Key developments
Global study finds rivers losing oxygen
Science Advances published a global analysis of 21,439 river reaches spanning 1985-2023, reported by ScienceDaily on May 16 and the Telegraph Herald/AP on May 17. The study found 78.8% of river reaches deoxygenated, with dissolved oxygen declining by an average of 0.045 mg/L per decade. Tropical rivers between 20°S and 20°N showed the steepest losses, and climate warming accounted for 62.7% of the decline.
Why it matters
Rising river hypoxia threatens freshwater ecosystems worldwide, with tropical basins emerging as the most vulnerable.
Sources & driving stories
SCIENCEDAILY
ScienceDaily coverageTELEGRAPH HERALD
Telegraph Herald coverageTexas solar projected to top coal
The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects utility-scale solar in ERCOT will generate about 78 billion kWh in 2026, versus roughly 60 billion kWh from coal, which would make this the first year solar surpasses coal on Texas's main grid. The Cool Down says solar's share rose from 4% of ERCOT generation in 2021 to 12% in 2025, while coal fell from 19% to 13%. The forecast says no new coal plants are planned in ERCOT, and battery storage is becoming more important for shifting midday solar into evening demand.
Why it matters
It marks a major shift in the power mix of one of the largest and fastest-growing U.S. electricity markets.
Sources & driving stories
THE COOL DOWN · Hope Nguyen
The Cool Down coverageChina cuts solar export rebates
Euronews reports China will remove a 9% VAT export rebate on solar products from April 2026, while also reducing battery-related rebates through January 2027. The policy change comes as analysts warn of higher solar panel prices in Europe after a decade in which PV costs fell about 90%. Exporters reportedly rushed shipments ahead of the change, though the market is still expected to absorb part of the shock.
Why it matters
China's policy shift could reshape solar pricing and project economics across global markets, especially in Europe.
Sources & driving stories
EURONEWS.COM · Liam Gilliver
Euronews.com coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Ivanpah remains in regulatory limbo
California regulators rejected PG&E's termination agreements without prejudice, leaving the 392-MW solar-thermal plant's future unresolved after wildlife and economics concerns.
WORTH NOTING
Critical minerals mining hits poorest hardest
A recent UNU-INWEH report highlighted water depletion, heavy-metal contamination and health risks tied to lithium, cobalt and nickel extraction for the energy transition.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Which tropical rivers face hypoxia first?
The new study shows tropical reaches are losing oxygen fastest, but it is unclear which basins are closest to harmful ecological thresholds.
OPEN QUESTION
Will China's rebate rollback slow solar deployment?
The policy could raise module prices and alter project economics, but demand may be strong enough to absorb part of the increase.