Latest news with #greeninitiatives
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
The Best Up-And-Coming Sustainable Destinations In Europe, According To New Analysis
Beautiful village of Carvoeiro in the Algarve, Portugal getty Sustainable travel has become more than just a travel trend. In fact, 83% of travelers state that traveling more responsibly and respectfully toward the environment has become top of mind. But which destinations are actually working toward a more sustainable future? A new analysis has just ranked the best up-and-coming sustainable destinations in Europe for travelers looking to get away from the crowds while also supporting cities and towns that are making a real effort to preserve the environment. The analysis by Accor and Natura 2000 looked at destinations based on their recognition in the Green Destinations Awards 2024, particularly in the categories of Nature & Scenery, Culture & Tradition, Environment & Climate, and Destination Management. Here are the best up-and-coming sustainable destinations in Europe for eco-minded travelers to explore: Tourists walk along the estuary of the Baie de Somme getty The Baie de Somme earned top spot as the best up-and-coming sustainable destination in Europe (and also ranked third in the Green Destinations Award 2024 – Destination Management). The destination was designated as a Natura 2000 site and has made a name for itself thanks to its commitment to biodiversity preservation. Ferragudo. Lagoa Municipality. Faro district. Algarve. Portugal getty Lagos in southern Portugal's Algarve region boasts a protected coastal area that serves as a model of sustainable tourism, according to the analysis. It was awarded Green Destinations 2024 – Nature & Scenery and allows travelers to observe local biodiversity through hiking, swimming, and contributing to the overall preservation of the region. Miren Kras, Slovenia Edge of Kras plateau and Miren village near Nova Gorica at the border of Italy and Slovenia getty You might have been to the capital city of Ljubljana—but have you ever been to Slovenia's Miren Kras? It's a short drive from the capital city but is making major waves in sustainability and conservation efforts. Miren Kras earned the Green Destinations Award – Environment & Climate and boasts things like responsible hiking trails, eco-friendly hotels, sustainable cuisine, and an overall sustainability-focused approach to community and daily life. Castro Daire, Portugal Castro Daire, Portugal getty The second Portuguese city to make the list, Castro Daire earned first place in the Green Destinations Award – Culture & Tradition. It has become well-known for its locally-made honey and biodiversity destinations, including the Serra do Montemuro and Rio Paiva, which allow travelers to connect with nature in an environmentally responsible way. Belsh, Albania Aerial view of Belshi lake, Dumre getty Albania has been shooting up the must-visit list of travelers these day s— but the rural town of Belsh is still largely considered a hidden gem. The town, just about 40 miles south of Tirana, earned second place for Green Destinations Award – Culture & Tradition thanks to its sustainability-minded approach to daily life (and tourism) which focuses on responsible farming and fishing.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Benedict Cumberbatch slams ‘grossly wasteful' film industry
Benedict Cumberbatch, 49, criticised the film industry as "grossly wasteful" during an appearance on the podcast Ruthie's Table 4. He described the forced overeating required for his role in Marvel 's Doctor Strange film as "horrific", stating he could have fed a family with the amount of food consumed. Cumberbatch detailed a prescribed diet of five meals and high-protein snacks, designed to maintain his physique for the role. He extended his criticism to other wasteful practices in filmmaking, including non-recycled set builds, excessive transport, housing, and high energy consumption for lighting. As a producer, Cumberbatch stated he is committed to promoting "green initiatives" and integrating them into production agreements. Benedict Cumberbatch says overeating for Doctor Strange role was 'horrific'
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Petroleum dealers must become active partners in India's energy transition: Hardeep Puri
