World
EU starts process to ratify Kyoto Protocol extension
Decision likely to dampen concerns from developing countries but critics say 20% reduction target should be raised
US military to spend $2.4 billion on electric vehicles by 2020
The military is forecast to purchase nearly 100,000 non-tactical electric vehicles to meet its targets
EU climate chief demands action to address “emissions gap”
Morning summary: EU climate chief calls for action on cutting emissions; China’s corn harvest set to decline after flooding and drought; and Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund could divest from coal
China willing to be “flexible” at UN climate talks
Morning summary: China calls on rich nations to offer more finance at COP19, OECD says carbon taxes best way to address climate change, Microsoft boosts wind holdings
Shale gas could be a “game changer”, says EU climate chief
Connie Hedegaard admits shale gas will be considered in 2030 climate package, but says it’s no ‘silver bullet’
Holy smoke blamed for melting Himalayan glaciers
Morning summary: Muslim cemeteries and Buddhist temples responsible for greenhouse gases; global emissions show signs of ‘permanent slowdown’; and talks to create Antarctic marine reserves break down
US Treasury ends international funding for coal-fired power plants
Morning summary: US announces end to international coal funding; three US states sign global warming agreement with British Columbia; and Australian Climate Change Authority criticises government targets
EU environment ministers demand ‘ambitious’ 2030 climate targets
New report from 13 European ministers urges EU to take quick action to spur private investment and reform ETS
India’s solar capacity passes 2GW milestone
India’s renewable energy capacity has grown from 3.9GW in 2002-2003 to about 27.3GW in January 2013
India and US HFC row brews at UN talks in Bangkok
India blocks international efforts to cut production of greenhouse gases used in air conditioning and refridgeration
Palm oil lobby lashes out at EU complaints over illegal logging
Malaysian palm oil lobbyists accuses EU of making “politically motivated” attacks on industry, during attempts to strength SE Asian relations
Greenpeace just hooligans, not pirates, says Russia
Morning summary: Russian authorities change Arctic 30 charges; Nick Clegg says green levies could be paid through general taxation; and China sends inspection teams to polluted cities
US emissions fall to lowest level since 1994
Energy Information Agency report 3.8% drop in 2012, linked to rise in shale gas use and warmer than usual first quarter
UK to invest in new nuclear generation
Morning summary: UK goes ahead with nuclear station; Smog engulfs one of China’s largest cities; Iowa professors agree climate change will devastate farming
China set to invest in UK nuclear industry
Britain, a pioneer of nuclear power, is handing over its industry to the French and Chinese in a move likely to see a doubling of electricity prices
Flights in EU airspace could face new carbon levy from 2014
European Commission statement this morning confirmed it plans to revise the EU ETS to ensure all flights in “European regional airspace” participate
EU air pollution poses health and climate risks – report
European Environment Agency warn 90% of EU city residents are exposed to high levels of soot and dust from transport and power generation
China offers $816m in rewards to regions tackling air pollution
Morning summary: China takes steps to tackling pollution; Bulgaria’s air is most polluted in Europe; and Germany postpones EU car emissions deal
EU 2020 climate targets branded ‘too easy’
As EU Environment Ministers meet in Luxembourg, critics believe a huge opportunity has been missed to do much more to tackle climate change
Could China’s carbon emissions peak sooner than expected?
Comment: rapid economic changes in China offer the hope of falling global emissions, years ahead of schedule, making it much easier to achieve the 2°C target.