November 25 - November 29, 2024

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In this Week’s Issue: $7.2 billion across 27 deals in Transition Finance ($6.1 billion), NbS ($709 million), Hard-to-Abate industries ($10 million), and the Blue Economy ($328 million).

10 Essential Deals and Commitments:

Transition Finance

• Thailand issues a $865 million sustainability performance-linked bond
• ADB loans $820 million to develop Thai solar projects
• The ADB and France loan the Philippines $778 million to support sustainable development implementation
• EIB loans Naturgy $422 million to support renewables development in Spain

Nature-based Solutions

• The IFC issues a $450 million biodiversity bond
• The UK prepares $6.35 billion in nature and farmland grants
• Catalytic Climate Finance Facility awards $2 million across 5 NbS- and resilience-focused blended finance facilities

Hard-to-Abate Emissions

• ADNOC launches XRG, a low-carbon energy and chemicals company

Carbon Removal

• Svante secures funding to expand its carbon capture footprint

Blue Economy

• Novo Holdings buys aquaculture science provider Benchmark Genetics for $328 million

News Highlights

Policy and Regulation

• The European Commission debates simplifying its sustainability disclosure rules
• Negotiations for a global plastic pollution treaty fail to reach an agreement
• Columbia changes its energy regulations to promote renewables

Climate & NbS Finance

• A new market for biodiversity net gain credits launches in the UK
• MSCI publishes a forecast on CORSIA credit demand and prices
• CBI finds that 80% of sustainability-linked bonds fail to align with its methodologies fully

Emerging Science

• A new study finds a correlation between tree plantations and poverty reduction in Africa
• A new study in Communications Earth and Environment maps the mismatch between biodiversity restoration plans and enabling capabilities
• A new study from UPV tracks methane emissions from palm oil processing

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Nature-based Solutions ≥ $1M

Commitments and deals

Commitments

UK prepares $6.35 billion in nature and farmland investment [defrafarming]

• The UK has announced the allocation of £5 billion ($6.35 billion) over the next 2 years to support farming and environmental programs throughout the country, the largest ever dedicated by the UK government to nature recovery and sustainable food production. DEFRA, which is responsible for distributing the grants, has already distributed £120 million ($152 million) in grants and expects to distribute the remainder through 2027.

Deals

IFC issues $450 million biodiversity bond [esg news]

• The IFC has raised an AUD 700 million ($450 million) Kangaroo green bond focused on biodiversity, climate adaptation, and conservation. The 10-year bond carries a 4.90% coupon and a spread of 56.48 basis points. The bond is expected to support biodiversity initiatives worldwide.

Massachusetts invests $6 million to restore wetlands [the guardian]

• The statue of Massachusetts has been awarded $6 million in grants to help convert defunct cranberry bogs back into wild wetlands, in a bid to restore ecosystems and improve climate resilience. The funds are expected to restore 1,000 acres of bogs within the next decade across 12 Massachusetts communities.

The Climate Trust invests $2 million in Montana ranchland carbon project [carbon herald]

• The Climate Trust, in partnership with Inlandsis Fund, has invested $2 million in two grassland conservation carbon projects spanning 38,000 acres in Southeast Montana. The initiative supports ranch management, permanent rangeland protection, and soil carbon storage, with an expected 450,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide stored. The investment establishes perpetual no-till conservation easements, enabling ranchers to earn revenue from carbon credit sales while preserving the land for future generations. This marks The Climate Trust's fifth grassland conservation investment and is part of its Grassland Conservation Carbon Program.

Catalytic Climate Finance Facility awards $2 million to a new cohort of blended finance vehicles [climatepolicyinitiative]

• The Catalytic Climate Finance Facility (CC Facility) has awarded $2 million to five new blended finance vehicles to support climate initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These vehicles will focus on areas like climate-resilient agriculture, marine conservation, and renewable energy, helping to mobilize private capital in high-risk markets. The selected vehicles are:

1. ADAPTA Climate Finance Facility (ACF): A $50 million debt facility focused on agricultural finance and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa, promoting regenerative practices and de-risking lending to smallholder farmers.
2. Biodiversity Bridge Vehicle (BBV): A $100 million project finance platform for afforestation projects, generating carbon and biodiversity credits through mixed-species plantings.
3. Blue Alliance Blended Finance Vehicle: A $65 million facility supporting Marine Protected Areas across Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, developing blue economy businesses in aquaculture, ecotourism, and sustainable fisheries.
4. The Catalyst Fund Resilience I: A $40 million venture capital fund investing in climate adaptation startups in Africa, focusing on fintech, sustainable livelihoods, and climate-smart services.
5. P-REC Aggregation Facility (PAF): A $11 million pilot project finance facility to support solar and hydro mini-grids in fragile countries, using Peace Renewable Energy Certificates (P-RECs) to attract capital.