New Delhi: Indian Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, urged petroleum dealers across the country to transform into active partners in India's energy transition, while addressing the Plenary Session of the All India Petroleum Dealers Association (AIPDA) conclave. AIPDA is the largest national body representing petroleum retail outlet dealers. The Minister emphasised the importance of embracing green initiatives, enhancing digital readiness, and evolving business models in line with India's dynamic energy landscape. Recognising the pivotal role played by petroleum dealers in the energy ecosystem, Minister Puri acknowledged concerns related to dealer commissions, operational costs, and other issues. He assured the gathering that the Ministry believes in "consultation, not confrontation," and cited the revision of dealer margins in October 2024 and the implementation of intra-state freight rationalisation as concrete steps taken to address disparities. He further said that structured platforms for feedback and grievance redressal would continue to be strengthened. Reflecting on the challenges of the past five years--including the COVID-19 pandemic and global geopolitical conflicts--Minister Puri noted that India not only navigated these disruptions effectively but also emerged as a global leader in energy growth. Despite global volatility, India accounted for 16 per cent of global growth in crude oil consumption and is projected to contribute 25 per cent of such growth over the next three decades. The Government, he said, has ensured affordable and uninterrupted energy supply to citizens, even during times of global uncertainty. Highlighting India's achievements in the biofuels sector, the Minister noted that nearly 20 per cent ethanol blending has been achieved in 2025, a significant rise from 1.53 per cent in 2014. This accomplishment has resulted in Rs 1.4 lakh crore in foreign exchange savings, substitution of 238 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil, a reduction of 717 lakh metric tonnes in CO₂ emissions, and direct payments of Rs 1.21 lakh crore to farmers. He also cited the expansion of CNG stations from 738 in 2014 to over 8,100 today and the provision of 10.33 crore LPG connections under PMUY, empowering women and improving health outcomes. "These numbers are not just achievements; they are milestones on our journey towards a cleaner, self-reliant energy future," he said. Appreciating the dedication of petroleum dealers who serve over 67 million customers daily, Minister Puri stated, "You are the physical interface between the Indian citizen and the national energy system." He emphasized that as India reduces crude oil imports, diversifies energy sources, and boosts renewables, the role of dealers becomes crucial in ensuring accessibility, availability, and affordability--the three pillars of energy justice. He lauded the dealer network's reach from Ladakh to Lakshadweep, ensuring fuel availability even during emergencies, natural disasters, and elections. Minister Puri called for a transformation of retail outlets into centres of customer excellence, where digital payments, automated billing, clean toilets, strict safety protocols, and effective grievance redressal become the norm. He urged adoption of technologies that enable zero pilferage, zero tampering, and complete transparency. He also emphasized the growing relevance of non-fuel services at outlets, such as convenience stores, EV charging, utility bill payments, and fintech services, which can enhance customer experience and provide new revenue streams. The Minister laid out a roadmap for dealers to reposition themselves as energy entrepreneurs. He advised the community to upskill their workforce through structured training in customer service, digital tools, and safety standards. He encouraged collaboration with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to implement EV charging points, rooftop solar installations, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Minister Puri also stressed the importance of adopting digital dispensing systems, automated monitoring, and transparent auditing to strengthen consumer trust. He highlighted the strategic importance of the dealer network in supporting national objectives like disaster response, public health drives, and voter awareness campaigns. Minister Puri particularly urged the petroleum dealer fraternity to leverage the prime locations of their retail outlets to generate Non-Fuel Revenue (NFR) by offering services such as communication hubs, battery swapping stations, water kiosks, and digital financial services. He reiterated that as India navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing energy landscape and works towards becoming a Viksit Bharat, petroleum dealers will continue to play a central and evolving role. Concluding his address, the Minister called upon dealers to look beyond retail margins and redefine their role in line with the vision of energy self-reliance. "Let this conclave be not just a gathering of peers, but the starting point of a new journey--a journey that takes you beyond retail, beyond margins, and into the very heart of India's energy transformation," he said. Minister Puri appreciated the enthusiastic participation of AIPDA members from across the country and assured the government's continued support for the collective benefit of citizens, dealers, and Oil Marketing Companies.
