Fossil Fuels
2021 in coal: China’s dirty recovery mars international finance crackdown
Global coal power generation reached an all time high in 2021, just as countries reached an elusive consensus to phase down the fossil fuel
UK floats ‘climate compatibility’ test for new oil and gas drilling
The UK government says new oil and gas licensing can fit with its climate commitments. Campaigners, citing the International Energy Agency, disagree
EU climate package risks locking in gas use, campaigners warn
Under a proposed reform of the EU gas market, the industry gets to propose new gas and hydrogen infrastructure projects across the bloc
Campaigners seek to curb UK oil production through the high court
The UK’s oil and gas regulator does not take tax breaks or foreign ownership into account when deciding whether a license is in the national interest
‘Huge blow’ – cuts to gas finance sparks West African backlash
Nigerian and Senegalese leaders have criticised western countries for pledging to stop funding gas projects internationally, calling for exceptions to be made
India ‘cannot escape’ coal phasedown, top coal ministry official says
An estimated 13-20 million workers in India depend on coal assets for their livelihoods, raising the need for a transition plan and financial support
Oil and gas avoided censure in Glasgow for the 26th time. Let’s not make it 27
Investor and state-owned oil companies in the G20 find common cause in watering down climate ambition; we need to confront their influence
China-US announce deal at Cop26 to accelerate climate action this decade
In a surprise joint statement, the world’s two top emitters agreed to work together in a range of areas to keep the goals of the Paris Agreement “within reach”
South Africa $8.5bn finance package offers a model for ending reliance on coal
The package was hailed as “groundbreaking” for being country-led and addressing a need to reskill and support coal miners
Over 100 countries join methane pledge but China, India, Australia and Russia stay out
The US and EU got more than a hundred countries on board with a commitment to cut methane emissions 30% by 2030, putting oil and gas sector leakage in the spotlight
Dispute over coal exit set to dominate G20 leaders’ summit
The Italian presidency is seeking to secure an agreement to phase out coal power but there is resistance from members including China, India and Australia
Treating Russia as a climate change spoiler undermines global action
Despite its status as a major oil and gas producer, there are signs of climate action on many levels in Russia that deserve to be taken seriously
Revealed: Cop26 sponsor National Grid spewing methane across England
A campaigner with an infrared camera and methane monitor found significant leaks at National Grid compressor stations in eastern England
India’s vulnerability to coal shocks exposed amid surging energy demand and prices
The country’s looming energy crisis raises serious questions over India’s coal expansion plan as private investors move away from the sector, analysts say
UK seeks alliance to end public finance for coal, oil and gas projects overseas
The Cop26 hosts are trying to build a coalition of countries to align public finance with a 1.5C global warming limit, the toughest goal of the Paris Agreement
With Ted Cruz blocking US ambassadors, climate diplomacy suffers
Joe Biden has been unable to appoint ambassadors to capitals including Beijing and Delhi due to the Texas senator’s anti-Nord Stream 2 crusade
European gas shortages prompt calls to accelerate clean energy transition
Analysts say renewables, insulation and electrification of heating and cooking are the answer to soaring gas prices across Europe
World leaders at UN urged to end public finance to fossil fuels
As world leaders meet to talk energy in New York, 200 green groups are urging them to embrace renewables and stop financing fossil fuels
President Xi declares end to Chinese support for new coal power abroad
Climate campaigners are celebrating as an end to Chinese public backing leaves few sources of finance for new coal plants around the world
Leftwing victory in Norway election puts oil exit at the heart of coalition talks
A leftist party calling for a ban on new oil licences could be the kingmaker in negotiations to form a government, calling into question the industry’s future