Climate politics
China demands rich countries make 40% carbon cuts by 2020
Aggressive statement demands rich make savage carbon cuts and raise billions in climate aid by end of year
Least Developed Countries say science must drive UN climate talks
Nepal’s Prakash Mathema tells RTCC opportunity to address climate impacts is ‘closing fast’
UN to start drafting 2015 climate change treaty
UN meeting in Germany next week will kickstart efforts to design draft of international treaty before Conference in Lima
China’s choking smog places carbon trading schemes in shade
Pilot emissions trading will need to be scaled up to build on CO2 cuts from curbs on coal
Russia-Ukraine tension could be catalyst for EU 2030 targets
Tension with gas supplier Russia to spur push for domestic energy, but not only renewables would benefit
EU releases proposals for UN 2015 climate deal
Criteria for submitting pledges for proposed global emissions reduction deal tops agenda for bloc
EU delay could damage UN climate deal, warn ministers
UK climate chief Ed Davey calls for “urgent action” and commits to EU-wide 27% renewables target for 2030
Russia outlines plans to meet 2020 climate goals
Draft document outlines how Moscow can meet 25% carbon reduction target by 2020, promising tougher accounting standards
Denmark to push for 30% EU renewables target
New energy and climate minister Rasmus Helveg Petersen he is focused on EU agreeing tougher goals at March summit
Beijing polluters to face unlimited fines under new regulations
New rules to curb Beijing’s air pollution will impose harsher punishments on those responsible for smog
Australia climate cuts “insulting sovereignty of other countries”
Chair of UK Climate Change Committee says Australian climate change backtracking “lets down whole British tradition”
US envoy Stern calls for climate truce in Congress
Influential diplomat says ambitious UN deal still on cards despite polarised atmosphere on Capitol Hill
Figueres: there are no regrets in backing tough climate action
UN climate chief says ‘Golden Triangle’ of opportunity awaits politicians and countries moving to low carbon future
Merkel: UK and Germany have “common ground” on climate strategy
German Chancellor Angela Merkel says UK and Germany have same approach to EU’s 2030 climate negotiations
Global climate laws now cover nearly 90% of carbon pollution
New study reveals 66 countries now have legislation governing climate mitigation and adaptation plans
South Africa delays carbon tax amid industry pressure
South Africa’s delay to carbon tax a reminder of lobbying power of major emitters
Cameron tells UK Parliament climate change a “serious threat”
Prime minister says he is committed to action as Labour opposition warn floods are ‘wake-up call’
Schwarzenegger: Conservatives can terminate climate change
Conservatives are on the side of the environment and always have been, claim right wing politicians
Prescott says UK government is “confused” about climate change
Former deputy prime minister says David Cameron needs to decide whether he wants to lead the “greenest government ever”
EPA chief says new US carbon standards will be ‘tough but flexible’
Gina McCarthy says Administration is committed to more pollution cuts despite recent Supreme Court challenge