Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Canada

  • The Methane Opportunity Is Now

    Methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, continue to rise despite its short lifespan in the atmosphere, posing a significant threat to global warming. However, there is hope in reducing methane emissions, particularly in the oil and gas industry, with existing technology and no net cost to emitters. Countries like Canada, Nigeria, and Colombia are making progress in curbing methane emissions, which could lead to health and economic benefits while also being a key step towards achieving net zero emissions. Additionally, advancements in geothermal energy and bipartisan efforts to reinstate clean energy tax credits signal a potential shift towards sustainable practices and combating climate change on a larger scale.

    https://speedandscale.com/newsletter/the-methane-opportunity-is-now/

  • Press Release: Fashion brands urge governments to fix the economics of resale and repair

    Nearly 70 fashion and textile organizations, including big names like H&M Group and Zalando, are urging governments in the EU, US, and Canada to implement policy changes to incentivize circular fashion business models. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation report shows that targeted changes could significantly increase profit margins for resale and repair, with the goal of making circular fashion more economically viable and accessible to consumers. The statement calls for reduced VAT, lower labor taxes, and Extended Producer Responsibility to fund infrastructure for collecting and sorting clothing at scale. The foundation aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by 2030 in the areas of fashion and textiles, critical minerals, and plastics and packaging, ultimately reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

    https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/press-release-fashion-brands-urge-governments-to-fix-the-economics-of-resale-and-repair

  • Canada Needs A Second Golden Spike For Electricity

    Canada's federal government is working on a National Electricity Strategy to double grid capacity by 2050, focusing on clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. The strategy includes generation, transmission, distribution, storage, grid modernization, and workforce development, aiming to deliver up to $15 billion in energy savings by 2050. It emphasizes the importance of an electrification-first approach to decarbonization, efficient movement of clean power across provincial boundaries, and strategic reduction of fossil fuel use. The strategy also highlights the need for clear regulations on gas plants, realistic nuclear planning, prioritizing efficiency and flexible demand, and faster energy savings measures. Indigenous participation, skilled workers, and collaboration with provinces are essential for successful implementation, with the federal government playing a key role in setting direction and supporting major projects.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/15/canada-needs-a-second-golden-spike-for-electricity/

  • The energy transition has a rare earth problem: These startups are solving it

    The Advanced Electric Machines (AEM) plant in northeastern England and Silicon Valley startup Conifer are leading the way in developing rare earth-free electric motors for electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce supply chain risks and environmental harm associated with rare earth mining. Niron Magnetics is also working on iron-based magnets to decrease manufacturing costs and dependency on Chinese rare earth supplies, with support from major automotive companies and Western governments. The US, Canada, and the European Union are investing in subsidies and research to mine and produce rare earth materials, while also exploring recycling and alternative materials to create a circular supply chain that reduces costs and environmental impact in the production of motors and other technologies.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/05/05/the-energy-transition-has-a-rare-earth-problem-these-startups-are-solving-it/

  • How to electrify greenhouses with semi-transparent PV, heat pumps

    Researchers in Canada found that 69%-transparent crystalline silicon semitransparent PV modules can improve tomato greenhouse yields by up to 38% while maintaining healthy plant growth through beneficial partial shading. Combining rooftop agrivoltaics with heat pumps can fully eliminate fossil fuel heating. Various bifacial STPV technologies were tested in greenhouse conditions for tomato production, with differences in light intensity and spectrum affecting plant growth. The study, published in Energy and Buildings, evaluated agrivoltaic greenhouse systems through five main stages and used software tools to simulate and analyze different greenhouse scenarios. Experimental investigations showed that the selected 69% transparent PV system with a heat pump enabled full electrification of an agrivoltaic greenhouse, covering approximately 13% of the total annual electricity demand. This combination of agrivoltaic fields and partially-powered agrivoltaic greenhouses was seen as a synergistic strategy for sustainable and economically viable production, with the potential to reduce greenhouse carbon emissions and improve crop yields.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/28/how-to-electrify-greenhouses-with-semi-transparent-pv-heat-pumps/

  • Exploring Co-Benefits Certification on Tribal Lands

    The NICC and ACR have collaborated to create a certification framework for carbon projects on Indigenous lands in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on co-benefits tailored to Indigenous communities. This framework considers unique aspects of projects on Tribal and First Nations lands, such as sovereignty and self-determination. Co-benefits like biodiversity conservation, water stewardship, and cultural continuity will be evaluated and integrated into the certification process, aligning with ACR's broader co-benefit certification efforts.

    https://acrcarbon.org/news/exploring-co-benefits-certification-on-tribal-lands/

  • Environmental News Network – Canadian Peatland Data Portal Debuts as a Landmark Tool for Climate Research and Policy

    Peatlands in Canada are vital for climate action, storing more carbon than all other ecosystems combined. The Canadian Peatland Data Portal, led by Dr. Maria Strack, centralizes peatland carbon metadata to facilitate collaboration among researchers, governments, industry partners, and Indigenous communities. This national initiative aims to promote evidence-based action to protect Canada's essential climate resources by providing a single entry point for accessing diverse peatland data and promoting responsible use.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/77898-canadian-peatland-data-portal-debuts-as-a-landmark-tool-for-climate-research-and-policy

  • Ontario backs 12 solar projects totaling 915 MW

    Ontario has approved 12 solar projects and 2 wind projects, totaling over 1.3 GW of capacity and adding 3 TWh of new annual capacity to the grid. These projects, with at least 50% Indigenous equity ownership, will power over 350,000 homes and are awarded 20-year agreements. The procurement exercise highlights the readiness of renewable energy to meet rapid growth challenges, with solar capacity in Canada expected to reach 21 GW by the mid-2020s. Commercial operations for these projects are set to begin by May 2030.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/10/ontario-backs-12-solar-projects-totaling-915-mw/

  • 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.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/03/31/major-oil-producers-among-46-nations-joining-fossil-fuel-phase-out-summit/

  • Boralex and SNGRDC commission battery storage facility in Canada

    Boralex and the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation have commissioned the Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park in Ontario, Canada, with 300MW/1.2GWh of capacity using 334 Tesla Megapack 2XL units. The project aims to stabilize the grid, support renewable energy integration, and align with Ontario's electricity system needs for decarbonization. SNGRDC now holds 1GW of battery storage capacity in North America, with additional projects in development, showcasing a significant step towards climate solutions and sustainable energy practices.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/boralex-sngrdc-commission-battery-storage/