*[Enwl-eng] CAN EECCA Newsletter: UPDATED | Moldova’s Groundbreaking Climate Law, Nuclear Delusions in Kazakhstan and Russia, and Lots of Opportunities to Apply
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Wed Sep 18 01:49:06 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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Regional Climate and Energy News
Three Steps to Phase Out Fossil Fuels in
Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia
CAN EECCA has joined the Global Week of
Action from September 13-20, 2024, to advocate for phasing out fossil fuels
and increasing climate finance. This initiative aligns with key global
events such as the UN Summit of the Future and the UN General Assembly, with
the goal of holding governments accountable for reducing their dependence on
fossil fuels. CAN EECCA calls on regional governments, many of which heavily
subsidize fossil fuels, to commit to renewable energy, redirect public funds
away from fossil fuels and nuclear energy, and avoid greenwashing as part of
a collective effort to limit global warming and ensure climate justice.
Vadim Ni: "Building a Nuclear Power Plant
Creates a Sort of Enclave of Another Country on Your Territory" (RU)
Plans to build a nuclear power plant in
Kazakhstan face criticism from experts, activists, and local residents due
to significant economic and environmental risks, including potential cost
overruns and threats to Lake Balkhash. Concerns are also raised over the
involvement of foreign companies, seen as creating an "enclave" of another
country within Kazakhstan. Experts advocate for exploring alternatives like
renewable energy sources, which could be developed more quickly and
cost-effectively.
Moldova’s New Climate Law: A Milestone in
Regional Climate Action and EU Integration
In April 2024, Moldova adopted a
groundbreaking climate law, committing to net-zero emissions by 2050 and
aiming for a 70% reduction by 2030. The law aligns Moldova with EU
standards, particularly the Green Deal, and reflects the country's ambition
for deeper integration with the EU. Georgia and Ukraine are following
Moldova's lead, drafting similar laws to strengthen their climate actions
and advance toward EU membership.
Nuclear Ambitions or Dangerous Delusions?
(RU)
Vladimir Slivyak, co-chair of the
environmental group "Ecodefense!", discusses Rosatom's plans to build 34 new
reactors, many of which rely on outdated designs that have never been used
before. These plans are controversial due to their high costs, lack of
operational experience with these reactor types, and the increased risk of
accidents. Slivyak also notes that by 2042, Rosatom will need to
decommission more than half of its existing reactors, potentially leaving
insufficient funds for new construction.
"Coal: The Dirtiest Energy Source" — Dmitry
Kalmykov's Candid Take on Coal Power (RU)
Dmitry Kalmykov, founder of the Karaganda
EcoMuseum, discusses the region's pressing environmental challenges,
including pollution from the coal industry and the legacy of the former
Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site. He underscores the close ties between
politics and environmental protection, emphasizing the need for civil
society's active participation in tackling ecological issues. The EcoMuseum
plays a vital role in raising awareness of local environmental threats and
promoting sustainable solutions for the region.
Environmental Education in Central Asia:
Think and Act (RU)
A regional conference, "Climate Change
Education in Central Asia: Think and Act, Creating the Future," was held in
Almaty, organized by the Kazakhstani think tank CAPS Unlock. The event
highlighted UNESCO's call to make environmental education mandatory in all
schools globally by 2025 to better equip young people to confront the
climate crisis. Despite the active development of civil society initiatives
in Central Asia, a significant gap remains between governmental goals and
capabilities.
Decline of Pine Forests in Belarus
Attributed to Climate Change (RU)
Pine forests in Belarus are being severely
affected by the spruce bark beetle, whose spread and heightened
aggressiveness are linked to rising temperatures. The share of pine forests
in the country has dropped from 58% to 48%, with these forests gradually
shifting from the south to the north of Belarus. Scientists are working on a
biopreparation to control the beetle population, with testing scheduled for
2025.
