In the News

California and African nations forge climate partnerships in San Francisco

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.

Can the Global South Take Control of Critical Mineral Processing?

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.

Fuel Crisis Jolts Electric Two-, Three-Wheeler Uptake

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.

Kenya, California to collaborate on AI, clean energy and trade: Ruto

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