World
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
Trump is wrecking the climate and free trade. Here is a common solution for both
Instead of tit-for-tat retaliation to US tariffs, trade partners should link their response to climate goals and kill two birds with one stone
‘Trump’s climate denial threatens all of us’: protestors hit London’s streets
A massive baby Trump balloon, organised by climate activists, was part of rolling protests that greeted the president in the UK on Friday
Cape Town ‘Day Zero’ drought odds tripled by climate change
Such a dry spell would once have only occurred only once every 300 years. Now it is a once-a-century event and will get even more frequent with further global warming
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
Trade war would harm the environment, warns UN green chief
Donald Trump’s punitive tariffs and the reaction could undermine global cooperation and slow the transition to a sustainable world, says Erik Solheim
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
Australia PM: coal to play a role in energy mix “possibly forever”
Malcolm Turnbull supports most polluting fuel amid wrangling over energy policy, despite Australia lagging its emission reduction target
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
Mysterious emissions of banned greenhouse gas traced to Chinese factories
Illegal production of CFC-11 in China has a climate impact equivalent to 16-20 coal power plants, the Environmental Investigation Agency estimates
Graphics of Marshall Islands sea level rise ‘brought EU ministers to tears’
Striking sea level rise images have sent shockwaves through the Marshallese community and touched European ministers, says minister David Paul
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
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
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