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Re-thinking risk in Africa: Turning climate and credit challenges into resilience and opportunity
Africa stands at a pivotal point in its development journey, often characterised by chal- lenges such as climate volatil- ity, credit constraints, political instability and infrastructure deficits. However, it also possesses vast potential. Unlocking this potential requires transforming risk, particularly climate and credit risk, into resilience and opportunity. Organisations like ATIDI are reshaping Africa's approach to risk. As a multilateral pan-African political and credit risk insurer, ATIDI plays a crucial role in making projects bankable, attracting investments and sup- porting long-term development, even in high-risk environments. ATIDI's approach shifts the focus from risk as a barrier to a broader perspective centred on resilience, adaptation and opportunity, helping to unlock Africa's full development potential. From vulnerability to preparedness: climate as a catalyst Despite contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa faces significant climate impacts that desta- bilise agriculture and threaten economic stability. ATIDI addresses climate change as a systemic risk by supporting climate resilient projects, promoting climate informed underwriting and using blended finance to attract private capital for green initiatives. Credit risk: barrier or bridge? Access to affordable, long-term credit remains a signifificant challenge in Africa due to high-risk perception, result-ing in underinvestment and slow development. ATIDI addresses this by providing credit enhance- ment and risk mitigation tools. Through customised insurance products and thorough due diligence, ATIDI has unlocked over $88bn in invest- ments since 2001, enabling governments and the private sector to access crucial financing for development and industri- alisation. From risk to resilience: ATIDI's value proposition ATIDI believes that when risk is properly understood and managed, it can cre- ate opportunities. Our approach focuses on de-risking investment environments, mobilising capital and helping member states build resilience through proactive risk mitigation strategies. Credit risk insurance as a resilience tool ATIDI's core offering provides protection against political and credit-related risks, including sovereign defaults and contract frustrations. These tools not only support trade and investment but also serve as policy instruments to unlock funding for critical sectors. Climate risk mainstreaming ATIDI integrates climate risks into the entire risk ecosystem, helping stakeholders as- sess the impact of climate volatility on investments. Through partnerships with DFIs, the private sector and reinsurance markets, we promote green and resilient investments, us- ing blended fifinance to lower capital costs and encourage private sector involvement. Enabling adaptive sovereign risk man- agement ATIDI helps African sovereigns manage exogenous shocks by promoting proactive risk management frameworks, including contingency planning and fiscal buffers. We support risk-layered financing strat- egies that allocate risks across different levels, ensuring strategic, cost-effective responses and protecting fiscal stability. Opportunity amidst complexity Despite its challenges, Africa offers im- mense opportunities with its young popu- lation, rich resources, urban growth, and digital expansion. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) enhances pros- pects for regional trade and investment. ATIDI sees risk not as a barrier but as a gateway to opportunity, advocating a shift from fragility to preparedness to attract long-term capital for the continent's struc- tural transformation. To fully realise these opportunities, Af- rica needs more than capital, it needs co- ordination. Multilaterals, DFIs, governments and private sector actors must come together to harmonise risk assessment standards, share data and create scal- able, transparent platforms for investment. Furthermore, Africa needs global finan- cial architecture reforms that prioritise risk-informed development. This includes access to concessional finance for climate adaptation, recognition of sovereign credit rating biases and support for regional risk pooling mechanisms. Conclusion Rethinking risk in Africa is no longer a theo- retical discussion, it is a developmental imperative. Africa requires more than new tools; it demands a new mindset. As the continent confronts the dual challenge of climate instability and tight- ening credit conditions, ATIDI is stepping up with practical solutions that reframe the narrative. Our work demonstrates that managing risk effectively is not just about avoiding losses, it's about enabling pro- gress. © Copyright IC Publications 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Fox News
11-06-2025
- Business
- Fox News
New study exposes green energy org's ties to CCP interests while undermining US
