*[Enwl-eng] 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Waste-to-Energy in Uzbekistan, Violations of the Aarhus Convention in Ukraine, and Voices of Climate Communicators
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Tue Oct 29 18:18:28 MSK 2024
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Climate Change and Energy News: Weekly Digest by CAN EECCA
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Dear subscribers,
We’re pleased to bring you the latest updates on energy transition and climate adaptation within our region and beyond, with a particular focus on civil society initiatives.
In this edition, we spotlight key events and insights we found especially compelling. If there’s something important we overlooked, we’d love to hear from you—your feedback is always valuable.
Stay informed and connected with the climate agenda through us!
Aliya, CAN EECCA Communications Coordinator
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Civil Society Initiatives
Two-Year Project Supporting Local Climate Action Concludes in Karaganda Region
The Karaganda EcoMuseum, a new CAN EECCA member in Kazakhstan, led the project in partnership with the Czech organization Arnika and with support from the European Union. This initiative made Karaganda the first region in Kazakhstan to adopt a policy focused on emissions reduction and climate adaptation.
From Waste Recycling to Lack of Specialists: Climate Challenges in Two Armenian Communities
At a recent roundtable organized by EcoLur NGO, our member in Armenia, representatives from Pambak and Debed raised urgent environmental and climate issues. They called for a recycling plant, highlighted recent climate-related damage to infrastructure and agriculture, and emphasized the need for specialized professionals to support sustainable municipal services.
Energy Efficiency Measures to Improve Kyrgyzstan’s Environmental Situation: Roundtable Summary (RU)
At a recent roundtable in Bishkek organized by MoveGreen, a CAN EECCA member in Kyrgyzstan, experts discussed the urgent need to address air pollution and enhance building energy efficiency. An energy audit of 44 public buildings across six cities revealed significant heat loss and inefficient heating systems. Participants stressed that prioritizing insulation and energy-efficient technologies is essential to reduce energy costs, improve indoor comfort, and enhance air quality.
Ukrainian Ministry of Environment and the Aarhus Convention: A Decades-Long Issue (UA)
In 2015, the organization "Ecology-Law-Human" filed a complaint with the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee regarding Ukraine's violations of the convention’s standards. This appeal was a response to the agreements with Shell and Chevron for shale gas extraction, made without environmental assessment or public consultations. In 2021, the convention authorities officially confirmed these violations, mandating corrective action from Ukraine; however, significant progress has yet to be made.
Communicating Climate Change Podcast
The latest episodes of the podcast feature four members of the ComunEECCAtors Community, led by CAN EECCA and n-ost, discussing the unique challenges faced by climate communicators in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. Topics include Belarusian science communicator Iryna Ponedelnik’s experiences with exile, Ukrainian journalist Serhii Barbu’s insights on climate disinformation during war, and Alexej Ovchinnikov's perspectives on reporting the environmental impacts of conflict. Investigative journalist Tsira Gvasalia highlights the struggles of climate journalism under authoritarian regimes and the identity crises facing post-Soviet nations like Georgia.
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News from the EECCA Region
Draft Law on Electricity Opened for Public Consultation in Moldova (RU)
The Ministry of Energy of Moldova has presented a draft law on electricity for public consultation, aimed at modernizing and integrating the sector with the European energy system. According to the draft, the law will regulate the organization and monitoring of the electricity market and promote the adoption of innovative technologies, such as smart meters and energy storage systems. It also envisions active participation from end consumers, granting them the ability to produce, store, and sell energy, as well as fostering cooperation with neighboring countries to enhance energy security.
Uzbekistan Plans to Build Eight Waste-to-Energy Plants (RU)
Uzbekistan plans to invest around $1.3 billion in building eight waste-to-energy plants and processing landfill gas. These facilities will annually dispose of over 4.7 million tons of waste and generate 2.1 billion kWh of electricity, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.4 million tons. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted the environmental significance of these projects and instructed that their number be expanded across the regions.
Human rights situation and peace process: “Azerbaijan faces important choices,” Borrell says ahead of COP29
EU High Representative Josep Borrell emphasized that COP29 in Baku offers Azerbaijan a critical opportunity to demonstrate commitment to human rights and peace, urging the release of detained activists and journalists. He highlighted concerns over the shrinking space for civil society and called for lifting travel bans, especially for Sakharov prize finalist Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu. Borrell also stressed that Azerbaijan and Armenia are closer than ever to peace, encouraging both nations to seize the moment to commit to a historic peace agreement.