Homes and Churches for Oil Spills: Life in
the Komi Republic, Where the Wealth Lies in Oil, Forests, and Coal (RU)
The Komi Republic, abundant in oil, forests,
and coal, is grappling with serious environmental issues caused by outdated
infrastructure and insufficient regulation. In 1994, the region suffered one
of the worst environmental disasters in modern Russia when several hundred
thousand tons of oil spilled. Despite efforts by activists and local
communities, these problems continue as extraction companies frequently
prioritize minimal investments in social projects over genuine environmental
protection measures.
Women and the Environment: Why are their
contributions underestimated in Uzbekistan?
Despite the growing number of women in
leadership positions in Uzbekistan, environmental management remains heavily
male-dominated, as shown by the dismissal of Ruzigul Safarova, the only
female head of a regional environmental department. Safarova, recognized for
her bold and effective measures to combat environmental degradation, was
forced to resign despite 35 years of dedicated service. Her removal
underscores the persistent challenges faced by women leaders in
traditionally male-dominated sectors like environmental protection.
Russia Refuses to Contribute to Climate
Damage Compensation Fund for Developing Countries (RU)
Russia has announced it will not contribute
to the international fund established to compensate developing countries for
the damages caused by climate change, despite being the fourth-largest
emitter of greenhouse gases globally. This decision follows a proposal from
the EU suggesting that major emitters, including Russia, should help finance
the fund, which will be discussed at the upcoming COP29 climate summit.
Experts note that Russia's stance reflects a consistent reluctance to commit
to climate financing, opting instead to propose funding from its frozen
national reserves.
100 MW Wind Farm to Be Constructed in
Issyk-Kul Region (RU)
Construction of Kyrgyzstan's first 100 MW
wind farm has begun in the Issyk-Kul region, led by the Russian company
Rosatom Renewable Energy with a budget of $120 million. The wind farm is
expected to be operational by 2026, generating 280 GWh of electricity per
year. Once completed, the new roads built for the project will be accessible
to local residents, and the site will also be available for agricultural and
livestock use.
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World Climate and Energy News
Civil Society Demands $5 Trillion Annual
Climate Compensation from Global North: Media Advisory for Press Conference
on September 18
Civil society leaders are urging the Global
North to provide $5 trillion annually to the Global South to address the
climate crisis, with the new global goal on climate finance (NCQG) set to
be a central topic of discussion at the upcoming UN COP29 negotiations in
Baku, Azerbaijan. Representatives from trade unions, indigenous
organizations, environmental groups, youth, and women’s and gender groups
will speak at a press conference to highlight the need for climate finance
and a just energy transition. The event, part of a broader global
mobilization during Climate Week NYC and other international summits, calls
on wealthy countries to compensate for the climate damage disproportionately
affecting the Global South.
Wind and Solar Have Risen to “New Highs” in
the EU Overtaking Fossil Fuels for the First Time Ever
Wind and solar energy have reached record
highs in the EU, generating half of the bloc's electricity in the first half
of 2024, surpassing fossil fuels for the first time. The European
Commission's latest report shows wind power has overtaken gas as the
second-largest electricity source after nuclear, and solar energy
installations reached a new peak in 2023. While the EU is well-positioned to
meet its climate neutrality goals, challenges remain, including energy
efficiency, an ambition gap in renewable targets, and the need for updated
climate plans from member states.
Is Inequality the Key to the Climate Change
Debate?
French economist Thomas Piketty, in his new
book, argues that addressing inequality is crucial to combating climate
change, as the wealthiest individuals and countries are the biggest
contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. He suggests that just as countries
in the 20th century expanded access to health care and education outside of
capitalist frameworks, a similar shift is necessary to tackle climate change
effectively. Piketty believes that reducing inequality and moving certain
sectors away from profit-driven motives can drive the global changes needed
to preserve the planet's habitability.
The Hague Becomes World’s First City to Pass
Law Banning Fossil Fuel-related Ads
The Hague has become the first city in the
world to pass a law banning advertisements for fossil fuel products and
high-carbon services, including petrol, diesel, aviation, and cruise ships,
effective from next year. This legally binding legislation aims to reduce
the promotion of unsustainable behavior and follows a call by the UN for
such bans, similar to those against tobacco advertising. The move is
expected to inspire other cities to adopt similar measures.
