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TOP STORY
ANALYSIS: Carbon capture leads growth amid challenging landscape for climate tech investment
Strong growth in carbon capture and removal investment helped the wider tech sector remain resilient in 2024 to wider macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, with investors and startups optimistic for the year ahead.
ASIA PACIFIC
ANALYSIS: South Korea sees clearer ETS trajectory with 10-year roadmap, but oversupply issue may linger
South Korea’s latest roadmap for its domestic emissions trading scheme offers a glimpse of how the government plans to operate the market, though participants are still awaiting more policy updates to address persisting oversupply.
BRIEFING: Indonesia’s ETS is expanding, but multiple handbrakes are holding it back, experts say
Indonesia’s power sector emissions trading scheme (ETS) entered its second phase at the beginning of this year, however multiple policy and regulatory issues mean it has yet to be an effective tool for emissions reductions, according to experts.
INTERVIEW: Canadian CDR player makes push into Australian mining heartland
A Canadian carbon dioxide removal (CDR) firm has announced a wide-scale push into Australia’s mining heartland with two partnerships with local miners and an $8 million boost from two venture capital firms to further its tech, and a separate partnership with the Climate Recovery Institute.
Making Kazakh emitters pay for their CO2 permits would boost ETS, report finds
Revising Kazakhstan’s emissions trading system (ETS) to make participants pay for a share of their allowances is necessary to create a fair market price for carbon, a report launched Monday has found
AU Market: Fourth pilot exit results highlight longer-term supply fears
The results of the fourth pilot exit window released Friday sent Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) prices higher, with participants noting it underlines longer-term supply concerns in the market stemming from underperforming carbon abatement contracts (CACs).
Renewable energy holds carbon credit potential for Pakistan -think tank
Pakistan could earn up to $43 million annually from carbon credits through renewable energy projects, according to a think tank, even as this source of units appears to be running out of steam.
EMEA
BRIEFING: EU ETS, FuelEU set to hit some ships with two carbon prices
Ships participating in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) that have a deficient ‘compliance balance’ under the new FuelEU Maritime regulation will be hit with two potentially overlapping carbon levies, according to experts.
BRIEFING: EU looking at innovative finance for carbon farming
The European Commission will organise a workshop in the coming months to discuss innovative financial and insurance packages for carbon farming, amid warnings from the agriculture sector that smallholders risk being left out of the EU’s new certification scheme for carbon removals.
Lignite demise looms large over Polish coal region, think tank warns
Failure to plan for a major lignite plant phaseout in Poland will cause the country to miss out on valuable EU funding, since lignite is on course to become unprofitable as early as 2030, a think tank warned in a report published on Tuesday.
UK urged to abandon Rosebank, Jackdaw oil developments to avoid fossil fuels lock-in
The UK government needs to block any future bids to develop the offshore Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields in order to stick to its climate commitments and avoid locking the country into stranded investments, researchers said on Monday.
Kenya needs stronger policies to overcome barriers to carbon trading -report
There are still “significant barriers” to effective carbon trading taking place in Kenya, with stronger market policy required, a new report has found.
Euro Markets: EUAs resume losses as ‘overheated’ TTF gas falls further on geopolitical speculation
European carbon fell back on Monday, despite supportive near-term demand fundamentals, as bearish gas prices continued to exert their dominance over EUAs, with analysts pointing to speculators selling out of TTF contracts amid rising market hopes for a resolution to the Ukraine war.
AMERICAS
US rollback on net zero pledge cuts global commitment coverage from 93% to 78%, research group says
The US government’s decision to scrap its 2050 net zero target has cut the share of the global economy covered by national net zero commitments from 93% to 78%, according to data by an independent research consortium.
LATAM Roundup: REDD+ issuers push for inclusion in compliance schemes
Regional governments, firms, and non-profits involved in REDD+ forest projects all advocated a role for these credits within compliance carbon pricing or payments for ecosystem services (PES) in the week ending Feb. 16.
