BharatBenz in collaboration with Reliance Industries, has showcased India's first intercity coach concept powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The concept was showcased at the 4th Energy Transitions Working Group meeting under India's G20 Presidency at Goa.
The UK Committee on Climate Change (UKCCC) has expressed concerns that the UK is not adequately prioritizing climate change as a national issue. The recently released Third National Adaptation Plan (NAP), a five-year program aimed at preparing the UK for climate change, has been criticized for lacking substantial new funding or legislation. The plan focuses on addressing issues related to overheating and flooding.
Developed countries are on track to raise $100 billion in climate finance this year. This is a significant milestone, as it means that wealthy nations are finally meeting their long-standing commitment to help developing countries address climate change.
In an interview with the BBC, Wael Sawan, the CEO of energy giant Shell, defended the company's decision to continue current oil production until 2030, claiming that cutting oil and gas production would be "dangerous and irresponsible." Sawan argued that the world still heavily relies on oil and gas, as the transition to renewable energy is not happening rapidly enough to replace fossil fuels. He further warned that increased demand from China and a cold winter in Europe could lead to higher energy prices and bills.
The rising energy and utility prices in Hungary, including Budapest, have created significant challenges for local governments. With the responsibility of managing the public transport system, the city of Budapest faces the task of ensuring its operability during the ongoing energy crisis. Mayor Gergely Karácsony addressed the issue in an interview, highlighting the difficulties faced by the capital city. Despite having a solid financial background following opposition victories in 2019, the energy crisis has put Budapest's stability in the past.
Leaders, activists, and finance officials from around the world are gathering in Paris for the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact. The main focus of the summit is to address the need for overhauling the world's development banks, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, and ensuring they are better equipped to tackle the challenges of climate change. While issues like debt restructuring and poverty reduction will be discussed, the spotlight will be on the representation of developing nations and the inclusion of climate change considerations in lending decisions.
The Indian government is undertaking a pan-India study to gauge the impact of climate change and the behavior of microclimates within states and districts. The study, which is expected to be released by 2027, will be conducted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and will expand the IMD's network of monitoring stations across the country.
Mexico is facing a severe energy crisis as a deadly heatwave and record-breaking temperatures grip the country. With temperatures exceeding 113F in some states, Mexico has experienced a significant spike in heat-related deaths, reaching a peak in the last two weeks. The strain on the power grid has led to power shortages across more than 10 Mexican states, highlighting the lack of investment and preparedness in the country's electric system. Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating extreme heat in Mexico and that power shortages may become increasingly common. The Mexican government's neglect of investment in the electric system, coupled with a reliance on state-owned energy plants, has contributed to the current crisis.
India's first hydrogen-powered train is expected to run from Jind district in Haryana. The train is being developed by the Northern Railway and is expected to be operational by March 2024. The train will be manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. The train is being developed by the Indian Railways and the National Hydrogen Energy Development Agency (NHIDCL).
Europe is experiencing the effects of climate change at an alarming rate, with multiple countries recording their warmest year on record in 2022. The State of the Climate in Europe 2022 report, jointly released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, highlights the devastating consequences of accelerated heating on the region's socio-economic fabric and ecosystems.