*[Enwl-eng] 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Rising Solar Power, Shrinking Water Reserves
ecology
ecology at iephb.nw.ru
Wed Jun 11 16:03:56 MSK 2025
Climate Activism and Green Transition in EECCA
Climate Change and Energy News:
Weekly Digest by CAN EECCA
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Dear subscribers,
Sustainable development is picking up pace across the region: Armenia has launched its first large-scale solar power plant, Moldova is investing 125 million lei in environmental protection projects, and Azerbaijan is preparing to host World Environment Day. At the same time, environmental risks are mounting: coniferous forests in Russia are being replaced by deciduous trees, the Caspian Sea continues to recede, Kazakhstan is experiencing severe effects of air pollution, and residents in Belarus and Kyrgyzstan are opposing environmentally hazardous developments.
On a global scale, alarm is growing: scientists report ocean acidification, land subsidence in coastal cities, and the disappearance of coral reefs. New opportunities for activists are listed at the end of this issue.
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
Uzbekistan to Host the Global Environment Facility Assembly in 2026
Samarkand has been selected as the host city for the 2026 Global Environment Facility Assembly. The event is expected to serve as a platform for attracting funding to combat climate change, water scarcity, and land degradation in Central Asia.
Odesa Shelling Caused Environmental Damage Estimated at a Quarter of a Million
According to the State Environmental Inspectorate of the South-Western District, the June 3 shelling of Odesa led to a warehouse fire that released nearly 80 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The fire covered an area of about 1,000 square meters.
Kazakhstan: Air Pollution Linked to Rising Cancer Rates and Birth Defects
According to Gulmira Ismagulova, Advisor to the Chair of the ESGQ Rating Agency, 2018 marked the worst year for air pollution-related health outcomes in Kazakhstan. Since then, conditions have worsened in Karaganda, Temirtau, Astana, Almaty, Zhezkazgan, and Aktau. Diseases such as cancer, congenital anomalies, and infertility are increasingly being linked to long-term exposure to polluted air. While these illnesses have multiple causes, Ismagulova noted that a clear pattern is emerging.
Kyrgyzstan: Uranium Mining Resumes in Issyk-Kul Biosphere Zone Despite Protests
In the Issyk-Kul biosphere zone, the Kyrgyzaltyn company has resumed uranium mining at the Kyzyl-Ompol deposit, emphasizing the project’s “high profitability” and its potential economic benefits for the region. However, neither the press nor the public has been given access to the results of any environmental assessments. Risks of water and soil contamination remain unevaluated by independent experts, and the protests of local residents from 2019 have been disregarded.
Belarus: Residents of Smolevichi District Object to Construction of Waste Reservoir Without Risk Assessment
In the Smolevichi district, construction continues on Storage Reservoir No. 19, intended for waste discharge from Minsk’s wastewater treatment facilities. Local residents have collected over 3,000 signatures opposing the project, citing the lack of public consultations and potential threats to soil and groundwater. The site is located on an active military training ground, and no environmental impact assessment has been presented, raising public concern about health risks.
Russia: Coniferous Forests Disappearing Due to Climate Change
In the Northwestern Federal District of Russia, traditional coniferous tree species are being replaced by deciduous trees due to climate change. In the North Caucasus, beech and hornbeam are under threat of replacement, and in the Southern Federal District — pine and oak.
Armenia: First Large-Scale Solar Power Plant Launched
The Masrik-1 station has been officially put into operation — Armenia’s first large-scale solar energy project. With this launch, the country is confidently moving toward its goal of generating 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Tajikistan: Regional Glaciology Coordination Center to Be Established in Dushanbe
A new institution will be created in Dushanbe with support from international partners to study the impact of climate change on glaciers. Melting glaciers and acute drinking water shortages are causing serious harm to the economies and ecosystems of Central Asian countries and pose a threat to human life. President Rahmon called on the global community to strengthen cooperation to preserve the cryosphere and develop glaciology at all levels.
Azerbaijan to Host World Environment Day in 2026
The 2026 event will serve as a platform to strengthen international cooperation and promote green solutions in climate, biodiversity, and sustainable urban development.
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World Climate and Energy News
"Ticking Time Bomb": Ocean Acidity Reaches Critical Levels, Threatening Entire Ecosystems
Ocean acidity has already crossed the threshold where it poses a threat to planetary health. Often referred to as the "evil twin" of the climate crisis, this phenomenon occurs when the ocean rapidly absorbs carbon dioxide, causing the water’s pH levels to drop. As a result, coral reefs and other marine ecosystems are being damaged—and in extreme cases, the acidity can literally dissolve the shells of marine organisms.
Cities Around the World Are Sinking at an Alarming Rate
A team from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) studied land subsidence in 48 coastal cities. According to BBC and UN estimates, nearly 76 million people live in cities where the ground subsided by an average of at least 1 cm per year between 2014 and 2020. The impact can be severe—for example, in Tianjin, China, 3,000 residents were evacuated from high-rise buildings in 2023 after cracks appeared in the surrounding streets.
Engineering the Coral Reefs of the Future
Scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have developed an AI-powered robot equipped with multiple cameras, hydrophones (underwater microphones), and other scientific tools to monitor and restore coral reefs. The robot is designed to assess reef heat stress, identify biodiversity hotspots, and locate rare species—such as pillar corals, which have nearly vanished from the Caribbean due to disease.
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Opportunities
Japan Water Forum Fund 2025 — Call for Applications
Japan Water Forum (JWF) has opened applications for the 2025 funding round. The program supports initiatives addressing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues in developing countries. Since 2005, the JWF Fund has supported 204 projects in 32 countries, improving water access for over 280,000 people.
Grants are available for Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Moldova.
Deadline: June 30, 2025
Moldova: 125 Million Leu Allocated for Environmental Projects
The Ministry of Environment and ONIPM have launched a call for proposals to fund environmental initiatives in Moldova. Local governments and civil society organizations are invited to apply. Priority areas include water resource and waste management.
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From: CAN EECCA <digest at caneecca.org>
Date: вт, 10 июн. 2025 г. в 18:30
Subject: 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Rising Solar Power, Shrinking Water Reserves
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