Brazilian state advances agroforestry carbon credit programme
The first trees have been planted as part of a Brazilian state-run agroforestry carbon credit programme geared towards family farmers, it announced Friday.
North Dakota legislature rejects six bills on CO2 restrictions
The state House of Representatives voted down six bills on Friday that sought to put guardrails on carbon capture development in North Dakota.
Arkansas starts CO2 well, pipeline primacy process with new bills
A pair of Arkansas bills passed out of a legislative committee last week seek to facilitate the transfer of permitting authority for CO2 pipelines and injection wells from federal agencies to the state.
US non-profit backs fungal tech startup to boost tree growth, carbon capture
A US-headquartered non-profit is investing in technology aimed at accelerating tree growth and enhancing carbon sequestration, in a move that it says could remove millions of tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere over the next decade.
VOLUNTARY
VCM Report: Bargain hunting continues to dominate voluntary carbon market
Small pockets of high value trades failed to lift the market out of the bargain hunting culture that continues to suppress voluntary carbon credit prices.
Football emits up to 66 Mt of CO2 annually, with sponsors driving majority of emissions -report
The football industry’s global carbon footprint is estimated at 64-66 million tonnes of CO2 per year – equivalent to the annual emissions of Austria – when including indirect emissions from sponsors, according to a recent report.
Ingka launches net zero plan, aims to phase out fossil fuels by 2030
Sweden’s Ingka Group on Monday unveiled a net zero transition plan as part of its commitment to halve absolute emissions across its value chain by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
AVIATION
CO2 standards, carbon pricing essential to boost aircraft efficiency -study
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) should bolster CO2 standards in order to improve aircraft efficiency and reduce aviation’s impact on climate change, according to a new study published as the UN aviation agency enters a two-week meeting today to discuss new standards.
BIODIVERSITY (FREE TO READ)
All our nature and biodiversity articles remain free to read (no subscription required). However, we now require that all readers have a Carbon Pulse login to access this content in full. To get a login, sign up for a free trial of our news. If you’ve already had a trial, then you already have a login.
EU’s first nature credit pilots to develop methodologies for wetlands, forests
The EU Commission is supporting the development of two separate methodologies for measuring biodiversity across wetlands and forests, as part of its efforts to lay the foundations for nature credit markets within the bloc, Carbon Pulse has learned.
COP16 president sets course for compromise on funding ahead of resuming biodiversity talks
COP16 President Susana Muhamad has proposed a compromise to break the deadlock on financing at the resuming UN biodiversity negotiations, scheduled for next week in Rome, after last year’s summit in Cali was cut short amid tensions on who should manage global funds.
UK Nature Restoration Fund proposal is “horrendous” for nature, experts say
The UK government’s consultation on overhauling its environmental rules for the built environment, with the introduction of a Nature Restoration Fund, could be disastrous for nature, experts have said.
COMMENT
Carbon Market in Brazil: International Standards are the Safest Option until the Creation of the SBCE Managing Body
Brazil’s carbon market is advancing with the enactment of Law 15.042/2024, which establishes the Brazilian Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System (SBCE) and sets the groundwork for regulation, though full implementation could take years. Until the SBCE Managing Body is created and operational, international standards remain the safest option for ensuring transparency, credibility, and investor confidence in the voluntary carbon market.
