Fossil Fuels
Putin sounds methane alarm, under satellite surveillance and EU pressure
The Russian president has raised concern about the warming impact of methane emissions, calling for research collaboration but making no policy promises
Saudi, US net zero oil producer initiative meets sceptical response
Five countries responsible for 40% of oil and gas production have launched an unprecedented climate alliance – but leaving fuel in the ground is not on the agenda
US pledges to double international climate finance at Earth Day summit
Joe Biden made a start on restoring US climate credibility after four lost years, with finance and emissions pledges, but campaigners say more is needed
Poland seeks to nationalise coal plants so firms can finance green investments
Warsaw’s energy transition proposals will require state aid approval from the European Commission, which is expected to insist on a coal exit date
Total signs deal to build East African oil pipeline, despite lack of finance
Uganda and Tanzania have given political backing to the 1,445km East African Crude Oil Pipeline, but climate campaigners are deterring investment
South Africa sets out to tighten 2030 emissions target
South Africa’s economy is shifting from heavy industry to service sectors, allowing for deeper carbon cuts, but coal lingers in the energy mix
UK rules out public subsidy for East African oil pipeline
UK Export Finance will no longer back oil and gas projects overseas, shutting off a potential source of support for a major pipeline across Uganda and Tanzania
Total’s play for Ugandan oil tests the climate commitment of international banks
A final investment decision on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline is expected at the end of March, as campaigners urge financial institutions to avoid fossil fuels
Indian lawmaker submits private bill to achieve net zero emissions by 2050
A lawmaker from India’s ruling party has proposed a bill to “start a discussion” on net zero emissions – while defending coal mining in his district
How the shipping industry can halve climate-warming black carbon in the Arctic
Switching to cleaner shipping fuel would prevent Arctic warming and deliver an easy win for the climate
China makes no shift away from coal in five-year plan as it ‘crawls’ to carbon neutrality
Beijing set out incremental increases in climate targets to 2025, allowing for continued expansion of “clean” coal, to the disappointment of climate watchers
Methane emissions from Russian pipelines surged during the coronavirus pandemic
Falling gas prices and a lack of maintenance may have contributed to a 40% increase in the number of methane releases from Russian pipelines in 2020, analysts say
Japan, US exposed as UN chief urges G7 to commit to 2030 coal exit
At a summit on “powering past coal”, António Guterres called on rich countries to lead, putting pressure on Japan and the US to produce exit plans
Bangladesh scraps nine coal power plants as overseas finance dries up
The rising costs of coal imports and Bangladesh’s role as chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum contributed to the decision to axe power projects, analysts say
EU spent €440 million on failed gas projects since 2013, study finds
Seven EU-backed methane gas pipelines and import terminals have been shelved or cancelled in the past decade, a study by Global Witness found
EU member states divided over green reforms of energy investment treaty
France and Spain are calling for the EU to quit the Energy Charter Treaty unless it is overhauled to support climate goals; eastern member states want less radical reform
Angola’s oil dependency thwarts its exit from the group of poorest nations
Graduation from the UN group of least developed countries is usually seen as a win, but Angola deferred the move after oil exports plummeted during the pandemic
Why Grenada had to nationalise its electricity for $60m to pursue renewables
A one-sided privatisation deal and flawed World Bank advice landed Grenada with a hefty legal bill to reform its electricity sector and cut reliance on polluting diesel
Cop26 dream team: The people setting the climate agenda on seven key issues
From Denmark’s Dan Jørgensen to Malawi’s Nancy Tembo, here are the leaders to watch ahead of UN climate talks in Glasgow, UK
Chinese inspectors slam energy authority over coal expansion spree
In a highly critical report, officials found the National Energy Administration was promoting coal power expansion without regard for Beijing’s environmental goals