Clean Air Task Force welcomes the UK as co-chair of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) welcomes the announcement that the UK will serve as co-chair of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). This appointment signals the UK’s commitment to tackling short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) such as methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons. CATF stands ready to support CCAC’s efforts to advance bold, science-driven action that addresses these critical pollutants and delivers tangible benefits for the climate, health, and food security.  Jonathan Banks, Global Director of the Methane Pollution Prevention program at Clean Air Task Force and member of the CCAC’s…

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New paper highlights urgent need to address “Zombie Energy Systems” in Africa’s energy transition

A new paper published in Environmental Research: Energy identifies “Zombie Energy Systems” (ZES) as a critical barrier to Africa’s energy transition. ZES are outdated, inefficient, and environmentally harmful energy systems, including aging coal and natural gas power plants, obsolete hydro-electric dams, and poorly maintained transmission grids, as well as second-hand appliances and vehicles. These systems persist despite their detrimental impact on progress, draining resources and stalling economic and climate goals.   “Zombie Energy Systems are a hidden bottleneck on Africa’s energy progress, wasting financial and energy resources, contributing to energy poverty,…

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U.S. raises ambition in updated Nationally Determined Contribution, providing helpful measuring stick for climate progress

In December, the Biden administration announced a new climate target for the U.S. to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 as a part of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, including for the first time an expected reduction in methane emissions. The new target: 61-66% reduction in 2035 from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions with an anticipated reduction of methane emissions by at least 35% from 2005 levels in 2035.  “The new U.S. NDC for 2035 provides a helpful measuring stick for U.S. climate…

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New report finds that improved community engagement for clean infrastructure projects is critical to New England’s energy transition

A new report released today by Acadia Center and Clean Air Task Force (CATF) reveals that enhanced community engagement for clean energy infrastructure projects is critical to achieving New England’s 2050 decarbonization goals. The report highlights the opportunity to accelerate the region’s clean energy progress by addressing local concerns and better equipping communities to meaningfully participate in siting and approval processes. Drawing from prominent case studies around the region, the report also identifies promising options for developers, communities, and policymakers to improve project planning and engagement, helping reduce the risk…

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New CCAC and CATF partnership to support 20 countries in cutting energy sector methane emissions, advancing goals of Global Methane Pledge

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and Clean Air Task Force (CATF) announced the launch of the Fossil Fuel Regulatory Programme (FFRP), supporting low- and middle-income governments in taking immediate action to reduce methane emissions from their oil, gas, and coal sectors.  The FFRP will provide targeted support to up to 20 governments eligible for official development assistance from mid-2024 to mid-2027. This will include a streamlined project approval process that allows CCAC and CATF experts to more quickly address regulatory and capacity gaps and help countries build the…

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