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EVENTS
Webinar: How to do offtakes right with Frontier, DLA Piper, and Supercritical – Feb. 20 (1700 GMT/1200 EST) – Join us for a free practical session on securing carbon removal to meet your net zero goal. This expert-led webinar will explore the key considerations for designing high-quality offtake agreements that support both climate goals and business priorities. Whether you’re new to offtakes or looking to refine your approach, you’ll gain actionable insights into building agreements that de-risk early-stage technologies, maximize impact, and align with your net zero strategy. Register
Carbon Removal Day – Feb. 27, Ottawa – Carbon Removal Canada invites you to Policy to Progress: Carbon Removal Day 2025, a conference dedicated to exploring the opportunities and challenges in advancing Canada’s carbon removal sector. Join us to discuss current solutions in action, how we can continue to drive innovation, and create the conditions for scaling carbon removal technologies. Register
Carbon Forward Asia – Mar. 4-5, Singapore – Our third annual Asian conference will once again be held in Singapore. Like at our past events, we’re excited to bring together experts from Asia Pacific to talk ASEAN markets, regional opportunities, developments in local and global carbon pricing, and all the topics you need to hear about across a stimulating two days. Register
EVision 2025 – Mar. 5-6, Brussels – An energy system transitioning to net zero requires more flexibility. Electric vehicles can be a great source of flexibility for Europe’s energy system, but their potential remains largely untapped today. Eurelectric together with EY will quantify EVs potential, benefits to the power sector and costs savings for consumers at EVision 2025: power sector accelerating e-mobility at Autoworld. Register
North American Carbon World (NACW) – Mar. 25-27, Los Angeles – The annual NACW conference addresses the most pressing issues in climate policy and carbon markets to the largest gathering of climate professionals in North America. NACW 2025 will dive into major new policies and developments that will shape and scale carbon markets and climate solutions with integrity and ambition. In addition to outstanding speakers, discussions, and insights, NACW provides premier networking opportunities with an active and engaged audience of carbon professionals. Join us for the content, community, and connections for successfully navigating the low-carbon landscape and advancing market-based climate solutions. www.nacwconference.com
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Job listings this week
- *(Senior) Quantitative Carbon Market Analyst EU ETS2, Veyt – Oslo/London
- *Carbon NBS Specialist/Project Manager, NatureCo – India/Southeast Asia/Indonesia/Brazil/Australia
- *Nature and Biodiversity Correspondent, Carbon Pulse – Remote
- Carbon Outreach Project Manager, The Climate Trust – Remote (US)
*Premium listing
See all listings or post a job
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ADVERTISE WITH US
Carbon Pulse has published its 2025 advertising brochure and media pack, featuring updated offerings and prices. With that, bookings are now open for advertising on our website and in our newsletters.
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BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
SHIPPING
Trouble at sea – Brazil has called on the UN to reject a proposed global shipping levy aimed at reducing carbon emissions, despite being set to host the upcoming COP30 climate summit, The Guardian reports. The levy, backed by countries including the UK, EU, and Japan, is expected to generate billions to support climate mitigation efforts in poorer nations. However, Brazil, along with China, Saudi Arabia, and others, argues that the measure could harm developing economies by increasing export costs and food prices. Despite this opposition, the levy still has strong backing, with about two-thirds of the global shipping fleet represented by supporters. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will discuss the proposal during a crucial meeting this week, with negotiations continuing until a final decision in April. While the IMO traditionally seeks consensus, measures have been forced through in the past. Brazil’s opposition stems from concerns over its export-heavy economy, particularly in dry goods shipping. Meanwhile, maritime campaigners argue that the levy’s financial impact would be minor compared to the economic disruptions caused by policies like Trump’s proposed tariffs. The debate also highlights broader discussions on climate finance, as some nations push for shipping levy revenues to fund emission-reduction efforts, while poorer countries want the funds directed towards adaptation measures. Alongside the levy, the IMO talks will address shipping efficiency standards and carbon reduction targets, with measures such as speed reductions potentially offering quick emissions cuts. Given the slow pace of previous negotiations, achieving an agreement remains uncertain.
