Friday Five #2: 5 Climate Wins This Week
EU progress, nuclear energy revival, climate services in action, and more support for the Global South
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Hey there 👋
Skander here.
Welcome to Week 2 of Friday Five.
We said it last week, and we’ll say it again: we all need to step up and double down on the climate fight.
This week we will start with some great news from us:
Thanks to some generous supporters, we’ve doubled our sponsorship fund for the 2025 cohorts!
We’re accepting early applications for the next cohort, starting in January:
Sponsorships are, as always, first come, first served.
Alright, off to the positive climate progress we’ve been tracking this week.
🌊 Let’s dive in!
EU's Significant Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The European Commission’s latest climate action progress report reveals that EU greenhouse gas emissions fell by 8.3% in 2023 compared to 2022. Net emissions are now 37% below 1990 levels, putting the EU on track to reach its goal of reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
Dive deeperUS Unveils Plan to Triple Nuclear Power by 2050
The Biden Administration has announced an ambitious plan to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050, adding 200 gigawatts through new reactors, plant restarts, and upgrades. In the short term, the plan aims for 35 gigawatts of new capacity within the next decade. This is a huge pivot after decades of stagnation.
Read the roadmap hereRadiant Raises $100M for Portable Nuclear Generators
California-based Radiant, a maker of portable nuclear generators, raised $100 million in Series C funding. The round was led by DCVC, with participation from a16z, USV, Felicis, and other top investors. This funding will help Radiant scale their approach to micro nuclear power, aiming to replace diesel generators (like the ones currently powering Microgrids and new data centers.
Learn more→ Dive deeper on Microgrids in Peter Blair (driftie and Rewiring America’s newest director of planning and performance) 101:
Ireland's Climate Services Framework Highlighted
Climate services are the provision and use of climate data, information and knowledge to assist decision-making. Ireland’s National Framework for Climate Services was recognized in the World Meteorological Organization’s 2024 State of Climate Services report for its substantial progress in providing and applying climate services over the past five years.
Learn moreTPG Raises $1.25 Billion for Climate Solutions in the Global South
TPG Rise Climate has raised $1.25 billion for its new Global South Initiative, aimed at accelerating climate solutions in regions that need it most. A significant boost for communities on the frontlines of climate change.
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