Latest news with #Climate
Fibre2Fashion
2 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
EU eases state aid rules to boost green projects, cut carbon footprint
The European Commission yesterday adopted a new state aid framework supporting the Clean Industrial Deal (CISAF) to enable member states to push forward the development of clean energy, industrial decarbonisation and clean technology. The CISAF sets out the conditions under which member states can grant support for certain investments and objectives in line with European Union (EU) state aid rules, which exist to prevent government support leading to a company gaining a distortive advantage over its competitors. The European Commission has adopted a new state aid framework supporting the Clean Industrial Deal to enable members to push forward clean energy development, industrial decarbonisation and clean tech. The framework that backs both renewables and low-carbon fuels will authorise aid schemes introduced by members to boost clean industry, enabling the swift rollout of individual aid. Under the framework, the Commission will authorise aid schemes introduced by member states to boost clean industry, enabling the swift rollout of individual aid. The CISAF will be in place until December 31, 2030, giving member states and businesses long-term predictability. It replaces the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF), which was in place since 2022. The framework simplifies state aid rules in five main areas: the roll-out of renewable energy and low-carbon fuels; temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive users to ensure the transition to low-cost clean electricity; decarbonisation of existing production facilities; the development of clean tech manufacturing capacity in the EU; and the de-risking of investments in clean energy, decarbonisation, clean tech, energy infrastructure projects and projects supporting the circular economy. The new framework covers support for both renewable energy and low-carbon fuels. The CISAF introduces simplified procedures to enable the quick roll-out of renewable energy schemes. Low-carbon fuels, such as blue and green hydrogen, also play a key role in reducing emissions. They support the transition for companies in 'hard-to-decarbonise' sectors, where more energy or cost-efficient options are not yet viable, an official release said. New rules on flexibility measures and capacity mechanisms give member states additional tools to integrate intermittent renewable electricity sources into the energy supply, while ensuring consumers benefit from reliable electricity supply. The CISAF defines 'target model' capacity mechanisms, where member states pay electricity providers to maintain standby capacity, which can qualify for 'fast-track' approval. Other designs will be assessed under the Climate, Environmental protection and Energy Aid Guidelines (CEEAG). Member states may provide electricity price support for energy-intensive users and companies operating in sectors particularly exposed to international trade. This will allow member states to reduce the electricity costs of energy-intensive users that face higher costs than competitors in regions with less ambitious climate policies. In return for receiving price support, companies will be required to invest in decarbonisation. The framework allows for support for a wide array of decarbonisation technologies such as electrification, hydrogen, biomass, carbon capture utilisation and storage. Support can be granted based on predefined aid amounts (for support up to €200 million), the funding gap or a competitive bidding process. The framework also allows for support for the production and processing of critical raw materials necessary for clean technologies. To safeguard cohesion between different regions in Europe, member states will be able to provide more support for projects in less advantaged regions, which are defined in regional aid maps. In addition, the framework allows member states to stimulate demand for clean technology products by offering tax incentives, such as allowing companies to deduct the cost of clean technology investments from their taxable income more quickly. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
ClimateTech Connect Returns to Washington DC, April 2026, Uniting Global Leaders for Climate Resilience and Innovation
By GlobeNewswire Published on June 25, 2025, 20:02 IST WASHINGTON, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Following the success of its inaugural conference, ClimateTech Connect will return to Washington, D.C. on April 8–9, 2026, for its second edition, and today, organizers are proud to announce the newly appointed 2026 Advisory Council. The 2025 conference drew top leaders from insurance, finance, government, and technology to explore the intersection of climate resilience and innovation. Participating organizations included J.P. Morgan, Chubb, American Family Ventures, American Express, Marsh McLennan, Swiss Re, Lloyd's, Munich Re, NASA, USAA, Liberty Mutual, NOAA, FEMA, the EPA, and the National Institute of Building Sciences. With a highly curated senior-level audience and robust cross-sector dialogue, ClimateTech Connect quickly established itself as a must-attend convening for those shaping the future of climate adaptation. 