World
Nicaragua assumes top climate finance post despite past Paris scepticism
Paul Oquist has been approved as co-chair of the Green Climate Fund, against Georgia’s objection Nicaragua was not a cooperative international player
Palestinian requests to global green fund ignored since 2016
Letters and emails show the Global Environment Facility stonewalled while US pressure built on international bodies that recognise Palestine
China has long been captivated by the promise of coal
For centuries, notions of abundant coal have fed China’s sense of its place among the great nations of the world. Now it is being asked to give it up
EU foreign ministers say China must sign up to universal climate rules
In a statement laying out their priorities for the year, EU ministers set themselves on a collision course with China and other emerging economies
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
Coal India report finds renewables will ‘substantially decrease’ coal demand
The falling cost of solar power and batteries is having a “significant impact” on the coal sector, says national mining company in Coal Vision 2030 consultation
Documents reveal UK push to water down EU biomass regulations
Brexit-bound UK won big concessions for power stations that burn wood, while new research claims the technology will undermine carbon cuts for half a century
Why is tiny Nauru getting $26.9m in climate finance to build a port?
Nauru’s biggest donor Australia lobbied for a project that raises tough questions over how climate finance differs from traditional development aid
Tasmania to reach 120% renewable electricity in five years, Labor pledge
An election policy from the state opposition would provide a boost to rooftop solar and see more clean energy shipped to the mainland
International Solar Alliance to launch 121 projects at New Delhi summit
India and France are leading a push to roll out solar power, with an event next month to focus on water pumps, affordable finance and mini-grids
Ibiza, Mallorca launch 100% renewable power plan, defying Madrid
The Balearic Islands government is setting out to prove the holiday destination can run on cheap, clean electricity with a proposed climate law
Trump’s top climate adviser quits ‘over past marijuana use’
George David Banks, an experienced adviser who represented the White House at the last round of UN climate talks, was denied permanent security clearance
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
As China counts its emissions, has growth shaken free of carbon?
As the economy surged in 2017, experts are divided over whether emissions stayed flat. It could mean pollution has peaked more than a decade earlier than expected
EU subsidies to a massive gas pipeline clash with climate goals
The European Investment Bank approved a €1.5 billion loan to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline last week. This is why it matters
Another blow for giant Australian coal mine as rail company steps back
Freight company Aurizon has withdrawn its application for a federal loan to build a rail line to link proposed coal mines with ports on the coast
Germany to set end date for coal power in 2019
A commission will decide the timeline for phasing out coal, under a coalition deal agreed between the social democrats and Angela Merkel’s conservatives
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
Greenpeace appeals Norway Arctic oil drilling case
Campaigners plan to take their bid to block Arctic oil exploration licences to Norway’s supreme court, after a district court dismissed their case
EU says no new trade deals with countries not in Paris Agreement
European Commission backs French call for the Paris deal to be a prerequisite for access to the world’s second largest economy