Climate Change Struggle for Wine and Wasabi
Producers
Wine and wasabi producers in the UK are
struggling with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, marked by both
hotter and wetter conditions. Winemakers Karen and Simon Priestman face
challenges like downy mildew during wet years, while Jon Old, who grows
wasabi, finds that rising temperatures threaten his crop's growth. As
climate conditions fluctuate, both wine and wasabi growers are finding it
harder to maintain consistent production.
“Punitive Instrument”: Brazil Says EU
Deforestation Laws Will Affect One Third of Exports
Brazil is urging the European Union to delay
implementing its new deforestation law, which could affect up to one-third
of Brazil’s exports to the EU, including soy, beef, coffee, and other
products. The EU law, set to take effect at the end of 2024, aims to prevent
imports linked to deforestation but faces opposition from Brazil, which
considers it a “unilateral and punitive instrument.” While the EU remains
committed to the law, officials are considering a possible delay or
simplification in response to the concerns raised by Brazil and other
trading partners.
How Italy’s Largest Fossil Fuel Company Uses
“Green” Bonds as a Loophole to Keep Financing Hydrocarbons
Italy's largest fossil fuel company, Eni,
has been issuing "green-labelled" bonds that allow it to continue funding
carbon-emitting activities, raising concerns about greenwashing. These
"Sustainability-Linked Bonds" are marketed as supporting climate goals but
are not required to fund specific environmental projects, and may instead
finance fossil fuel operations. Critics argue that Eni's strategy undermines
the goals of the energy transition, with many investors unknowingly
supporting activities that exacerbate the climate crisis.
Two-thirds of Global Methane Emissions Now
Come from Human Activity, Researchers Say
A new report reveals that human activity is
now responsible for two-thirds of global methane emissions, reaching their
highest concentration in 800,000 years, with agriculture—particularly
livestock and rice paddies—accounting for 40% of these emissions. Despite
international pledges to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030, emissions
have continued to rise, especially in China, southern Asia, and the Middle
East. The study warns that without significant action, these trends could
increase global temperatures by more than 3°C above pre-industrial levels by
the end of the century, jeopardizing climate goals.
Soil Pollution Surpasses Climate Change as
Top Threat to Underground Biodiversity, Study Finds
A new study published in iScience reveals
that soil pollution, particularly from pesticides and heavy metals, is the
leading cause of declines in underground biodiversity, surpassing the
impacts of climate change and land use changes. This finding has surprised
scientists, who expected other factors like climate change to be more
significant, and highlights the need for further research into soil
pollution's broader effects. The study emphasizes that much is still unknown
about life below the surface, calling for a greater focus on soil
biodiversity and the impacts of various pollutants, including microplastics
and persistent chemicals.
Perceptions of CO2 Emission Reductions and
Future Warming Among Climate Experts
A new study surveyed 211 IPCC authors to
explore their views on future climate outcomes. Most authors are skeptical
that global warming will be limited to the Paris Agreement target of well
below 2°C, but they are more optimistic about achieving net zero CO2
emissions in the second half of this century. The study also found a strong
correlation between personal beliefs and perceived peer beliefs, indicating
that individual views are often mistakenly assumed to represent the
community average.
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Climate and Energy Opportunities
"Does Kazakhstan Need a Nuclear Power
Plant?" — Online Discussion (RU, KAZ)
On September 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM Astana
time, an online panel discussion titled "Does Kazakhstan Need Nuclear
Energy?" will be hosted by the "AES Kerek Emes" platform and the "Energy
Transition" Public Foundation, featuring environmental groups, public
organizations, and expert speakers. The event will be broadcast in Russian
with simultaneous translation into Kazakh. The discussion will cover topics
such as the role of nuclear energy in politics and its place in the future
of the energy transition.
