Spencer Low
@spencerlow.com
Head of Regional Sustainability, Asia Pacific at Google.
Chair of the Innovation Task Force of the United Nations ESCAP Sustainable Business Network.
Chair of the Innovation Task Force of the United Nations ESCAP Sustainable Business Network.
Reposted by Spencer Low
Carbon capture was meant to help fix past emissions — not replace real cuts to fossil fuels.
ECI Director Michael Obersteiner talks to Bloomberg UK about how negative emissions reshaped climate policy — and why we should be cautious ahead of #COP30.
Read more: www.eci.ox.ac.uk/news/scienti...
ECI Director Michael Obersteiner talks to Bloomberg UK about how negative emissions reshaped climate policy — and why we should be cautious ahead of #COP30.
Read more: www.eci.ox.ac.uk/news/scienti...
The scientists who popularized carbon capture have a warning about it
www.eci.ox.ac.uk
November 12, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Carbon capture was meant to help fix past emissions — not replace real cuts to fossil fuels.
ECI Director Michael Obersteiner talks to Bloomberg UK about how negative emissions reshaped climate policy — and why we should be cautious ahead of #COP30.
Read more: www.eci.ox.ac.uk/news/scienti...
ECI Director Michael Obersteiner talks to Bloomberg UK about how negative emissions reshaped climate policy — and why we should be cautious ahead of #COP30.
Read more: www.eci.ox.ac.uk/news/scienti...
The Norwegian research and intelligence company Rystad Energy recently released their new flagship report, Global Energy Scenarios 2025, on the next era of the global energy system. Rystad has constructed a Decarbonization Index based on three tasks:
Global Energy Scenarios Report 2025: The next energy era
New insights: Rystad Energy's flagship report Global Energy Scenarios 2025. Discover the latest insights on the future of the global energy system.
www.rystadenergy.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:24 PM
The Norwegian research and intelligence company Rystad Energy recently released their new flagship report, Global Energy Scenarios 2025, on the next era of the global energy system. Rystad has constructed a Decarbonization Index based on three tasks:
The words “colonial leverage” in the subtitle detract from what is otherwise an excellent analysis, and perhaps reflect Western fears of tables being turned. “ #Decarbonisation, by this logic, is statecraft, not #climate stewardship.” I think it’s both, which makes it even more strategic.
China’s new green order
unherd.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:56 PM
The words “colonial leverage” in the subtitle detract from what is otherwise an excellent analysis, and perhaps reflect Western fears of tables being turned. “ #Decarbonisation, by this logic, is statecraft, not #climate stewardship.” I think it’s both, which makes it even more strategic.
Interesting that Japanese investors consider the tech startup ecosystem in their own country to still be immature. Still, the facts are clear: there are over twice as many VC-backed startups in Europe than in Japan, per capita, and 4.3 times more unicorns. It’s likely even more skewed for greentech.
Japanese investors turn to Europe as deep tech boom lures capital abroad
Japanese investors participated in European financing rounds worth more than 33 billion euros ($38 billions) since 2019.
www.cnbc.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Interesting that Japanese investors consider the tech startup ecosystem in their own country to still be immature. Still, the facts are clear: there are over twice as many VC-backed startups in Europe than in Japan, per capita, and 4.3 times more unicorns. It’s likely even more skewed for greentech.
Google released today a white paper on "Assessing Biological Ecosystems in Consumer Electronics Supply Chains: Northern Việt Nam Case Study", which details a novel approach to measuring and managing our ecosystem impacts within our consumer electronics supply chain. Key learnings are:
Assessing Biological Ecosystems in Consumer Electronics Supply Chains: Northern Việt Nam Case Study
Case study describing geospatial measurements and local insights to describe the state of ecosystem services in Northern Việt Nam consumer electronics supply chain sites.
sustainability.google
November 7, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Google released today a white paper on "Assessing Biological Ecosystems in Consumer Electronics Supply Chains: Northern Việt Nam Case Study", which details a novel approach to measuring and managing our ecosystem impacts within our consumer electronics supply chain. Key learnings are:
With COP30 about to get underway, Google has just announced yesterday the three ways we’re accelerating global action for our planet, leveraging environmental data and AI technologies to help nature and people flourish together.
How we’re using AI to help nature and people flourish together
Human wellbeing is deeply tied to the health of our planet. Here’s how we’re using AI to help nature and people flourish together.
blog.google
November 7, 2025 at 5:53 AM
With COP30 about to get underway, Google has just announced yesterday the three ways we’re accelerating global action for our planet, leveraging environmental data and AI technologies to help nature and people flourish together.
There is an increasing number of AI applications for grid management, and smart grids in ASEAN can help avoid losses from disruptions as well as create new economic opportunities and jobs. Congratulations to @ember-energy.org on this latest study.
