In Nepal, high rates of electric vehicle (EV) adoption among minivan drivers have helped reduce the impact of rising fuel prices caused by global energy market turmoil. Nearly three-quarters of new cars sold in Nepal are now electric, with the country being a leader in EV adoption. The government has introduced policies to encourage EV adoption, including cutting import taxes for EVs and investing in charging stations. The shift to EVs not only cuts air pollution and helps progress towards net-zero emissions goals but also shields the country's foreign currency reserves from spikes in global oil prices and improves public transport. Public and private investment is crucial to reduce dependency on fossil fuels in Nepal, with a need for policy changes to support the transition to larger electric buses and improve the electricity infrastructure for EVs.
Author: Climatechangenews
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Nigerians bet on solar power as global oil crisis hits wallets
Africa, particularly Nigeria, is experiencing a surge in solar power installations as a response to soaring fuel prices and unreliable power supplies. The conflict in the Middle East has further accelerated the adoption of solar energy, with installations in Africa increasing by 54% in 2025. Businesses and consumers are recognizing the cost-saving benefits of transitioning to solar power, with calls for governments to adopt binding targets to phase out fossil fuels and invest in clean energy for a stable future. Lower-cost solar products are now available, making solar power a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources in Nigeria and across the continent.
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Major oil producers among 46 nations joining fossil fuel phase-out summit
Forty-six countries, including major oil, coal, and gas producers such as Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Norway, will attend a conference in Santa Marta to accelerate the global shift from fossil fuels. The summit aims to create an international coalition committed to ending reliance on oil, coal, and natural gas, with a focus on prioritizing science and phasing out fossil fuel production and consumption. Notably absent are the United States and Saudi Arabia, while vulnerable nations like Palau and Sierra Leone are in attendance. The outcomes of the conference will inform discussions at COP31 and provide a roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels, with campaigners seeing it as an opportunity to showcase credible transitions and build momentum for global action. Colombia views the current global energy shock as a chance to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.
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Rust-powered batteries could help crack Europe’s energy storage gap
A Dutch startup, Ore Energy, has developed iron-air batteries that can store and release electricity using a simple chemical process of rusting and de-rusting, offering a cheaper and critical mineral-free alternative to traditional lithium batteries. As Europe aims to reduce its reliance on critical mineral supply chains and increase battery production for renewable energy storage and electric vehicles, the need for long-duration storage batteries is becoming increasingly important. Companies like Ore Energy, Form Energy, Noon Energy, and E-Zinc are working on innovative long-duration energy storage technologies, with a mix of different technologies seen as necessary to support grid reliability as renewable energy sources grow. Europe must find sustainable solutions for long-duration storage to avoid overbuilding, curtailment, and backup generation challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy sources and achieving climate goals.
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India sets green electricity, tree-planting and emissions targets
India has unveiled new climate goals to cut carbon intensity, expand clean electricity capacity, and increase carbon sinks. The targets include reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 47% by 2035, increasing non-fossil fuel sources to 60% of electricity generation capacity by 2035, and setting goals for carbon sinks. Analysts have mixed reactions, with some saying the targets are too easy to meet while others praise India's efforts. The country aims to achieve these targets through its booming clean energy industry and the growth of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. India aims to increase its carbon sink through trees and forests by 3.5-4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035 from 2005 levels, with experts highlighting the country's commitment to nature-based solutions and existing forest-growing programs. India's success in meeting climate goals is seen as a signal of integrity and commitment, with potential for further acceleration if adequate climate finance is provided by developed nations.
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UN climate chief attacks “delusional” fossil fuel investments
UN climate chief Simon Stiell warns against doubling down on fossil fuels in response to spikes in oil and gas prices caused by the Iran war, emphasizing the economic irrationality of new investments compared to the benefits of renewable energy. The current crisis is seen as a crucial moment to ramp up pressure against fossil fuels and prioritize renewable energy investments. Europe's dependence on fossil fuel imports is highlighted as a vulnerability, but the rollout of new wind and solar power capacity since the Green Deal in 2019 has saved billions of euros. This shift towards renewables is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
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Women’s leadership is key to unlocking the global phaseout of fossil fuels
Women around the world, such as Osprey Orielle Lake, Nemonte Nenquimo, and Sharon Lavigne, are leading efforts to stop fossil fuel expansion and implement just transitions. The Fossil Fuel Treaty, founded by Tzeporah Burman, is a key cornerstone for upcoming government convenings on fossil fuel phaseout. Research shows that countries with higher representation of women in parliament are more likely to ratify environmental treaties and see decreased CO2 emissions. Despite persistent gender inequality, women are indispensable leaders in climate solutions, defending land, water, climate, and health. Bold and transformative solutions are needed to address the increasing climate crisis and hold long-term warming below the critical 1.5°C threshold. An all-women team in Cape Town, South Africa is producing high-quality solar panels, highlighting the urgent need for a global phaseout of fossil fuel extraction and production, as fossil fuels are a primary driver of the climate crisis. Despite historic but nonbinding agreements to transition away from fossil fuels at the U.N. Climate Summit, implementation has been hindered. In response to stalled progress, Colombia and the Netherlands are convening the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels to advance cooperation towards a managed phaseout, recognizing women's leadership as vital in ensuring a healthy and equitable outcome in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
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How women transformed a Vanuatu community with off-grid solar
In Vanuatu, women are facing challenges to their rights, including in climate action, but are organizing in resistance and leading transformative projects like the women-led off-grid solar project in Lawital village on Tanna Island. This initiative has provided electricity to all 115 homes, improving safety, livelihoods, education, and wellbeing. Women have become primary leaders of transformation by mastering technical skills and bringing reliable solar-powered light to their community, revolutionizing education and breaking traditional barriers. The project showcases collective determination and the resilience of women in the face of climate crises, highlighting the importance of supporting women-led initiatives for sustainable change and gender equality. Sustainable funding for such movements is crucial to create lasting impact and promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
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South African rare earths project aims to rival Chinese with low-cost model
A rare earths mining project in South Africa, the Zandkopsdrift project, aims to challenge China's dominance in global supply chains by producing magnet rare earths and battery-grade manganese for clean energy technologies at a lower cost. The project aligns with South Africa's goal to become a key supplier of critical minerals for the clean energy transition, focusing on responsible mining practices and meeting higher standards through the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance. While promising, the untested processing route and concerns over past environmental abuses have left some locals wary of who will truly benefit from the economic promises of the project. Steps such as water-recycling systems, local procurement targets, and involving local communities in ownership are being taken to address these concerns and ensure a sustainable and responsible approach to mining critical minerals for clean energy solutions.
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Africa’s mineral wealth can make it an architect of a more just energy transition
The importance of African countries leveraging their mineral wealth, particularly critical minerals like cobalt and lithium, to assert control over their future and ensure economic development is highlighted in the section. African policymakers are encouraged to adopt common beneficiation thresholds to promote local processing of minerals before export, with examples of countries like Namibia, Ghana, and Zimbabwe implementing such measures provided. The African Union's African Mining Vision is mentioned as a way to strengthen the continent's bargaining power and prevent exploitation by foreign companies. Mineral revenues can be used to fund climate plans, but effective regulation, energy supply, infrastructure investment, and regional coordination are essential for success. Strong transparency standards under the EITI can strengthen public trust and fiscal stability, while frameworks like the AfCFTA can build cross-border value chains and move beyond aid-dependent development. Africa's mineral wealth, if governed with the right policies, transparency, and foresight, can anchor green industrialization and position Africa as a decisive architect of a more just and sustainable global order, with young people playing a key role in shaping the future.