'Technological innovation is essential for advancing climate resilience and adaptation, as it empowers communities and businesses with the tools and solutions needed to effectively respond to extreme weather and climate events, which are only growing in frequency and severity across the globe. We are thrilled to bring the second edition of ClimateTech Connect back to D.C.' stated Megan Kuczynski, Founder and CEO, ClimateTech Connect . I am honored to serve once again on the ClimateTech Connect Advisory Council. The inaugural conference had relevant and timely topics, A-list speakers and engaged tech entrepreneurs. The diverse mix of interests reflected the urgent need for partnerships. The focus must be on risk reduction not simply risk transfer. I look forward to building the second edition of the conference with such an esteemed group, ' Francis Bouchard, Managing Director, Climate, Marsh McLennan ClimateTech Connect is proud to announce the esteemed 2026 Advisory Council: Francis Bouchard , Managing Director, Climate, Marsh McLennan , Managing Director, Climate, Marsh McLennan Raghuveer Vinukollu , Head-Climate Insights and Advisory, Munich Re US , Head-Climate Insights and Advisory, Munich Re US Jerry Theodorou , Director, Finance, Insurance, and Trade Policy, R Street Institute , Director, Finance, Insurance, and Trade Policy, R Street Institute Jacqueline Legrand , Founder and CEO, Maptycs , Founder and CEO, Maptycs Anil Vasagiri , Senior Vice President, Head of Property Solutions at Swiss Re , Senior Vice President, Head of Property Solutions at Swiss Re Emilio Figueroa , Head of Insurance, Eventual Treasury and Eventual Weather , Head of Insurance, Eventual Treasury and Eventual Weather Lisa Wardlaw , President and Founder, 360 Digital Immersion , President and Founder, 360 Digital Immersion Sarah Russell , Managing Director, Bellwether at X, The Moonshot Factory , Managing Director, Bellwether at X, The Moonshot Factory Steve Weinstein , Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Mangrove Property Insurance, Chair, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) , Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Mangrove Property Insurance, Chair, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) Denise Garth , Chief Strategy Officer, Majesco , Chief Strategy Officer, Majesco Jennifer Hoolehan Kyung , SVP, Business Performance Office, Nationwide , SVP, Business Performance Office, Nationwide Nigel Walsh , Global Head of Insurance, ServiceNow , Global Head of Insurance, ServiceNow Angela Grant , Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Palomar Insurance , Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, Palomar Insurance Franklin Nutter , President, Reinsurance Association of America , President, Reinsurance Association of America Dominique Roudaut , Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc. , Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Dai-ichi Life Holdings Inc. Charlie Sidoti , Executive Director, Innsure , Executive Director, Innsure Andrew Eil , Climate Tech Advisory and Investor , Climate Tech Advisory and Investor John Wilson , Academic Director, University of Connecticut Business School With climate-related risks accelerating globally, ClimateTech Connect 2026 will serve as a vital platform for solution-driven dialogue and cross-sector alignment. Whether you're in insurance, infrastructure, finance, government or emerging tech, this is the place to build the relationships and roadmaps that will shape our climate-resilient future. Register now for the lowest rates offered all year. Click here for the speaker application form, and click here to submit interest for sponsorship. About ClimateTech Connect ClimateTech Connect is where thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, and industry experts will gather to advance climate adaptation and resilience strategies at scale. The conference brings together technological, engineering, and scientific innovations together with business leadership to mitigate the risk of and recover from increasingly frequent extreme climate events. Conference attendees can expect two days of masterclass content including keynotes, TED-style talks, product demonstrations by early stage companies, pitch competition, focused roundtables, a vibrant expo, and immersive networking over breakfast, lunch and opening night gala reception. About the venue: Located in the heart of Washington DC's renowned Pennsylvania Corridor, the prestigious Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center is steps away from the National Mall, Lincoln Center and White House. Press contact:Girish JaggiThe MicDrop Agency [email protected] +1 (289) 623 3627 Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Triple Helix Releases Report: 'Catalyzing U.S. AgTech Innovation: Opportunities for the Federal Government'
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Triple Helix Institute for Agriculture, Climate, and Society (Triple Helix), a nonprofit dedicated to building cross-sector awareness and engagement around agriculture technology (AgTech), today released its latest report Catalyzing U.S. AgTech Innovation: Opportunities for the Federal Government. The report, presented on Capitol Hill at a briefing supported by Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), describes opportunities for federal government action to support AgTech development as a vital component of America's agricultural competitiveness and prosperity. Congresswoman Budzinski stated, 'I'm excited to welcome Triple Helix to Capitol Hill as they lead the charge in advancing AgTech innovation.' Emerging innovations could transform U.S. agricultural productivity and resilience and need to be prioritized now to prepare us for generations to come. Share American dominance in agricultural innovation was historically driven by strong federal investment, in