*[Enwl-eng] 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Water, Heat, and Oil — Spring on the Brink
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Mon Apr 7 22:30:10 MSK 2025
Climate Activism and Green Transition in EECCA
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Climate Change and Energy News:
Weekly Digest by CAN EECCA
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Dear subscribers,
In this issue — the key highlights of the
week in climate, energy, and the environment: outcomes of the first
EU–Central Asia summit, Afghanistan’s plans to divert water from the Amu
Darya, alarming signals about transboundary river pollution, new climate
risk data, and international steps to cut emissions. Plus — a selection of
current opportunities for activists, researchers, and NGOs.
We’re always open to hearing your thoughts,
ideas, or stories — don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Sincerely,
The CAN EECCA Team
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News from the EECCA Region
First EU–Central Asia Summit
The EU is ready to support the industrial
development of Central Asian countries, said European Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen during the first EU–CA summit in Samarkand. Europe
hopes to gain broader access to the region's rare earth elements and
strengthen overall partnerships.
In a tense geopolitical environment, the EU
sees Central Asia as a "reliable" region and aims to secure access to key
raw materials and clean energy sources, as well as greater alignment on
issues related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Afghanistan Builds Major Canal to Divert
Water from the Amu Darya
Afghanistan is constructing a massive canal
to draw water from the Amu Darya, which could affect water availability in
Central Asia.
Abdul Latif Mansoor, Acting Minister of
Energy and Water, stated that Afghanistan has no water agreements with any
country in the basin and is open to dialogue only if based on formal
treaties.
Pollution in the Aras River Threatens
Millions
The Aras River, vital for 20 million people
in Armenia, Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, is facing ecological disaster.
Over 50 studies show high levels of heavy metals and even radioactive waste.
Key polluters include Armenia's mining
industry and the Metsamor nuclear power plant. Despite acknowledging the
pollution, Iran still plans to use Aras water for cities in the northwest,
raising concerns over environmental injustice.
Central Asia and Mongolia: United Against
the Triple Planetary Crisis
At a high-level session in Samarkand's
climate forum, ministers from Central Asia and Mongolia discussed
coordinated responses to climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Tajikistan’s environment chief Bahodur Sheralizoda emphasized that only
joint regional actions can effectively address ecosystem degradation.
Uzbekistan Aims to Meet Emissions Targets
Ahead of Schedule
At the Samarkand International Climate
Forum, President Mirziyoyev stated that Uzbekistan will strive to meet its
Paris Agreement target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35% ahead of
schedule. He noted that global average temperatures exceeded 1.5°C for the
first time last year and highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis.
Moldova: Grants for Private Home Energy
Efficiency
Moldova is launching a grant program to help
private homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their houses. The
initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce energy consumption and
increase resilience to climate change.
Kyrgyzstan’s National Security Council:
Annual Climate Damage Estimated at $30–50 Million
The average annual economic loss from
climate change in Kyrgyzstan is estimated at $30–50 million. This was stated
by Marat Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan, during
a roundtable on “Water Diplomacy in Central Asia Amid the Water-Energy
Crisis: Problems and Solutions.” He warned that if current trends continue,
this figure could rise to $1 billion.
Regional Climate Priorities Set as Dialogue
with the EU Continues
At the climate forum in Samarkand,
representatives from Central Asian countries expressed their readiness for
deeper international cooperation on sustainable development and climate
adaptation. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov called for stronger support from
the EU, especially in climate finance. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s Minister of
Agriculture, Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, discussed a strategic partnership with
the EBRD to develop a national platform for assessing climate risks in
agriculture.
CAN EECCA comments: Expanding such
initiatives could be an important step forward, especially if they ensure
open dialogue with civil society and genuine involvement of local
communities.
Read more:
Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
Armenia: BIOFIN Biodiversity Financing Plan
Launched at UN Office
A new four-year program titled the
"Biodiversity Finance Plan of Armenia" (BIOFIN) was launched at the UN
Office in Armenia. The program is funded by the Global Environment Facility
(GEF) and implemented by the UNDP office in Armenia.
Its goal is to develop a national financing
plan for biodiversity to identify gaps and opportunities in funding
conservation efforts. The initiative aims to attract additional resources,
improve the efficiency of existing funds, and implement innovative financing
solutions.
Bishkek: Winter is Over, but Dirty Air
Remains
Air pollution in Bishkek is a year-round
issue. Why does this happen, what are the risks, and what solutions exist?
The media project Bashta breaks it down in a recent analysis.
