Green Top 10 – January 2025

1- Trump’s Energy Gamble: Fossil Fuels Over Renewables?

The second Trump administration began with a series of executive orders, including a push to expand oil and gas production on federally protected lands, reversing clean energy initiatives from the previous administration. These actions may lead to long-term environmental and economic consequences despite potential short-term financial gains. The Biden administration’s efforts to boost clean energy resulted in record-high renewable energy generation, EV sales, and job creation, especially in Republican-leaning states. Renewable energy accounted for 24% of U.S. electricity production last year and is projected to rise further, while clean energy technologies have become more affordable and widely adopted. Despite Trump’s focus on increasing fossil fuel production, current U.S. oil and gas output is already at record levels, and market demand does not justify further expansion. Critics argue that the administration’s policies ignore the cost-effective and sustainable benefits of solar and wind energy.

Source: Forbes

2- Amazon Leads Renewable Energy Push for Fifth Consecutive Year

Amazon has maintained its position as the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy for the fifth year in a row, with over 600 solar and wind projects globally. The company focuses on regions with high carbon emissions, such as India, South Africa, and Poland, to maximize environmental impact and support the transition to cleaner energy sources. These initiatives are part of Amazon’s Climate Pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, helping to power the equivalent of 8.3 million U.S. homes. In states like Mississippi and Louisiana, Amazon-backed solar projects now account for a significant portion of operational renewable energy, bringing both environmental and economic benefits to local communities. Additionally, Amazon is investing in energy storage solutions and nuclear energy to ensure long-term grid stability. The company’s efforts have generated $12 billion in investments and supported over 39,000 jobs, demonstrating its commitment to a sustainable future.

Source: Amazon

3- Lithium Prices Set to Stabilize in 2025 Amid Mine Closures and China’s EV Growth

Lithium prices are set to stabilize in 2025 as mine closures and strong EV sales in China ease the oversupply. China’s increased subsidies have boosted demand, with over 5 million cars benefiting in 2024. Analysts predict the global lithium surplus will shrink by nearly half, with prices averaging around $11,092 per metric ton. However, potential mine reopenings and U.S. policy changes under the Trump administration could limit price gains and impact demand.

Source: Reuters

4- Wellness Influencers Fuel Climate Misinformation

Wellness influencers, once focused on pandemic misinformation, are now spreading climate change conspiracies to their large online audiences. Using visually appealing content, they push false claims about extreme weather events and climate policies, undermining public trust and action. Experts warn that younger audiences, who rely on social media for news, are particularly vulnerable. The influencers’ focus on individualism and distrust of institutions makes them prone to conspiracy theories. Efforts to counter misinformation include fact-checking and stricter social media policies, but challenges remain as climate crises escalate.

Source: CNN

5- IAASB, IESBA Unveil New Global Standards and Guidance to Strengthen Sustainability Reporting

The IAASB and IESBA have introduced integrated global standards to enhance sustainability reporting and assurance, addressing rising demands for reliable sustainability data. These standards, effective from December 15, 2026, aim to promote transparency, trust, and ethical conduct while combating risks like greenwashing and fraud. The ISSA 5000 standard provides a framework-neutral approach for assurance engagements, while the IESSA standard establishes ethical guidelines for practitioners. According to IAASB Chair Tom Seidenstein, the interoperable package ensures consistent, high-quality assurance practices globally. Gabriela Figueiredo Dias, Chair of IESBA, highlighted ethics as the cornerstone of trust, emphasizing the standards’ role in fostering integrity. Early adoption is encouraged, with resources like webinars and implementation guides available to support stakeholders.

Source: ESG News

6- China Breaks Renewable Energy Records in 2024

China set new renewable energy records in 2024, adding 277 GW of solar and 80 GW of wind capacity, surpassing its 2030 target ahead of schedule. Total solar capacity reached 887 GW, while wind hit 521 GW, reflecting China’s aggressive clean energy expansion. Despite these advances, coal remains a major part of the energy mix, posing challenges to the country’s 2060 carbon neutrality goal. Significant investments and large-scale projects have fueled this growth, positioning China as a global leader in green energy. However, balancing economic growth with decarbonization remains a critical hurdle. China’s progress in renewable energy underscores its influence in shaping global energy policies and standards.

Source: The Electricity Hub

7- Trump Withdraws U.S. from Paris Climate Agreement Again

Donald Trump has once again withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, reversing efforts to combat climate change. The agreement, adopted in 2015, aimed to limit global temperature rise and included nearly 200 countries. The move comes after 2024 was recorded as the hottest year ever, intensifying concerns about climate-related disasters. Critics argue that Trump’s decision ignores scientific realities and undermines global climate efforts, leaving the U.S. among a handful of nations outside the pact. The withdrawal process will take a year to finalize, but its impacts could be felt immediately, affecting both domestic policies and international climate negotiations.

Source: The Verge

8- Solar Power Surpasses Coal in Europe for the First Time

For the first time, solar power supplied more electricity than coal in the EU last year, accounting for 11% of the region’s energy compared to coal’s 10%, according to a report by energy think tank Ember. Coal and gas generation continued their long-term decline, with fossil fuels gradually losing their dominance in Europe’s energy mix. Since 2007, emissions from the EU power sector have dropped by more than half, driven by the rise of wind and solar power. Despite this milestone, Europe still trails China in the pace of renewable energy expansion, as China’s solar capacity surged by 45% last year. Experts predict that China’s solar power will surpass coal by the end of the decade, underscoring the rapid global shift towards renewables.

Source: YaleEnvironment360

9- 8 Talking Points Fossil Fuel Companies Use to Block Climate Action

New research reveals that fossil fuel companies, along with plastic and agrichemical sectors, have coordinated their messaging on social media to obstruct climate action. A study analyzing over 125,000 tweets from 2008 to 2023 found that these industries frequently interact and amplify each other’s content to downplay climate risks and delay solutions. The study identified eight common arguments used to obstruct climate action—four promoting outright denial and four focused on delaying policies. Key narratives include questioning the science behind climate change, emphasizing economic harm from regulations, and promoting fossil fuels as essential for stability. Companies like Exxon Mobil and Dow, along with industry trade groups, were among the most active in spreading such messaging. Researchers stress the need to address these interconnected sectors to achieve meaningful climate progress.

Source: Grist

10- 3 Ways AI is Helping the Planet

AI is playing a crucial role in tackling climate challenges by optimizing energy use, accelerating sustainability solutions, and empowering a skilled workforce. AI-powered tools are helping buildings reduce energy consumption by automating HVAC systems based on real-time data, leading to significant cost and emissions reductions. It is also expediting the discovery of sustainable materials, such as alternatives to lithium-based batteries and low-carbon concrete, helping industries transition to greener solutions faster. Initiatives like the Elemental Impact pitch challenge are connecting AI-driven innovations with funding and industry partners to scale their impact. Additionally, AI is bridging the skills gap in climate-related jobs through personalized training programs and digital learning platforms. By harnessing AI’s capabilities, industries can achieve sustainability goals more effectively while driving economic growth.

Source: Microsoft