Key developments
IMO keeps shipping carbon fee alive
At the International Maritime Organization in London, maritime nations agreed to keep negotiating the Net-zero Framework into the fall instead of moving to a final vote this week. The proposal would tighten shipping-fuel emissions limits over time and charge fees on emissions above those limits, but opposition from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia remains a major hurdle.
Why it matters
It preserves the first global shipping carbon-pricing framework, even though the fall talks could still weaken or derail it.
Sources & driving stories
AP NEWS
AP News coverageADB unveils $70 billion infrastructure plan
The Asian Development Bank said it will back a $70 billion program through 2035 to expand energy and digital infrastructure across Asia-Pacific. The plan allocates $50 billion for a Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative to integrate about 20 GW of renewables, build 22,000 circuit-kilometres of transmission lines, and expand electricity access for 200 million people, plus $20 billion for a Digital Highway.
Why it matters
It is a major new financing push for cross-border clean power and connectivity in a fast-growing region.
Sources & driving stories
REUTERS
Reuters coverageAfrica solar imports hit record highs
Ember said Chinese customs data showed record March exports of solar products, batteries and EVs, with solar exports to Africa up 176% year over year to 10 GW. Nigeria, Kenya and Ethiopia each imported more than 1 GW in a single month, and the report said some African countries are beginning to build solar manufacturing and assembly capacity.
Why it matters
The data point to rapid demand growth and a possible shift in Africa's solar supply chain.
Sources & driving stories
NEW AFRICAN MAGAZINE · Aude Darc
New African Magazine coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Japanese solar chemistry reaches 130% yield
The result is promising but still confined to lab solution tests, so it has not yet been shown in working solar cells.
WORTH NOTING
AU climate-security briefing targets Lake Chad
The African Union Peace and Security Council is set to devote a session to climate impacts on the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel, framing climate stress as a threat multiplier in conflict.
WORTH NOTING
California advances climate water planning
State agencies are pushing an updated water plan aimed at climate-driven drought and flood volatility, with an advisory meeting scheduled for May 13-14.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Will IMO negotiators preserve the pricing mechanism?
The framework survived the latest meeting, but fall talks could reopen the core fee design.
OPEN QUESTION
Can ADB turn pledges into grid projects?
The plan depends on cross-border coordination and co-financing to turn headline targets into actual lines and renewable capacity.