Risky biofuels – Some shipping lines including Hapag-Lloyd and Louis Dreyfus are calling on the IMO to avoid backing crop-based biofuels in the industry’s decarbonisation push, flagging the risk such fuels could be worse for the climate than fossil fuels. “Unless legally-binding safeguards are introduced, there is a risk that a large amount of fossil fuels will be replaced with unsustainable biofuels,” the companies said in a joint statement released by non-profit Transport and Environment (T&E). When deforestation and land use are taken into account, palm and soy are two to three times worse for the climate than traditional fuels, according to T&E. Shipping carries over four-fifths of global trade and aims to reach net zero by 2050, with most of the fleet currently powered by fossil fuels. Most palm oil is grown in Southeast Asia, and has long been blamed for destroying habitats such as carbon-rich peatlands. In a separate statement, dozens of conservation organisations criticised a proposal from soybean-producer Brazil that backed biofuels as a long-term solution for shipping. The intervention by shipping majors comes as delegates will meet this week in London for an IMO event to debate new regulatory measures such as a potential carbon price. (Bloomberg)
Cargo credits – Dubai-based logistics firm DP World said its carbon inset programme has registered more than 100,000 shipping containers across its UK terminals in two months since its January launch. The six-month trial, operating at London Gateway and Southampton terminals, rewards importing companies with carbon credits for each container they move through these ports. The carbon credits are generated through DP World’s subsidiary Unifeeder, which uses lower-carbon fuels in its Northern European shipping network and independently verifies the credits. Last year in December, the company also issued a $100 mln bond to support marine conservation projects and reduce pollution.
INTERNATIONAL
Better insights – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and carbon data platform Sylvera have partnered up to provide better access to carbon market insights for African countries, they announced Monday in a release. The Carbon Data Access Partnership (CaDAP) will provide African governments with world-leading carbon credit data, with Sylvera providing insights on over 21,000 carbon projects to African governments, to help inform policy and investment decision-making across the continent. While the role of UNDP will be to facilitate the participation of African governments, allowing them to engage more effectively with carbon markets – specifically under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. CaDAP aims to help ensure that African carbon credits are valued more fairly in global markets.
EU-Mexico – The EU and Mexico held their 11th High-Level Dialogue last week, during which the two sides discussed cooperation on climate and biodiversity. “Discussions covered carbon pricing, industrial decarbonisation, increased climate ambition, transition to a clean and circular economy, protection of biodiversity and forests, water resilience and multilateral cooperation,” the European Commission said in a statement. The two sides also discussed cooperation ahead of COP30 “to push for increased global climate ambition through more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions” as well as to “combat deforestation”. Two separate workshops were held on the circular economy and carbon pricing to exchange information on policies, best practices, and future collaboration plans. The EU and Mexico also looked into opportunities for closer cooperation on industrial decarbonisation, climate adaptation, as well as the conservation and restoration of biodiversity in line with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
ChatNDC – Research group Data-Driven EnviroLab and machine learning specialist Arboretica have launched ChatNDC, an AI-powered platform designed to analyse countries’ NDCs. Trained on 800 verified documents, the platform offers insights into climate policies, sectoral priorities, and emission reduction targets. ChatNDC features an “anti-hallucination” mechanism for accurate responses, along with detailed references and document-level exploration. It helps users track climate progress, explore financing opportunities, and identify areas for enhanced ambition, according to a press release.
If you’re feeling sinister – The US’ new Energy Secretary Chris Wright told a London crowd Monday that 2050 net zero goals are “sinister” and criticised the UK government for its attempts to reach clean energy targets. “The aggressive pursuit of it – and you’re sitting in a country that has aggressively pursued this goal – has not delivered any benefits, but it’s delivered tremendous costs,” he told a London conference via a video call, according to Reuters. He later said that his number one goal was for the government to “get out of the way” of oil, gas, and coal production.
EMEA
CCS waiting game – Companies are increasingly frustrated with the UK government’s lack of clear timelines and funding for CCS and hydrogen projects, Argus Media reported. The UK may have been praised for the design of its contracts-for-difference subsidies for CCS and hydrogen, but few projects have yet to access the schemes, industry representatives, including from trade group Offshore Energies UK and Equinor, said at a recent conference in Leeds. While the recent final investment decision on the Teesside CCS system and progress on the HyNet cluster were welcome, they urged the government to set out funding and timelines for the Scottish Acorn and Humberside Viking CCS projects.
