Asia
European Commission classifies most palm oil fuels as unsustainable
Deforestation-linked stocks cannot be counted towards renewable targets, commission rules, but green group angered by small farm loophole
EU set to tighten rules on palm oil for biofuels
Indonesia and Malaysia say the EU measure will unfairly disadvantage their crops, while environmentalists worry it won’t be tough enough on deforestation
Two Koreas build green cooperation
As part of broader thawing of relations, the north and south are working together in the fight against a tree-killing worm
South Korean province joins international coal phase-out club
South Chungcheong becomes the biggest coal user and first Asian region in the Powering Past Coal Alliance, reflecting local opposition to polluting plants
Call for climate justice as millions brace for intense storms
Typhoon Mangkhut and Hurricane Florence are set to make landfall on opposite sides of the world, bringing destruction likely exacerbated by climate change
Pakistan to apply strict green rules on Chinese coal deals: Imran Khan advisor
The country is locked into “potential disaster” coal projects, says new PM’s climate chief Malik Amin Aslam, promising to make the “best out of a bad situation”
Imran Khan says Pakistan will plant 10 billion trees
The former cricketer and newly elected prime minister is set to promote tree-planting and green jobs, although coal use will continue to expand
EU-Japan trade deal first to carry Paris climate clause
The world’s largest ever trade deal is also the first Europe has signed that commits both parties to upholding the UN climate accord
Why is the world’s newest development bank investing in coal despite its green promise?
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is backing a coal-fired cement works in Myanmar through an intermediary, in a worrying sign for its climate credentials
Pakistani senator calls for climate cooperation with India amid water crisis
As drought bites, senate opposition leader Sherry Rehman says climate action is a security priority for South Asia
Tokyo 2020 Olympics confirms use of rainforest timber in stadium build
Admission prompts calls for transparency over Tokyo 2020 supply chain with timber sourced from deforestation hotspot
Standard Chartered ‘breaching climate policy’ with Vietnam coal plant investment
The London-based bank plans to co-finance Nghi Son 2 power plant, which NGOs say uses dirty old technology, against company and OECD guidelines
Oil majors to face London, New York hearings over Philippines climate impact
Philippines human rights commissioner says taking hearings overseas will afford the 47 companies the best chance to confront the impacts of their businesses
Climate change is driving migration from Vietnam’s Mekong delta
Saltwater intrusion and drought are destroying crops in one of the most fertile places on earth, prompting an exodus of farmers
EU bank to decide huge public loan to Europe’s biggest fossil fuel project
Experts refute EU claim that 3,500km gas pipeline from Azerbaijan is necessary for energy security, amid alarm over corruption and human rights issues
Climate-hit Bangladesh struggling to access UN green funds
Developing country institutions lack capacity to meet the Green Climate Fund’s heavy paperwork demands, experts say at Dhaka conference
What will become of Bangladesh’s climate migrants?
Millions of Bangladeshi’s could be forced from their homes by the effect of climate change. Where will they all go?
Sri Lanka plans no new coal plants until at least 2037
Government electricity authority says coal’s impact on health and environment tipped balance in favour of a gas and renewable-focused future
Climate threatens ‘Himalayan Viagra’ fungus, and a way of life
A valuable fungus reputed to be an aphrodisiac has been disappearing from the mountains of Nepal, taking with it a valuable source of income
Hope and anger in Bangladesh as Unesco reverses coal plant opposition
“I want grid power,” say locals, despite concerns that Rampal’s mega-plant may threaten the world heritage listed Sundarbans mangrove forests