Third Central Asian Air Quality Conference
(AQCA) 2024 — Last Call for Online Registration by September 18 (RU)
Online registration for the Third Central
Asian Air Quality Conference (AQCA) 2024, scheduled for September 19-20 in
Almaty, Kazakhstan, closes on September 18. The conference will gather
representatives from government bodies, international organizations,
experts, and activists to discuss air quality and dust storm issues in the
context of climate change. The event is organized by the Association of
Practicing Ecologists of Kazakhstan, MoveGreen (Kyrgyzstan), and the Youth
Environmental Group (Tajikistan), in partnership with UNEP.
How to Engage with COP29: An Essential
Series of Webinars for CSOs — September 18 and 20
The Eastern Partnership Civil Society
Facility, funded by the EU, in collaboration with CAN EECCA, is organizing a
series of webinars for civil society organizations (CSOs) to engage with the
upcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024.
These sessions will offer key insights into climate policy, finance, and
strategies for effective engagement. Open to both local and international
CSOs, the first webinar took place on September 16, with the next sessions
scheduled for September 18 ("How Can Local Civil Society Engage with COP29")
and September 20 ("Understanding Climate Finance"). Participants should
register in advance.
Climate Change Adaptation for Creative
Industries — Online Course
The Tashkent Creative MOC Hub, in
collaboration with the British Council and Black Mountain College, has
developed a 20-week online course on climate change adaptation for the
creative industries. The course will cover the causes of climate change, how
to identify its impacts, and explore the role of art in addressing
environmental challenges. It will be conducted in English and will start on
October 7.
UNESCO Calls All Young Innovators: Join the
2024 Youth Innovation Contest
UNESCO invites children and youth from nine
countries, including Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan,
and Uzbekistan, to join the 2024 Youth Innovation Contest, which focuses on
addressing global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and
sustainable living. Participants can submit their creative works—ranging
from paintings and stories to poems and research essays — by September 30,
highlighting themes such as marine and terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable
cities, and climate action. Winners will be honored with various awards,
including the opportunity to attend the closing ceremony in China, with
their projects potentially showcased on international platforms.
The New Generation of Decision Makers IRENA
Youth Forum
The IRENA Youth Forum: The New Generation of
Decision Makers will take place from 9-13 January 2025 in Abu Dhabi,
alongside the 15th IRENA Assembly. This event will connect young people with
global leaders, government representatives, and experts to contribute to
accelerating the deployment of renewable energy and achieving climate and
sustainable development goals. Interested youth aged 16 to 35 can apply for
participation by 24 September 2024, with full sponsorship available for up
to 35 selected participants.
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.
Invitation to Media for Coverage of the UN
Climate Change Conference
The UNFCCC secretariat invites media
organizations to apply for workspace and facilities to cover the UN Climate
Change Conference (COP29) taking place from November 11-22, 2024, in Baku,
Azerbaijan. Media attendance is welcomed at local, regional, and
international levels; however, due to limited facilities, approvals will be
granted based on applications submitted online by the October 14, 2024,
deadline. Media accreditation began on June 2 and is currently open.
The World Bank Group’s Young Professionals
Program (YPP)
YPP recruits global talent with diverse
backgrounds and technical skills to work across the World Bank and World
Bank Group, with the goal of tackling development challenges and advancing
its mission. The program offers a competitive, five-year contract with
opportunities for learning, growth, and rotational assignments, and is open
to candidates born on or after October 1, 1992, with a master’s degree or
equivalent, and at least four years of relevant experience. Applications
close on September 30, 2024, and selected candidates must be ready to start
full-time employment on September 8, 2025.
The GGF Small Grants Program in Central Asia
is Still Open for Project Proposals (RU)
The Global Greengrants Fund Small Grants
Program is still accepting project proposals from public environmental
organizations and initiative groups in Central Asia, with a focus on
projects related to environmental justice, climate change adaptation,
biodiversity conservation, and other environmental initiatives. There are
three types of grants available: in-country project grants, regional project
grants, and travel grants. Applications will be accepted until October 1,
2024.
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Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 11:46 PM
Subject: CAN EECCA Newsletter: UPDATED | Moldova’s Groundbreaking
Climate Law, Nuclear Delusions in Kazakhstan and Russia, and Lots of
Opportunities to Apply
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