Net zero
Under diplomatic pressure, India considers net zero – but major hurdles remain
Net zero pledges from other major polluters have put spotlight on Delhi’s climate ambitions, but full decarbonisation is a big ask
Plans for UK coal mine suspended after criticism of net zero commitment
The UK Committee on Climate Change says the use of coking coal should be curbed by 2035, but the application says the mine will not be closed until the end of 2049
Three ways the EU, China and US should deepen cooperation on climate in 2021
Building coalitions on green finance and carbon pricing and putting climate at the heart of diplomacy will allow the big three emitters to deliver on net zero goals
New Zealand urged to accelerate emissions cuts in line with 2050 net zero goal
Independent advisors said New Zealand should cut emissions “much more than 35%” from 2005 levels by 2030 to align ambition with a 1.5C global warming limit
Carney’s carbon offset taskforce ducks environmental integrity questions
As the UN special envoy for climate action and finance unveils plans to scale up the voluntary carbon market, campaigners warn big gaps remain on quality standards
South African campaigners push for faster coal exit in presidential commission
As president Cyril Ramaphosa launches an initiative to deliver net zero emissions, campaigners prepare to confront trade unions over coal
Colombia banks on forest economy to deliver climate ambition leap
Since the end of a 50-year civil war, Colombia has seen a spike in forest clearance, that the government now hopes to reverse with agroforestry initiatives
South Korea 2050 net zero pledge spurs renewables investment
As the world’s fourth-largest importer of coal, South Korea needs to rapidly change its energy mix to achieve net zero emissions by 2050
Portugal makes deal on EU climate law ‘big priority’ of its six-month presidency
Portugal aims to pass an EU 2030 climate target into law by June, says minister with a leading role in negotiations between member states and parliament
UK net zero commitment questioned, as government allows new coal mine
The UK government has been accused of “rank hypocrisy” for letting a new coal mine go ahead while seeking to lead on climate as hosts of Cop26 summit
As Taiwan models net zero scenarios, campaigners push for 2050 target
The island nation is a major manufacturer and campaigners hope it will follow Japan and South Korea in setting a 2050 net zero target next year
Countries signal greater climate ambition but ‘step change’ needed on road to Glasgow
More than 70 heads of state showed stronger climate action at a virtual summit, but heavy lifting remains in 2021 to meet the ambition of Paris
10 myths about net zero targets and carbon offsetting, busted
Carbon neutrality targets are often not as ambitious as they sound, relying on problematic carbon offsets and unproven technologies
Brazil sets ‘indicative’ goal of carbon neutrality by 2060
Brazil is seeking to join the net zero club, but campaigners denounced its pledge as meaningless while deforestation rises under President Bolsonaro
UK announces stronger 2030 emissions target, setting the bar for ambition summit
The UK will cut emissions 68% from 1990 to 2030, Boris Johnson announced, urging other leaders to bring new commitments to the 5th anniversary of the Paris Agreement
Guterres: UN will build global coalition for carbon neutrality in 2021
UN chief Antonio Guterres warned “the planet is broken”, calling for a “quantum leap” on getting to net zero emissions in 2021
UK scrambles to decide first post-Brexit climate pledge to the Paris Agreement
The Cop26 host is on a tight timeline to set a 2030 carbon-cutting target separate from the EU’s, ahead of an ambition summit on the fifth anniversary of Paris
Canada sets out to enshrine 2050 net zero emissions goal in law
Justin Trudeau presented a bill to the Canadian parliament to set five-yearly carbon targets from 2030 to 2050, but was criticised for a lack of immediate action
China is set to meet UN climate deadline, experts say, but coal pathway is uncertain
To align near-term policy with its 2060 carbon neutrality goal, China needs to stop building new coal-fired power plants after 2020, researchers say
Boris Johnson has further to go on climate to show true leadership
The UK prime minister’s plan for a “green industrial revolution” sends a strong political signal, but more is needed for a credible decarbonisation strategy ahead of Cop26