FIRST ON FOX: A national security-focused nonprofit organization has released a comprehensive report detailing the workings of a well-funded nominally U.S.-based organization that it says is undermining American energy, pushing left-wing green initiatives and ultimately advancing Chinese interests. The report, published by State Armor, outlines the money trail of Energy Foundation China (EFC), registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is technically headquartered in San Francisco but with employees mostly based in Beijing. "Energy Foundation China used to be known as the Energy Foundation before it spun off most of its U.S.-based operations in 2019 into a separate organization called the U.S. Energy Foundation," the report explains. "While still formally organized as the Energy Foundation, since 2019, the organization has used the alias 'Energy Foundation China' or 'EF China' to differentiate from the now-separate U.S. Energy Foundation. The group was founded by Hal Harvey, a climate activist and entrepreneur with deep ties to numerous left-wing organizations and to China." State Armor found that EFC has "spent millions each year to bankroll climate advocates who promote phasing out fossil fuels and implementing green energy alternatives like the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the latter of which was the target of a 2018 Congressional inquiry into whether it should register as a foreign agent based on its Chinese funding." The Rocky Mountain Institute produced one of the most prominent studies used by many Democrats to justify cutting down on gas stoves and was cited by President Joe Biden's Department of Energy. Earlier this year, multiple committees joined to begin an investigation into EFC, and requested files from EFC President Zi Chou about financial resources given to American organizations after Fox News Digital reporting on the group funneling millions of dollars to fund climate initiatives and environmental groups in the U.S. The report details how EFC "led a U.S. state-level legislative drive" against Bayer, the leading Western fertilizer company, that pushed for lawsuits against the company over a potentially carcinogenic pesticide with the aim of driving the company out of the U.S. and in turn forcing reliance on Chinese suppliers. The report goes on to outline how the organization has "provided millions" to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) to support "a clean energy future" and how ICCT was an "active supporter" of climate initiatives in the Inflation Reduction Act targeting increased battery electric trucking infrastructure. Fox News Digital reported in 2023 that The Energy Foundation sent $480,000 to the Washington, D.C.-based International Council on Clean Transportation, which advocates for widespread EV adoption and policies decarbonizing the transportation sector broadly. It also wired grants – one to the University of Maryland and another to the Jackson Hole Center for Global Affairs – worth a total of $450,000 and earmarked for projects to phase out coal power reliance. Josh Hodges, commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission and former national security advisor to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and NSC senior director in the first Trump administration, told Fox News Digital that EFC is a "textbook example of the CCP's asymmetric warfare strategy and drive to deepen its dominance over American companies." "Communist China is manipulating a supposed philanthropic network to steer the U.S. away from reliable domestic energy sources and into dependence on Chinese supply chains," Hodges said. "Whether it's solar panels, mobile phones, electric vehicle batteries, or agricultural chemicals, Beijing's fingerprints are all over the 'green transition' being pushed on America." The report quotes Chinese climate envoy Liu Zhenmin, who suggested that Biden's green energy policies will remain even under a more skeptical Trump administration and said, "even if the new Trump administration reverses climate change policies, it is unlikely to completely change the green transition actions that have already begun in various parts of the U.S." "In other words, the CCP's penetration of the U.S.' political and industrial systems runs so deep that CCP officials believe that not even a skeptical White House could halt America's growing dependence upon Chinese technologies," the report states. Will Hild, executive director of Consumers' Research, told Fox News Digital that the report "exposes a disturbing truth" that EFC is part of a broader push to undermine American energy independence and "stifle" the Trump energy agenda to benefit the CCP. "EFC is weaponizing woke ideology to pull off this scheme and force American consumers to rely on the Chinese Communist Party for energy sources," Hild said. "Americans deserve to know the truth about our foreign adversary's campaign that is poisoning our economy and reshaping our energy future. We applaud organizations like State Armor that are working to expose these grifts against consumers." In addition to the EFC's climate activism, the report focuses on how, by "co-opting climate activism and dominating new so-called green supply chains, Beijing converts a domestic weakness into a global strength" while also detailing the ties between EFC and the CCP. For example, EFC's CEO Zou Ji has served in previous roles at top leadership positions in China's official National Center for Climate Change Strategy within the National Development and Reform Commission of the State