NEW | Smart grids can cut power outages in ASEAN, avoiding $2.3 billion in annual GDP losses and creating up to 650,000 new jobs ⚡🌏
Replacing legacy grids with smart, flexible systems will reduce curtailment and boost reliability as renewables expand.
https://loom.ly/i9lbBHo
Replacing legacy grids with smart, flexible systems will reduce curtailment and boost reliability as renewables expand.
https://loom.ly/i9lbBHo
October 17, 2025 at 12:45 AM
There is an increasing number of AI applications for grid management, and smart grids in ASEAN can help avoid losses from disruptions as well as create new economic opportunities and jobs. Congratulations to @ember-energy.org on this latest study.
“We have already entered the beginning of the age of non-tourism.” Let’s hope not, but lots of changes are definitely underway.
Heatwaves, wildfires and the hot summers that could change how we holiday
With rising temperatures causing chaos worldwide, what does it mean to be a tourist in a world on fire?
www.theguardian.com
September 2, 2025 at 12:24 AM
“We have already entered the beginning of the age of non-tourism.” Let’s hope not, but lots of changes are definitely underway.
A study by @pik-potsdam.bsky.social and @bokuvienna.bsky.social finds that 60% of global land areas are now already outside the safe zone, and 38% are even in the high-risk zone. This points to the link between biomass and natural carbon sinks, which can contribute to mitigating climate change.
More than half of the world’s land area is in a precarious state, according to a new study mapping the #PlanetaryBoundary of functional biosphere integrity - in spatial detail and across centuries. 38% of global land is already in the high-risk zone. 👇
www.pik-potsdam.de/en/news/late...
www.pik-potsdam.de/en/news/late...
60 percent of the world’s land area is in a precarious state
15.08.2025 – A new study maps the planetary boundary of “functional biosphere integrity” in spatial detail and over centuries. It finds that 60 percent of global land areas are now already outside the...
www.pik-potsdam.de
August 30, 2025 at 6:29 AM
A study by @pik-potsdam.bsky.social and @bokuvienna.bsky.social finds that 60% of global land areas are now already outside the safe zone, and 38% are even in the high-risk zone. This points to the link between biomass and natural carbon sinks, which can contribute to mitigating climate change.
The collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), a critical ocean current, can no longer be considered a low-likelihood event. This is according to a study published on August 29 via @ioppublishing.bsky.social. The tipping point may be reached in the next decade or two.
Shutdown of northern Atlantic overturning after 2100 following deep mixing collapse in CMIP6 projections - IOPscience
Shutdown of northern Atlantic overturning after 2100 following deep mixing collapse in CMIP6 projections, Drijfhout, Sybren, Angevaare, Joran R, Mecking, Jennifer, van Westen, René M, Rahmstorf, Stefa...
doi.org
August 30, 2025 at 6:17 AM
The collapse of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), a critical ocean current, can no longer be considered a low-likelihood event. This is according to a study published on August 29 via @ioppublishing.bsky.social. The tipping point may be reached in the next decade or two.
An exciting announcement from the Korea Energy Super Week in Busan that just ended. It was great to get to hang out with KAIST's Associate Professor Haewon McJeon. @hmcjeon.bsky.social
KAIST and AndlingerCenter (@acee.princeton.edu) launched Net-Zero Korea to accelerate Korea’s #energy transition.
The project is powered by the Princeton’s Net-Zero America study framework, and supported by Google and industry partners.
bit.ly/45Ta1G2
The project is powered by the Princeton’s Net-Zero America study framework, and supported by Google and industry partners.
bit.ly/45Ta1G2
KAIST and the Andlinger Center at Princeton University Announce Net-Zero Korea Study to Accelerate Korea’s Energy Transition
Net-Zero Korea will increase Korean capacity for energy-system transition modeling through collaboration between the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and the Andlinger Center...
bit.ly
August 29, 2025 at 6:34 AM
An exciting announcement from the Korea Energy Super Week in Busan that just ended. It was great to get to hang out with KAIST's Associate Professor Haewon McJeon. @hmcjeon.bsky.social
As the saying goes, if #climate change is a shark, then #water is its teeth. 🦈
Water is increasingly seen as a critical theme for adaptation efforts, especially in #Asia Pacific. Let's make sure technology and entrepreneurial energy are harnessed to provide innovative solutions at scale.
Water is increasingly seen as a critical theme for adaptation efforts, especially in #Asia Pacific. Let's make sure technology and entrepreneurial energy are harnessed to provide innovative solutions at scale.
The craziest discovery about our global water crisis -- besides the fact that the continents are drying -- is that groundwater pumping is now driving sea level rise. @hrishikeshac.bsky.social @jayfamiglietti.bsky.social www.propublica.org/article/wate...
