A summary of today’s top climate and clean energy stories.
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Legality of UK wind farms questioned by UN.
UK: Plans for future wind farms in Britain could be in jeopardy after a United Nations legal tribunal ruled that the UK Government acted illegally by denying the public decision-making powers over their approval and the “necessary information” over their benefits or adverse effects. (Independent)
US: The Vermont Yankee nuclear reactor, one of the oldest nuclear plants in the country and the subject of heated battles over the decades, will close late next year, less than two weeks after winning a protracted legal fight against the State of Vermont to keep it open. (New York Times)
Taiwan: Local and foreign experts exchanged views on climate change issues, including how NGOs can strengthen their participation in the UNFCCC at a one-day forum in Taipei. The event was aimed at enhancing the engagement of observer organisations in the UNFCCC process, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which co-organized the event along with the EPA. (Focus Taiwan)
Africa: Ecosystem-based adaptation approaches should be mainstreamed and up-scaled to build resilient food systems and adapt to climate change in Africa, according to participants to the first Africa Food Security and Adaptation Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya. (The Fish Site)
Greenland: Climate change could bring about the greening of Greenland by the end of the century, scientists predict. By the year 2100 swathes of verdant forest could be covering much of its land surface, potentially changing the landscape and making life difficult for arctic animals. (Daily Mail)
US: The EIA has revealed preliminary data through to 30 June 2013 showing renewable energy sources provided 14.20% of the nation’s net electric power generation during the first half of the year. For the same period in 2012, renewables accounted for 13.57% of net electrical generation. (Renewable Energy World)
China: If an emissions trading scheme is introduced, Chinese pollution could peak by 2023 as country moves towards cleaner energy. (RTCC)
US: The environmental advocacy group350.org is petitioning the World Meteorological Organization to name hurricanes after politicians who are skeptical or dismissive of manmade climate change. (Washington Post)