News

India and the United States have signed a framework agreement to secure supplies of critical minerals and rare earths, including their mining and processing, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the US embassy in India...

California and Africa have set the blueprint for a new model of international climate cooperation—a unique climate and economic partnership with Kenya and Nigeria delivering policy certainty, affordable technology and unlocking catalytic capital.

Volatilities in the global oil market over the past two months are a timely reminder of India’s enduring energy vulnerability. With nearly 85 percent of its crude oil demand met through imports in 2025-26, the case for electrification has never been more urgent.

California and African leaders met in San Francisco to strengthen partnerships on clean transportation, climate action and trade during the 2nd Annual California-Africa Climate and Economic Forum.

The forum, held at the Exploratorium during San Francisco Climate Week, brought together officials from Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo alongside California state leaders, academics and industry representatives.

SAN FRANCISCO – During San Francisco Climate Week, California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin brought together state of California climate officials, along with international dignitaries and external partners for the 2nd Annual California-Africa Climate and Economic Forum (CACEF) at the Exploratorium in San Francisco.

The race to secure critical minerals is well underway — but mining is only the beginning. The real prize, and the real bottleneck, lies in what happens next: processing, refining, and beneficiation. A panel of global experts convened recently by the Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South, in partnership with Duke University's Nicholas Institute and Sustainable Energy for All, made one thing clear: the Global South cannot afford to keep exporting raw materials and importing finished products. The question is how to change that — and fast.

Two- and three-wheel vehicles, the hidden workhorses of private travel across much of the Global South, were already moving steadily toward electrification before the latest Mideast conflict, but their popularity is surging as that crisis makes access to conventional fuel difficult or expensive. An expansion of battery-swapping stations and government support in recent years is also spurring adoption of electric two- and three-wheelers, often abbreviated as 2W/3Ws. Electric models are already displacing some oil consumption, although estimates vary.

A global second-hand vehicle market, largely invisible to many people in the US, affects the economy, transportation, public health, and environment in the countries where the vehicles end up and their countries of origin. As increasing numbers of exported, used vehicles are hybrid and electric, their operation in importing countries can help reduce local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the disposal and recycling of spent batteries pose significant risks, particularly in regions that lack the infrastructure needed for safe handling.

NAIROBI, KENYA — UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May led a delegation to Kenya this week to advance a landmark partnership between the State of California and the Government of Kenya focused on climate action, clean transportation, climate smart agriculture, public health and innovation. Chancellor May was joined by Samuel Assefa, Director of the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation as well as several university representatives.

Kenya and the U.S. state of California are strengthening cooperation in technology, climate innovation, and sustainable development, President William Ruto announced on Monday.

Speaking after hosting a delegation from California, the President highlighted the state’s position as the wealthiest in the United States and a key partner in fostering innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity with Kenya.

Read full article