“Staggering” Water Loss Driven by Groundwater Mining Poses Global Threat
A new study finds that freshwater resources are rapidly disappearing, creating arid “mega” regions and causing sea levels to rise.
www.propublica.org
August 15, 2025 at 2:56 AM
When livelihoods depend on extractive, unsustainable industries, there are tough tradeoffs: @theguardian.com Iraq’s marshes were considered an Eden with wetlands teeming with fish and wildlife. In a land threatened by drought and desertification, oil drilling is draining the last of the water.
Iraq’s marshes were considered an Eden. Now the oil industry is sucking them dry
Hawizeh’s wetlands once had abundant fishing and wildlife. In a land threatened by drought and desertification, oil drilling is draining the last of the water
www.theguardian.com
August 13, 2025 at 11:04 AM
When livelihoods depend on extractive, unsustainable industries, there are tough tradeoffs: @theguardian.com Iraq’s marshes were considered an Eden with wetlands teeming with fish and wildlife. In a land threatened by drought and desertification, oil drilling is draining the last of the water.
As the effects of climate change are felt across the Pacific, #Fiji has become an authority on the logistically and culturally fraught process of community relocation.
Faced with rising seas and falling aid, Fijian villages move uphill
As the effects of climate change are felt across the Pacific, Fiji has become an authority on the logistically and culturally fraught process of community relocation.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 10, 2025 at 2:19 AM
As the effects of climate change are felt across the Pacific, #Fiji has become an authority on the logistically and culturally fraught process of community relocation.
Singapore could be the “most perfect example” of a country that needs nuclear energy given its territorial limitations, energy requirements, technological base and institutional maturity, said the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi.
Singapore could be ‘most perfect example’ of a country that needs nuclear energy: IAEA chief
“Singapore, with its technological base, with its institutional maturity, is ideally, I would say, prepared to host nuclear power relatively soon,” says the director general of the International Atomi...
www.channelnewsasia.com
July 30, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Singapore could be the “most perfect example” of a country that needs nuclear energy given its territorial limitations, energy requirements, technological base and institutional maturity, said the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi.
www.bbc.com/news/article... Santa feels the heat as Lapland buckles in Finland's record-breaking heatwave.
Santa feels the heat as Lapland buckles in Finland's record-breaking heatwave
After an unusually cold early summer, Finland has seen two weeks of temperatures topping 30C.
www.bbc.com
July 29, 2025 at 3:21 PM
www.bbc.com/news/article... Santa feels the heat as Lapland buckles in Finland's record-breaking heatwave.
“Change is expensive, risky, and often unnecessary – until it’s too late.” Climate chaos is threatening #Pakistan’s food security. Can this nuclear-armed nation adapt in time? The hydrology of the Indus River basin, which extends into northwest #India, is exhibiting signs of growing instability.
Climate chaos is threatening Pakistan’s food security. Can it adapt in time?
Scientists warn that the country’s ‘new normal’ of extreme heat, floods and erratic rainfall is pushing farms and supply chains to the brink.
www.scmp.com
July 26, 2025 at 9:42 AM
“Change is expensive, risky, and often unnecessary – until it’s too late.” Climate chaos is threatening #Pakistan’s food security. Can this nuclear-armed nation adapt in time? The hydrology of the Indus River basin, which extends into northwest #India, is exhibiting signs of growing instability.
ERM summarized their 5 key takeaways from London Climate Action Week, with the benefit of over 50 of their leaders and experts on the ground:
1️⃣ Navigate volatility: companies need to reframe and retool their approaches to sustainability during this time of change
www.erm.com/insights/vol...
1️⃣ Navigate volatility: companies need to reframe and retool their approaches to sustainability during this time of change
www.erm.com/insights/vol...
Volatility to value creation: Five key takeaways from London Climate Action Week 2025
Our team captured several key takeaways from our LCAW discussions with business leaders, investors, policymakers, and representatives of civil society organizations.
www.erm.com
July 19, 2025 at 7:04 AM
ERM summarized their 5 key takeaways from London Climate Action Week, with the benefit of over 50 of their leaders and experts on the ground:
1️⃣ Navigate volatility: companies need to reframe and retool their approaches to sustainability during this time of change
www.erm.com/insights/vol...
1️⃣ Navigate volatility: companies need to reframe and retool their approaches to sustainability during this time of change
www.erm.com/insights/vol...
As they say: if #climate change is the shark, then #water is its teeth. This is especially true in Southeast #Asia which is starting to see increasing water stress due to both human factors (e.g. loss, waste, and inefficiency) as well as the changing climate.
www.sif.org.sg/form/SEAPAW-...
www.sif.org.sg/form/SEAPAW-...
July 18, 2025 at 10:44 AM
As they say: if #climate change is the shark, then #water is its teeth. This is especially true in Southeast #Asia which is starting to see increasing water stress due to both human factors (e.g. loss, waste, and inefficiency) as well as the changing climate.
www.sif.org.sg/form/SEAPAW-...
www.sif.org.sg/form/SEAPAW-...
