*[Enwl-eng] CAN EECCA Newsletter: Nuclear Power and Geopolitics, Reaction to the UN Pact for the Future, and an Innovative Yurt in Kazakhstan
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Tue Sep 24 21:12:14 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
CAN EECCA Member Among Nominees for the 2024
Local Adaptation Champions Awards
Youth Ecological Center, our member
organization in Tajikistan, has been nominated for the 2024 Local Adaptation
Champions Awards in the Water Security category. In addition to this
category, the awards recognize efforts in three other areas: Food Security,
Local Entrepreneurship, and Urban Adaptation Solutions. Winners will be
announced at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a prize of €15,000 for each
category – we’re keeping our fingers crossed for the YEC!
Taiwan Cement Corporation Announces End to
Russian Coal Purchases
Taiwan Cement Corporation has announced,
following consultations with environmental organizations, that it will stop
purchasing Russian coal once its final contract is completed in August 2024.
This decision is expected to significantly cut Taiwan's Russian coal
imports, which made up 17% of the total in 2023. Advocacy organizations are
urging other companies, particularly Formosa Plastics Group, to follow suit,
highlighting the role of fossil fuel revenues in funding Russia's military
aggression in Ukraine.
"Putin Will Make Kazakhstan Dependent on
Russia for 100 Years with a Nuclear Power Plant" (RU)
Activists from the united platform "AES
Kerek Emes" ("No Need for Nuclear Power Plants"), including representatives
from CAN EECCA member organizations, held a discussion titled "Nuclear Power
Plant – Energy or Politics?" on September 18. The discussion was featured on
the Kazakhstan YouTube channel HYPERBOREA. The platform aims to voice the
concerns of Kazakh citizens opposed to the nuclear power plant project,
emphasizing the lack of meaningful public discourse and the use of
administrative resources to push the project forward.
IAEA Urges Russia to Immediately De-Occupy
the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant and Return It to Ukraine
The International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) passed a resolution urging Russia to withdraw military personnel from
the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and return it to Ukrainian
control, ensuring its safety. Adopted during the IAEA's 68th General
Conference, the resolution calls for unrestricted access for IAEA experts to
the ZNPP. This would allow the IAEA to perform proper oversight under
Ukraine’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.
€25 Million Boost for Moldova’s Green Energy
Transition (RO)
Moldova and France have deepened their
collaboration through a €25 million financing agreement from the French
Development Agency, aimed at accelerating Moldova’s green energy transition.
The initiative focuses on decarbonizing the country's energy sector,
expanding renewable energy production, and enhancing energy efficiency. An
additional €5 million in technical assistance, provided by the European
Union, will further support the program. Signed during the 5th Ministerial
Conference of the Moldova Partnership, this agreement marks a major step
toward modernizing Moldova’s energy infrastructure to meet EU standards,
ensuring long-term sustainability and energy independence.
Germany to Support Uzbekistan's Transition
to a Climate-Resilient Economy Through Key Strategic Projects
Germany and Uzbekistan have signed
agreements to launch two key climate resilience projects under their
bilateral cooperation. The first project, "Policy Dialogue and Knowledge
Management on Climate Protection Strategies" (DIAPOL-CE), focuses on
developing Uzbekistan's national strategy for wetland conservation,
eco-tourism, and addressing climate risks to the Sudochye Lake system. The
second project, "Green Central Asia Phase II," aims to enhance regional
collaboration on climate adaptation by updating climate action plans,
reducing emissions, and drafting a joint Central Asian political declaration
on climate commitments.
Glacier Changes in Uzbekistan’s Mountains:
Expedition Findings (RU)
Expeditions to the Pahtakor Glacier,
organized by Uzhydromet and the German Research Centre for Geosciences, have
been tracking glacier mass changes and the retreat of the ice tongue. During
the most recent expedition in August 2024, it was observed that the
glacier's surface had melted by three meters, while the glacier itself had
retreated by 20 meters. These findings will be crucial for monitoring
climate change and its effects on the region’s water resources.
Kazakh Architect Wins International Award
for Innovative Yurt Design — Interview (RU)
Young architect Ravil Nurgisa has become the
first Kazakh to win the ICONIC AWARDS 2024 for his modern yurt design,
recognized for its eco-friendliness and mobility. The project blends
traditional elements with cutting-edge technologies, such as solar panels
and autonomous wastewater treatment systems. Nurgisa aims to bring his
concept to life to promote tourism in Kazakhstan and is seeking support from
the Ministry of Tourism.
"Afraid of Waking Up Underground": A Report
from Gusinoozyorsk, the Buryat City Sinking into Abandoned Mines (RU)
Gusinoozyorsk, a city in Buryatia, is at
risk of collapsing into old, abandoned mines beneath it. Many homes are
sinking, and the air is filled with radioactive radon, a common companion of
coal in this region. Residents have seen a rise in cancer cases, which they
link to radon exposure and the deteriorating environmental conditions. While
they have repeatedly appealed for relocation, the process has been slow, and
their requests remain largely unanswered by authorities.
Now in Full Control of Nagorno-Karabakh,
Azerbaijan Wants to Make it a “Green Silicon Valley”
Following its control of Nagorno-Karabakh,
Azerbaijan plans to turn the region into a "green Silicon Valley," focusing
on renewable energy with a major emphasis on hydropower, solar, and wind
projects. The country has already built several new hydropower plants,
aiming to construct 40 in total, as part of its broader green agenda ahead
of hosting COP29. However, there are concerns about the environmental impact
of rapid development and lingering geopolitical tensions with Armenia, which
continue to threaten long-term peace and stability in the region.
