*[Enwl-eng] CAN EECCA Newsletter: Kazakhstan Chooses Nuclear Power, the UK Says Goodbye to Coal, Climate Communicators Unite
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Tue Oct 8 14:57:15 MSK 2024
CAN EECCA Weekly
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Climate Change and Energy News: Weekly
Digest by CAN EECCA
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Dear subscribers,
We’re excited to bring you a new edition of
our news digest, highlighting how our region is adapting to a changing
climate. While we don’t usually choose the themes for each issue, the
approaching winter and the growing democratic deficit have naturally shaped
this edition’s focus: energy solutions and civic engagement.
We’ve curated events and insights that
caught our attention. If we missed something important, please don’t
hesitate to let us know — we’re always open to your feedback. Be sure to
check out the section on interesting opportunities and find links to past
issues at the end of the digest.
Stay informed on climate developments with
us!
Aliya, CAN EECCA Communications Coordinator
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News from the EECCA Region
Amid Clampdown On Dissent, Kazakh Voters
“Support” Nuclear Power Plant
Kazakhstan's October 6 referendum saw 71.12%
of voters supporting the construction of the country's first nuclear power
plant, despite a government crackdown on dissent and the detention of nearly
30 activists. Supporters argue the plant will reduce reliance on coal, while
opponents raise concerns over environmental risks and potential increased
dependence on Russia if Rosatom is involved. Allegations of electoral
irregularities and low turnout in politically active areas like Almaty have
raised questions about the legitimacy of the vote.
Public Foundation "Dasti Saboh" from
Tajikistan Joins CAN EECCA (RU)
We are excited to welcome the Public
Foundation "Dasti Saboh" from Tajikistan as the newest member of the CAN
EECCA network. This organization supports vulnerable communities, promotes
eco-activism, provides disaster relief, and raises awareness about climate
change, with a special focus on advancing ecofeminism. With "Dasti Saboh,"
CAN EECCA now connects 54 NGOs across 11 countries in Eastern Europe, the
Caucasus, and Central Asia.
IAEA Renews Call to Return Zaporizhzhia
Nuclear Plant to Ukraine — Andrey Ozharovskiy Weighs In on the Latest
Resolution (RU)
Andrey Ozharovskiy, a Russian nuclear
physicist and activist, shared his insights on the latest IAEA resolution
concerning the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) during an interview
on the YouTube channel RZVRT. The IAEA reiterated its serious concerns over
Russia’s failure to comply with earlier demands to withdraw military
personnel from the plant and return it to Ukrainian control. Ozharovskiy
pointed out the dangers of potentially restarting the ZNPP reactors and
discussed Rosatom's fears about Russia being expelled from the IAEA.
Learning Energy Efficiency Network launched
in Moldova
On 26 September, Moldova officially launched
the Learning Energy Efficiency Network (LEEN) in Chisinau, bringing together
over 30 Covenant of Mayors signatories. LEEN will support member towns and
villages with energy planning tools, expert advice, and access to
professional networks for project development. The initiative is a
collaboration between the Ministry of Energy, GIZ Moldova, and local
partners, aimed at helping municipalities reduce CO2 emissions.
Kyrgyzstan and Electricity: Good News, Bad
News, Awful News
Kyrgyzstan's Energy Minister, Taalaibek
Ibrayev, highlighted both good and bad news regarding the country’s
electricity situation. While water levels at the Toktogul reservoir, which
is crucial for generating much of Kyrgyzstan’s hydropower, are higher than
last year, Kyrgyzstan is still facing a significant electricity shortfall,
with 3.9 billion kilowatt hours less power than needed this autumn-winter.
To mitigate this, the country relies on electricity imports from neighboring
nations, including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
Climate Change: Growing Number of Plants and
Animals Becomes Endangered in Tajikistan
Tajik climate scientists warn that the
country's increasingly dry climate poses serious risks to its flora and
fauna. Rapid climate change is accelerating biodiversity loss, and
endangered species, including endemic plants and animals, are at greater
risk due to habitat destruction and human activities. To mitigate these
impacts, urgent measures such as expanding protected areas, restoring
forests, and promoting green technologies are needed to preserve
biodiversity and adapt to climate change.
"Compensation Must Be Paid" — Life in Baysun
After the Second Gas Field Accident (RU)
In southern Uzbekistan’s Baysun district, a
second accident at a gas field resulted in a hydrogen sulfide leak, causing
fatalities and injuries among local residents, and continuing to poison
villagers. A Kun.uz correspondent visited the village of Kofrun, where
residents have been evacuated, and examined the situation at the local
hospital. Those who remain in the area are grappling with unsafe living
conditions, leading to growing frustration and uncertainty about their
future.
