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Google backs 16 Asia-Pacific environmental AI projects
Google DeepMind has selected 16 organisations for its first AI for the Planet accelerator in the Asia-Pacific region. The three-month programme will provide startups, non-profits and research teams with technical support, expert mentoring and access to AI models including AlphaEarth Foundations, SpeciesNet and Perch. Projects cover biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and carbon solutions, with the programme launched through a bootcamp in Singapore.
ACWA Power reaches commercial operation at Red Sea renewable utilities system
ACWA Power and its consortium partners have reached commercial operation at the Red Sea destination’s integrated off-grid renewable utilities system in Saudi Arabia. The system combines 340MWac of solar PV with 1,227MWh of battery storage. At full capacity, the system is expected to avoid approximately 600,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year. “As the world’s largest integrated off-grid utilities system, and the first of its kind at this scale, the project sets a new global benchmark for sustainable development,” commented Mohammad Abunayyan, founder and chairman of ACWA.
WMO warns wildfire pollution and heatwaves are undermining air-quality gains
The World Meteorological Organization says increasing pollution from wildfires and heatwaves is threatening progress on air quality and ecosystem protection. Its latest Air Quality and Climate Bulletin highlights the need for improved monitoring of PM2.5, ground-level ozone, black carbon and microplastics. In 2025, PM2.5 concentrations remained above long-term averages in northern Canada, parts of Russia and western-central Africa because of increased fire activity. North-western Spain was also a ‘hot spot’, it noted.
Panasonic Automotive receives SBTi validation for 63% Scope 1 and 2 reduction
Panasonic Automotive Systems has received Science Based Targets initiative validation for greenhouse-gas reduction targets aligned with a 1.5°C pathway, according to reports. The company is targeting a 63% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by FY2035, against a FY2024 baseline. The Japanese firm also has a longer-term target covering value-chain emissions, extending climate targets across the automotive systems group and its operations.
Aukera closes €460m facility for European renewables and storage
Aukera Energy has closed a €460 million structured credit facility led by EIG to finance renewable-energy generation, battery storage and related infrastructure in Belgium, the UK, Germany, Romania and Italy, according to reports. The facility includes a committed €260 million second tranche and brings Aukera’s total committed capital under the structure to €460 million. The developer has nearly 1GW of projects operating or under construction and a pipeline exceeding 14GW.
UNDP publishes Asia-Pacific circular-economy report
UNDP has published The Future is Circular, a publication examining circular-economy activity across the Asia-Pacific region, which covers initiatives intended to address resource inefficiency, environmental degradation and climate change. ‘The document aims to inform stakeholders – including governments, private sector actors, and the public – about UNDP’s efforts to drive innovation, policy development, and sustainable business models that contribute to reducing waste, conserving resources, and fostering inclusive growth,’ UNDP said in a statement.
World Packaging Organisation marks first World Packaging Day
The World Packaging Organisation marked 6 September 2026 as the inaugural World Packaging Day, with activities focused on packaging’s role in food waste prevention, economic activity and circularity. The initiative promotes collaboration between industry, academia, policymakers and other stakeholders on eco-design, material innovation and resource efficiency. “Packaging enables economic, social and environmental positive impact in our modern life in society,” commented Luciana Pellegrino, WPO President.
