Climate crisis

Aerial view of forest

China has added more than 170 million acres of forest since 1990

A new national inventory confirms China’s massive environmental success, demonstrating a major increase in forest cover roughly equivalent to the size of Texas. This unparalleled reforestation effort has dramatically enhanced the nation’s ability to sequester CO2, boosting its climate mitigation goals. By successfully reversing decades of deforestation and empowering millions of local land stewards, China has proven that large-scale ecological recovery is achievable.

Smokestacks polluting

New England’s last coal plant closes permanently

New England has secured a major win for the environment by officially going coal-free. The permanent closure of New Hampshire’s Merrimack Station, the region’s last coal plant, ends a major source of air pollution and CO2 emissions. This transition, enabled by strong investment in natural gas, wind, and solar capacity, proves that industrial economies can successfully retire large fossil fuel assets without compromising energy security. The move delivers significant public health benefits and sets a clear standard for climate leadership.

Solar panels reflect sparkling light from the Sun

Solar imports in Africa up 60% since 2024

A powerful solar energy revolution is now confirmed across Africa, driven by a surge of over 60% in panel imports from China. This “solar take-off” provides a crucial pathway to achieving universal energy access by bypassing outdated infrastructure. The decentralized growth is fueling economic development and local entrepreneurship. By expanding its clean energy supply, the continent is ensuring its future growth is sustainable and resilient against global fossil fuel volatility.

Wind turbines with rising sun in background

Renewables overtake coal as world’s largest source of electricity

Global renewable energy generation is set to surpass coal power for the first time in history, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). New global capacity additions are expected to exceed 750 gigawatts (GW) in 2025, driven overwhelmingly by solar and wind power. This record-breaking growth confirms that clean energy is now the most affordable and dominant source of new power worldwide, establishing a firm trajectory for global decarbonization.

Hong Kong traffic

Global EV sales up 27% in 2025 despite political headwinds

Global EV sales have soared by 27% in 2025, demonstrating that the move to climate-friendly electric vehicles is an unstoppable market-driven transition.
This phenomenal growth continued despite significant anti-electrification policies and political headwinds coming from the U.S. market.
The surge is delivering significant benefits, eliminating harmful tailpipe emissions to improve public health and protect planetary systems, fueled by rapidly falling battery costs and strong global demand.

Industrial facility polluting

China commits to an absolute target to cut its emissions for the first time

China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has made a historic policy shift by committing to an absolute reduction in emissions for the first time. President Xi Jinping pledged that China would cut economy-wide emissions by 7-10% below peak levels by 2035. This commitment is driven by a domestic boom in clean energy, with solar and wind capacity now rapidly outpacing electricity demand growth. However, many climate critics argue that this initial 7-10% target is too modest. They point out that China is already on track to meet this goal under current policies, suggesting a far more ambitious cut is technically feasible and necessary to align with global climate targets.

Wind turbines in the distance at sunrise

Australia vows to cut emissions by at least 62% by 2035

In a landmark climate announcement, Australia has committed to a new target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 62-70% below 2005 levels by 2035. This ambitious plan, which is backed by a comprehensive net zero strategy, is a significant step toward a sustainable future. The government’s plan emphasizes a transition to clean electricity, which will not only reduce pollution but also create new jobs and enhance the nation’s energy security.

Sea water crashing against rocks

Japan opens landmark osmotic power plant

A groundbreaking development has put osmotic power back on the map as a viable clean energy source. Japan has opened the world’s second large-scale osmotic power plant, a facility in Fukuoka prefecture that turns the natural mixing of freshwater and saltwater into electricity. This milestone proves that this technology is moving beyond the lab. It offers a new model for continuous, emissions-free power generation that can be integrated into existing infrastructure, providing a stable complement to intermittent sources like solar and wind.

Wind turbines on a farm

Wind and solar power fuel over one-third of Brazil’s electricity for first time

Brazil has reached a clean energy milestone: in August, wind and solar supplied more than one-third of the country’s electricity for the first time. This rapid growth has cut emissions, created thousands of jobs, and reduced dependence on hydropower, which is increasingly vulnerable to drought. According to the International Energy Agency and World Bank, Brazil now leads emerging economies in showing how renewables can meet rising demand while slashing carbon pollution. The achievement positions Brazil as the only G20 nation currently on track to meet its COP28 renewable energy commitments.

Oil rig at sunset

Guatemala closes massive oil field

Guatemala has permanently closed the Xan oil field in Laguna del Tigre National Park, marking a major shift from fossil fuel extraction to forest protection. The site, once responsible for nearly 90% of the country’s oil production, will now serve as a security base to curb illegal logging, ranching, and trafficking in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Conservation groups and local communities have welcomed the move, while the government is also investing in renewable energy and new conservation funds. The closure signals hope for safeguarding biodiversity, cultural heritage, and community resilience across Central America’s largest tropical forest.