Category: Climate

Nvidia-Backed Emerald AI Secures $42.5 Million for Flexible Infrastructure

Staff ReporterClimate, Technology 0

Emerald AI, a U.S.-based clean energy startup, has secured $42.5 million in seed funding, including an $18 million extension, to enhance its innovative power-flexible infrastructure solutions.

Emerald AI, a clean energy startup based in the United States, has successfully raised an additional $18 million in a seed extension round, bringing its total seed funding to $42.5 million. This latest funding round was led by Lowercarbon Capital and attracted participation from notable investors including Trust Ventures, NVIDIA, and Kleiner Perkins Chairman John Doerr. The strong backing reflects confidence in Emerald AI’s mission to accelerate the development of next-generation climate technologies.

The newly acquired funds will be utilized to scale Emerald’s Conductor software for commercial applications and to expand its pilot projects and deployments across North America and the United Kingdom. This expansion is a crucial step as the company aims for wider market adoption of its innovative solutions.

In a significant development, Emerald AI has announced a partnership with NVIDIA to construct the world’s first commercial-scale, power-flexible 96MW AI factory. This facility represents a major advancement in both technology and infrastructure, and it is expected to serve as a benchmark for future AI factories. The initiative aims to establish a global network of power-adaptive data centers designed to optimize energy usage while supporting large-scale AI workloads.

Emerald AI is transforming the interaction between data centers and the power grid, shifting their role from being energy-heavy consumers to becoming active, grid-supporting assets. The company’s platform employs real-time analytics to manage computing demand, allowing it to adjust, shift, or pause workloads during periods of high grid stress, all while ensuring seamless operational performance. An early pilot project conducted at a data center in Phoenix demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach, with Emerald’s system achieving a 25% reduction in energy consumption during peak hours, thereby alleviating pressure on the grid without compromising efficiency.

Emerald’s strategy also addresses the challenges posed by outdated utility regulations that do not align with modern, flexible energy demands. As the company seeks to expand its operations nationwide, it faces additional complexities, including navigating a convoluted landscape of state and federal regulations. Coordination with the seven regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs) that oversee much of the nation’s power grid is also essential.

Founder Varun Sivaram and his team understand that tackling these issues requires more than just advanced software solutions; it necessitates a comprehensive systems approach that integrates technology, infrastructure, and energy policy to drive meaningful change.

Varun Sivaram brings a unique blend of scientific, technological, and policy expertise to Emerald AI’s mission. With a background in physics, he previously led strategy and innovation at Ørsted and served as Chief Technology Officer at ReNew Power, one of India’s leading renewable energy companies. Additionally, he represented the United States as a senior diplomat for clean energy at the State Department. He is joined by co-founders Ayşe Coskun, Shayan Sengupta, and Aroon Vijaykar, each contributing extensive knowledge in energy systems, large-scale computing, and market design.

According to the Emerald team, “AI data centers can deliver the economic development and grid-friendly support that communities and power utilities compete to attract. AI factories can serve as grid stabilizers and unlock vast quantities of power capacity that already exists by more effectively using today’s grid infrastructure. As a result, the power system becomes more affordable and more reliable, not less.”

Source: Original article

Global Emissions Expected to Decline by 2035, Urgent Action Required

Staff ReporterClimate, Conflict, Environment 0

New findings from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change indicate that global emissions could decrease by 10% by 2035, but urgent action is still required to meet climate goals.

NEW YORK, NY – The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has released its synthesis report on nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for 2025, highlighting significant improvements in quality, credibility, and economic coverage. This report comes just ahead of the COP30 summit scheduled to take place in Brazil next month.

The synthesis report encompasses national climate plans that have been formally submitted to the NDC registry between January 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.

According to the report, there are promising signs of genuine progress in addressing climate change through national efforts supported by global cooperation. This progress is largely attributed to the 64 new NDCs submitted by various parties to the Paris Agreement, which collectively account for approximately 30 percent of total global emissions recorded in 2019.

In their NDCs, countries are outlining new national climate targets and strategies to achieve them, which vary in pace and scale compared to previous commitments. The report indicates that while these nations are successfully bending their combined emission curve downward, the pace of change remains insufficient.