Nuclear muddle – X-Energy has threatened to withdraw from building nuclear power plants in the UK, demanding clarity on financial and regulatory support from the government. The Amazon-backed company, based in Maryland in the US, is in talks with EDF over a project to build one or more units on the site of the Hartlepool nuclear power plant in County Durham, a large-scale reactor that is due to be decommissioned in 2027. X-Energy, also backed by industrial group Dow, is developing its first advanced modular reactor at one of Dow’s manufacturing sites on the Texas Gulf Coast, with support from the US government, and another project for Amazon is also planned in Washington state. The CEO said that without greater government clarity in the UK, it would look elsewhere. Specifically it’s looking for a clear framework, including sites being made available for advanced modular reactors, some government support for early development work for the first plant alongside private capital, and funding for construction through the so-called regulated asset base model, which is levied on electricity bills. (the Times)
AfD tilt – The growing support base of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) – the second-strongest polling party ahead of Germany’s snap elections on Feb. 23 – means other mainstream parties may turn quieter on their climate ambition, warned political scientist Manès Weisskircher. The AfD is the only major party to outright reject the scientific consensus behind human-induced climate change and shall likely remain in opposition for the coming term, yet the party’s growing strength has influenced the electoral campaign through agenda-setting, he said. The party’s fundamental criticism of climate action relies on exaggerated claims and leaves nuance out of complicated policy decisions, the researcher told Clean Energy Wire. Yet whether the AfD will stay distant from government power five or ten years from now is impossible to tell, he noted.
French aid – The EU Commission has approved a €500 mln French scheme for encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises active in primary agricultural production to plant intra-plot hedges and trees to adapt their farms to climate change conditions. The aid will take the form of direct grants or subsidised services, until Dec. 31, 2030. The objective of the notified scheme is to increase the number of intra-plot hedges and trees, strengthening sustainable agricultural production.
Luxembourg’s manufacturing aid – The Luxembourgish government is looking to introduce a scheme to help manufacturing companies cut emissions, by creating two types of aid – either to decarbonise through direct electrification of production processes, or to invest in manufacturing for key sectors of the energy transition, the news site Delano reported. The two types of aid cannot be combined. The country’s Chamber of Commerce welcomed the proposal as favourable, but recommended clarifying that the payment of aid for decarbonisation is spread over 10 years, in case emissions aren’t cut in a given year. The aid will be awarded through a competitive tender, each making up to €500 mln available in total, with a maximum of €200 mln going to a company.
CBAM threat – By 2034, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could impose levies exceeding 50% of the value of South African aluminium exports, heard a webinar hosted by the EU Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Southern Africa and the European Delegation to South Africa. Industry leaders warned it could cripple the sector’s competitiveness in the country’s largest trading bloc’s market. South Africa’s huge reliance on coal-fired electricity presents a major challenge for local industries subject to CBAM, which calculates carbon emissions at the point of production. (Daily Maverick)
Wild (about) hydrogen – Wild Hydrogen plans to develop its first-ever demonstrator plant to make gases such as hydrogen and biomethane from wet biogenic material in Stroud, southwest England. The company claims its process uses less electricity than existing hydrogen production technologies, and could be used to power trucks, ships, and planes. Proposed development of its demonstrator plant will involve applying for both prospective and retrospective consent for works at the Eastington Trading Estate in Stroud. Following a screening process and planning submission, the firm will engage with the local community including on how the site could support local agriculture, by exploring the repurposing of excess heat and captured CO2. The company is also partnering with UK gas firm Wales & West Utilities in 2025, to explore delivering low-carbon synthetic methane and possibly up to 20% blended hydrogen into the gas grid. (So Glos)
Young people worry – A European Parliament survey of EU citizens aged 16-30 shows one third of respondents said they believed the EU should focus its attention on the environment and climate change over the next five years, while 31% believe the economic situation and job creation should be a priority. Rising prices and the cost of living are a concern for 40% of the respondents. Social media is the top source of information on political and social issues for 42% of respondents aged 16-30, with television being the second most-popular source (39%).