Here's a new piece of research that highlights the benefits of hourly-matched 24/7 carbon-free energy, vs. the currently more common practice of annual matching, with #India as the reference market. Hourly matching enables a more efficient, cost-effective use of renewable energy and storage assets.
🇮🇳 At COP26, Prime Minister Modi's announcement of India's goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 was a watershed moment for the country’s energy transition. But to get to real 24/7 carbon-free power, every hour has to count.
July 13, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Here's a new piece of research that highlights the benefits of hourly-matched 24/7 carbon-free energy, vs. the currently more common practice of annual matching, with #India as the reference market. Hourly matching enables a more efficient, cost-effective use of renewable energy and storage assets.
David Suzuki: “We have failed to shift the narrative and we are still caught up in the same legal, economic and political systems. For me, what we’ve got to do now is hunker down. The units of survival are going to be local communities, so I’m urging local communities to get together.”
‘It’s too late’: David Suzuki says the fight against climate change is lost - iPolitics
"We have failed to shift the narrative and we are still caught up in the same legal, economic and political systems," said David Suzuki in an exclusive interview with iPolitics. "For me, what we've go...
www.ipolitics.ca
July 12, 2025 at 2:45 PM
David Suzuki: “We have failed to shift the narrative and we are still caught up in the same legal, economic and political systems. For me, what we’ve got to do now is hunker down. The units of survival are going to be local communities, so I’m urging local communities to get together.”
Granular Certificates (GCs) are a system of timestamped energy certificates that track the production and consumption of clean energy on a granular, e.g. hourly or sub-hourly, basis. As a GC Trading Alliance member, Google is proud to support this initiative to make GCs more widely available.
Powering Progress: Announcing Awardees of the Registry Acceleration Fund
Today, LevelTen Energy announces the first awardees of the Registry Acceleration Fund: four pioneering organizations whose registries collectively issue or track more than 2,000 TWh of certificates ac...
www.leveltenenergy.com
July 9, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Granular Certificates (GCs) are a system of timestamped energy certificates that track the production and consumption of clean energy on a granular, e.g. hourly or sub-hourly, basis. As a GC Trading Alliance member, Google is proud to support this initiative to make GCs more widely available.
At Google, we’re working to scale new approaches to remove billions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. Today, alongside other Frontier buyers, we announced a deal with Arbor Energy to commercialize their technology, which uses waste biomass to deliver both carbon removal and clean energy at scale.
Arbor moves closer to first commercial facility, fueled by Frontier deal
Frontier has facilitated offtakes with Arbor, a Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) company, to launch its first commercial facility.
frontierclimate.com
July 8, 2025 at 1:10 PM
At Google, we’re working to scale new approaches to remove billions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. Today, alongside other Frontier buyers, we announced a deal with Arbor Energy to commercialize their technology, which uses waste biomass to deliver both carbon removal and clean energy at scale.
This article points out that #Asia Pacific has the opportunity to lead in scaling up CO2 removal (CDR) solutions, and that momentum in the region is building through bold corporate commitments, enabling policies, and partnerships. APAC is well-positioned for nature- and bio-based pathways for CDR.
From policy to pilots: Apac’s growing influence in carbon removal
CARBON dioxide removal (CDR) – a diverse set of pathways that pull carbon from the atmosphere – is gaining traction as a critical climate tool alongside reduction of emissions. But beyond environmenta...
www.businesstimes.com.sg
July 5, 2025 at 11:41 AM
This article points out that #Asia Pacific has the opportunity to lead in scaling up CO2 removal (CDR) solutions, and that momentum in the region is building through bold corporate commitments, enabling policies, and partnerships. APAC is well-positioned for nature- and bio-based pathways for CDR.
#Google‘s 10th annual Environmental Report was released yesterday: it shows how we’re making AI helpful for everyone—including the planet—while at the same time taking meaningful steps toward our environmental ambitions.
Read the report and engage with it in new AI-enabled ways here: goo.gle/4eyEugQ
Read the report and engage with it in new AI-enabled ways here: goo.gle/4eyEugQ
Sustainability Reports & Case Studies - Google Sustainability
Access Google’s sustainability reports, including environmental, product, and supplier responsibility reports and case studies in PDF format.
goo.gle
June 28, 2025 at 2:18 AM
#Google‘s 10th annual Environmental Report was released yesterday: it shows how we’re making AI helpful for everyone—including the planet—while at the same time taking meaningful steps toward our environmental ambitions.
Read the report and engage with it in new AI-enabled ways here: goo.gle/4eyEugQ
Read the report and engage with it in new AI-enabled ways here: goo.gle/4eyEugQ