EU
Half of member states back stronger EU climate action
The “green growth group” is calling for an increased climate commitment by 2020 in line with the tougher 1.5C warming limit in the Paris Agreement
Gas is not the answer to shipping’s climate impact, study warns
The EU is investing heavily in LNG as a cleaner fuel for shipping, but it will not go far enough to cut emissions by 2050, according to consultancy UMAS
Eight EU countries signal openness to increased Paris climate pledge
UK among signatories of call for greater ambition, one day after the EU climate chief said the bloc could raise its Paris commitment. Poland was notably absent
UK government refuses to commit to EU clean energy targets after Brexit
The UK helped craft a deal on EU renewable and energy efficiency ambition but its participation after it leaves the union is uncertain
EU can increase 2030 pledge to Paris Agreement, says climate chief
The EU should raise its Paris deal pledge to a 45% emissions cut by 2030, commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete tells ministers in Brussels
EU decides on non-binding 2030 energy efficiency target
Deal between lawmakers and ministers will cut energy waste 32.5% and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, but didn’t go far enough for green groups
The ice beneath the EU-China climate bonhomie
When it comes to clean technology, German chancellor Angela Merkel says China is no longer seen as a developing country but a competitor
Merkel: Auto and coal workers need to know what their next jobs are
At a meeting of climate ministers in Berlin, the German chancellor stressed the importance of re-training to help people take part in a greener economy
EU climate efforts not living up to Paris promises, says NGO
Report ranking national efforts finds many European nations are working against efforts to increase ambition to act on climate change
I’m Tory he’s Labour, the UK climate act shows what happens if we work together
When politicians from opposing sides look for solutions, on the basis of evidence and in the common interest, remarkable things can be achieved
EU sets 32% renewable energy target by 2030 in late-night deal
After lengthy negotiations, lawmakers and member states agreed on a renewable energy law, including support for electric vehicles and rooftop solar panels
World Bank reconsidering support for its last coal plant
Kosovo C is the last exception to the bank’s policy against backing coal plants, but a new assessment looks set to favour renewable alternatives
The EU needs to update its climate ambition – here’s how
The bloc needs to have a political debate on raising climate targets, develop green financial policies and listen to progressive member states
Germany to miss 2020 climate target, government concedes in official report
A draft document seen by Climate Home News and due to be released on Wednesday shows Germany missing its 2020 emissions goal by 8 percentage points
EU closes in on clean energy package, with Spain, Italy joining push for higher targets
The EU is near agreement on measures to put its 2030 climate target into action, with a meeting of energy ministers on Monday swinging towards more ambition
Spain joins call to strengthen EU climate targets
Energy and environment minister Teresa Ribera says the newly-formed government will join coalition of EU countries calling for bigger carbon cuts
Spain, Italy leadership changes raise hopes for EU climate ambition
Climate hawk Teresa Ribera gets a leading role in Pedro Sánchez’ government, while Giuseppe Conte promises to speed up Italy’s decarbonisation
Job of ending coal in Germany handed to 31-member committee
Commission will set a phase-out timeline for coal, but greens warn it may be too weak and divided to salvage Germany’s reputation as a climate leader
83% of Turks favour renewable energy over coal, survey finds
Turkish president Erdoğan plans massive coal expansion but researchers find concern over climate change unifies a divided society
Netherlands climate lawsuit goes to court of appeals
Urgenda and 900 citizens successfully sued in 2015 for stronger Dutch climate ambition, but the government is challenging the court’s right to rule on policy decisions