EU
A green transition can help save money: France’s new environment minister
De Rugy presents himself as more pragmatic than his predecessor, calling to end divisions over nuclear energy and work within budgetary constraints
Poland’s ‘last coal power plant’ depends on subsidies, say analysts
A planned EU phase-out of state aid to fossil fuel power generation could make the Ostrołęka C coal station project unprofitable within years, according to Carbon Tracker
Australia’s new PM risks climate trade-off with EU
Scott Morrison is not expected to quit the Paris Agreement, as it could jeopardise ongoing trade talks with the EU, although he has no plan to meet climate targets
French environment minister quits, in blow to Macron’s green reputation
Nicolas Hulot had not made the French president aware of his decision to quit, he told radio presenters, adding his time in office had been an ‘accumulation of disappointments’
EU carbon price finally puts pressure on coal
Analysts predict EU carbon price, which has tripled in a year, will continue to rise into next decade, driving a fuel switch from coal to gas in power generation
Why are German coal workers so powerful, when there are so few?
With Germany slipping from its position as a climate leader, an industry with just 20,000 jobs is dictating policy to the federal government
The excuses are wearing thin: Eastern Europe must tackle its climate impact
The Czech Republic overtook Germany in emissions per person three years ago; it is time to stop pleading poverty and start cleaning up the region’s pollution
EU relaxes climate stance in trade sop to Trump
Tough words on the Paris Agreement took a back seat as Jean-Claude Juncker sought protection for Europe’s car industry
German 2030 climate target ‘very, very challenging’ to reach, says Merkel
Planned climate protection law means 2030 target would ‘ideally’ be met, chancellor says, and flags closure of coal plants
As the UK swelters, government plan for extreme heat is criticised
The UK’s new five year plan to adapt to climate change lacks proper action to deal with the rising threat of extreme heat, according to its own advisers
EU-Japan trade deal first to carry Paris climate clause
The world’s largest ever trade deal is also the first Europe has signed that commits both parties to upholding the UN climate accord
Fragile China-EU climate pact must be backed by action
Leaders overcame differences on climate. But in the EU-China relationship, trouble is never far away
EU and China agree sweeping joint statement on climate action
Leaders put climate at centre of relationship, push for agreement on the Paris deal rulebook and reject Trump’s efforts to undermine global cooperation
German renewables overtake coal power generation for six months
Wind, solar, hydro and biogas met 36.3% of electricity demand in the first half of 2018, industry data show, while coal dropped to 35.1% of the mix
China and EU can lead on climate action
After the US surrendered its influence, the upcoming EU-China summit in Beijing will be yet another moment for both economies to show leadership on climate action
Netherlands proposes 95% emissions cut by 2050 in draft climate law
Under proposals backed by seven political parties across the spectrum, the Netherlands could set one of the most ambitious carbon targets in the world
Half of member states back stronger EU climate action
The “green growth group” is calling for an increased climate commitment by 2020 in line with the tougher 1.5C warming limit in the Paris Agreement
Gas is not the answer to shipping’s climate impact, study warns
The EU is investing heavily in LNG as a cleaner fuel for shipping, but it will not go far enough to cut emissions by 2050, according to consultancy UMAS
Eight EU countries signal openness to increased Paris climate pledge
UK among signatories of call for greater ambition, one day after the EU climate chief said the bloc could raise its Paris commitment. Poland was notably absent
UK government refuses to commit to EU clean energy targets after Brexit
The UK helped craft a deal on EU renewable and energy efficiency ambition but its participation after it leaves the union is uncertain