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In 2024, clean power reached a milestone of 40.9% of global electricity generation, driven by a record surge in solar and a rebound in hydropower. Despite this growth, global power sector emissions reached a record high of 14.6 billion tonnes of CO2 because extreme heatwaves drove a 4.0% increase in electricity demand, forcing a 1.4% rise in fossil fuel generation to meet the additional cooling needs.

In 2024, clean power surpassed 40% of global electricity generation for the first time since the 1940s, driven by record solar growth. Despite this, global power sector emissions reached an all-time high of 14.6 billion tonnes of CO2 because heatwaves drove a 1.4% increase in fossil generation to meet cooling demand. Solar generation doubled over the last three years, reaching 2,131 TWh, while emerging drivers like AI data centres, EVs, and heat pumps structurally increased demand growth. China and India are increasingly decoupling their electricity demand growth from fossil fuel expansion, with China's clean generation meeting 81% of its demand increase in 2024.

The U.S. generated a record 756,621 GWh of electricity from solar and wind in 2024, accounting for 17% of total generation. Solar is the fastest-growing source, increasing 7.8-fold over the last decade, while wind grew 2.4-fold. Combined solar and wind generation has surpassed coal, which dropped to 15% of the electricity mix in 2024.

In 2024, wind and solar combined to generate 17% of US electricity, surpassing coal (15%) for the first time. While solar generation grew by a record 27% and battery storage expanded rapidly, overall power sector CO2 emissions rose slightly by 0.7% because a 3% increase in electricity demand drove higher gas generation. Despite this, carbon intensity reached a record low of 384 gCO2/kWh.

In 2024, wind and solar produced 17% of US electricity, overtaking coal for the first time as coal fell to 15%. This transition is evident in 24 states, driven by market dynamics, cost-effectiveness, and policy mandates like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in Illinois.

Climate Central's analysis of 241 U.S. cities shows that 97% experienced an increase in average spring temperatures between 1970 and 2024, with an average rise of 2.4°F. The Southwest saw the most significant warming, and 80% of analyzed locations now experience at least one additional week of warmer-than-normal spring days. These trends are linked to global warming and contribute to increased wildfire risk, prolonged allergy seasons, and stressed water supplies in the western U.S.

A case study in Bharatpur, Nepal, reveals that dengue and skin infections are significantly associated with proximity to garbage disposal sites, with skin infections further linked to reliance on surface water. While nature-based solutions (NBS) like green streets and rainwater harvesting show potential for reducing hazards by managing stormwater and improving hygiene, the report concludes that NBS cannot substitute for essential urban infrastructure such as piped water and municipal solid waste management.

In 2024, the EU power sector saw fossil fuel generation fall to its lowest level in over forty years, reaching 793 TWh. This decline was driven primarily by record solar growth, which saw generation increase by 22% to 304 TWh, overtaking coal for the first time. Renewables accounted for 47% of EU power generation, while clean sources reached a record 71% of the mix. Despite a small 1% increase in total EU power demand and increased exports to the UK and Ukraine, coal and gas generation fell by 16% and 6% respectively, leading to a 9% drop in power sector emissions to an estimated 585 million tonnes of CO2.

The study uses a rotated empirical orthogonal function analysis of data from 1950-2009 to examine interdecadal variability in South American monsoon precipitation. It finds that interdecadal oscillations have a significantly greater relative impact on extreme daily rainfall than on moderate or light rainfall, with this impact being more linear during the spring than the summer.

The study analyzed climate data from 1960 to 2014 on the northern coast of the Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina, using Fast Fourier Transform and the Standardized Precipitation Index. Key findings include a 0.9 ºC increase in average air temperature and a reduction in maximum average wind speed by 7.5 km h-1 between 1986 and 2010. The research also identified wet and dry cycles in relative humidity and precipitation linked to El Niño and La Niña events, providing a basis for a sustainable land management plan.

The study identifies divergent sea surface temperature trends around southern South America between 1982 and 2017, with warming in mid-latitude regions and the Northern Patagonian Shelf, and cooling south of 50°S and on the Southern Patagonian Shelf. These trends became most significant between 2008 and 2017 and are linked to atmospheric forcing and large-scale climate modes including ENSO, the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation, and the Southern Annular Mode.