New Project Launched in Armenia and Georgia
to Enhance Public Participation in Environmental Decision-Making
A new project to improve public
participation in environmental decision-making in EU and Eastern Partnership
countries was launched with a kick-off meeting in Yerevan on September 25.
Led by the Raoul Wallenberg Institute and partnered with NGOs from Armenia
and Georgia, the project aims to analyze and develop recommendations for
Armenia's mining industry strategy and Georgia's environmental impact
assessment legislation. The initiative will create a model guide to enhance
public involvement in industrial projects that impact the environment,
aligning national policies with EU standards.
Expanding Access to Quality Energy
Efficiency Consulting Services Across Kyrgyzstan: A New Initiative (RU)
UNISON Group, a member of CAN EECCA in
Kyrgyzstan, has launched a new project to broaden access to high-quality
energy efficiency consulting services nationwide. Supported by IKI Small
Grants and GIZ, the initiative seeks to raise public awareness about energy
efficiency, train more than 30 professionals, and increase access to
qualified consultants in regions beyond Bishkek. The project will prioritize
empowering youth and women, while also focusing on developing the technical
and entrepreneurial skills needed to achieve state accreditation.
Belarus Seeks IAEA Support for Radioactive
Waste Disposal Facility Construction (RU)
Belarus has requested assistance from the
IAEA in constructing a national radioactive waste disposal facility,
highlighting the significance of international expertise in this area.
Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Karankevich stated that Belarus adhered to the
agency’s recommendations during the construction of the Belarusian Nuclear
Power Plant (BelNPP) and continues to collaborate with the IAEA during the
plant’s operational phase. Additionally, the country is developing projects
to secure further technical assistance from the IAEA.
Environment as a Common Cause: How to Reform
Russia's Green Policy — Angelina Davydova (RU)
The war in Ukraine has sidelined many
environmental issues in Russia, but their global significance remains
considerable. Despite sanctions and domestic challenges, Russia continues to
advance its environmental policies, focusing on waste management and
reducing emissions. However, the weakening of legislation around public
oversight and protected natural areas raises concerns about potential
long-term environmental impacts.
World’s Largest Stockpiles of Toxic
Pesticides Buried in Central Asia
The Soviet-era use of highly toxic
organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) on cotton and tobacco fields in Central
Asia has left the region with massive stockpiles of banned and dangerous
chemicals, including DDT. Poorly managed burial sites across Kyrgyzstan,
Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries have resulted in significant
environmental contamination and health risks, with traces of OCPs found in
human breast milk and increased rates of diseases such as cancer. Despite
international bans, these pesticides continue to contaminate soil and water,
posing ongoing threats to public health.
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World Climate and Energy News
End of an Era as Britain’s Last Coal-fired
Power Plant Shuts Down
Britain's last coal-fired power plant at
Ratcliffe-on-Soar shut down on September 30, marking the end of the UK's
142-year history of coal power generation. This closure aligns with the
government's policy to phase out coal by 2025 and is celebrated as a major
achievement in reducing carbon emissions and providing climate leadership.
The plant's remaining staff will either be relocated to other energy jobs or
stay on for decommissioning, as the UK now transitions fully to renewable
energy sources.
Coal Generation in OECD Countries Falls
Below Half of its Peak
According to a new report by the energy
think tank Ember, coal power generation in OECD countries has fallen by more
than half since its peak in 2007, largely replaced by solar and wind energy.
Today, coal accounts for just 17% of electricity generation in the OECD, and
27 of the 38 member countries are committed to becoming coal-free by 2030.
The rapid shift towards renewables is expected to continue, with a focus on
achieving fully decarbonized power systems by 2035.
McKinsey’s Global Energy Perspective 2024
A new global energy report by McKinsey,
Global Energy Perspective 2024, highlights the challenges and opportunities
in the energy transition. McKinsey’s analysis of the data shows global
emissions to 2050 remaining above a 1.5º pathway—even if all countries
deliver on current commitments. Global energy demand is projected to
continue increasing until 2050, with electricity consumption accelerating as
new demand centers, like AI and EVs, emerge. Renewables are expected to
account for 65 to 80 percent of global power generation by 2050, while
fossil fuels will decrease but continue to play a role in meeting growing
energy demand.
Does the World Need Nuclear Energy? An
Interview with Vladimir Slivyak (RU)
Due to growing public protests, the world is
moving away from nuclear energy, with examples like Germany and Taiwan,
which have completely shut down their nuclear power plants. Vladimir
Slivyak, an anti-nuclear activist and co-chair of the environmental group
"Ecodefense!", believes that nuclear energy carries significant risks, such
as accidents, nuclear waste management, and threats to human health.
