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IEA says Southeast Asian electricity demand will grow 5.4% annually to 2030
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has said that electricity demand across Southeast Asia is forecast to increase by an average 5.4% annually from 2026 to 2030. The agency identifies cooling, industrial development and data centres as important drivers of demand growth. The IEA says the region will need greater investment in electricity generation, grids and system flexibility as governments seek to strengthen energy security while accommodating faster electrification. “Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most dynamic regions, but its rising needs for energy to power its economic growth face challenges in an increasingly uncertain global energy landscape,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol.
WBCSD publishes recommendations for ASEAN green transition
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development has published recommendations for accelerating an inclusive green transition across ASEAN. The proposals cover renewable-energy integration and energy security, a just transition, and climate adaptation and resilience. WBCSD says 92% of business leaders expect sustainability to become a source of competitive advantage over the next decade. The recommendations follow an ESG Symposium held in Bangkok and are intended to inform discussions ahead of the ASEAN Summit and COP31.
Aga Khan Foundation launches $500m Indian Ocean restoration initiative
The Aga Khan Foundation has launched ReGeneration, a 10-year initiative targeting $500 million of investment across six Indian Ocean countries to restore threatened ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihoods. Activities will include sustainable fisheries, regenerative agriculture, clean energy and new forms of enterprise. An initial €100 million declaration with Agence Française de Développement was signed in May 2026 to support coastal ecosystem restoration in Mayotte, Madagascar and Tanzania.
MobileFuse commits to zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions through 2030
Advertising technology company MobileFuse has received validation from SBTi Services for a target to maintain zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions through 2030 while measuring and reducing Scope 3 emissions against a 2024 base year. The company will report progress annually. Its Scope 1 and 2 target has been classified as aligned with a 1.5°C trajectory under the SBTi framework.
Climate-change monitoring gaps identified across Mediterranean ecosystems
A global review by University of Cape Town researchers has found major gaps in monitoring climate-change impacts on plant communities in Mediterranean-type ecosystems. The review examined 128 publications reporting 154 observed disturbances across the five regions containing these ecosystems: the Mediterranean Basin, California, central Chile, southwestern Australia and South Africa. The researchers identified geographic and thematic gaps that limit understanding of ecosystem responses to climate change.
North Carolina coastal forests have lost more than 20% since 1985
Researchers at North Carolina State University have found that more than 20% of coastal forest in North Carolina’s Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula was lost between 1985 and 2021. The study found that forest loss began accelerating after 2010 and may still be increasing. The research examines the relationship between coastal forest decline and environmental pressures affecting the region.
Ricoh launches circular manufacturing model targeting 75% reduction in newly sourced materials
Ricoh and ETRIA have launched ‘Circular New’, a manufacturing model that uses components recovered from products already in the market to manufacture new-generation products. For selected A3 monochrome multifunction printers, the model is designed to reduce newly sourced material use from approximately 76% to as little as 21%. Localised production in Japan and France is expected to reduce product carbon footprint by up to 25%.
LS Power closes $6bn fund targeting energy infrastructure
LS Power has closed a $6 billion investment fund after exceeding its initial $4 billion target and reaching its $6 billion hard cap by July. Fund VI will invest in renewables, conventional generation, energy storage, distributed energy resources and other energy infrastructure. Approximately $1.7 billion has already been committed to investments associated with pending acquisitions that would create a 5GW gas-fired generation platform across PJM and ERCOT.
Australia commits $7.29m to accelerate renewable energy in Pacific
Australia has announced a A$7.29 million package to strengthen renewable-energy development and energy security across Pacific countries. Funding will support grid modelling to assess renewable integration, technical experts working on project development, an early-careers programme for energy professionals and greater regulatory capacity. Australia has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Vanuatu covering its renewable-energy transition, including the integration of solar power into the country’s electricity grid.
Biodiversity research finds ecosystems have less capacity to absorb species losses
Researchers led by King’s College London and Imperial College London have found that ecosystems have substantially less ‘spare’ capacity to absorb species losses than previously estimated. The study combined 423 published studies and 222,829 data points covering land, freshwater, marine and estuarine ecosystems. The researchers say reduced biodiversity could affect food security and climate protection because ecosystems provide services including pollination, water purification, carbon storage and natural pest control.