*[Enwl-eng] CAN EECCA Newsletter: CAN EECCA Newsletter: Ukraine Prepares for Winter, Disinformation and Climate Change, Promoting Renewable Energy in Central Asia
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Tue Oct 15 15:28:11 MSK 2024
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Climate Change and Energy News: Weekly Digest by CAN EECCA
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Dear subscribers,
We’re excited to share our latest roundup of news on the energy transition and the fight for climate and nature in our region. As we gear up for the coming winter, civic engagement remains at the forefront of the conversation. Ukraine is receiving special attention, where over half of the country’s energy infrastructure has been destroyed by Russian military strikes. Yet, civil society is actively promoting renewable energy in non-occupied areas, defending natural landscapes from harmful projects, and the Verkhovna Rada has passed a landmark climate law.
We’ve compiled key events and insights that stood out to us. If we’ve missed something important, feel free to reach out—we’re always open to feedback. Also, don’t miss our section on upcoming opportunities and links to previous editions at the end of this digest.
Stay updated with the latest climate news with us,
Aliya, CAN EECCA Communications Coordinator
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News from the EECCA Region
Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Power Referendum: Voices from the Anti-Nuclear Movement
On October 6, Kazakhstan held a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant, with over 71% of voters supporting the initiative. Despite a high turnout of nearly 64%, some activists raised concerns about the legitimacy of the results. Representatives from three CAN EECCA member organizations reflect on the way this referendum was organised, its outcome, and the lessons they have learned from the anti-nuclear campaign.
Ukraine Adopts Framework Climate Law
Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada has adopted a framework climate law aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The law outlines the architecture of climate governance, financial tools, and integrates climate goals into post-war recovery plans. This legislation aligns Ukraine's policies more closely with EU laws, strengthening the country's case for EU membership and financial assistance.
The Supreme Court Bans Construction of Ski Resort in the Ukrainian Carpathians (UA)
The Supreme Court of Ukraine has issued a final ruling, overturning plans to build a ski resort on the Svydovets Ridge, siding with the appeal by the organization Environment People Law. The legal battle lasted nearly seven years, beginning with the approval of detailed plans for the resort in 2017, which triggered protests from environmentalists and local communities. Activists warned that development in the unique Svydovets natural area would cause irreversible harm to the ecosystem and result in the loss of rare plant and animal species.
Armenia's Largest Grant from Germany for Sustainable Development of Biodiversity (AM)
Armenia has received its largest grant to date—€26 million—for a six-year project focused on biodiversity and sustainable local development, funded by Germany's Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development via KfW bank. The project aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation, improve the management of protected areas, and enhance the socio-economic conditions of nearby communities. The program will also involve comprehensive inventory work of Armenia’s flora and fauna to revise the Red Book and support the sustainable development of protected areas through increased investment.
"This winter will shake things up and set everything in place." The development of renewable energy in Ukraine, both thanks to and despite the challenges (UA, RU)
Ukraine’s energy transformation has been a subject of discussion for many years, but the war has significantly accelerated the shift to renewable energy. EcoClub and other civil society organizations have been actively installing renewable energy systems in various communities: since late 2022, five NGOs alone have completed nearly 50 such projects, adding 1.7 GW of capacity. However, experts stress that for long-term sustainability, it’s crucial to strategically integrate decentralized energy into the national grid and reduce dependence on large-scale projects like nuclear power plants.
Ukrainian homeowners are using solar panels to prepare for a bitterly cold winter
Ukrainian homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to prepare for a harsh winter amid widespread power outages caused by Russian missile attacks. Rooftop solar systems allow residents to store energy in batteries, providing electricity even during blackouts. Supported by Ukraine's Energy Efficiency Fund, which covers up to 70% of equipment costs, this initiative aims to help people through the winter while also contributing to the country's green energy transition.
Kazakhstan Adopts Hydrogen Energy Development Concept Until 2030 (RU)
On September 27, 2024, Kazakhstan approved a hydrogen energy development concept that will guide the sector's growth until 2030. The plan focuses on the implementation of hydrogen technologies and attracting investments in pilot projects. This is expected to help the country achieve carbon neutrality and strengthen its position on the global energy stage.
