The SDG Pulse: March 2025
A Matter of Global Security: Why Action on Climate Displacement Cannot Wait
For former defense secretary and director of the CIA Hon. Leon E. Panetta, the link between climate and human security in indisputable. Here, the distinguished public servant, who also served as a member of Congress, head of the Office of Management and Budget, and Chief of Staff to Bill Clinton, explains why solving the climate crisis should be a top priority for anyone working on national or global security. As an exacerbator of instability, poverty, conflict, and migration, climate change can no longer go unchecked. Secretary Panetta proposes how smart migration policies can serve as an adaptive solution to the climate crisis.
Realizing the Potential of Just Energy Transition Partnerships Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Shifting geopolitics and uncertain global economics strengthen the need for the energy transition. The U.S. exit from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) can be viewed as favorable for the energy transition. Given the U.S. administration’s contradictory priorities to drill for oil and gas and enhance liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales overseas, its continued involvement in JETP would have created delays and diversions. Despite the U.S. withdrawal, critical financing and support for the JETP remains. Germany and Japan have partnered as co-leaders to fill the U.S.’s vacated leadership position in Indonesia’s USD20 billion JETP. Increased coordination and innovative financial mechanism can help fill gaps and maintain momentum for JETP in the face of geopolitical headwinds.
Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios
Wells Fargo Abandons Net Zero Promise: What It Means for the Future of Green Finance
Wells Fargo’s decision to abandon its net-zero commitment by 2050 signals a troubling shift in sustainable finance. As the first major U.S. bank to withdraw from such targets, it reflects growing political and economic pressures reshaping corporate climate strategies. While the bank continues investing in renewables, its increased fossil fuel financing raises concerns about the private sector’s role in climate action. This move also raises broader questions about the future of green finance, as other financial institutions may reconsider their own climate commitments in response to shifting market and regulatory dynamics.
Credit: Ken Ilgunas
Can Community Ownership Revitalize Rural America?
On the remote Scottish island of Ulva, a bold experiment in community ownership is rewriting the future of rural living. Once abandoned, the island is now being repopulated and restored, proving that small, self-governing communities can thrive in the modern age. With government support and local determination, Ulva’s transformation offers a model for reversing rural decline—not just in Scotland, but potentially in the U.S. Could similar initiatives help American towns reclaim their land and future?
Circular Cleveland: Leveraging community actors to catalyze the circular economy
Cleveland is proving that equitable climate solutions are possible when cities take a cross-sectoral approach. With partners across government, philanthropy, business, and community organizations, the city is making bold investments in circular economy initiatives that address climate resilience while creating jobs and opportunities for historically disinvested communities. The Peace Department, as a member of the Circular City Coalition, is committed to advancing similar integrated solutions nationwide—ensuring that climate and economic justice go hand in hand. By working collaboratively across sectors, Cleveland is demonstrating a scalable model for urban transformation that prioritizes equity, sustainability, and long-term resilience.
AP Photo: Gene J. Puskar
Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Move to Cut $14B in Climate Grants
A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s attempt to terminate $14 billion in “green bank” grants, rejecting claims of fraud as unsubstantiated. The ruling prevents the EPA from withdrawing funds awarded to three climate groups under the Biden-era Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. While the freeze remains in place, the case continues, with climate advocates pushing for a long-term resolution to support clean energy projects. Meanwhile, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin remains determined to reclaim the funds.
muART/shutterstock.com
Can Climate-Resilient Farming Rebuild Syria?
Syria’s post-conflict recovery hinges on reviving its agricultural sector, which has been devastated by war, climate change, and economic instability. With millions facing food insecurity and rural livelihoods in crisis, targeted climate-smart investments—such as irrigation repairs, drought-resistant crops, and vocational training—could stabilize the economy and promote long-term resilience. International cooperation, trade reopening, and financing for sustainable farming are key to preventing further displacement and conflict over resources. Can Syria’s agricultural revival drive peace and economic recovery?
Credit: Andrew Cullen/Reuters
Greenpeace Hit with Landmark $660M Verdict
A North Dakota jury has ordered Greenpeace to pay over $660 million to Energy Transfer for its role in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, a decision that could threaten the environmental group’s U.S. operations. Greenpeace plans to appeal, calling the lawsuit a corporate attack on free speech. The case, tied to protests led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, raises concerns about First Amendment rights and the growing use of SLAPP suits to silence activism. What does this mean for the future of environmental advocacy?
