Global Scans · Decarbonization · Weekly Summary

• [New] Especially in the climate laggard states, decarbonization efforts to implement the Biden Administration's climate policy plans will mean a transition that starts from scratch, as no policy and regulation is in place and new institutions would have to be set up. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] The Sustainability Plan requires U.S. government agencies and departments to obtain 100% of their electricity from clean (carbon pollution free) sources by 2030. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Biden has set the target of increasing the share of zero-emission-vehicle (ZEV) in overall automobile sales in the US to 50% by 2030. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Both support schemes and consumer-subsidies should be anchored in the NZIA sustainability and resilience criteria, which already incentivise low-carbon supply chains and mitigate economic-security risks, while remaining WTO-compatible. Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank
• [New] The 'Union origin or equivalent' content rules in support schemes risk delaying decarbonization, inflating costs for consumers and firms, and inviting third-country WTO challenges or retaliation. Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank
• [New] The green industrial policy objectives of decarbonization (delivering the EU 2040 climate target at least cost), competitiveness (preserving the price and innovation performance of European industry in open markets) and economic security are often complementary but, in some cases, conflict. Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank
• [New] Origin-based content rules in support schemes risk delaying decarbonization, raising costs for firms and consumers, and inviting challenges at the World Trade Organization. Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank
• [New] Global mineral demand for clean energy technologies could rise four - to six-fold by 2040, and many minerals and metals for key low-carbon technologies may face supply shortages by 2030. GOV.UK
• [New] Four AI hyperscalers collectively plan over $710 B in 2026 CapEx, making nuclear the only carbon-free 24/7 baseload source capable of meeting surging data center demand. 24/7 Wall St.
• [New] Latin America holds significant untapped potential as a low-cost renewable hydrogen production region. evolvancemarketresearch.com
• [New] However, data published by the International Energy Agency flagged that approximately 40% of planned low-emissions hydrogen projects are located in water-stressed regions - a supply-chain risk that developers and investors must price into project models before committing capital. evolvancemarketresearch.com
• [New] Steel decarbonization is more than an environmental initiative, it is an opportunity to modernize one of the world's most important industries. Leadvent Group
• [New] Green hydrogen, electrification, carbon capture, recycling, and energy efficiency improvements will all play important roles in reducing emissions while meeting global demand for steel. Leadvent Group
• [New] Key emission-reduction levers expected to contribute between 2025 and 2050 include electrification and scrap optimization, hydrogen-ready DRI, carbon capture storage on blast furnaces, hydrogen smelting reduction or fluidized bed routes, and novel chemistry. SteelOrbis
• [New] By 2040 differences in global warming between low-, medium -, and high-emission pathways are relatively small, and the uncertainty ranges of each projection overlap. GOV.UK
• [New] Canada has the strong potential to grow its manufacturing base for renewable energy technologies, batteries and battery components, and other strategic applications, underpinned by its abundant low-emissions power and critical mineral resources. IEA
• [New] Researchers led by the University of Exeter, working with partners in Colombia and the United States, created a new computer model to examine how sea-level rise could affect carbon storage across entire mangrove forests. ScienceDaily
• [New] Mangroves are among the world's most effective natural carbon stores, but new research suggests their ability to lock away carbon could weaken as sea levels continue to rise. ScienceDaily
• [New] Expansion of Smoke-Free Corporate Mandates: Global tobacco giants are actively decommissioning cigarette production lines to meet self-imposed smoke-free revenue targets by 2030. Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence
• [New] Among the biggest issues to watch are preparations for EPA 2027, the continued development of zero-emission truck adoption, the growing role of transportation management systems, and other regulatory shifts that could affect fleet strategy. TLG Trucks
• [New] The principles of a just transition to a low-carbon and net zero economy to mitigate systemic risk, adhere to human rights standards and support sustainable value creation are embedded in TRS' Investment Beliefs as well as global and national policies. Office of the New York City Comptroller Mark Levine

Last updated: 21 June 2026