Extreme Heat in Central Asia: Climate Change
Made It 10°C Hotter
A new World Weather Attribution study found
that the March heatwave in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan,
and Kyrgyzstan was made up to 10°C hotter due to climate change.
Temperatures reached 30°C — about 15°C above the seasonal average.
Scientists warn that March is warming
especially fast, and events like this could occur every three years as the
planet continues to heat.
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World Climate and Energy News
EU Delays Announcement of 2040 Climate
Target
The European Commission has postponed the
release of its climate goal for 2040 to the summer, despite initially
planning to publish it in the first quarter of 2025. According to EU Climate
Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, the target to reduce emissions by 90% from 1990
levels remains a "starting point," but additional consultations with
governments and political groups are needed. The decision has been
criticized by members of the European Parliament and could weaken the EU’s
position as a climate leader.
Shipping and Climate: Poorer Countries
Demand Justice
During negotiations of the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) on cutting shipping emissions, representatives
from poorer countries accused richer nations of "betraying climate
promises." A proposed levy on CO₂ emissions from ships could serve as a
funding source for climate action in vulnerable countries. However, China,
Brazil, and Saudi Arabia oppose the measure. Even the EU, which formally
supports the initiative, may agree to a compromise that would weaken the
mechanism.
Guyana Turns Into a Petrostate — But at What
Cost?
Since ExxonMobil’s discovery of nearly 11
billion barrels of oil off Guyana’s coast in 2015, the country has become a
global leader in oil production growth. Currently producing around 650,000
barrels per day, Guyana plans to double this figure by 2027. The economy has
boomed, with GDP growing over 40% in 2024.
However, this rapid expansion comes with
risks. Guyana is one of the world’s few "carbon sinks," yet its capital,
Georgetown, could be underwater by 2030 due to rising sea levels. While the
government promises to use oil revenues for climate adaptation and improving
living conditions, critics warn of corruption, fossil fuel dependency, and a
"resource curse."
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Opportunities
VII Summer School on the Shore of the Aral
Sea
Dates: August 15–24, 2025
Open to specialists, researchers, and
activists from Central Asia aged 18 to 40 who are interested in sustainable
water and land management, ecosystem restoration, and climate change
adaptation.
Participants will:
– Study the restoration experience of the
North Aral Sea
– Take part in field research
– Develop projects for sustainable regional
development
Program highlights:
– Water security and climate-resilient
agriculture
– Ecotourism and restoration of the natural
heritage of the Aral region
– Use of GIS and satellite data for
environmental monitoring
Funding:
Full or partial cost coverage is available
for selected participants.
Application deadline: June 15, 2025
Georgia: GIZ to Support Demonstration
Projects on Climate Adaptation
GIZ has launched a call for proposals from
NGOs as part of the EU4ClimateResilience initiative, co-financed by the EU
and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment. Organizations can
submit projects aimed at supporting cities involved in the “Covenant of
Mayors East” initiative, helping implement their Sustainable Energy and
Climate Action Plans (SECAPs).
Priority will be given to nature-based
solutions and building the resilience of local communities.
Deadline: May 8, 2025
Photo Competition by the Royal Society of
Biology
The Royal Society of Biology invites biology
and photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of the living world in its
prestigious annual competition.
What kind of photos can be submitted?
Images that showcase the beauty and mystery
of the biological world with scientific or artistic value.
Suggested topics:
– Animals
– Plants and fungi
– Microorganisms
– Ecosystems
– Biological processes
Age categories: open to all
Prizes:
– £1000 (18+ category)
– £500 (under 18 category)
Deadline: June 19, 2025
Job Opportunity: Digital Communications
Officer on Renewable Energy at CAN International
Remote, full-time
Salary: €32,000–€35,000 per year
Application deadline: April 28, 2025, 12:00
UTC
Main responsibilities:
– Develop and implement digital strategies
to promote renewable energy success stories
– Work with journalists and manage a media
database
– Maintain an editorial calendar and oversee
content production
– Support the website and contribute to
fundraising efforts
– Simplify complex topics for public
communication and support high-profile international events
Requirements:
– 3+ years of experience in digital media or
journalism
– Excellent command of English; additional
languages are an asset
– Confident in using social media, Canva,
Adobe tools
– Flexible, cross-culturally aware, and
deadline-oriented
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Would you like to reach out to us?
We welcome your feedback at
can.eecca at gmail.com
From: CAN EECCA
Sent: Monday, April 07, 2025 7:22 PM
Subject: 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Water, Heat, and Oil — Spring on the
Brink
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