The report emphasizes that the comprehensive approaches reflected in the NDCs are increasingly recognized as essential for ensuring economic stability, job creation, health, and energy security. However, it also stresses that a significant acceleration in efforts is necessary to achieve faster and deeper reductions in emissions. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of ensuring that the benefits of robust climate action are accessible to all countries and communities.

To provide a broader perspective on global progress ahead of COP30, the UNFCCC has conducted additional calculations that incorporate new NDCs or targets submitted or announced up to the report’s publication. Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, noted during a daily briefing that this expanded analysis indicates global emissions are projected to decline for the first time, with an anticipated reduction of around 10 percent by 2035.

While the report illustrates clear progress, it underscores the urgent need for accelerated action to achieve more significant emission cuts, which are critical for keeping the global temperature rise within the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit.

Dujarric reiterated the stance of both the Secretary-General and the UNFCCC, emphasizing that the scientific consensus is clear: it is both possible and essential to bring global temperatures back down to the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, even after a temporary overshoot of that limit.

As nations prepare for COP30, the findings of this report serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges and the imperative for swift, collective action to combat climate change.

Source: Original article

Study Examines Effects of Heat Extremes on Tropical Bird Populations

Staff ReporterClimate, Environment, Science 0

The latest research highlights that extreme heat poses the most significant threat to tropical bird populations, overshadowing the effects of average temperature and rainfall changes.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Queensland has unveiled alarming insights into the impact of climate change on tropical bird populations. While changes in average temperature and rainfall patterns do play a role, the research indicates that extreme heat is the most pressing climate threat to these avian species.

The findings underscore the vulnerability of birds in tropical regions, where rising temperatures can lead to severe consequences for their survival. Unlike gradual shifts in climate, extreme heat events can create immediate and life-threatening conditions for these birds, disrupting their habitats and breeding cycles.

As global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and intensity of heat extremes are expected to increase, further exacerbating the challenges faced by tropical bird populations. The study emphasizes the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change and protect these species from the detrimental effects of extreme weather.

Researchers are calling for more comprehensive conservation strategies that take into account the specific threats posed by extreme heat. This includes habitat preservation and the development of climate-resilient ecosystems that can better withstand temperature fluctuations.

In summary, the research highlights the critical need for awareness and action regarding the impact of extreme heat on tropical birds. As these species face unprecedented challenges, understanding the nuances of climate change effects is essential for their conservation.

According to the study, addressing the issue of extreme heat is vital for ensuring the survival of tropical bird populations in the face of ongoing climate change.

Source: Original article

City Sets National Record for Highest Temperature

Staff ReporterClimate, Environment 0

Japan has set a new national record for high temperature, marking a significant milestone in the country’s climate history as Tamba reached a sweltering 41.2 degrees Celsius (106.2 degrees Fahrenheit).

The city of Tamba, located in Japan’s Hyōgo Prefecture, made history on Wednesday by registering the highest temperature ever recorded in the country. According to reports, the thermometer soared to an unprecedented 41.2 degrees Celsius (106.2 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 41.1 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit) set in Hamamatsu in 2020.

The national broadcaster NHK was the first to report this record-breaking heat, which coincided with similarly high temperatures across other regions. In response to these extreme conditions, NHK noted that a heatstroke alert was issued for 29 prefectures across Japan, highlighting the serious health risks associated with such extreme weather.

This spike in temperature is not an isolated incident. On Monday, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued an early warning for extreme weather projected for August, classifying the threat level for the entire nation as “very high” concerning life-threatening heat.

Data from Al Jazeera underscores the gravity of the situation, reporting that 10,800 people required hospitalization due to heatstroke last week, with 16 fatalities attributed to heat-related conditions. Such statistics illustrate the severity of recent temperature rises, part of a disturbing trend of unprecedented heat in recent years.

The implications of record temperatures in Japan are significant within the broader context of global climate patterns. Elevated global temperatures and warming oceans are key drivers of extreme weather events. These conditions have led to increasingly erratic weather patterns worldwide, affecting Japan along with many other regions.

France 24 has noted how climate instability contributes to supercharging extreme weather events, resulting in more frequent and severe occurrences of heat waves, droughts, wildfires, and coastal flooding. These events have become not only more disruptive and dangerous but also more destructive, underscoring the urgent need for global action on climate change.