Council. "He was so deeply tied into CCP leadership that he was included as a part of China's delegation to the 2015 Paris Climate Talks," the report says. "Zou's other affiliations include a position at Tsinghua University at a center where his colleagues include a retired senior PLA officer and a former deputy director of an MSS think tank." Zou is not the only EFC figure with ties to the CCP, the report says, pointing to EFC board member and Washington, D.C. based attorney Hongjun Zhang, who serves as a member of China's Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development and was previously a legislative director for the China National People's Congress. Zhang, according to his law firm's bio page, spent "many years in the Chinese government" that included work at the "Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), State Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), and National Development and Reform Commission." The report states that EFC's operations in China are overseen by the CCP's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and that the organization's Beijing headquarters are located in a building owned by a state-owned investment corporation tied to Chinese state media propaganda. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., who is the chairman of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, sounded the alarm over the report, telling Fox News Digital, "This report confirms what we've long warned: the Chinese Communist Party is using seemingly innocuous nonprofits to influence American policy and undermine U.S. interests – in this case, our energy independence." "Energy Foundation China operates at the direction of the CCP and is exploiting our charitable system to push policies that benefit Beijing, not the American people," Moolenaar continued. "The Select Committee continues to investigate how CCP-linked organizations infiltrate U.S. institutions, shift critical supply chains toward China, and shape environmental agendas that aim to make America weaker while China gets stronger. We will continue to expose these influence operations and work with Congress and the administration to safeguard U.S. energy security and national sovereignty." The report also points to examples of EFC collaborating with U.S. entities and officials, including in 2023 when it "provided support" for an event that featured California Gov. Gavin Newsom during a visit to China and then hosted a forum a month later for a discussion promoting "low-carbon cooperation between the two nations." Vance Wagner, the vice president for strategic partnerships at Energy Foundation China, pushed back on the report, telling Fox News Digital, "Energy Foundation China (EFC) is an independent grantmaking charitable organization that provides funding for research and capacity building related to climate change and China." "Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing our world. Our work is currently focused on China given the scale of its energy sector and its role in global emissions. Despite geopolitical tensions, meaningful engagement with China on climate change and emissions reductions is in everyone's interests," Vance continued. "All grants we make support projects related to climate change and China, and are in no way related to influencing U.S. energy policy. EFC does not accept funding from any government or political party." "Neither the Chinese government nor the CCP fund, direct, or control EFC or our grant-making decisions," he added. "We are compliant with all U.S. and Chinese laws and regulations and do not lobby or support electoral activities in any country." The report states that between 2020 and 2021, EFC gave over $1 million to the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for funding "green energy research" and laboratory training increasing the efficiency of China's industrial sectors. The Biden administration, according to the report, gave $60 million in grants to the Institute for Sustainable Communities, which is a group "frequently in collaboration with Energy Foundation China." "America's energy security is national security," Jason Isaac, CEO of American Energy Institute, told Fox News Digital. "The State Armor report lays bare how the Chinese Communist Party has co-opted climate activism to shift the U.S. onto so-called 'green' technologies that are manufactured, mined, and controlled by China. From solar panels to EV batteries and rare earth minerals, our supply chains are increasingly entangled with a foreign adversary that uses forced labor, ignores environmental safeguards, and openly aims to dominate the global energy future. This isn't progress – it's dependence. Real energy dominance means leveraging America's vast domestic energy resources, not outsourcing our future to Beijing." Along with the report, State Armor has sent letters to Republican committee chairs in Congress that call for prompt oversight on the matter. "Congress must act," the letter, authored by Lucci, implores. "Oversight is urgently needed to expose the full extent of this operation, beginning with Energy Foundation China. The EFC is not a passive observer; it is an active player in a geopolitical contest where America's energy security and global leadership hang in the balance."
