*[Enwl-eng] 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Mass Seal Deaths in the Caspian and a Stalled Energy Transition
ecology
ecology at iephb.nw.ru
Wed May 7 17:50:13 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,
In this issue: how climate change is affecting children’s health in Tajikistan and river levels in Belarus. In the spotlight — a stalled energy transition, mass seal deaths in the Caspian Sea, and a hydrogen sulfide release in Uzbekistan. On the global agenda — the Trump administration’s suppression of climate reports, “blood timber” from Colombia, and a growing crisis in the aviation industry. 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
How climate change is stealing childhood from children in Tajikistan
According to projections by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), if the average global temperature rises by 1.5°C by the year 2100, today’s children will face extreme weather events almost four times more often. If the temperature rises by 3°C, these events will occur five times more frequently, significantly affecting the lives of the younger generation.
IRENA and Georgia present renewable energy transition strategy
A report titled Energy Transition Assessment: Georgia highlights the country's significant untapped potential in wind and solar energy. Although Georgia’s hydropower potential is estimated at 15 gigawatts (GW), only a quarter has been developed. The assessment also identified around 4 GW of wind and 4.5 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity that remains unused.
Armenia’s energy transition faces major hurdles
Despite the government’s goals to increase the share of renewable energy, Armenia’s power grid remains unprepared for rapid expansion. Authorities have done little to encourage households to switch from fossil fuels to electric heating, slowing the country's energy transition.
What do snowless winters mean for Belarus?
Due to a lack of snowfall, Belarusian rivers are drying up. Year after year, water levels in lakes and rivers are dropping significantly. In the Rechytsa and Loyew regions, the Dnipro River can now be crossed on foot. This winter, dams in the Brest region remained closed — without snow, there is no spring floodwater. The only visible benefit is that floodwaters no longer inundate settlements. However, ecologically, this is a dangerous trend that could have severe consequences for everyone.
Uzbekistan: hydrogen sulfide release at gas field
On May 5, 2025, a high-pressure gas blowout containing hydrogen sulfide occurred at Well No. 202 of the Mustaqillik-25 gas field in Surkhandarya region. Gas gushing resumed, prompting a controlled burn-off to prevent further spread. The area remains under 24/7 monitoring by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the industrial safety agency Sanoatkontikhnazorat, and a militarized gas safety unit.
More dead seals found on the Caspian coast
According to preliminary estimates, the animals died two to three weeks ago. However, a full examination is impossible — the carcasses are too decomposed for proper sampling. This marks the second mass seal die-off reported this year. Previously, dozens of dead seals were found washed ashore in the Mangystau region. Environmentalists are increasingly alarmed by the mammals’ behavior.
Azerbaijan proposes Caspian–Black Sea tunnel project
The company ADOG and the international port of Zira have proposed the construction of an underground tunnel linking the Caspian and Black Seas. The project envisions a 10-meter diameter tunnel that would pass through Georgia or Russia. Thanks to the natural elevation difference, water could flow into the Caspian without pumps. Proponents say this could help stabilize the sea’s declining water levels, which pose increasing risks to local economies, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
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World Climate and Energy News
Trump gutted two landmark environmental reports — can researchers save them?
Every four years, the US government is supposed to release a report on how climate change is affecting the nation, to guide communities and companies on how to address and adapt to a warming planet. But the sixth edition of the National Climate Assessment — already in the works for months — was gutted earlier this week, when US President Donald Trump’s administration dismissed hundreds of scientists helping with it. Some researchers aren’t giving up, however. They are wondering whether they could publish it anyway, through independent channels.
‘Blood timber’: western firms fuel conflict and ‘slavery’ in Colombia
Trade in uncertified hardwood illegally logged in Chocó rainforest and imported by US and Europe is financing paramilitaries, says Environmental Investigation Agency The Atrato River winds through the dense rainforest of Colombia’s Chocó region for nearly 400 miles (600km) before spilling into the Caribbean Sea. Some of these tropical forests are among the wettest on Earth. Their flooded lowlands and swollen rivers are so impenetrable they have acted as an evolutionary barrier, making Chocó a haven for rare and remarkable species found nowhere else on the planet.
Aviation industry is ‘failing dramatically’ on climate, insiders say
Professionals call for a fundamental transition including controlling flight numbers The aviation industry is “failing dramatically” in its efforts to tackle its role in the climate crisis, according to a newly formed group of aviation professionals. They say they are torn between their passion for flying and their concern for the planet and are calling for a fundamental transition of the industry, including controlling flight numbers.
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Opportunities
Call for EaP and EU Journalists to Join Climate Journalism Workshop in Chișinău
This 4-day intensive programme by n-ost will bring together climate journalists from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and EU countries. Through a mix of expert-led sessions, co-creation formats, and field visits, participants will explore pressing issues at the intersection of climate change, energy, and policy in the Eastern Partnership region.
Biodiversity Short Film Contest 2025
Want to show the world the beauty of nature and the importance of protecting it? The Festival Internacional de Imagem de Natureza (FIIN) in Vila Real, Portugal, has opened submissions for its 2025 short film contest! The competition focuses on promoting natural heritage — ecosystems, natural regions, and wild fauna and flora — through film.
Accepted formats include: documentary, animation, fiction, experimental films, or music videos in digital format.
Open to all — professionals, amateurs, students, and enthusiasts from around the world!
Deadline: June 20, 2025
WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities 2025 now accepting applications
Theme for 2025–2026: Catalyzing Healthy Cities
As more than half the global population now lives in cities, ensuring urban health is key to quality of life and sustainable development. The WRI Ross Center Prize for Cities welcomes projects that enhance urban environments, accessibility, and community well-being.
Who can apply:
a.. Government and municipal authorities
b.. NGOs and community organizations
c.. Businesses and startups
d.. Coalitions and individuals
Deadline: May 28, 2025
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We welcome your feedback at can.eecca at gmail.com
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From: CAN EECCA <digest at caneecca.org>
Date: ср, 7 мая 2025 г. в 17:00
Subject: 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Mass Seal Deaths in the Caspian and a Stalled Energy Transition
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