An objective, globally consistent framework to measure decoupling between fossil fuel use and economic growth, either through reduced fuel use or shifts toward cleaner/more efficient combustion has been published. Analysing 5,435 cities globally over 2019–2024, the research has identified significant trends for 2,475 cities and classified them into four decoupling states.
Features
Early climate health investments generate 68-fold gains
New World Resources Institute (WRI) analysis, supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, reveals that every $1 invested in preparing for climate-caused health risks can yield up to $68 in benefits for communities in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Research shows how tools and services like early warning systems and disease surveillance significantly reduce deaths and illness, helping more communities in low- and middle-income countries become more resilient.
War spending could help close the climate funding gap
Military spending has been increasing for more than a decade, reaching $2.7tr in 2024 and $2.88tr in 2025. Meanwhile, there is a $4tr dollar shortfall in funding needed to achieve the world’s Sustainable Development Goals and, of that, a $2tr funding gap for climate and energy transition action.
Action on aerospace is part of the Commission’s Accelerate EU
Because the conflict in the Middle East is heavily impacting global energy markets, with a knock-on effect on the economy, industry and households, the Commission is taking specific action with notable measures in relation to the transport sector. To ensure sufficient availability of transport fuels and preserve the effective functioning of the single market, the Commission will step up European coordination on the optimisation of fuel distribution across Member States.
World Bank Group to improve water security for 1bn people
The World Bank Group, in partnership with multilateral development banks, development finance institutions and key partners, has launched Water Forward, a global platform to help improve water security for 1bn people by 2030. The platform will align policy reforms, financing, and partnerships to expand reliable water services and strengthen systems against droughts and floods, essential conditions for job creation.
Updates
Energy
Simulation tools from Fraunhofer EMI plan hydrogen infrastructure
Research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI, are developing a hydraulic simulation tool to assist with the planning of a resilient hydrogen infrastructure designed to safeguard energy supply. Resilient infrastructure is critical for stable hydrogen supply. Simulation tools developed at Fraunhofer EMI analyse network reactions to disruptions and help mitigate risks due to extreme events.
Mubadala invests in UK offshore wind farm alongside consortium
Abi Dhabi's Mubadala Investment Company has made a $325m investment in Ørsted’s Hornsea 3, which, once completed, will be the world’s single largest offshore wind farm, located off the Norfolk coast in the UK. Mubadala is investing alongside a consortium led by Apollo-managed funds, which includes USS and La Caisse. The investment follows Apollo Funds’ acquisition of a 50% stake in the joint venture holding Hornsea 3, with Ørsted retaining the remaining 50% ownership and continuing to lead the development, construction and operation of the project.
Invinity ‘super battery’ delivered in first installation in Europe
Invinity Energy Systems has completed the delivery of 20.7MWh of Vanadium Flow Batteries to the Copwood VFB Energy Hub in East Sussex. It will be Europe’s largest vanadium flow battery installation when it enters service later this year. The project pairs 90 vanadium flow batteries – a form of long‑duration energy storage – with a 3MW solar array to enable more home-grown, low‑cost solar power to be used when needed.
EU awards over €1bn to nine European hydrogen projects
The European Commission has selected nine hydrogen production projects under the third auction of the European Hydrogen Bank. Across seven countries in the European Economic Area. The projects are expected to provide almost 1.1 giga-watts of electrolyser capacity and produce over 1.3m tonnes of hydrogen over their first 10 years of operation, with an estimated greenhouse gas emissions avoidance of 9m tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The selected projects will receive a total of around €1.09bn in EU funding from the Innovation Fund, sourced from the EU Emissions Trading System.
JP Morgan: Energy outlook 2026 – mitigating volatility with a diverse energy mix
The bank's research says volatile oil prices and surging electricity demand highlight the urgent need for a diversified energy mix to safeguard economic and energy security. The need for diversified energy sources is rapidly reshaping global power generation. Renewables and advanced technologies are projected to supply the majority of global electricity by 2100. Overall, increased global investment in renewables, including nuclear, solar and wind, is paving the way for a more stable and resilient future.
IEA publishes 2026 Energy Crisis Policy Response Tracker
The conflict in the Middle East has triggered an unprecedented disruption to global fuel markets, tightening supply and placing significant pressure on consumers and economies worldwide. In response, the IEA has launched its largest ever release of emergency oil stocks and also published a menu of demand-side measures that governments, businesses and households can take to shelter consumers from oil price pressures and support energy security.