Fund Formation

Avon Pension Fund to invest up to $189 million in natural capital assets for 2024/25 [room151]

• Avon Pension Fund plans to allocate £100m-£150 million ($126- $189 million) in 2024/25 to natural capital investments, focusing on sustainable forestry and agriculture. This builds on its existing commitment to the Brunel Pension Partnership's infrastructure portfolio, including investments like Aurora Sustainable Lands, which manages North American forestlands for carbon storage. The fund aims to accelerate progress toward net zero by 2045, with a broader strategy targeting renewable energy and waste management projects.

Transition Finance ≥ $100M

Commitments and deals

Deals

ADB loans $820 million to Thai solar and energy storage projects [renewables now]

• The ADB has announced a €779 million ($820 million) loan with Gulf Energy Development's renewables subsidiary to fund the expansion of solar and energy storage capacity in Thailand. The Loan will provide financing for 12 projects with a total contracted capacity of 639 MW and 296 MWh of storage. The projects are expected to contribute to Thailand's goal of doubling wind and solar capacity by 2030.

ADB and France provide $778 million in loans to the Philippines to support sustainable development [PhilStar Global]

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million loan to support the Philippines' Climate Change Action Program (CCAP) Subprogram 2, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience under the Paris Agreement. The loan was co-financed by Agence Française de Développement with $278.3 million and will fund the implementation of reforms in agriculture, energy, transport, and natural resources. It includes adopting the NDC Implementation Plan and National Adaptation Plan (NAP), increasing climate-focused budgets, and promoting renewable energy and climate-resilient practices. The initiative addresses the Philippines' vulnerability to climate impacts, among the world's highest, which threaten to cause significant economic damage by 2030.

ADP loans Pakistan $500 million to support climate resilience [Daily Ausaf]

• Pakistan has received $500 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Climate Change and Disaster Resilience Enhancement Programme (CDREP) to bolster disaster preparedness and climate resilience. The funds will enhance foreign reserves, stabilize the currency, and support inclusive investments in disaster risk reduction, flood management, and nature-based solutions. The program includes disaster risk mapping, gender-sensitive planning, and a solidarity fund for risk transfer solutions like agriculture insurance. Pakistan also launched its National Climate Finance Strategy to mobilize funds for climate mitigation and adaptation.

EIB loans Naturgy $422 million to support renewable investments [renewables now]

• Naturgy Energy Group has secured an initial €400 million ($421 million) from the European Investment Bank (EIB) as the first tranche of a planned €1 billion loan to fund renewable energy projects in Spain. The investment will focus on new solar and wind projects, repowering existing plants, hybridization, and battery energy storage, adding 2.3 GW of renewable capacity and creating 4,200 jobs. Most funds will target underdeveloped regions, aligning with the EU's REPowerEU plan to enhance energy security and accelerate the energy transition.

EMGA arranges $210 million debt facility from EIB for BTG Pactual's green lending portfolio [globenewswire]

• Emerging Markets Global Advisory (EMGA) has arranged a $210 million debt facility from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for BTG Pactual, a leading investment bank in Latin America. The funding will support BTG's Green Lending portfolio, contributing to climate sustainability efforts in Brazil. This transaction builds on EMGA's ongoing relationship with BTG and strengthens EIB's presence in Brazil as part of its broader global strategy.

Mirova and BNP Paribas AM acquire majority stake exceeding $209 million in renewables developer Arkolia [esgtoday]

• Mirova and BNP Paribas Asset Management have acquired a majority stake in French renewable energy developer Arkolia with an investment exceeding €200 million ($209 million). Arkolia, a leader in rooftop photovoltaics, plans to use the capital to expand its portfolio and reach 1.5 GW capacity by 2030. The investment is part of Mirova's Energy Transition Fund 6 and BNPP AM's Low Carbon Transition Infrastructure Equity Fund, both targeting decarbonization and energy transition infrastructure in Europe.