Although other forms of extreme weather, like floods and wildfires, are immediately observable, extreme heat presents a unique danger as a silent killer. ABC News has emphasized that extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, with heat waves causing more fatalities than tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes. Symptoms of heat-induced illnesses can be subtle, making them easy to overlook until severe consequences ensue. Even healthy individuals and those not typically at risk can succumb to extreme temperatures.

Recent incidents in the United States, such as at outdoor events in New Jersey where over 100 people fell ill due to the heat, illustrate the pervasive impact of rising temperatures. Episodes like these highlight the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to safeguard public health.

In Japan, the government has been proactive in raising awareness about the dangers of extreme heat and enforcing measures to ensure workplace safety as temperatures rise. Understanding the critical issues linked to climate change is essential in preparing for and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events.

As nations worldwide grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, record-breaking temperatures in Japan serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address global warming and its myriad effects on communities and ecosystems.

Source: Original article

World Bank: Indian Cities Require $2.4 Trillion for Climate Infrastructure

Staff ReporterClimate, Economy 0

India needs to invest over $2.4 trillion by 2050 to develop climate-resilient urban infrastructure, as extreme weather linked to climate change poses increasing challenges for its rapidly expanding cities, the World Bank stated on Tuesday.

India faces a monumental task as it endeavors to equip its burgeoning urban areas against the impacts of climate change, necessitating an investment of more than $2.4 trillion by 2050. The World Bank report underscores that the nation’s cities, home to a population expected to nearly double to 951 million by 2050, are increasingly at risk due to erratic weather patterns and rising sea levels.

The report, titled “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India,” emphasizes the urgency of large-scale investments in critical urban infrastructure such as housing, transportation, water systems, and waste management. Absent these investments, the nation could incur escalating costs arising from weather-related damages. Auguste Tano Kouame, the World Bank’s country director for India, highlighted the need for cities to bolster their resilience to ensure the safety of their residents, during the report’s launch, which was developed in partnership with India’s urban development ministry.

Urban flooding already results in significant financial losses, costing India approximately $4 billion annually. This figure is expected to rise to $5 billion by 2030 and could soar to $30 billion by 2070 if no corrective measures are implemented.

The World Bank’s projections, based on conservative urban population growth models, estimate that infrastructure investment needs could reach $10.9 trillion by 2070. These projections increase to $2.8 trillion and $13.4 trillion, respectively, under a scenario of moderate urbanization.

The World Bank’s report advocates for timely interventions which could prevent billions in annual losses due to flooding and extreme temperatures. Investing in resilient and efficient municipal infrastructure and services is paramount, according to the findings.

Currently, India allocates approximately 0.7% of its gross domestic product to urban infrastructure— a figure below global standards. The report urges a substantial increase in public and private financial flows to meet this shortfall. To achieve the necessary improvements in urban infrastructure, the report calls for greater coordination among federal, state, and municipal governments, including enhancing project financing and instituting climate-linked fiscal transfers.

In addition, the World Bank underscores the need for India to expand partnerships with the private sector, particularly in fields such as energy-efficient water supply, sanitation, waste management, and the construction of green buildings. Presently, private investment constitutes a mere 5% of total urban infrastructure investment.

According to News India Times, addressing these challenges is critical not only for mitigating future economic losses but also for ensuring the safety and sustainability of urban centers nationwide.

Source: Original article

Trump Administration to Omit Climate Reports from NASA Website

Staff ReporterClimate, Politics 0

The Trump administration’s decision to stop making key climate assessments easily accessible online is raising concerns about transparency and the public’s right to information.

The Trump administration has once again restricted access to crucial scientific reports detailing the country’s climate change risks by making it more challenging for the public to locate and access these assessments. Following the recent blackout of official government websites hosting the national climate assessments, NASA announced this week that it will not fulfill its earlier promise to host the reports on its platform, leaving climate data less accessible to the public.

These authoritative and peer-reviewed national climate assessments are vital for informing state and local governments, as well as the general public, about the impacts of a warming climate on their localities and offer guidelines on how to adapt. Although the White House had initially indicated that NASA would take over hosting duties in alignment with a 1990 law requiring these reports, that plan has now been retracted.

According to NASA Press Secretary Bethany Stevens, the space agency will no longer display the climate assessments or related data. Stevens stated in an email that NASA met its obligations by delivering the reports to Congress but has no further legal responsibility to host the information.

Earlier in July, NASA had assured the public that all previous reports would remain accessible through its website, thus maintaining continuity in reporting. However, this assurance has since been nullified.

