Efficiency
European Investment Bank moots fossil fuel lending ban
The world’s largest development bank proposed a pivot to clean energy, in a draft plan for consideration by EU finance ministers in September
EU ‘climate leaders’ plans found lacking
Finland, Sweden, Portugal, France and Germany praised for ambitious targets, but NGO analysis raises questions over details
Asian Development Bank signals end to ‘dirty’ coal finance
Falling renewable energy costs and a shadow carbon price are making coal power investments unviable, according to bank energy chief Yongping Zhai
UK government refuses to commit to EU clean energy targets after Brexit
The UK helped craft a deal on EU renewable and energy efficiency ambition but its participation after it leaves the union is uncertain
EU decides on non-binding 2030 energy efficiency target
Deal between lawmakers and ministers will cut energy waste 32.5% and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, but didn’t go far enough for green groups
EU closes in on clean energy package, with Spain, Italy joining push for higher targets
The EU is near agreement on measures to put its 2030 climate target into action, with a meeting of energy ministers on Monday swinging towards more ambition
EU climate laws undermined by Polish and Czech revolt, documents reveal
As the world looks to the EU for leadership on climate, eastern states are diluting laws supposed to guide Europe toward its carbon reduction targets
Energy efficiency becomes breakthrough issue in French election
All five leading candidates in France’s presidential election have made prominent energy efficiency pledges, now UK Labour have followed suit
World is well placed to stay under 2C – if we have carbon capture
“We are broadly in the right starting position to keep warming below 2C,” but most models require carbon capture to meet the Paris goal, researchers say
UNEP: global climate action “still not good enough”
Greenhouse gas emissions need to fall a further 25% from projected levels in 2030 to meet 2C global warming limit, says report
Statoil chief: rise of electric cars will shrink oil industry
Once regarded as a joke, the electric car sector is growing fast with some predicting it could take a 35% share of car sales by 2035 – bad news for oil majors
Brazil shifts funds from coal to solar power
Major development bank is prioritising clean energy as economic crisis limits resources
IEA: oil, gas investments fell 25% in 2015
Energy experts say global investment patterns show a spectacular shift, with renewables on the rise and support for fossil fuels in sharp decline
Sustained cheap oil likely to hurt global climate plans
Low oil prices “considerably” hinder transition to greener energy, say IIASA and World Bank analysts, while sustained high prices would give a boost
Coalition of 17 US states signals support for wind, solar
NEWS: New ‘Accord’ published on Tuesday avoids direct mention of climate change, but makes economic case for renewables and warns of future extreme weather events
Vladimir Putin’s global warming fix: Carbon nanotubes
NEWS: Super-strong carbon nanotubes could transform materials like steel and plastics to slash carbon pollution, claims Russia
Philips targets carbon neutrality by 2020
NEWS: “We’ve reached the climate change checkout” but contributions are not enough, warns CEO, as giant lighting firm launches new efficiency drive
Mission Innovation: Billion dollar funds for clean tech launched in Paris
NEWS: US, Saudi Arabia, India and China to back new green energy research push as countries kick-off COP21 talks with series of announcements
Modi, Cameron to discuss climate change during UK visit
NEWS: India expecting technological cooperation from UK to combat climate change, says environment minister
Loans or grants for climate finance?
COMMENT: Confusion reigns over the right format for cash to tackle climate impacts. Resolve this quickly, or the UN-backed Green Climate Fund will falter