OCTA invests $77.5 million in hydrogen-fuel cell and battery electric buses for zero-emission fleet expansion [fuel cell works]

• The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has approved a $77.5 million investment to purchase 40 hydrogen-fuel cell buses and 10 battery electric buses, as part of its effort to transition to a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2040. This move aligns with California's air quality goals and follows successful pilot programs for both technologies. The funding comes from a mix of federal and state sources, including California Climate Investments. The new buses are expected to be operational by late 2026.

Solvay invests $48.6 million in Brazil for decarbonization and water reuse initiatives [valor international]

• Solvay announced a €46.5 million ($48.6 million) investment in its Paulínia complex in Brazil, focusing on decarbonization and water reuse as part of its strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The investment includes €45 million ($47.1 million) for biomass-fed boilers to replace fossil fuels and €1.5 million ($1.57 million) for a water reuse project reducing withdrawals by 4.2 million cubic meters annually. These initiatives align with Solvay’s plan to maintain proximity to consumers while minimizing environmental impact. Over five years, Solvay plans to invest R$1 billion ($ 454.9 million) in Latin America, with Brazil contributing 20% of the company’s revenue.

Wherobots raises $21.5m to enhance geospatial and climate intelligence solutions [global data]

• Wherobots has raised $21.5 million in Series A funding, led by Felicis and supported by Wing Venture Capital, Clear Ventures, JetBlue Ventures, and P7 Ventures. The company plans to use the funds to advance its cloud-based geospatial data platform, which provides high-performance spatial analytics and computer vision at a planetary scale. Wherobots aims to enhance the utility of geospatial and climate data for decision-making, risk analysis, and product development. Additionally, it will support production workloads on Amazon Web Services.
  

Fund Formation

CalPERS invests $53 billion towards $100 billion climate solutions goal [utility dive]

• CalPERS has invested $53 billion towards its $100 billion climate solutions goal, surpassing the halfway mark. Since 2023, it has allocated an additional $3.6 billion to private equity and infrastructure projects focused on climate adaptation, transition, and mitigation. The fund’s strategy includes partnerships with firms like Octopus Energy and TPG Rise Climate. Despite progress, some beneficiaries and climate groups are urging CalPERS to cease investments in ExxonMobil bonds, citing concerns over fossil fuel expansion.

Green Bonds ≥ $100M

Commitments and deals

New Issuances

Climate Investment Funds plans a $500 million bond issuance for renewable energy in developing countries [bloomberg]

• The Climate Investment Funds (CIF), a $12 billion fund within the World Bank, is preparing a $500 million bond issuance to boost renewable energy and technology investments in developing countries. The bond will be issued through the CIF Capital Markets Mechanism, which holds an Aa1 rating from Moody's and is aimed at addressing funding gaps for global emissions reduction. CIF plans to leverage private investment and increase its capital multiplier effect to drive more climate action, with initial interest from private investors. The issuance marks a shift from donor-based funding to capitalmarket-driven solutions.

Completed Issuances

Equinix issues $1.21 billion in green bonds for renewable energy and decarbonization projects [esg today]

• Equinix has issued €1.15 billion ($1.21 billion) in green bonds to fund renewable energy and decarbonization projects. The offering includes €650 million ($680 million) of senior green notes due 2031 and €500 million ($523 million) of notes due 2034. This follows a $750 million green bond offering in September 2024, bringing Equinix's total green bond issuance to $6.9 billion. The company aims to achieve 50% reductions in its GHG emissions by 2030 and reach 100% renewable energy by the same year.

Thailand issues a $865 million Sustainability-Linked Bond [esg today]

• Thailand has completed its first Sustainability-Linked Bond, issuing 30 billion baht ($865 million) in 15-year notes, with interest rates tied to climate transition performance. The bond was 2.8 times oversubscribed and upsized from 20 billion baht to 30 billion baht due to demand. The offering represents a potential revival for the SLB market, which has declined to historic lows in recent years. The sustainability performance targets attached to the bond include a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and an increase in new registrations of zero-emission passenger vehicles to 440,000 per year by 2030.

Emirates NBD issues first Sustainability Linked Loan Bond [environmental finance]

• Emirates NDB has issued a $500 million Sustainability Linked Loan Bond (SLLB), the first of its kind from the Middle East and one of only five globally. The five-year bond, priced at 90 basis points above the US Treasury Bill with a 5.141% coupon, attracted a $1.8 billion order book, demonstrating strong demand. The bond aligns fully with ICMA and LMA guidelines, with proceeds directed towards financing sustainability-linked loans. Emirates NBD Capital and HSBC acted as sustainability coordinators, with additional support from First Abu Dhabi Bank, ICBC, and Société Générale.