collaboration with research institutions and private sector actors. But decades of declining public sector support threaten U.S. agricultural leadership and national security. Today, both the EU and China significantly outspend the U.S. on agricultural research and development. With compounding challenges such as pests and diseases, extreme weather, and volatile supply chains, efforts to increase American agricultural resilience are critical. Emerging innovations could transform U.S. agricultural productivity and resilience and need to be prioritized now to prepare us for generations to come. Triple Helix's report is the culmination of an initiative to identify key inflection points in the U.S. AgTech pipeline where strategic federal support could drive growth. Through roundtable discussions held in New York, Illinois, California, and North Carolina, the organization gathered perspectives from academic researchers, startup founders, investors, commodity group representatives, farmers, and agribusiness leaders, among others. Stakeholders emphasized the federal government's crucial role across the U.S. AgTech ecosystem and stressed the need to close public sector support gaps in three key areas: Prioritizing proactive discovery-stage research and data accessibility Facilitating entrepreneurial translation and scale-up Building an efficient AgTech implementation ecosystem 'This report outlines actionable opportunities for the federal government to strengthen the U.S. AgTech innovation ecosystem,' said Dr. Sarah Garland, Founder and Executive Director of Triple Helix. 'Catalyzing the American AgTech sector requires effective collaboration across research, investment, and policy. Reestablishing and optimizing federal government leadership in this space is crucial.' 'I represent some of the best agricultural research institutions in Central and Southern Illinois and I've consistently fought for increased federal investment in the groundbreaking work our scientists do every day. Their research is essential to strengthening American agriculture, lowering food costs, improving nutrition, and supporting the farmers who power our economy. As Triple Helix highlights, staying at the top of agricultural technology is key to maintaining our global leadership in this vital sector," added Congresswoman Budzinski. To access the full report, please visit: About Triple Helix Triple Helix Institute for Agriculture, Climate, and Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building cross-sector awareness and engagement around agriculture technology (AgTech). Led by scientists and rooted in evidence, Triple Helix presents an interdisciplinary and nuanced voice that is crucial for creating a more resilient future of agriculture. In a space often fraught with polarization and factions, Triple Helix emphasizes unity behind common goals and commitment to shared values. Triple Helix recently produced reports targeted at policymakers and investors on the topics AgTech for Biodiversity Conservation and AgTech for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. These reports succinctly connect the dots between ambitious agricultural goals and various food and agriculture technologies that can help achieve them.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
New law gives Florida buyers, renters heads up on past flooding in their new homes
After decades of a 'buyer beware' policy at best, Floridians will finally gets a heads up if their new home has flooded in the past, thanks to a new Florida law Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law on Friday. It's an expansion of a law that kicked in last year, mandating home sellers — for the first time — to explicitly warn prospective buyers if the property has previously flooded. The new bill expands those protections to renters, mobile home owners and property developers. 'This was just to make sure that we were covering all people who were in a home, whether they were renting a home or a condo that they were made aware of the risks of flooding,' said Rep. Christine Huschofsky, a Democrat representing the Parkland area, one of the sponsors of the bipartisan bill that passed through Tallahassee unanimously. Starting Oct. 1, landlords have to disclose past flooding to prospective renters. If the landlord doesn't give the tenant a heads up, and a flood causes 'substantial loss or damage' to the tenant's property, they can cancel their lease within 30 days and get their money back for any rent they paid in advance. Rachel Rhode, manager of the Environmental Defense Fund's Climate Resilience Coasts and Watershed Initiative, was one of the environmental groups that helped push for the bill. She said the expanded protections were important in a state with so many new transplants, many of whom start out renting. 'In a state like Florida, I think renters are not often top of mind like they are in New York or elsewhere,' Rhode said. 