What is known about Trump's Executive Orders after the swearing-in?
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, issued a series of executive orders on Monday to stamp his mark on his administration. These included directives on immigration and criminal pardons to energy. Trump pardoned around 1,500 people on Jan. 6, 2020, who stormed into the U.S. Capitol. This was a massive gesture of support for those who attacked police officers as they attempted to stop lawmakers from certifying Trump's defeat in the 2020 elections.
What is known about Trump’s executive orders following his swearing-in?
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, began issuing what was expected to be an avalanche of executive orders and directions on Monday as he tried to stamp his mark on his new government on issues ranging from immigration to energy. Sources familiar with the plans say that more than 200 orders and directives may be issued in a "shock and awe" campaign. Trump revoked Monday, at a rally in a sports stadium, 78 executive orders from the previous administration.
Colombia's President suspends peace negotiations with ELN rebels
The Colombian president Gustavo Petro halted peace talks on Friday with the leftist National Liberation Army, (ELN), after accusing them of committing a crime against humanity in the Catatumbo area, located in Norte de Santander, the province in which the country is situated. Petro, on X, said: "The dialogue with this group has been suspended. William Villamizar, the governor of Norte de Santander…
China estimates greenhouse gas emissions will reach 13 billion tonnes in 2021
China's latest official submission to United Nations was published on Friday by the state media. It said that China had emitted climate-warming, greenhouse gases of 13 billion metric tonnes in 2021. This is an increase of 4.3% compared to a year ago. This is the most recent official calculation of China's annual greenhouse gas emissions. China is by far the largest carbon polluter in the world.
Nigeria and China strengthen ties through pledges on finance, security, and economic growth
Nigeria and China are planning to intensify their cooperation in areas like clean energy, finance and defence. China has pledged support for Nigeria to issue Panda bonds to fund its infrastructure. The Nigerian Foreign Ministry Yusuf Tuggar, and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi both outlined their efforts to address the regional security challenges. Wang visited Nigeria as part a larger four-nation Africa tour…
Year Ender: Big Oil retreats from renewables as climate agenda falters
In 2024, major European energy companies increased their focus on oil and natural gas to maximize profits in the short-term. They also slowed down and sometimes reversed climate commitments. This is a trend that will likely continue in 2025. Oil majors have retreated after governments worldwide slowed down the rollout and set back targets for clean energy as energy prices soared in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Japan plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% compared to 2013 levels by 2035
The Japanese environment and industry ministers finalised on Tuesday a plan that will cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 60% compared to 2013 levels by the year 2035. This is an increase from their 2030 goal of 46%. Officials said that states could achieve this goal even if Donald Trump, the president-elect, reverses federal policy. In November, Japanese Ministries unveiled a draft Plan aiming to reduce GHG by 60% by fiscal 2035, and 73% by Fiscal 2040.
Japan aims to reach 40-50% of its power needs from renewable sources by 2040
According to a draft version of the revised basic energy policy of Japan, it wants nuclear power to make up 20% of its mix of electricity by 2040, while renewable energy will account for 50%. This is part of a push to promote clean energy and meet rising demand. Japan's basic energy plans, as the second largest importer of natural gas liquefied in the world and a major buyer of Middle Eastern oil are attracting global attention from producers of oil, gas, and coal.
President says US is considering sanctions against a Serbian oil company majority owned by Russians
Aleksandar Vucic, president of Serbia, said that the United States would introduce financial sanctions in the next few days against Serbia's NIS oil company, which is owned in majority by Russia's Gazprom and Gazprom. Vucic, a reporter for Informer TV, said: "We received confirmation that the U.S. He said that the UK and European Union will likely follow the U.S. by introducing sanctions. This means that oil shipments via a pipeline coming from Croatia will be halted.
Indonesia's plans for renewable energy may endanger forests
Indonesia, which is heavily dependent on coal for electricity, needs to move away from fossil fuels. It aims to generate 75 gigawatts from renewable sources over the next fifteen years. This compares with the 13 gigawatts it produces today. This push will be based on the use of biofuels that burn cleaner, i.e. organic material converted into liquid fuel. The government claims that biofuels will reduce Indonesia's dependence on costly fuel imports and greenhouse gases…
Researchers say that China is off track in its emissions targets as the energy demand offsets the renewables push.