Texas Tech climate scientist and past national climate assessment co-author, Katharine Hayhoe, emphasized the importance of these documents, stating, “This document was written for the American people, paid for by the taxpayers, and it contains vital information we need to keep ourselves safe in a changing climate.”

Despite the government’s decision, past reports remain available at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s library, and interactive versions of the latest report can still be accessed online.

The administration’s maneuver has been criticized as a deliberate attempt to hide essential climate data, with former Obama White House science adviser John Holdren calling it a classic example of misdirection. He accused the Trump administration of trying to suppress or bury critical scientific information regarding climate change.

Holdren highlighted the importance of these reports to government bodies and the general public, as they are crafted to help individuals understand the current and future impacts of climate change on their lives and environments. Holdren further accused the administration of taking away a valuable resource that helps citizens prepare for and mitigate climate-related challenges.

The 2023 climate assessment revealed significant adverse effects of climate change on the security, health, and livelihoods of people across the United States, with minority groups and Native American communities facing greater risks.

According to Associated Press, this step by the Trump administration to retract essential climate information poses a threat to public awareness and informed decision-making in addressing the ongoing and future consequences of climate change.

Source: Original article

China Joins India In The Climate Challenge – Target Net-Zero University Campus

Staff ReporterWorld, Climate 0

India and China may be politically at odds, and the news headlines may be dominated by the “border tension” and “military standoff”, but on the environmental front, there is welcome convergence.

To accelerate the global movement of Net-Zero (carbon-neutral) university campuses, Li Qinglong, the first astronaut of China and the skill-building instructor of China’s space heroes, has announced his support for the ambitious Network of Universities established by Green TERRE Foundation of India, called Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN). He encouraged Operation Earth, China’s not-for-profit Organisation to be the hub of Net-Zero universities in China.

The alliance between two civil society organizations in India and China, Green TERRE Foundation of India  and Operation Earth of China will promote through network practical activities in the university campuses to make the campus Net-Zero along with research and development projects leading to Net-Zero

“We are all fighting a global war against our common enemy, which is the climate crisis,” said Dr Rajendra Shende, founder director, of Green TERRE Foundation and Chairman of the International Advisory Council of Operation Earth China while announcing the alliance.

“From space, the Earth is so beautiful. It is our only but fragile home. We must protect her beauty and the ecosystem we rely on for survival. Therefore, I am thrilled to support the joint initiative of India’s Green TERRE Foundation’s SCCN program and China’s Operation Earth, Climate Action. Young college students are the main force in developing and utilizing cutting-edge aerospace technologies, including space technologies like space seed breeding, to address climate change and food security issues. University students from China and India should work together to protect the beautiful Earth!’, said Li Qinglong.

China has pledged to the United Nations that it would be carbon neutral by 2060. India has pledged to the United Nations that it would become carbon neutral by 2070.

“Both India and China countries are separated by mighty Himalaya. But the Himalaya is a symbol of unity. We are united by our common desire to address climate challenge by forming university to university alliance on Net Zero Campus,” said Chen Liangzhong, founder of Operation Earth China and Advisor to Green TERRE Foundation.

The 21st Century will be the Asian century with  India and China in front to lead the green growth for the benefit of the planet and people. Operation Earth and Green TERRE Foundation, both not-for-profit organizations, therefore believe that tomorrow’s youth are climate warriors. They can achieve the Net Zero campus much earlier and at the same time build their green skills to inspire and assist others in the sectors like clean energy, Shende said.

Under the alliance, the network of universities would digitally exchange information on their progress of efforts to make campus Net-Zero. They would undertake pilot projects on emerging technologies related to climate-resilient and climate-friendly practices. Smart Campus Cloud Network (SCCN) is a global network of universities that encourage the implementation of SDGs on the campus and thereby build the green skills in them to make them SDG-ready.

SDG7 and SDG 13 are specific to climate change and hence Net-Zero Campus are their priorities. Nearly 500 universities and higher educational institutes from 12 countries, including China, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, UAE, Egypt, Portugal and Spain are the members of the Network that have begun the implementation of SDGs and Net-Zero in their campuses.

Read more at: https://www.southasiamonitor.org/indo-pacific-china-watch/china-joins-india-climate-challenge-target-net-zero-university-campus

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