Global Scans · Decarbonization · Weekly Summary

• [New] By 2030, the current rate of AI growth would annually put 24 to 44 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the emissions equivalent of adding 5 to 10 million cars to U.S. roadways. Cornell Chronicle
• [New] Making matters worse, the European Union has just weakened its 2040 decarbonization target by allowing countries to buy foreign carbon credits rather than cutting domestic emissions. / UK Project Syndicate
• [New] Economic stagnation and new energy priorities could derail progress toward carbon neutrality by 2045. DW.COM
• [New] Carbon emissions from fossil fuels hit a new high in 2024 - a record expected to be surpassed in 2025. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• [New] With less than five years remaining until 2030, and despite some global setbacks, decarbonization has become an irreversible international trend, driven by the rapid expansion of renewable energy and the strong commitment of citizens. Japan Climate Initiative
• [New] Microsoft has pledged to become carbon negative by 2030 as part of its effort to use AI as a tool to address environmental issues. TheNewzAI
• [New] The global apparel industry is projected to reduce its carbon emissions by over 30% by 2030, due to the widespread adoption of innovative, sustainable manufacturing methods. Argus Apparel
• [New] By 2030, carbon-neutral retail operations will be expected by consumers and mandated by regulators in most developed markets. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] With the deep integration of AI large models and carbon management technologies, digital tools will evolve from passive accounting to active prediction in the future, helping enterprises layout emission reduction strategies in advance and seize opportunities in global low-carbon competition. SKYCO2
• [New] Turkey has pledged to adopt a national emissions-trading scheme in order to align with the European Green Deal and avoid additional import duties once the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism comes into force in 2026. Oxford Analytica
• [New] SAF could account for 65% of aviation's carbon reduction by 2050. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] EV trucks are projected to become the most cost-effective decarbonization solution for most truck categories in Europe by the end of the decade. Avenga
• [New] The commitment to making urban buses 90% zero-emission by 2030 accelerates the entire sector's transition toward climate neutrality. Avenga
• [New] When combined with rapid decarbonization of the global power sector, residual cooling emissions could fall to 97% below business-as-usual levels. Secretary-General
• [New] The UNEP report suggests adopting a 'Sustainable Cooling Pathway', which could reduce emissions to 64% below the levels expected in 2050. Secretary-General
• [New] AI companies are expected to continue investing in the offset mechanisms, including power purchase agreement, carbon removal and water restoration, reaching an unprecedented level of reliance on them to accomplish their net-zero aspirations by 2030. Nature
• [New] The industry energy consumption could double by 2026, motivated by AI and other sectors, threatening decarbonization targets under the Paris Agreement, which include a 53% reduction in data-centre emissions by 2030 and net-zero goals for the AI sector. Nature
• [New] By 2030, all construction sites are to be zero-emission. Last Week in ConTech
• [New] In 2026, sustainable innovation will mean designing business models that are both carbon-aware and economically sound. Observer
• [New] Decarbonization and Regulatory Mandates Global maritime organizations such as the IMO are enforcing stricter emission limits to align with the goal of cutting shipping emissions by 50% by 2050. The National Law Review
• [New] The European Green Deal envisions Europe as a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy, emphasizing in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, reducing reliance on resources, and ensuring that all regions benefit equally from the decarbonization actions. SpringerOpen
• [New] With solar, onshore wind, and biopower contributing to diversification, the UK is well positioned to maintain momentum towards a low carbon power system and achieve its 2050 net zero goal. Energy Global

Last updated: 16 November 2025