register for CAN EECCA Webinar
On October 3, 2024, join our webinar to
learn how to engage in climate policy through the Local and Regional
Conferences of Youth (LCOY & RCOY). This event aims to strengthen youth
involvement in climate action, offering insights on tools to participate in
policy-making at local and regional levels. Speakers from LCOY and RCOY will
share ways to contribute to a youth-led climate movement and help shape
meaningful climate policies.
Young Global Changers Recoupling Awards
The 2025 YGC Recoupling Awards aim to
recognize young changemakers who align economic prosperity with social and
environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants—individuals only—have
until October 31, 2024, to apply, and the top 15 will receive a full
scholarship to attend the Global Solutions Summit in Berlin, where they can
present their projects to a jury. The top category winners will also receive
a €2,500 prize, and applicants will gain access to a global network of
like-minded individuals.
Youth and Science in the Fight Against
Climate Change — Pre-COP29 Conference
The conference seeks to bring together youth
and academic institutions to collaborate in the fight against climate
change. It will feature expert-led panel discussions on climate challenges
and the role of youth activism, conducted in Russian with separate
presentations in English. Participation requires prior registration, and the
event will be held in a hybrid format on October 12. The conference is
organized by Narxoz University (Kazakhstan), the youth climate organization
"Climate for Us," and PRME Global Students.
How to Apply for the Oxford Climate
Journalism Network
Applications are now open for the Oxford
Climate Journalism Network, with a deadline of October 13, 2024, at 23:59
(UK time). Successful applicants will participate in a six-month intensive
online program, which includes 14 mandatory sessions and access to a
community of 100 journalists worldwide, along with workshops and discussions
led by climate experts. The program is designed for practicing journalists
from various fields interested in enhancing their climate change coverage,
and applicants must secure support from their newsroom management to
participate fully.
Environmental Photography Award
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation's
Environmental Photography Award aims to raise global awareness about nature
conservation through the power of photography. Photographers from around the
world can compete in five categories: Polar Wonders, Ocean Worlds, Into the
Forest, Humanity versus Nature, and Change Makers: Reasons for Hope, with a
grand prize of €5,000. The submission deadline is November 3, 2024.
Security Conference 2024 — Call for
Abstracts
The Security Conference 2024, held on
December 16-17 at the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, will focus on food security,
energy security, and cybersecurity as key pillars of global stability. The
hybrid event will bring together experts, policymakers, and researchers to
discuss sustainable solutions for these interconnected challenges. Abstract
submissions are open until October 15, 2024, with limited travel grants
available for participants in need of financial assistance.
October 12, 2024 — International Youth
Climate Adaptation Day
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) will
host International Youth Climate Adaptation Day on October 12, 2024, the
largest annual event of its kind, bringing together young people from over
100 countries. This day is dedicated to mobilizing, showcasing, and
celebrating the potential of youth in developing and accelerating climate
adaptation solutions. Young people worldwide are encouraged to participate
in various activities, including the "My Adaptation Solution" video
competition and organizing Youth Climate Adaptation Lighthouse Events.
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Three Previous Issues
a.. Nuclear Power and Geopolitics, Reaction
to the UN Pact for the Future, and an Innovative Yurt in Kazakhstan — 24
September
b.. Moldova’s Groundbreaking Climate Law,
Nuclear Delusions in Kazakhstan and Russia, and Lots of Opportunities to
Apply — 17 September
c.. Raising People’s Voice, the Arctic Needs
Azerbaijan, and a Future without Fossil Fuels — 10 September
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From: CAN EECCA
Sent: Tuesday, October 01, 2024 3:14 PM
Subject: CAN EECCA Newsletter: Struggles for Environmental Rights in
Georgia and Russia, a Glimmer of Hope for the Aral Sea, and Youth in Climate
Advocacy
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