Microsoft Signs 3.6 Million Ton CO₂ Removal Deal

Microsoft buys 3.6M tons of CO₂ removals from C2X

Microsoft has signed a major long-term agreement with C2X, committing to purchase 3.6 million tons of carbon removal units (CRUs) from the company’s new $2.5 billion BECCS project in Louisiana. The CRUs will come from Beaver Lake Renewable Energy’s planned bio-methanol plant near Pineville, designed to convert locally sourced forestry residues into bio-methanol while capturing and permanently storing around 1 million metric tons of CO₂ per year.

C2X – majority owned by the A.P. Moller Group with ENEOS as a minority investor – will register CRUs on an ICROA-endorsed registry, with full lifecycle emissions accounted for and independently verified. The project aligns with sustainable biomass sourcing principles, including EU RED III.

Construction is expected in 2026, with operations beginning in 2029. The deal strengthens Microsoft’s position as the world’s largest CDR buyer, now at 34.5 million tons, according to CDR.fyi. C2X says the partnership supports decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors through green methanol and engineered removals.

***

Further reading: Microsoft Signs 3.6 Million Ton CO2 Removal Deal with U.S. Clean Fuel and Carbon Capture Project

New York finalizes mandatory GHG reporting rule for large emitters starting 2027

New York has finalized new regulations requiring mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting for major emitters beginning in 2027, according to DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. The move comes as the Trump administration works to dismantle federal climate transparency programs, including ending the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program and blocking the SEC’s climate disclosure rules.

The new mandate follows Governor Kathy Hochul’s directive to establish a statewide reporting system to identify major polluters, support emissions-reduction policies and help track progress toward climate goals. Facilities emitting 10,000 metric tons of CO₂e annually — including power plants, landfills, waste-to-energy sites, natural gas infrastructure, petroleum and fuel suppliers, agricultural operations and waste transporters — must report data to the DEC each year.

Some large sources will also be required to obtain third-party verification. DEC received over 3,000 public comments during consultation and made adjustments such as easing early-year verification deadlines. Lefton said the program is “critical” to protecting public health and the environment.

***
Further reading: New York Releases Regulation Requiring Mandatory GHG Reporting for Large Emitters from 2027

UK Conservatives plan to end 2030 petrol and diesel car ban

The UK Conservative party has said it would scrap the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars and end the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which legally requires carmakers to sell a rising share of electric vehicles — reaching 80% of new cars by 2030 and 100% by 2035.

Party leader Kemi Badenoch argued the rules are too costly for families and manufacturers, and said removing non-R&D subsidies would save £3.8bn over the next decade. Labour, however, recently reinstated the 2035 zero-emission target, saying it provides clarity to consumers and industry.

Environmental groups, including Greenpeace UK, warned that reversing EV policies now would confuse the market, risk jobs, and push the UK behind faster-moving competitors such as China.

The government responded that it still plans to phase out all new non-zero-emission cars and vans by 2035, and highlighted £7.5bn in funding to support the shift to electric vehicles.

***

Further reading: Conservatives would end 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars

 For the latest updates, visit our LinkedIn page

Amazon Rainforest could shift into ‘hypertropical’ climate by 2100, scientists warn

A new Nature study led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley warns that the Amazon may enter a “hypertropical” climate by 2100 — a hotter, drier and more unstable state not seen on Earth for at least 10 million years. The team found the region could experience up to 150 days of “hot drought” conditions each year without major cuts to greenhouse gas emissions.

Using 30 years of temperature, humidity, soil moisture and light data from research plots north of Manaus, scientists observed how trees struggle during extreme heat: shutting leaf pores, losing carbon-absorption capacity, and developing sap embolisms that block water flow. Fast-growing, low wood-density species — common in secondary forests — were especially vulnerable.

Tree mortality could rise from just above 1% today to 1.55% by 2100, a massive loss across the world’s largest rainforest. A weakened Amazon carbon sink could accelerate global warming and pose similar risks to tropical forests in West Africa and Southeast Asia.

***

Further reading: ‘Hot droughts’ could push the Amazon into a hypertropical climate by 2100 – and trees won’t survive

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — Cover Photo Credit: Simon Ray