*[Enwl-eng] 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Earthquake Risks in Central Asia, Sturgeon Returning to the Dnipro, and Human Rights in the Energy Transition
ecology
ecology at iephb.nw.ru
Tue Sep 2 20:03:19 MSK 2025
Climate Activism and Green Transition in EECCA
Climate Change and Energy News:
Weekly Digest by CAN EECCA
--------------------------------------------------
Someone forwarded this digest to you?
You can subscribe using this link
--------------------------------------------------
Dear subscribers,
What connects earthquake risks in Central
Asia, the return of sturgeon to the Dnipro River, and human rights in green
energy? All of these are fresh stories about how the climate is changing —
and how we search for solutions. In this issue: from seismic risks in
Central Asia to new technologies improving air quality in Bishkek, and
climate-resilient rice in Kazakhstan. We also highlight global trends: human
rights in the energy transition, tropical heat, and vanishing lakes.
At the end of this newsletter — new
opportunities for activists.
Best regards,
CAN EECCA Communications Manager
Aizirek Almazbekova
--------------------------------------------------
News from the EECCA Region
Tajikistan’s Energy Paradox: Electricity
Access Achieved, But Clean Energy Still Lacking
By 2022, Tajikistan had reached nearly
universal access to electricity. Yet behind this milestone lie challenges:
winter power outages in rural areas, less than 40% of the population having
access to clean cooking fuels, and heavy reliance on hydropower, which is
vulnerable to climate change. Meanwhile, solar and wind potential remain
untapped, making investments in decentralized energy and efficiency
critically important for the future.
Central Asia on the Brink of a Major
Earthquake: Is the Region Prepared?
Recent tremors in Almaty sparked panic and
renewed concerns about earthquake readiness. Many buildings are outdated,
while public trust in new construction remains low. Authorities are ramping
up drills, evacuation plans, and even reserving land for mass burials. But
experts warn that without systemic infrastructure modernization and
sustainable financing, the region may not be prepared for the next seismic
event.
Caucasus Glacier Retreats Rapidly Under
Climate Change
Azerbaijani scientists have recorded
accelerated retreat of the Tufandag glacier in the Greater Caucasus. Their
expedition observed shrinking ice coverage, widening cracks, and a
retreating glacier tongue — changes already raising water levels in the
Makhmudchay River.
Dnipro Rivers Reborn, Sturgeon Return After
70 Years
Two years after the destruction of the
Kakhovka Hydropower Plant, researchers have documented more than 300 plant
species (compared to only 11 in 2022) and massive gatherings of birds. Most
strikingly, sturgeon have returned: for the first time in 70 years, fish
from the Black Sea have reached Zaporizhzhia, their historic spawning
grounds.
Kyrgyzstan and South Korea Launch Project to
Tackle Air Pollution in Bishkek
KOICA and the Kyrgyz government are
implementing a joint project through 2028 to reduce air pollution.
Eco-friendly heating systems will be installed in schools and kindergartens,
alongside a comprehensive air quality management plan — steps that could
significantly improve Bishkek’s chronic smog problem.
Kazakhstan Develops Water-Efficient Rice to
Combat Climate ChangeIn Kyzylorda Region, trials are underway for a new rice
variety, Syr Sulu, which requires far less water and ripens faster than
traditional types. Researchers are also testing innovative soil additives
that help retain moisture, potentially cutting irrigation needs nearly in
half — a promising adaptation for farmers facing water scarcity and climate
stress.
--------------------------------------------------
World Climate and Energy News
Human Rights Approach to the Energy
Transition
Elisa Morgera, UN Special Rapporteur on
Human Rights and Climate Change, presented a new report summarizing how
renewable energy development — and its reliance on critical minerals —
impacts human rights. The report emphasizes that states must protect people’s
rights during the green transition, while companies and other actors are
responsible for ensuring the process does not exacerbate existing risks and
abuses.
Fact-checking 18 Myths About Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are a key technology for phasing
out fossil fuels in heating, widely adopted in Europe and the US. But myths
abound: that they don’t work in old or poorly insulated houses, fail in cold
weather, are too noisy, or too costly. Carbon Brief debunks 18 of the most
common misconceptions, showing that heat pumps are efficient,
cost-effective, and proven reliable — from Norway to the US.
Electric Vehicles: Debunking 21 Persistent
Myths
According to Carbon Brief, electric vehicles
already cut lifecycle emissions by two-thirds and offset their manufacturing
carbon footprint within 18,000–21,000 km of driving. The analysis addresses
21 myths — from “batteries die quickly” to “charging is more expensive than
fueling.”
Landlocked Countries in Focus at World Water
Week
At Stockholm’s World Water Week, safe water
access was highlighted as central to climate adaptation. Special attention
was given to landlocked countries such as Bhutan and Rwanda, which shared
experiences on expanding water access and explored innovative financing for
water and sanitation projects.
World’s Lakes in Decline: Why It’s Happening
and What Can Be Done
Climate change, excessive water withdrawal,
and pollution are driving a catastrophic decline in lakes worldwide. Bolivia’s
Lake Poopó has dried up, the Aral Sea has nearly disappeared, and Africa’s
Lake Victoria is turning toxic from algal blooms. According to the UN, lakes
in 364 basins are shrinking or vanishing, threatening nearly 100 million
people. Scientists warn: since lakes provide 90% of the planet’s freshwater,
protecting them is a matter of survival.
--------------------------------------------------
Opportunities
Georgia: Supporting Green Businesses Near
Kolkheti National Park
The Local Economic Development Project
(LEDP), supported by Helvetas and the Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation (SDC), is accepting applications from entrepreneurs and startups
in the municipalities of Poti, Zugdidi, Khobi, Senaki, Abasha, and
Lanchkhuti. Eligible projects include ecotourism, gastronomy tourism,
crafts, and cultural initiatives. Deadline: September 19, 2025.
Young Green Academy: Social Justice and
Climate
The Federation of Young European Greens
invites applications for the online Young Green Academy (September–December
2025), focusing on the intersections of social justice and climate.
Participants will develop projects on affordable housing, food security,
ecosystem protection, and inclusivity — all through the lens of sustainable
development and climate action. Deadline: September 7, 2025.
Free Online Courses from École Polytechnique
École Polytechnique is offering free online
courses on hydropower, wind and solar energy, photovoltaics, wind resources
for renewables, and more. Participants may also obtain a certificate upon
completion.
Foux Foundation: Global Support for Health,
Education, and Youth
The Foux Foundation is a private charity
supporting small organizations worldwide in the fields of health, education,
youth, and poverty reduction. Applications can be submitted online,
including project description, team details, and budget.
--------------------------------------------------
Would you like to reach out to us?
We welcome your feedback at
can.eecca at gmail.com
This email has been sent to you because you
are a subscriber to the CAN EECCA News
From: CAN EECCA <digest at caneecca.org>
Date: вт, 2 сент. 2025 г. в 15:13
Subject: 🌍 CAN EECCA Newsletter: Earthquake Risks in Central
Asia, Sturgeon Returning to the Dnipro, and Human Rights in the Energy
Transition
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.enwl.net.ru/pipermail/enwl-eng/attachments/20250902/b18e5ab0/attachment-0001.html>
More information about the Enwl-eng
mailing list