'Renters still need to be protected as well.' Experts say the best way to know if a property is going to flood in the future is if it has flooded in the past. But that information has proven tricky, if not impossible, for Floridians to learn before this law. The bill also closes a loophole left in the initial version of the bill, a direct question for home sellers about whether or not the property had experienced flooding. The question was stripped from last year's bill at the last moment, dramatically watering it down and shrinking the number of homes it would apply to. That loophole — and the lack of protections for Floridians seeking to live in non-flooded homes — was the subject of a Miami Herald series this year, Floods of Trouble. The Herald found that despite a growing number of properties at risk from flooding as climate change cranks up the dial on rainstorms and hurricanes, Florida fell behind other at-risk states in consumer protections for flood disclosure. The new law helps fix that problem, but it still leaves home buyers at the mercy of the courts if their seller lies about previous flooding — a 'nightmare' issue for some coastal home buyers the Herald spoke with. Rhode and other flood experts say this new bill is a big step toward fixing those issues, especially with its added accountability for landlords and mobile home park owners. 'We also really like that there's that accountability for the landlords. If there is damage to the property, it gives them a little bit of protection as well,' she said.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Climate education — too often absent
Opinion Last week two significant reports were released detailing the Canadian public's perception of climate change and climate action. The first, from Carleton University based 'Re:Climate' (What do Canadians really think about climate change in 2025?) found that, despite political instability from the United States and concerns over affordability, over two-thirds of Canadians remain concerned or very concerned about climate change and see it as a serious or very serious threat. The second report came from Learning for Sustainable Futures (LSF), an environmental education organization based out of Toronto. The findings from their survey (From Awareness to Action: Canadians on Climate Change and Education) echo the 'Re:Climate' report, finding a majority of Canadians believe that climate action should be a priority, including 62 per cent who support climate change education being a high priority in the Canadian Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) education system. What becomes evident from these reports is the disjuncture between the beliefs from the public on what public institutions should be doing, and what public institutions are actually doing. A key finding from the 'Re:Climate' report is that taking a future-oriented approach to talking about climate change that values a healthy and clean environment for future generations is one of the greatest motivators for climate action. A belief that education should play a role in responding to wider societal challenges by providing a 'responsive, equitable and high quality environment which supports all children and youth to reach their full potential' is a well-trodden path — indeed, these are words lifted from the mission statement for Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning. So what do we know about the current state of climate change education in the Manitoba K-12 school system? Students in the K-12 education system are unsurprisingly the most concerned about climate change of any demographic, but feel increasingly disempowered to take action, in part because of the absence of climate change knowledge and skill development. In the 2025 LSF survey, 47 per cent of youth in Manitoba reported that climate change is rarely or never discussed in schools. An increasing number of Canadian teachers feel prepared to teach climate change in their classrooms, but more than half feel they need much more support to do this work well. In Manitoba, the findings were more stark: teachers here report the lowest provincial average for teaching climate change content across each of seven categories including climate change science, climate change solutions, coping with climate emotions and grappling with disinformation in the media. As the 'Re:Climate' report states, the public is calling for increased climate action of which climate change education is a key pillar. Manitoba teachers are in turn asking for support to teach this content, and the young people in the Manitoba K-12 system are telling us that without increased attention to climate change, they are feeling increasingly frustrated and anxious about their future. In a time of decreased resources and chronic burnout in the K-12 education system, it is no surprise that leaving classroom teachers to 'figure it out' has led to gaps between the education system that we want and the education system we have. Both the 'Re:Climate' and LSF reports conclude that Canadians want more, but schools are falling short. And nowhere in Canada is this more pronounced than in Manitoba. Manitoba teachers are keen to engage with this content and know what they need from educational leaders to increase their confidence and competency: verbal and financial support, flexibility in facilitating curriculum and professional development. Fortunately, there is mounting scholarship on ways to effectively integrate climate change education into K-12 classrooms in ways that are both age-appropriate and contextualized to the needs of diverse communities across Manitoba. What is needed now is leadership across the K-12 education system to match the wants of the public, educators and youth and reality in classrooms. The time is long overdue for the province of Manitoba, school divisions, pre-service education programs and community experts on climate in Manitoba to meet, plan and direct resources towards a comprehensive approach to climate change education. Doing so would align with not just what Manitobans want, but what our young people need in order to reach their full potential. Will Burton is a former K-12 teacher and principal-teacher and currently works in the Faculty of Education at the University of Winnipeg.