AAIB issues $500 million sustainability bond to support Egypt's green transition and MSMEs [ifc]

• Arab African International Bank (AAIB) has issued a $500 million sustainability bond, the first of its kind in Egypt and the largest by a private bank in Africa. The bond, supported by IFC, EBRD, and BII, will allocate 75% of proceeds to green projects like energy efficiency and renewable energy, and 25% to social assets such as MSME financing. This initiative aims to assist Egypt in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting financial inclusion, advancing the country’s climate goals and economic growth.

Carbon Removal ≥ $1M

Commitments and deals

Deals

Svante secures an undisclosed amount of funding from InBC Investment Corp. for growth in carbon capture technology [carbonherald]

• Svante, a Vancouver-based carbon capture company, has secured funding (of an undisclosed amount) from the InBC Investment Corp., a strategic fund supporting companies in British Columbia. The investment will help Svante expand its carbon capture technology, including a new 141,000-square-foot facility in Burnaby, BC, with a capacity to capture 10 million tonnes of CO2 annually. This investment adds to Svante's total funding of CAD$800 million ($568 million) over the past decade, supporting its growth in the global decarbonization market.

Kapture completes successful CO2 sequestration trials in concrete production [carbon herald]

• Melbourne-based climate tech startup Kapture has completed successful CO2 sequestration trials, capturing carbon emissions from combustion sources and embedding them in concrete. In partnership with PERMAcast, the trials demonstrated a significant reduction in the CO2 footprint of concrete production without increasing costs. Kapture's technology, set for industry use in 2025, replaces traditional concrete ingredients with its carbon-embedded byproduct, offsetting 0.7 to 1.2 tons of CO2 per ton of solvent used. The startup plans further trials with an Australian electricity utility in early 2025.

Hard to Abate Sectors ≥ $1M

Commitments and deals

Commitments

ADNOC launches $80 billion low-carbon energy company XRG to capitalize on clean energy demand [al-monitor]

• ADNOC has announced the launch of XRG, a new low-carbon energy and chemicals company valued at $80 billion, set to begin operations in Q1 2025. XRG will focus on three platforms: Global Chemicals, International Gas, and Low Carbon Energies, with goals to become a top player in chemicals, invest in low-carbon ammonia, and expand natural gas capacity. The company aims to double its asset value over the next decade, capitalizing on clean energy demand and emerging markets.

Deals

SatVu raises $12.6 million to enhance thermal imaging satellite technology for carbon emissions data [sky news]

• SatVu has raised £10 million ($12.6 million) in funding, led by Molten Ventures and Adara Ventures, alongside a £10 million ($12.6 million) insurance payout, to enhance its thermal imaging technology for carbon emissions data. The funding will support the launch of its HotSat-2 and HotSat-3 satellites, which provide detailed thermal insights for industries like construction and defense. SatVu's satellite constellation, launched in 2023, helps clients track energy efficiency and carbon footprints, advancing climate action with high-resolution thermal data.

Cemex partners with HiiROC for low-carbon hydrogen deployment in cement production [fuel cells works]

• Cemex Ventures has partnered with HiiROC to deploy a low-carbon hydrogen solution at Cemex's Rugby cement plant in the UK, marking a step towards reducing carbon emissions in cement production. HiiROC's Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE) process generates affordable, clean hydrogen with a fraction of the energy required by water electrolysis while capturing carbon as a solid byproduct. This project is part of Cemex's broader decarbonization strategy, aligned with its goal to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

DHL and Shell partner to deliver sustainable aviation fuel [biofuels international]

• DHL Express and Shell signed a one-year agreement, at an undisclosed amount, to deliver 25 kt of co-processed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Brussels Airport via pipeline, certified under ISCC Plus. The SAF, made from renewable feedstocks, is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 kt CO2e compared to fossil jet fuel. This initiative supports DHL's GoGreen Plus service, offering customers reduced-emission air transportation options, and advances shared sustainability goals in aviation.

Elimini to scale BECCS with new partnerships and first greenfield project [carbon herald]

• Elimini, a new US-based carbon removal company, focuses on scaling BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage) to drive large-scale carbon removal and renewable energy production. It has secured agreements with investors, suppliers, and off-takers like Ultrabulk and Holborn Trading, and is constructing its first BECCS project. Elimini has also partnered with academic institutions and established an advisory council to guide its innovation efforts. The company is backed by Drax Group and is advancing a validated methodology for certifying BECCS carbon removals.