ASIA PACIFIC
Energy transition partners – Nigeria is seeking to collaborate with India for technical assistance to implement its green transition plans, governor of Nigeria’s Taraba state, Agbu Kefas, told Reuters on the sidelines of the India Energy Week last week. According to the governor, alternative energy will act as a solution for communities that have been unable to connect to the national grid. Meanwhile, India is ramping up its non-fossil fuel capacity, and is planning to connect 35 GW of solar and wind energy capacity to its grid during the fiscal year ending Mar. 2025, Reuters added. Nigeria’s power grid often suffers from frequent failures due to ageing infrastructure, under-investment, and vandalism, resulting in frequent blackouts.
Counting carbon – BetterThe Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) expects over half of its listed companies to disclose their carbon footprint data in 2025, up from 30% currently. This follows the SEC’s requirement for emissions reporting and aligns with Thailand’s Climate Change Act, set for 2027, which will mandate high-emitting industries to report their emissions data. To support this shift, SET launched a tool to help companies calculate their carbon footprints. Recently, SET partnered with Intercontinental Exchange to help scale carbon trading in the country.
Pumped for hydro – Electricity Vietnam (EVN) has signed a construction contract for the nation’s first pumped hydro power plant in Ninh Thuan province, according to the Vietnam Investment Review. The project was first listed on a power development plan (PDP) in 2016. It will have four turbines and generators attached with a total power capacity of 1,200 megawatts. The $826 million price tag will be funded by EVN and sourced from loans, the magazine said. While Vietnam has a long history of hydropower as one of its baseload power sources, it has taken time to move into pumped hydro.
Partnership – Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, last week met with Bat-Erdene Bat-Ulzii, deputy head of Mongolia’s Environmental Protection Committee, reaffirming both countries’ commitments to addressing and adapting to the impacts of climate change. “We hope to sign the Implementation Agreement on carbon credits collaboration soon,” Fu said in a LinkedIn post. In 2023, the two countries signed a MoU for their Article 6 partnership.
Carbon capture ships – China has built the world’s first offshore oil production and storage vessel capable of capturing CO2, according to South China Morning Post and state broadcaster CCTV. The 330-metre (1,080ft) floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO), developed by state-owned Cosco Ocean Shipping Heavy Industry Company, is set to be delivered at the end of this month. Gas-fired turbines used on FPSOs are considered the main source of CO2 emissions from the vessels and represent perhaps the greatest technical challenge to reducing their overall emissions footprint, according to the reports.
New project – A subsidiary of Japan’s NTT Business Solutions Corporation has teamed up with a consultancy to support the creation of carbon credits in Kyotanba town, Kyoto prefecture, it announced Monday. A forestry project covering 186 hectares has been registered under the domestic J-Credit scheme.
Sans carbon credits – Bangkok-based Charoen Pokphand Group and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation have signed an agreement to advance environmental value in the areas of carbon neutrality and circular economy. Under the agreement, the partners will focus on GHG reduction throughout Thailand and ASEAN “without relying on offsetting non-fossil certificates or carbon credits”. In terms of circular economy, both firms are pursuing measures to reduce waste and the environmental impact on their entire operations by promoting more efficient and circular use of resources, including recycling. As a first initiative, they will promote carbon neutrality and circular economy in Thailand by combining Mitsubishi Electric’s products, technologies, and data utilisation knowledge with CP Group’s business infrastructure.
AMERICAS
Showing your work – US EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced on Friday that the agency will transmit to Congress the Biden administration’s rules granting waivers to California for federal car and truck emissions standards. The EPA claims the former administration failed to send rules to Congress on two of California’s recently-approved waivers under the Clean Air Act, which impact the Advanced Clean Car II and Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus rules. The EPA In January, California regulators withdrew their waiver request for the Heavy-Duty Advanced Clean Fleets regulation for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Calling all blue carbon assessment firms – The International Development Bank (IDB) is looking for consultants to do blue carbon stock assessments in the Caribbean in an effort to identify bankable projects. On Feb. 13, the IDB issued a request for expressions of interest (REOI) in its search for a consulting firm that has the experience and qualifications necessary to conduct the assessment. All firms must be from one of the IDB’s member countries or territory to be eligible to submit an expression of interest (EOI). A shortlist of firms will then be invited to continue further into the procurement process. All EOIs must be delivered by Mar. 7, 2025.