Nevertheless, many countries, like France, continue to use nuclear power
plants, even though climate changes, such as heatwaves, pose additional
risks to their operation.
A Broken Model: How Germany's Economic
Troubles Are Impacting Volkswagen (RU)
The German automotive industry, including
Volkswagen, is facing significant challenges due to the end of state
subsidies for electric vehicles and soaring energy costs following the break
with Russia. Volkswagen is now considering the closure of several factories,
job cuts, and is struggling with declining demand in Europe—especially for
electric cars, where sales plummeted by 69% in Germany in August 2024.
Additionally, the company is under intense pressure from Chinese electric
vehicle manufacturers, whose lower production costs and improving quality
are making them formidable competitors in the European market.
Switzerland and Italy Redraw Border Due to
Melting Glaciers
Switzerland and Italy have redrawn part of
their Alpine border due to melting glaciers caused by climate change, with
the changes impacting areas near the Matterhorn and popular ski resorts. The
natural glacier boundaries that once defined sections of the border have
shifted as glaciers rapidly melt, leading to the need for both countries to
renegotiate their shared border. Switzerland has approved the new border
agreement, while Italy’s approval process is still underway.
Clearing the Air: A Systematic Review of
Studies on Air Pollution and Childhood Brain Outcomes to Mobilize Policy
Change
A systematic review of 40 studies on air
pollution and childhood brain outcomes found that exposure to pollutants is
linked to changes in brain structure, such as reduced gray and white matter
volume and altered microstructure. The research highlights that children are
particularly vulnerable to air pollution due to their higher exposure and
developing brains. These findings underline the need for policies to reduce
air pollution and protect children’s brain health.
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Opportunities
Join the CommunEECCAtors Network: Amplify
Your Voice in Climate Communication
If you specialize in writing or speaking
about the climate crisis, energy transition, or sustainable development,
join the communEECCAtors network, led by CAN EECCA and n-ost. This community
offers professionals from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia a
platform to share experiences, resources, and the latest news, fostering
collaboration and helping shape the narrative around climate action. Members
can access up-to-date research, participate in joint projects and training,
and receive support for their initiatives while expanding their professional
networks.
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.
Long-term Volunteering at Eco-centre in the
Czech Republic – Open to Armenians, Georgians, and Ukrainians
The Divočina eco-adventure center in the
Czech Republic is looking for three volunteers to help organize
eco-adventure workshops and camps for children, and to teach conversational
English using fun, informal methods. Volunteers will receive private
accommodation, vegetarian meals, training, and opportunities to engage with
the local community and develop their own projects. The application deadline
is October 31, 2024.
CAREC Institute Research Talks: “Water
Deficit and Hydrogen Production – Central Asia Perspective”
The CAREC Institute is hosting a webinar on
"Water Deficit and Hydrogen Production – Central Asia Perspective" on 15
October 2024, addressing the challenges of hydrogen production amid global
water scarcity, with simultaneous translation from English into Russian. The
discussion will focus on the impacts of water shortages on green hydrogen
production in Central Asia, a region rich in renewable energy potential but
with few hydrogen initiatives. Participants will engage with experts to
explore sustainable energy solutions and the future of hydrogen production
in the region.
Youth Climate Innovation Programme by the
Climate Technology Centre & Network
The Youth Climate Innovation Programme
offers young innovators from developing countries the opportunity to develop
and scale climate solutions through a virtual program. Participants will
engage in a 7-day Idea Lab to refine ideas, followed by a 12-week Incubator
for hands-on support, and a 4-week Accelerator to prepare for investment and
partnerships. Applicants aged 18-35 from Africa, MENA, Latin America & the
Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific can apply by October 20, 2024.
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.
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.
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Three Previous Issues
a.. Struggles for Environmental Rights in
Georgia and Russia, a Glimmer of Hope for the Aral Sea, and Youth in Climate
Advocacy — October 1
b.. Nuclear Power and Geopolitics, Reaction
to the UN Pact for the Future, and an Innovative Yurt in Kazakhstan — 24
September
c.. Moldova’s Groundbreaking Climate Law,
Nuclear Delusions in Kazakhstan and Russia, and Lots of Opportunities to
Apply — 17 September
Would you like to reach out to us?
We welcome your feedback at
can.eecca at gmail.com
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From: CAN EECCA
Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2024 2:14 PM
Subject: CAN EECCA Newsletter: Kazakhstan Chooses Nuclear Power,
the UK Says Goodbye to Coal, Climate Communicators Unite
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