IAG signs a 10-year agreement (at an undisclosed amount) with Infinium for e-SAF supply starting 2026 [pr newswire]

• IAG has signed a 10-year agreement, at an undisclosed amount, with Infinium for the supply of power-to-liquid e-SAF, set to begin in 2026. Produced using water, waste CO2, and renewable energy, the fuel can cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. The deal supports IAG's 2030 goal of 10% SAF usage across its airlines and aligns with its broader decarbonization initiatives. Infinium's e-SAF will be produced at the Project Roadrunner facility in Texas, the largest planned e-SAF producer globally.

Blue Economy ≥ $1M

Commitments and deals

Deals

‍Novo Holdings to acquire Benchmark Genetics, a company specializing in aquaculture genetics, for up to $328.1 million [pr newswire]

• Novo Holdings has agreed to acquire Benchmark Genetics, a company specializing in aquaculture genetics, from Benchmark Holdings plc for up to £260 million ($328.1 million). Benchmark Genetics provides advanced salmonid genetics and breeding solutions to improve efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in aquaculture. Operating in regions like Norway, Iceland, Chile, and the Faroe Islands, the company serves customers in over 50 countries. The transaction, expected to close in Q1 2025, aligns with Novo Holdings' strategic focus on driving sustainable innovation in the global food industry.

Research and Knowledge Sharing

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Policy and Regulations

European Commission considers omnibus regulation to simplify sustainability disclosure rules [environmental finance]

• The European Commission is considering an omnibus regulation to simplify sustainability disclosure rules, potentially consolidating multiple acts like the Taxonomy Regulation and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. The aim is to reduce reporting burdens and increase coherence across sustainability legislation. However, there are concerns that such a move could lead to confusion and unintended consequences. The Commission emphasized that simplification will require collaboration among all EU institutions for effective implementation.

SEC fines Invesco $17.5 million for greenwashing allegations [mondaq]

• Invesco Advisers, Inc. has agreed to pay a $17.5 million civil penalty to settle SEC charges related to greenwashing. The SEC alleged that Invesco made misleading statements about the percentage of assets under management that incorporated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, overstating its ESG integration. The firm’s claims, made between 2020 and 2022, included assets in passive ETFs that did not factor in ESG considerations. The settlement highlights the SEC's continued focus on ESG-related misstatements and greenwashing enforcement.

Negotiators fail to reach agreement on global plastic pollution [ap news]

• A global conference on plastic pollution held in South Korea failed to reach a consensus on a treaty during negotiations and has agreed to reconvene next year. The negotiations were hamstrung by pressure from plastic producers, who wanted to ensure that production was not included in the treaty, only waste. The treaty was supposed to be finished by the end of 2024, according to preliminary agreements, and it is now unclear when the parties will meet again.

Denmark to rewild 15% of its farmland [fastcompany]

• Denmark has begun implementation of plans to pay farmers to return lands under cultivation to nature, to restore 10% of the country's land area. In addition to restoring ecosystems, the plan is expected to reduce agricultural emissions by cutting livestock herds and agricultural operations.

US develops system to track potential geoengineering efforts [ny times]

• The US government is developing systems for monitoring potential geoengineering efforts, with the goal of being able to identify any attempts at geoengineering before they go too far. The system includes weather balloons to detect small levels of aerosols, complementing satellite systems able to observe larger ones, as well as other more experimental systems for identifying the location of an aerosol release.

Columbia adjusts regulations to promote renewables [renewables now]

• Colombia's Ministry of Mining and Energy has introduced a decree easing regulations for energy self-consumption to promote renewable energy adoption and competition. Individuals and businesses can now generate electricity for personal use without special permits, and electricity can be produced in one location and injected elsewhere on the national grid. The decree eliminates capacity limits for off-grid systems and allows the use of national transmission and distribution networks for self-supply. The energy regulator CREG will establish market participation rules for self-generators, aiming to boost renewable energy and diversify Colombia's economy.

Finance Research and Updates

ADB launches 2024-2030 environment action plan to scale nature-positive investments [environmental finance]

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched its 2024-2030 Environment Action Plan, aiming to scale up nature-positive investments. The plan focuses on three pillars: biodiversity management, pollution control, and nature-based climate solutions, with potential investments in infrastructure, air quality, and ecosystem restoration. ADB aims to enhance environmental assessments and engage both public and private sectors to support sustainable development.