Oil Production Begins at Two Fields in Kyrgyzstan (RU)
Oil production has started in southern Kyrgyzstan at the Severny Sokh and Chongara-Galcha fields, with 20 wells expected to be operational by the end of the year. Additionally, a $90 million oil refinery is nearing completion in the Batken region.
SOCAR – Azerbaijan's Fossil Fuel Proxy
A new report by Urgewald and CEE Bankwatch reveals that Azerbaijan’s state oil company, SOCAR, plays a major role in fossil fuel exploitation, with nearly 97% of its 2023 capital expenditure directed toward oil and gas. Despite establishing a green subsidiary, SOCAR Green, the report argues that this initiative primarily serves to free up natural gas for exports rather than indicating a genuine shift toward renewables. As Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29, concerns have been raised about the country’s commitment to climate justice, given its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, close ties between SOCAR and the Azerbaijani President, and ongoing human rights violations.
Hydropower Plants on the Aksu River: Destruction of Nature Near the Gissar Reserve (RU)
Journalist and eco-activist Natalia Shulepina, after visiting the construction site of three hydropower plants near the Gissar Reserve in Uzbekistan, expresses deep concern about the region's environmental future. In addition to the hydropower plants, plans include laying pipes to divert water from the Aksu River and building a ski resort on 3,000 hectares, which will result in large-scale deforestation and changes to the natural landscape. Natalia believes these projects threaten the local ecosystem, rare animal species, and raise serious questions about compliance with environmental regulations.
New Study: Scenarios for Coal Phase-Out and Renewable Energy Development in Kazakhstan
Researchers from Astana IT University have published scenarios in the Engineered Science journal for phasing out coal and developing renewable energy (RE) in Kazakhstan by 2040. Three key scenarios are considered: increasing the share of RE to 30%, fully phasing out coal-fired power plants, and modernizing infrastructure with expanded transmission lines. The scenario of replacing coal with wind and solar energy was found to be the most cost-effective, significantly improving air quality in Kazakhstan as well.
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy Discusses Nuclear Power Plant Construction with Korean Companies (RU)
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Almasadam Satkaliyev, discussed with representatives of Korean companies their potential involvement in an international consortium for building a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. The Korean side expressed readiness to support consultations and proposed collaboration on localizing equipment production. A final decision on the project implementation model is expected in 2025.
Why the Path to a Green Tajikistan Won't Be Easy (RU)
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has announced plans to achieve a green economy by 2037, but climate threats and outdated infrastructure pose challenges to the strategy’s implementation. Experts highlight the ambitious nature of certain goals, such as increasing the share of green construction to 80%, as well as the lack of sufficient government funding and investment to achieve these objectives. International partners, including the EBRD and ADB, are already providing funding, but the strategy’s success requires a coordinated approach from all stakeholders.
Russia is Warming 2.5 Times Faster than the Rest of the Planet (RU)
Global warming is heating Russia 2.5 times faster than the global average, with particularly rapid temperature increases in the northern polar region, leading to a reduction in Arctic ice cover and permafrost degradation. According to experts, adapting to climate change can help minimize economic risks, but new threats are also emerging, such as droughts in southern regions and the spread of agricultural pests to previously unaffected areas.
Lost Shores: IAEA Funded Russian Projects in Crimea (RU)
A recent investigation revealed that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continued to fund research by Russian scientists in Crimea even after the peninsula's annexation in 2014 and the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite its public support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, IAEA documents list Sevastopol as part of Russia, raising questions about the agency’s stance. Additionally, a recent IAEA-funded training in Moscow included participants from occupied Donetsk, recorded in the agency's database as residents of the “Russian Federation,” which has attracted criticism over the IAEA's involvement in activities on Russian-occupied territories.
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World Climate and Energy News
The Hottest Year (RU)
Following 2023, 2024 is on track to become the hottest year in recorded history. Average global temperatures have exceeded pre-industrial levels by 1.5 degrees, surpassing the limits set by the Paris Agreement. This rise in global warming is fueling climate-related disasters: increasingly frequent droughts, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. But is it still possible to halt this trend? What might our planet look like in fifty years, and will it still be habitable? In the latest episode of Archeology, host Sergey Medvedev explores these questions with molecular biologist and science journalist Irina Yakutenko and EcoDefense co-chair Vladimir Slivyak.