Russia and Central Asian Countries Strive to
Portray Themselves as Leaders in Environmental Protection — Weekly Review
from Eurasianet (RU)
Despite government claims of progress,
Russia and Central Asian countries continue to grapple with serious
environmental issues. In Russia, worsening air pollution and radon emissions
are deteriorating living conditions, while effective measures to combat
climate change remain insufficient. In Central Asia, alongside industrial
disasters like gas leaks in Uzbekistan, there is a lack of environmental
awareness and minimal youth engagement in tackling these pressing issues.
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World Climate and Energy News
UN Pact for the Future: Promising, but Fails
to Deliver Bold Climate Action — CAN EECCA Reaction
The UN General Assembly adopted the Pact for
the Future on September 22, 2024, aiming to accelerate the Sustainable
Development Goals and the transition away from fossil fuels. However, we,
the CAN EECCA Secretariat and Board, find it lacking bold climate action,
with only two of its 56 pledges directly addressing climate change. We view
the pact's gradual approach to reducing fossil fuel use and its focus on
"transitional fuels" as insufficient to tackle the urgency of the climate
crisis.
Turkish Nuclear Plant Delayed by Withheld
Siemens Parts, China to Supply
Turkey's Akkuyu nuclear power plant has been
delayed due to Siemens Energy withholding key parts, likely due to Western
sanctions on Russia. As a result, Russia's Rosatom has secured alternative
parts from China to maintain the project's timeline. The plant, originally
set to begin operation in 2023, is now expected to launch its first reactor
in 2025, with full completion by 2028.
Why Azerbaijan’s New Climate Fund May Not Be
Enough to Plug Finance Gap
Azerbaijan has proposed a new climate fund
to support developing countries, financed by voluntary contributions from
fossil-fuel producers, but it may not significantly boost available climate
finance. Negotiations on global climate finance are currently stalled, with
developing countries pushing for a much larger annual fund than the existing
$100 billion, which wealthier nations have struggled to meet. Azerbaijan's
fund, while well-intentioned, faces skepticism due to its voluntary nature
and may not attract enough contributions to make a meaningful impact.
World Now Has Five Times More PV Than
Nuclear Power
The World Nuclear Industry Status Report
2024 shows that global photovoltaic (PV) capacity now exceeds nuclear power
by nearly fivefold, with PV reaching approximately 2 TW compared to nuclear’s
367 GW. The report underscores the rapid expansion of solar energy and
battery storage, which are increasingly more cost-effective and scalable
than nuclear power. Despite some new reactor constructions, nuclear energy
is losing relevance in the global market, while solar-plus-storage is poised
to be a transformative force in shaping future energy policies.
70% of the World’s Population to See Rapid
Increase in “Unprecedented” Weather, Scientists Warn
A new study warns that 70% of the world's
population will face rapid increases in extreme weather over the next 20
years if greenhouse gas emissions are not cut significantly. Regions like
the Mediterranean, Southern America, and Eastern Asia are projected to
experience unprecedented rates of change in rainfall and temperature,
particularly affecting vulnerable, low-income countries. Even with strong
mitigation efforts, around 1.5 billion people will still be impacted,
highlighting the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies.
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Climate and Energy Opportunities
How Do Military Conflicts Affect Cities,
People, and the Environment – Conference on September 27
This Berlin conference will explore the
devastating effects of military conflicts on urban environments, social
structures, and ecosystems, with a focus on the post-socialist space. It
will address how warfare leads to the destruction of cities, environmental
damage, and lasting cultural trauma, using examples such as Mariupol,
Bakhmut, and Grozny. The event aims to bring together researchers,
activists, and citizens to discuss these effects and explore ways to rebuild
communities and mitigate the environmental consequences of war.
Art Collider School on Art and Science:
Balkhash, Almaty, Central Asia (RU)
On September 28-29, the Aspan Gallery in
Almaty will host the Art Collider School’s open program on art and science,
focusing on the impact of climate change and water scarcity in Central Asia.
The event will bring together experts and scientists to discuss the region’s
challenges and propose strategies for preserving ecosystems. Admission is
free with registration, and the program is part of the international
exhibition “Weaving Climate, Water, and Communities.”
Safeguarding Activists in the Eastern
Partnership: A Series of Webinars
Civil society activists and human rights
defenders in the EU's Eastern Partnership countries are facing heightened
risks, making it essential to strengthen their security and protection
strategies. A two-part webinar series will offer an introduction to managing
these threats, providing tools and resources to safeguard activists in
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Organized in
collaboration with Protection International and Human Rights House
Foundation on September 25 and 26, the webinars aim to establish a
protection infrastructure and deliver practical solutions for activists
navigating increasingly hostile environments.
Study on Green Initiatives in Central Asian
and South Caucasus Universities (RU)
This interregional project invites
universities from Central Asia and the South Caucasus to take part in a
study promoting green initiatives and sustainable practices on campus. The
goal is to exchange and highlight best practices for fostering
environmentally friendly campuses. Participating universities are asked to
complete an online form and submit a video showcasing their green efforts.
The submission deadline is September 30, 2024.
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 in Bishkek — 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.
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.
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.
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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Subject: CAN EECCA Newsletter: Nuclear Power and Geopolitics, Reaction
to the UN Pact for the Future, and an Innovative Yurt in Kazakhstan
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