Nuclear Power Plant in Kyrgyzstan: Is There a Need? (RU)
Kyrgyzstan is currently exploring the possibility of building a nuclear power plant, with efforts already underway to identify a suitable location. However, experts argue that the country has significant untapped potential in its existing resources, such as water and coal. The construction of a nuclear plant presents many challenges, including high costs, energy demand, the need for trained specialists, and waste management, making it a complex undertaking at this stage. Many experts suggest that it would be more practical to focus on traditional energy sources, which are more affordable and accessible to the population for now.
Sanctions and NGO Shutdowns Negatively Impact Belarus' Environment — BEROC (BE, RU)
Belarus is losing ground in global environmental rankings due to the slowdown in implementing environmental projects, a result of sanctions and the mass shutdown of non-governmental organizations. Experts from the BEROC center note that the country is stagnating in areas related to the environment, such as renewable energy and waste management. For Belarus to achieve sustainable development, it is crucial to expand the use of renewable energy sources, encourage research in green technologies, and engage civil society in environmental initiatives.
Natural Disasters and Man-made Catastrophes Are Becoming a Hallmark of Russia and Central Asia — Weekly Review from Eurasianet (RU)
The frequency of natural disasters and industrial accidents in Russia and Central Asian countries is noticeably increasing. In Russia, devastating forest fires continue. Kazakhstan is battling new steppe fires and coming to terms with the prospect of having a nuclear power plant, which was favored by the majority of citizens in a recent referendum. Uzbekistan is trying to address the issue of hydrogen sulfide emissions from a gas field, Tajikistan is seeing an increase in sandstorms, and Turkmenistan is leading the world in methane emissions into the atmosphere.
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World Climate and Energy News
"The Finance COP": Here's What's on the Agenda for the COP29 Climate Summit in Baku Next Month
COP29, set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024, is being called the "finance COP" due to the focus on setting a new global climate finance goal to replace the previous $100 billion target. Key discussions will include how much funding developing countries need to mitigate and adapt to climate change, with estimates ranging from $500 billion to over $1 trillion annually. Additionally, countries are expected to submit stronger national climate commitments and address the implementation of past agreements, such as the loss and damage fund launched at COP28.
Climate Action Network Сalls on Ministers to Ensure COP29 Delivers Ambitious Climate Finance Goal
Ahead of COP29, Climate Action Network (CAN) is urging environmental and energy ministers to deliver an ambitious climate finance goal that meets the urgent needs of developing countries. The 130 civil society organizations that signed this letter to ministers emphasize that the new finance goal must prioritize grants over loans, ensure transparency, and set clear targets for mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage. Failure to achieve this would undermine the Paris Agreement, as developing countries, particularly in regions like South Asia and Southern Africa, face immense challenges from climate-related disasters and require significant financial support to build resilience.
How Disinformation Undermines the Fight Against Climate Change: New Posters Released
The popular FLICC poster, which illustrates common disinformation strategies, is now available in Russian and Romanian, adding to the eight existing language versions. The new translations were created in collaboration with environmental organizations from Moldova and Russia, highlighting the universal nature of disinformation tactics, regardless of the topic or region. The FLICC acronym represents five key strategies: fake experts, logical fallacies, impossible expectations, cherry-picking, and conspiracy theories, and the posters are available for free in all languages.
Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2023: a New Report by IRENA
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has presented a new report showing that the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) from most renewable sources continued to fall in 2023, with solar PV leading the cost reductions, followed by offshore wind. The global weighted average LCOE for utility-scale solar PV projects dropped by 12% from 2022 to 2023, and overall, new renewable capacity added since 2000 saved the electricity sector at least USD 409 billion in fuel costs in 2023. This trend highlights that renewable energy has become the most cost-effective option for new power generation, contributing to both energy security and a transition to more sustainable energy systems.
