EU
Crib notes: EU to release latest raft of climate, energy legislation
This week’s top climate politics and policy stories. Sign up to have our Friday briefing and Monday’s crib notes sent to your inbox
Human rights report quashed in push for Azerbaijan-EU gas pipeline
Concerns about political prisoners were suppressed as politicians approved the Southern Gas Corridor, an Italian TV documentary reveals
EU needs clean transport drive to meet climate goals: IDDRI
While the bloc is steadily decarbonising power generation, French think-tank advises stronger action is needed in other sectors
UK to keep carbon price steady through Brexit
Polluters will continue to pay a minimum carbon price of £18 a tonne to 2020, says chancellor in Autumn Statement
Note to UK: China sees green economy as trade essential
Influential foreign ministry official emphasises importance of green economy for Beijing, says climate negotiations and free trade talks can generate global prosperity
Countries rely on carrot, not stick, to keep Trump in Paris Agreement
EU, Saudi chiefs dismiss the prospect of trade penalties to deter a US exit from the UN climate pact, focusing on the benefits of participation
World Bank broke own rules as coalmine left Kosovo village “in limbo”
Failings on the part of the bank contributed to “real and often severe harm” over a “prolonged period” to villagers around the Sibovc mine, says leaked report
UK won’t meet Paris climate goals, say energy companies
Theresa May’s government needs a “clear and credible” plan to meet commitments made in French capital last year, says top business lobby group
India claims subsidy-free carbon capture using UK, US-backed tech
Company founded by two Indian entrepreneurs claims it can capture a tonne of CO2 for $30 a tonne – far cheaper than the $60-90/t demonstrated elsewhere
German vice chancellor attacks China’s electric car targets
New proposals to set minimum quota for electric cars in China are “clearly discriminatory” toward German carmakers, says Sigmar Gabriel
Bosnia faces legal action over Chinese-backed coal dash
Green groups are slinging legal challenges at proposed coal plants in a bid to prevent pollution and climate damage
German minister: we’ll burn coal till the 2040s
Ministers say there’s little chance of Europe’s top economy switching off its coal plants for next two decades, despite raft of green policies
EU focused on shipping climate deal by 2018
Transport commissioner says bloc will stick to plans to deploy unilateral climate regulations on vessels, but wants to secure global consensus
Netherlands accounting fudge reduces 2020 carbon cuts
Revised emissions forecasts relieve pressure on government to close coal plants in response to Urgenda court case
Green groups sue Norwegian government to block Arctic oil
Drilling licenses awarded in the Barents Sea violate the Norwegian constitution and Paris Agreement, Greenpeace and Young Friends of the Earth will argue in court
UK told not to tighten climate targets after Paris
It is too early for Britain to adopt a net zero emissions goal, advises the independent Committee on Climate Change
UK minister dismisses threat of climate court battle
Nick Hurd waved away suggestions the government could be taken to court over a shortfall in policy to meet binding emissions targets
After ratification, cities can deliver the Paris climate deal
Writing in Climate Home, the mayors of Paris, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro say they are ready and willing to implement the UN’s new climate deal
Is the UK about to break G7 fossil fuel subsidy pledge?
Funding gas plants to prevent electricity blackouts goes against a G7 promise to nix polluter handouts, says NGO
Paris climate deal close to entry into force after EU vote
UN climate pact likely to enter into force in early November ahead of COP22 Marrakech summit after MEPs signal strong approval for agreement