VOLUNTARY
Newbies – SBTi Services Limited, the wholly-owned validation services subsidiary of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), has announced the appointment of three non-executive directors to its Board, effective Feb. 17, 2025. They are: Bennet Wetch, currently leading Global Sustainability Data & Analytics for Nike; Martina Swart, an international lawyer who is currently a portfolio iNED and board strategic advisor; Umberto Malesci, business development director for Cisco’s Internet of Things business unit. They are joined on the Board by two SBTi representatives – Alex Buss, SBTi COO and Services Interim Executive Director; and Luisa Pastore, SBTi Director of Communications.
Seismic nodes – Seismic solutions provider Stryde has secured a contract to supply 42,000 seismic nodes to Smart Seismic Solutions (S3) for the CarbonCuts CO2 storage project in Denmark. The initiative focuses on identifying optimal onshore subsurface storage solutions for CO2 sequestration. The seismic survey will map geological structures with greater precision, reducing risks and ensuring safe CO2 sequestration, according to a press release.
Partnership – Corporate advisory firm Steinbrenner Management and Royal Road Carbon Solutions have announced a strategic partnership to help businesses reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. Their first initiative will focus on soil organic carbon projects, supporting US farmers in implementing regenerative agricultural practices such as cover cropping and reduced tillage to enhance soil health while sequestering carbon. The partnership aims to provide businesses with practical, science-backed carbon reduction strategies while enabling farmers to generate revenue through carbon credits. Beyond agriculture, the partnership will develop carbon reduction solutions for high-emission industries such as manufacturing and logistics.
INVESTMENT
Survey says – Global consultancy Kearney and the world’s largest media platform for climate action We Don’t Have Time have launched the findings from a recent survey of over 500 CFOs on financing the green economy, revealing that 69% of CFOs expect higher returns on sustainability initiatives compared to traditional investments. Regardless of geopolitical uncertainty and increased financial pressure, the data highlights CFOs’ confidence in the long-term value and profitability of sustainable investments. Adding to this optimism, 92% expect their organisations to significantly increase net investment in sustainability this year. Some 93% recognise the business case for sustainability investments. However, the survey reveals varying motivations behind these investments. 61% still view these sustainable investments through a cost-focused lens, rather than considering the long-term value they may generate. On a positive note, 65% of CFOs are now measuring the cost of inaction, signalling an increasing awareness of the long-term risks posted by climate change and regulatory penalties, as well as opportunities related to green transition. CFOs are also responding to increasing pressure from employees to align their financial strategies with sustainable practices, with over 71% of CFOs considering sustainability when selecting employee retirement funds. An overwhelming majority (94%) of CFOs now incorporate sustainability considerations into broader investment decisions.
AND FINALLY…
Pay dirt or just dirt? – Farmers across the US are facing economic uncertainty due to a combination of strained farm finances and executive orders from the Trump administration that have put some federal farm programs on hold. These orders have paused or cancelled funding for various initiatives, including those supporting conservation and agricultural research, leaving many farmers uncertain about whether they will receive expected payments. The funding freeze has affected conservation programmes under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which allocated nearly $20 bln to farmland conservation efforts. A federal judge ordered the funds to be unfrozen, but farmers have yet to see payments resume. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is reviewing contracts, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins cancelling 78 agreements worth $138 mln. Farmers are also facing challenges securing loans, as lenders are reluctant to count government payments as reliable income. The disruption of US Agency for International Development (USAID) programmes has further complicated matters, as it has halted grain purchases that help support prices. The shutdown of agricultural research programmes, including the Soybean Innovation Lab at the University of Illinois, has added to the sector’s instability. Beyond the funding freeze, broader economic pressures, including falling crop prices and inflation, are exacerbating the financial strain. The uncertainty is further compounded by the delayed reauthorisation of the US farm bill and potential cuts to farm-related spending. Farmers are left grappling with an unpredictable financial landscape, unsure of how to plan for the future. (States Newsroom)
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