CBI finds only 1/5th of sustainability-linked bonds align with its methodology [environmental finance]

• The Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) reports that only 18% of sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs), totaling $55 billion out of $311 billion issued to date, align with its methodology for meaningful climate targets. To be "Fully Aligned," SLBs must include absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, exclude carbon offsets, and adhere to sector-specific decarbonization pathways. While alignment improved from under 10% in 2021 to 30% in 2023, it dropped to 22% for bonds issued in 2024.

BCG Eco partners with Capital Quantum and Corects to expand Vietnam's carbon credit market [carbon herald]

• BCG Eco, the afforestation arm of Bamboo Capital Group, has partnered with Singapore-based Capital Quantum and Corects to strengthen Vietnam’s carbon credit market. The collaboration aims to enhance carbon credit projects, connect Vietnam to global markets, and support businesses in accessing carbon markets. BCG Eco will focus on emission reduction initiatives and trading opportunities in Vietnam, Laos, and Singapore. This aligns with Vietnam’s 2050 net-zero emissions goal and the country's growing carbon credit market.

Biodiversity Net Gain Market launches in the UK [environmental finance]

• A digital marketplace, BNGx, has been launched to streamline the purchase of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) units for developers in England. Using a matching algorithm, it aligns developers' purchases with statutory requirements, facilitating 10% net habitat gains through onsite improvements or credit purchases. The platform processes transactions, updates documentation for local planning authorities, and connects landowners with more buyers. Developed in collaboration with Nattergal, Iford, and BioGains, and registered with Natural England, BNGx aims to simplify compliance with biodiversity legislation.

MSCI publishes CORSIA demand report [msci]

• MSCI has published an analysis of credit demand scenarios for over 400 airlines, estimating potential demand for credits under the CORSIA carbon credit trading system, and the potential costs for airlines under the system. The modeling found that cumulative demand would likely range from 106-137 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e) during Phase I (2024 to 2026) of CORSIA, and rise to 502-1,299 MtCO2e during Phase II (2027 to 2035). The analysis also expected prices in the $18-51 per tC02e in phase 1 and $27-91 in phase 2.

Emerging Science

Goldman Sachs partners with MIT and IBM on an AI-driven biodiversity monitoring project [environmental finance]

• Goldman Sachs has partnered with MIT and IBM to develop AI-driven biodiversity monitoring applications. The MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab will use AI models to process geospatial data from satellites, drones, and sensors to enhance biodiversity tracking. This collaboration aims to improve monitoring strategies and scale up nature-based finance for global conservation efforts. The project seeks to enable better measurement and investment in biodiversity to protect critical habitats.

Supercritical releases report on community agroforestry as an NbS solution [supercritical]

• Supercritical has released a new report on the role of community forestry as a Nature-based Solution to climate change. The report examines the current scale of agroforestry worldwide, its role within both voluntary and compliance carbon markets and how it can help restore credibility to NbS markets.

Environmental Science & Technology study examines the process of soil organic carbon formation [phys]

• A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology examines the roles of microbes in soil organic carbon formation. The study found that highly efficient microbial assimilation of organic carbon grew soil organic carbon growth, but could be limited by the stabilization of SOC formations due to differing soil types, representing a trade-off between high production and long-term stability.

UPV study examines palm oil methane emissions [phys]

• A new study by researchers from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), published in Environmental Research Letters, uses satellite data to detect methane emissions from palm oil plantations in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Colombia. The research found that emissions from conventional palm oil processing systems were a major source of methane, and also provided findings on how to enhance the capabilities of future satellites.

Communications Earth & Environment study examines mismatch between ecosystem restoration pledges and enabling conditions [nature]

• A new study in Communications Earth & Environment examines the feasibility of national ecosystem restoration pledges under the socio-ecological constraints of the countries that issued them. The study found that countries with the most ambitious pledges tended to have the weakest conditions for enabling them, and vice versa, suggesting that pledges either needed to be scaled back, or serious structural changes needed to be made to economic-ecological governance regimes in those countries.

Communications Earth & Environment study finds link between tree plantations and poverty reduction in Africa [nature]

• A study in Communications Earth & Environment finds that forest growth and large-scale tree planting initiatives throughout Africa are associated with increases in living standards. Examining data from 18 countries between 2000 to 2012, as well as multi-dimensional poverty measures across 200,000 households, the study found that poverty values were on average 7.4% lower in areas with forest plantations compared to areas without them, and 3.1% in areas with natural forest regrowth.

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