Climate politics
China pulling away from EU in low-carbon competitiveness race
Climate Institute report reveals Asia is on track to replace Europe as the world’s largest clean energy investment region
World’s poorest nations plan to ‘take lead’ at climate talks
Least Developed Countries (LDC) say they have lost patience with the glacial pace of the UN climate change talks and plan to set their own agenda
Polish government accused of gagging anti-fracking groups
Poland’s government stands accused of considering new legislation to limit the influence of campaign groups opposed to its plans to frack for shale gas
World’s poorest countries meet for Kathmandu climate summit
Representatives from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group convene to discuss plans ahead of Bonn climate talks
Vietnam’s climate change laws
Globe International analysis on what Vietnam is doing to address climate change and develop a low carbon energy system
South Africa calls on world leaders to engage in UN climate talks
South Africa climate chief Mxakato-Diseko says leaders must take more interest in the UN negotiations for the 2015 deal to be agreed
UK Budget 2013: renewables miss out as shale subsidies rise
Green groups brand UK Chancellor George Osborne’s budget a failure as fossil fuels and energy intensive industry receive boost
China to start work on national carbon market in 2015
Officials say local pilot schemes will be the focus of all efforts until 2015 and only then will work on a nation-wide programme begin in earnest
Kerry ramps up US climate diplomacy efforts
US Secretary of State John Kerry continues efforts to develop climate consensus after China, Australia & EU meetings
Russia new 2020 target could see emissions rise by 30%
Lack of clarity over status of carbon sinks in new emissions plan makes observers suspicious of Moscow’s true climate change ambitions
Green Climate Fund ready to receive funds by end of year
A skeleton version of the UN climate finance vehicle could be established this year to receive cash from countries ready to pledge
Climate heavyweights fire fresh salvos in global CO2 debate
China, USA and influential group of developing nations spell out condition for the UN’s 2015 universal climate agreement in papers lodged this week
Ghost of Kyoto Protocol haunts Russia’s energy plans
Energy efficiency and investment plan counts on $4.5bn of Kyoto-related revenue despite acrimonious split from treay last year
Second US carbon tax plan mooted
New proposal suggests $15-35 carbon price to be applied to big oil, landfills and the cement and steel sectors as US climate change ambition grows
EU eyes 40% emission reduction target by 2030
Draft document boosts climate change goals and gives carbon capture technology a larger role in the bloc’s energy future
Climate change in the dock: Rethinking the role of international law
From loss and damage payments to truth and reconciliation hearings, international law could contribute to global efforts to combat and cope with climate change beyond the UNFCCC talks, writes Joy Hyvarinen
NGOs cry foul over access to UN climate fund talks
Oxfam and Friends of the Earth join call for greater involvement ahead of next meeting of the Green Climate Fund in Berlin this week
Comment: State Department review does not back Keystone XL
If you look more closely, the State Department’s draft review of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline is far from a glowing endorsement, writes Susan Casey-Lefkowitz of the Natural Resources Defense Council
China’s climate change laws
What the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter is doing to tackle climate change
Figueres: time for women to shine in climate challenge
UN climate chief Christiana Figueres argues that progress to a low carbon growth model can only take place if women are empowered to contribute