Researchers said that despite rapid advances in renewable energy and electric vehicles, China's carbon dioxide emissions are expected to increase slightly this year. This puts a 2025 climate goal further out of reach. In its annual report, the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, or CREA, stated that China aims to reduce the amount of CO2 produced per unit of economic development by 18% between 2021 and 2025.
The new COP29 proposal reveals a wide gap in climate financing
The United Nations Climate body published new options on Thursday for the COP29 Summit's primary objective of agreeing to how much money richer nations should provide poorer countries to help them combat climate change. The talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, have been slow to reach a consensus on money. The latest draft of the negotiation text was delivered several hours after the scheduled time, as the delegates entered the final 48 hours.
New proposals on COP29 Climate Finance Target Published
On Thursday, the United Nations climate agency published a new set of options to achieve the primary goal of the COP29 Summit: deciding how much money wealthy countries should give to poorer ones in order to help them combat climate change. The talks in Baku have been slow to reach a consensus on money. The latest draft of negotiating text was delivered several hours after the scheduled time, as the delegates began, in theory the final 48 hours of this event.
TotalEnergies and BP, Equinor, and Shell each commit $500 mln for energy access
TotalEnergies BP Shell Equinor, oil and gas giants BP and Equinor, pledged to invest $500m on Friday in order to increase the availability of affordable energy, primarily for sub-Saharan Africa and south and southeast Asia. The announcement was made at the United Nations COP29 Climate Summit in Azerbaijan where discussions have focused on raising $1 Trillion in climate finance to assist developing countries from richer nations.
Envoy to COP29 says Indonesia will build 75 GW renewable energy within 15 years.
Indonesia will offer international investors the opportunity to build 75 gigawatts of renewable energy in the country within the next 15-year period, said its climate envoy on the sidelines the COP29 summit. Hashim Djojohadikusumo is Prabowo’s brother, and Indonesia’s envoy at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Indonesia, which is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases in the world…
US oil industry calls on Trump to abandon Biden's climate policies
The U.S. Oil and Gas Industry on Tuesday called for President-elect Donald Trump's revocation of many policies implemented by President Joe Biden to combat climate change. They said the measures threatened jobs, consumer choices and energy security. The American Petroleum Institute, the nation's largest oil and gas trade association, has urged the incoming Trump administration to remove…
Methane emissions are a threat to climate goals
Scientists and policymakers are urging aggressive action to reduce the production of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Nearly 160 nations have committed to reducing methane emission levels by 30% from 2020 levels by the end this decade. The 2024 Global Methane Budget Report states that atmospheric methane has risen the fastest in the past five years since records began in 1970, largely due to natural sources.
Egypt reiterates its 42% renewable energy target for 2030 but calls on international assistance
The Egyptian government still aims to have renewable energy make up 42% of the mix for electricity generation by 2030. However, this goal is at risk if international support does not increase, said Prime Minister Mostafa Mdbouly on Tuesday, speaking at the COP29 Conference. According to a cabinet report from July, the current share of solar, wind and hydropower in Egypt's power generation is only 11.5%.
Starmer sets new climate goal for 2035 at COP 29
Keir starmer, the British Prime Minister, said that Britain will cut greenhouse gas emission by 81% between 2035 and 2040. He made this commitment at the United Nations COP29 Climate Summit. The new goal aligns with a committee's recommendation. Climate advisers said last month that the target should be higher than the current 78% reduction in emissions measured from 1990 levels. Starmer said at a press event at the climate gathering held in Baku…
As Biden's term ends, the US introduces a methane tax on gas and oil emitters.
The U.S. administration of President Joe Biden finalized on Tuesday a fee for large oil and gas companies to reduce emissions of this powerful greenhouse gas. However, the incoming Trump presidency is likely to scrap the fee. The methane tax is one of the last measures taken by the administration to combat the second most common greenhouse gas, after carbon dioxide. This gas tends to leak undetected into the atmosphere from drilling sites…