In 2024, UK low-carbon renewables (wind, solar, and hydropower) are forecast to generate 37% of electricity (103 TWh), overtaking fossil fuels, which are set to provide 35% (97 TWh). Wind power is close to becoming the largest single source of UK power, forecast at 29% (82 TWh), just behind fossil gas at 30% (85 TWh). The year also marked the closure of the UK's last coal power plant, with gas power use set to decrease by 13% compared to 2023, reaching its lowest level since 1996. This decline in fossil fuel reliance is attributed to rising renewable generation, low electricity demand, and a 42% increase in net electricity imports.

Analysis of Italian cities from 2014-2023 shows a significant increase in 'lost winter days' (days above 0°C), with Turin ranking as the third city globally for the most added winter days above freezing.

Analysis of daily minimum temperatures in Japan from 2014 to 2023 indicates that climate change has added at least eight winter days above freezing annually across the country. In 32 of 57 analyzed Japanese cities, this increase amounted to at least two additional weeks of days above freezing per year. These 'lost winter days' impact snowfall, water supplies, crops, and winter sports.

The report finds a significant disconnect between sanitation and climate policy, with only 2% of activities in analyzed NDCs addressing sanitation. While some countries like Jordan, Bolivia, and Uganda show detailed integration, many national sanitation policies are outdated and ignore climate risks. The authors argue that integrating these frameworks can unlock climate finance, reduce greenhouse gas emissions (which currently account for approximately 1.3% of global totals), and enhance community and ecosystem resilience.

The ADAPTE project uses GIS to map the intersection of air pollution, extreme weather, and social vulnerability in Latin American cities. Findings indicate that PM10 and NOx levels in Mexico City, Santiago, and Bogota significantly exceed WHO standards. The research highlights that respiratory and cardiovascular mortality risks vary by city, season, and age group, with children in Bogota showing higher respiratory risk during cold seasons and elderly populations showing higher cardiovascular risk during the same period.

The Independent Integrity Unit (IIU) reported progress on its 2024 Work Programme between June and September 2024, focusing on the development of an integrity policy framework, the management of internal and external investigations, and global outreach. Key activities included drafting Administrative Remedies and Exclusion (ARE) documents, finalizing a Capacity-Building Strategy, and preparing for the November 2024 GCF Integrity Forum. During the reporting period, the IIU opened 16 new cases and closed 13, while engaging in international anti-corruption forums and regional dialogues to foster a culture of integrity in climate finance.

In 2023, Global Witness documented 196 murders of land and environmental defenders, contributing to a total of 2,106 since 2012. Latin America remains the most dangerous region, accounting for 85% of 2023 cases, with Colombia recording the highest number of killings (79). The report highlights a systemic pattern of violence including forced disappearances in Mexico and judicial harassment in Asia. Mining is identified as the primary industrial driver of these killings. The document argues that indigenous peoples, who protect 80% of the world's remaining biodiversity, are disproportionately targeted. It calls for the implementation of the Escazú Agreement and greater inclusion of indigenous knowledge in global climate negotiations.

In the first half of 2024, wind and solar power generated 30% of the EU's electricity, surpassing fossil fuels (27%) for the first time. This transition occurred despite a 0.7% increase in electricity demand. Fossil fuel generation fell by 17%, with coal dropping by 24% and gas by 14%. Renewables overall provided 50% of the EU's electricity, aided by a 21% rebound in hydro generation. Power sector emissions decreased by 17% compared to the same period in 2023, and are 31% lower than in the first half of 2022. While capacity additions are high, the report notes a gap between national ambitions and the EU's 2030 targets under the REPowerEU plan, particularly for wind energy.

The report finds that June 2024 was historically hot across the United States, with climate change making temperatures 2.3 times more likely on average. The Southwest experienced the most extreme anomalies, with Nevada's temperatures being 8.2 times more likely due to climate change and the region seeing an average of 4.2 additional days above 90°F. Analysis of 191 ACIS stations showed that 12 experienced their hottest Junes on record, and 168 stations had at least one day where temperatures were at least twice as likely due to climate change.