Transport
Former German vice chancellor Gabriel tipped to head car industry lobby
Gabriel’s appointment would further strengthen the close ties between Germany’s political class and the automobile sector
France systematically breached air pollution limits, EU court rules
Country must rapidly comply with EU limits on nitrogen dioxide or face fines, in ruling that will pile pressure on other underachievers
German rail company gets credit rating boost in response to climate law
In European first, Deutsche Bahn’s credit rating shifted from AA- to AA after government hit carbon-intensive transport with levies
EU emissions scheme excluded from UN aviation offsets
UN aviation body rules that the impact of flying will be minimised using a single market system, excluding Europe’s carbon market and placing EU members under pressure
Maersk aims for zero emissions vessels by 2030
Efficiency measures can only keep pollution standing still, not bring it down. But making clean shipping a commercial reality in a decade remains huge challenge
Aviation’s black box: Non-disclosure agreements, closed doors and rising CO2
CHN investigation discovers “heavy handed” methods used to restrict access to information at the International Civil Aviation Organisation
Rocks in the gearbox: German anti-car protesters target industry for disruption
Police are investigating after a group claimed responsibility for vandalising 40 luxury cars near Frankfurt, while the industry braces for further actions
Ban flying to UN climate talks? That’s a dangerous idea
After Greta Thunberg sailed to a UN meeting in New York, some called for all climate diplomats to do the same. That would only disadvantage the most vulnerable
Marseille airport expansion stalled on climate grounds
France’s environment authority asked the developers to show how increased flights can fit with the country’s 2050 net zero emissions target
Good climate strategy does not include airport expansion
Despite declarations of ‘climate emergency’, city-level strategies are turning a blind eye to aviation’s growing greenhouse gas emissions
Greta Thunberg to sail to New York climate summit in racing yacht
Swedish teen activist will cross the Atlantic in hurricane season by boat for a four-month tour of the Americas, rather than take a high-carbon flight
Oil tanker investments at risk from climate action, report says
Strong action on climate change would shrink demand for vessels by a third, impacting investment decisions being made now, analysts say
Cleantech patent applications plummet, sparking fears for innovation
The number of carbon-cutting inventions filed globally has plummeted this decade, despite growing awareness of the urgency of climate action
France announces tax on air travel in climate push
A proposed levy of €1.50-18 on each outbound flight comes as part of a climate strategy, with France pushing the EU to follow suit
EU ‘climate leaders’ plans found lacking
Finland, Sweden, Portugal, France and Germany praised for ambitious targets, but NGO analysis raises questions over details
‘Don’t fail your children’: youth demand climate action at UN shipping talks
School striker Noga Levy-Rapoport urged the International Maritime Organization to set speed limits at sea, for the sake of young and future generations
Climate advocates split over shipping speed limits
A go-slow at sea would cut fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions fast, but there are concerns it would delay a permanent shift to cleaner technology and fuels
Los Angeles targets eradication of petrol cars by 2050
Mayor unveils plan aiming for 100% zero-emissions vehicles by 2050 amid sweeping climate package for the city
Carmakers on course for $2-12bn fines for missing EU CO2 targets: Moody’s
The ratings agency warns of possible credit downgrades, while the UK’s auto lobby says ‘anti-diesel’ agenda has made targets harder to reach
‘Fake news’: UN aviation body blocks online climate critics
The International Civil Aviation Organization is dismissing factual critiques and blocking accounts that raise concerns about the climate change impact of flying