Latest Climate & Energy News Today: 7 November 2026

The National Trust voted 53,256 to 4,094 at its annual general meeting to begin a competitive tender for a new banking partner. The process will require the chosen bank to show a positive commitment to protecting biodiversity and reducing the human induced climate crisis. The vote follows years of member criticism of Barclays over its financing of oil and gas expansion, including fracking and methane gas infrastructure.

Two cranberry bogs in southeastern Massachusetts are the first in the country to harvest berries beneath operating solar panels. This fall marks the second season under the arrays, including a 4.4 megawatt system with a 13.5 megawatt hour battery in Kingston and a 1 megawatt array in neighboring Plymouth. The projects illustrate agrivoltaics, a dual use solar approach that Massachusetts has been encouraging as part of its net zero plan by 2050.

U.S. solar developers are preparing for Section 232 import price thresholds that take effect Dec. 4, after inventories expanded 126% in the second quarter of 2026 as they accelerated procurement ahead of federal trade cutoffs. The rules set minimum import prices of $0.22 per watt for cells and $0.38 per watt for modules, creating pricing uncertainty while developers await customs and commerce guidance on self-certification.

Aedes aegypti, the main mosquito species that transmits dengue, has been documented in Nepal at elevations up to 2,500 meters, moving disease beyond the lowland Terai. Local media reported the virus reached 76 of 77 districts in 2025, with roughly 9,000 infections and at least six deaths. Researchers link the shift to warming, population mobility and unplanned urbanization.

The IPCC, which guides UN climate negotiators, suspended its mid-October meeting without approving next year's budget or agreeing on a timetable for upcoming reports. More than 100 IPCC scientists sent an Oct. 19 open letter asking leaders for adequate resources and equitable voice for all countries. The panel will resume online in December, after COP31 begins next week in Antalya, Turkey.

Rep. Jared Huffman, in line to chair the House Natural Resources Committee, said Democrats will pursue oversight and investigations to restore checks and balances after two years. He said the committee will advance an affirmative energy policy agenda reflecting Democratic values, even if it draws vetoes from President Trump. Huffman said energy and affordable energy helped shape the midterm blue wave.

Lighthouse, a Difare Group subsidiary, inaugurated the 82 MW Faro de San Marcos solar plant in Baños de San Vicente, Ecuador, on Nov. 5. The developer said it is Ecuador's largest operational and privately owned solar plant, with more than 105,000 bifacial modules and an estimated 106 GWh of annual output. Operations began ahead of a first-quarter 2027 schedule, and Difare announced an adjacent $80 million project.

The IEA's India Renewable Energy Market Report 2026, launched in New Delhi, projects India's installed solar PV capacity will exceed 350 GW by 2030, with total renewable capacity around 530 GW. Solar will lead growth, while distributed solar is projected to triple to more than 100 GW. The expansion puts India on track for 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030 and a 2070 net-zero goal.

Solar industry leaders are focusing on affordability after US election results, with SEIA CEO Tim Pawlenty saying the industry will work with newly elected federal and state leaders. About three quarters of the country now live in states with Democratic governors, where state level action can support solar. The industry's central message is that solar and storage can lower electricity costs and avoid long term fossil fuel price increases.

The Leonid meteor shower will run until 30 November, with peak viewing on the night of 17 November and up to 10 to 15 meteors per hour. The fastest meteors in the sky come from dust particles of Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle entering Earth's atmosphere at up to 44 miles per second. Viewers should find a dark, open spot, let their eyes adapt for 20 to 30 minutes, and focus on the head of Leo.

TATA Motors and Amazon will deploy 3,000 electric trucks across Amazon's Indian transportation network, a major step toward electrifying freight in India. Amazon said the move supports its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and follows more than 15,000 electric vehicles already operating across 500 plus cities in India. The trucks will start with intracity operations and expand to major freight corridors.

Sierra Club Florida and partner groups held a Tampa town hall on November 5 to address rising TECO bills and demand utility accountability. More than 25 people attended, and speakers said residential or small business bills using 1,000 kWh per month are still over $10 higher than in December 2024. Organizers urged local officials to hold TECO accountable and support clean, affordable energy.

The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, slated for a vote next week, would restrict state and tribal water quality certifications and speed pipeline approvals. Provisions could help the Williams Companies revive the disputed Constitution pipeline in New York, a project promoted by former employee Sen. Alan Armstrong. Armstrong held at least tens of millions of dollars in Williams stock as of Oct. 22 and hired former Williams staff.