Earth’s “Vital Signs” Show Humanity’s Future in Balance, Say Climate Experts
A new report by leading climate experts warns that many of Earth's "vital signs" have reached record extremes, with 25 out of 35 indicators showing unprecedented deterioration, including carbon dioxide levels and population growth. The report highlights the increasing likelihood of societal collapse due to global heating, extreme weather events, and ecological overshoot, driven by fossil fuel emissions and overconsumption. The scientists call for urgent action, including reducing fossil fuel use, transitioning to plant-based diets, and addressing economic inequality, to avert catastrophic consequences and safeguard future generations.
Why We Need to Keep Climate COPs Inclusive
Calls to reduce participation at climate COPs, in response to frustration over slow progress, are misguided, according to Manuel Pulgar-Vidal of WWF. He argues that the COP process must remain inclusive and transparent, especially for Global South nations and civil society, as diverse participation strengthens global climate negotiations. Instead of limiting attendees, the focus should be on setting more ambitious national climate targets and addressing the influence of corporate lobbies that hinder progress.
Japan pushes fossil fuel tech in Asia carbon neutrality initiative
A recent report found that a third of the 158 agreements signed under Japan's Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) involve fossil fuel technologies, such as liquefied natural gas, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and ammonia co-firing. Critics argue that these projects could slow progress toward carbon neutrality, as they promote continued use of fossil fuels, the primary cause of climate change. While some agreements focus on renewable energy, only 11 out of 158 involve solar or wind power, raising concerns about the initiative’s overall impact on climate goals.
German Forests Emerging as an Environmental Concern (RU)
Due to the impacts of climate change, forests in Germany have, for the first time in decades, begun emitting more carbon dioxide than they absorb. However, the country has made progress in expanding mixed forests, which are more resilient to climate change, now covering 79% of the total forest area. Globally, deforestation remains a significant challenge, and despite international goals to halt it by 2030, 6.4 million hectares of forest were lost last year, primarily in tropical regions.
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Opportunities
Pre-COP29 Listening and Learning Session: Impacts of climate change on gender equality in Eastern Europe and Central Asia — October 16
The Pre-COP29 Listening and Learning Session, scheduled for October 16, 2024, will focus on the impacts of climate change on gender equality in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The session, organized by the Women and Gender Constituency, aims to deepen understanding of how climate issues intersect with gender and will bring together gender advocates to share data and experiences from the region. This discussion will set the stage for more informed and meaningful dialogues at COP29, highlighting key challenges faced by women and gender-diverse individuals amid the climate crisis. Be sure to register!
Call for Project Proposals: Communication Campaigns on Renewable Energy in Central Asia
Climate Action Network EECCA, in partnership with CEE Bankwatch Network, is offering grants to CAN EECCA member NGOs in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to develop communication campaigns promoting renewable energy. The funding, ranging from EUR 3,000 to 5,000, will support campaigns addressing topics like dispelling myths about non-renewable energy, highlighting the financial benefits of renewables, and exposing fossil fuel dependency. Member NGOs are encouraged to submit proposals by October 24, 2024, with campaigns to be implemented between November 2024 and February 2025.
Climate Networking for Journalists and Communicators from the EECCA Region
Join us on October 17th for a networking event with journalists and communicators from the EECCA region, hosted by CAN EECCA and n-ost, to discuss the challenges of climate communication and share experiences. This is an opportunity to connect with peers, exchange insights, and explore new strategies for effective climate storytelling. The communEECCAtors 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.
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.
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.
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Three Previous Issues
a.. Kazakhstan Chooses Nuclear Power, the UK Says Goodbye to Coal, Climate Communicators Unite — October 1
b.. Struggles for Environmental Rights in Georgia and Russia, a Glimmer of Hope for the Aral Sea, and Youth in Climate Advocacy — October 1
c.. Nuclear Power and Geopolitics, Reaction to the UN Pact for the Future, and an Innovative Yurt in Kazakhstan — 24 September
Would you like to reach out to us?
We welcome your feedback at can.eecca at gmail.com
From: CAN EECCA
Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 5:30 PM
Subject: CAN EECCA Newsletter: CAN EECCA Newsletter: Ukraine Prepares for Winter, Disinformation and Climate Change, Promoting Renewable Energy in Central Asia
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