Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Overlooked Climate News of 2025
In 2025, there were several important climate news stories that didn't get as much attention.
One big issue is that reducing certain types of pollution, which is good for health, might actually be making global warming worse.
Another problem is that green hydrogen, which was supposed to help clean up industries like steel and shipping, isn't progressing as quickly as hoped.
Also, higher interest rates are making it harder for renewable energy projects to compete with fossil fuels.
There were some setbacks in hydropower due to dry weather, and Indonesia's plan to use more biofuels could lead to more forest being cut down.
On a positive note, India used less coal this year because of good weather and more renewable energy, but the country still plans to build more coal plants.
It's a mixed picture, but there are both challenges and some good news.
Reduction in particulates has accelerated global warming and increased volatile rainfall.
Green hydrogen projects are stalling, with only 3 million tonnes of green H2 projects operating or under construction out of a 100 million tonnes market.
Higher interest rates are making renewable energy less competitive against fossil fuels.
Hydropower performance has been affected by dry weather, with a 13% fall in the EU and low reservoirs in Norway and China.
Indonesia's plan to use more biofuels could lead to the conversion of 20 million hectares of forest for food and ethanol.
- Who
- Global community and various countries including China, Indonesia, and India
- What
- Overlooked climate news and challenges in 2025
- When
- Throughout 2025
- Where
- Globally, with specific mentions of China, Indonesia, and India
- Why
- To highlight neglected issues in the global climate and energy transition
- Particulates Reduction Impact
- Accelerated global warming and more volatile rainfall
- Green Hydrogen Progress
- Stalling with only 3 million tonnes of green H2 projects operating or under construction out of a 100 million tonnes market
- Renewable Energy Financing
- Higher interest rates making renewables less competitive against fossil energy
- Hydropower Performance
- EU hydropower fell 13% in first eight months of 2025 compared to 2024
- Indonesia's Biofuel Plan
- Proposed conversion of 20 million hectares of forest for food and ethanol
- India's Coal Power
- Expected 5% fall in fossil generation in 2025, but plans to increase coal generation fleet by 50% by 2035