EU
Business lobby plans to oppose raising EU climate ambition
Leaked memo shows BusinessEurope is preparing to resist a stronger EU 2030 emissions target, ahead of a key climate summit in Poland later this year
UK offers green assurances for no-deal Brexit
London says it will carry over EU emissions rules for cars, coolants and industrial plants even if it crashes out in March with no negotiated deal
EU pushes Poland to drive climate ambition as UN host
As climate hosts, Poland will be charged with spurring greater efforts to cut emissions. The EU has some suggestions
‘Scientifically right’: EU commission president backs deeper carbon cuts
Jean-Claude Juncker urged the European Union to raise its goals for limiting climate change, but did not mention the forthcoming 2050 strategy
A green transition can help save money: France’s new environment minister
De Rugy presents himself as more pragmatic than his predecessor, calling to end divisions over nuclear energy and work within budgetary constraints
Poland’s ‘last coal power plant’ depends on subsidies, say analysts
A planned EU phase-out of state aid to fossil fuel power generation could make the Ostrołęka C coal station project unprofitable within years, according to Carbon Tracker
Australia’s new PM risks climate trade-off with EU
Scott Morrison is not expected to quit the Paris Agreement, as it could jeopardise ongoing trade talks with the EU, although he has no plan to meet climate targets
French environment minister quits, in blow to Macron’s green reputation
Nicolas Hulot had not made the French president aware of his decision to quit, he told radio presenters, adding his time in office had been an ‘accumulation of disappointments’
EU carbon price finally puts pressure on coal
Analysts predict EU carbon price, which has tripled in a year, will continue to rise into next decade, driving a fuel switch from coal to gas in power generation
Why are German coal workers so powerful, when there are so few?
With Germany slipping from its position as a climate leader, an industry with just 20,000 jobs is dictating policy to the federal government
The excuses are wearing thin: Eastern Europe must tackle its climate impact
The Czech Republic overtook Germany in emissions per person three years ago; it is time to stop pleading poverty and start cleaning up the region’s pollution
EU relaxes climate stance in trade sop to Trump
Tough words on the Paris Agreement took a back seat as Jean-Claude Juncker sought protection for Europe’s car industry
German 2030 climate target ‘very, very challenging’ to reach, says Merkel
Planned climate protection law means 2030 target would ‘ideally’ be met, chancellor says, and flags closure of coal plants
As the UK swelters, government plan for extreme heat is criticised
The UK’s new five year plan to adapt to climate change lacks proper action to deal with the rising threat of extreme heat, according to its own advisers
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
Fragile China-EU climate pact must be backed by action
Leaders overcame differences on climate. But in the EU-China relationship, trouble is never far away
EU and China agree sweeping joint statement on climate action
Leaders put climate at centre of relationship, push for agreement on the Paris deal rulebook and reject Trump’s efforts to undermine global cooperation
German renewables overtake coal power generation for six months
Wind, solar, hydro and biogas met 36.3% of electricity demand in the first half of 2018, industry data show, while coal dropped to 35.1% of the mix
China and EU can lead on climate action
After the US surrendered its influence, the upcoming EU-China summit in Beijing will be yet another moment for both economies to show leadership on climate action
Netherlands proposes 95% emissions cut by 2050 in draft climate law
Under proposals backed by seven political parties across the spectrum, the Netherlands could set one of the most ambitious carbon targets in the world