Carbon Emissions of Richest 1% Increase Hunger, Poverty and Deaths, Says Oxfam
Oxfam's recent report reveals that the carbon emissions from the world’s wealthiest 1% are significantly worsening global hunger, poverty, and excess deaths, as their luxury lifestyles, including private jets and yachts, contribute heavily to climate change. The study shows that if everyone emitted at the rate of an average billionaire, the carbon budget needed to limit warming to 1.5C would deplete in just two days. Oxfam advocates for higher taxes on extreme wealth and carbon-intensive industries to fund climate solutions, reduce inequality, and curb the damaging impact of these ultra-wealthy emissions.
UN Green Climate Fund Investing in Factory Farming, Report Finds
A new report from Stop Financing Factory Farming reveals that development banks, including the UN's Green Climate Fund, are investing billions in industrial livestock operations across vulnerable countries in the global south, fueling climate change impacts. These investments in factory farming, responsible for up to 20% of global emissions, contradict stated climate goals and risk worsening local conditions. Stop Financing Factory Farming calls on these financial institutions to pivot toward sustainable, community-centered agricultural systems that align with environmental and climate objectives.
Trading with Our Future: IFC Trade Finance Commitments for Fossil Fuels
A new report from Urgewald, a German environmental and human rights organization, reveals that the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, committed $16.1 billion to trade finance in FY2023, with $4.7 billion estimated to support fossil fuel projects—up 28% from FY2022. The lack of transparency across IFC’s nine trade finance programs complicates efforts to verify alignment with climate goals, particularly regarding fossil fuel investments. The report urges the IFC to exclude coal, oil, and gas from funding, improve auditing, and publicly disclose trade finance details for accountability.
Emissions Gap Report 2024 — UNEP
The Emissions Gap Report 2024 by UNEP warns that without stronger action in upcoming Nationally Determined Contributions, the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement could become unachievable within a few years. To stay on track, emissions cuts of 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035 are needed, with failure leading to a likely warming of 2.6-3.1°C. The report calls for urgent, coordinated efforts from governments, international collaboration, and a significant boost in climate finance, with G20 countries bearing a significant responsibility.
Turkey aims to quadruple wind and solar energy capacity by 2035
Turkey aims to quadruple its wind and solar capacity to 120,000 MW by 2035, requiring $108 billion in investments, with $28 billion allocated for transmission infrastructure. To expedite progress, Turkey’s energy ministry is reducing permit times and preparing tenders and regulatory incentives to attract private investment. Despite recent growth in renewable capacity, challenges with permitting and financing persist, and the government is implementing measures to support long-term investment and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
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Opportunities & Resources
New Series of Guides for Environmental Education (RU)
The EKA Movement, a CAN EECCA member in Russia, has launched a series of free methodological guides aimed at supporting environmental education for professionals in education, culture, media, business, and public service. These guides offer practical recommendations and are also valuable resources for volunteers and anyone engaged in environmental outreach. All materials are available for free download on the Ecowiki platform.
Climate Justice for the EECCA Region: Join the Youth-Led Campaign for COP29 to Challenge Russia's Influence and Promote Decolonial Action
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.
Mountain Future Award 2024
The Mountain Future Award 2024, organized by the FAO, invites individuals and institutions to submit innovative project proposals that address challenges in mountain regions, such as climate adaptation and youth engagement, for a chance to win the award. Three winners will receive international recognition, USD 5,000 in seed funding, and project incubation assistance. Proposals must be submitted by October 30, 2024, with a focus on fostering sustainability in mountain communities through innovation, climate resilience, and empowering youth as agents of change.
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Three Previous Issues
a.. A Solution from Kyrgyz Women, the EU Without Russian Gas, and Networking Ahead of COP29 — October 24
b.. Ukraine Prepares for Winter, Disinformation and Climate Change, Promoting Renewable Energy in Central Asia — October 15
c.. Kazakhstan Chooses Nuclear Power, the UK Says Goodbye to Coal, Climate Communicators Unite — October 8
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, October 29, 2024 7:49 PM
Subject: 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Waste-to-Energy in Uzbekistan, Violations of the Aarhus Convention in Ukraine, and Voices of Climate Communicators
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