World
Germany launches $1 billion biodiversity fund after world misses targets
The Legacy Landscape Fund aims to mobilise public and private finance to support an ambitious nature protection deal at this October’s Kunming summit
Cyclone Tauktae leaves trail of devastation in western India, fuelled by a warming sea
Rapid warming of the Arabian Sea is driving more frequent and intense cyclones along India’s west coast, which the region is not prepared for
Spain to end fossil fuel production by 2042 under new climate law
Spain’s 2030 emission reduction target lags other EU countries but the government won praise for committing to end coal, oil and gas production
Women and youth are leading Kenya’s coral reef revival
A programme to restore Kenya’s damaged coral reefs is creating jobs and boosting the fish catch in economically vulnerable communities
Southern Madagascar at risk of famine amid worst drought in 40 years
UN agencies are urgently calling for international support as a million Madagascans go hungry, with some surviving on insects and wild roots
California is the biggest producer in the world planning to go beyond oil
Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered a plan to phase out oil and gas production in California by 2045, but the industry won’t go down without a fight
Asian Development Bank plans exit from coal finance
As Asian lenders are turning their back on coal, campaigners warn against treating methane gas as a “transition fuel”, calling for an end to all fossil finance
Meet the Indian climate experts desperately trying to save lives from Covid-19
Climate researchers and journalists are working to connect Covid sufferers with oxygen supplies and hospital beds as India’s health crisis deepens
Germany raises ambition to net zero by 2045 after landmark court ruling
A surprise plan to strengthen Germany’s emission targets reignites debate on quitting coal and pricing carbon ahead of September’s election
Top court rules German climate law falls short, in ‘historic’ victory for youth
In a surprise verdict, Germany’s highest court found that government climate targets violate the freedoms of youth plaintiffs by deferring emissions cuts
UK aid cuts hit developing cities’ plans to protect against floods and fires
The urban poor in Nairobi, Kathmandu, Quito and Istanbul will lose out from deep budget cuts to the UK-backed Tomorrow’s Cities programme
Putin sounds methane alarm, under satellite surveillance and EU pressure
The Russian president has raised concern about the warming impact of methane emissions, calling for research collaboration but making no policy promises
UK faces legal action over public finance for Mozambique gas project
Friends of the Earth is launching a judicial review over the UK government’s decision to back the multi-billion development, arguing it is inconsistent with the Paris Agreement
US pledges to double international climate finance at Earth Day summit
Joe Biden made a start on restoring US climate credibility after four lost years, with finance and emissions pledges, but campaigners say more is needed
Biden’s moment: What to expect from Thursday’s climate leaders summit
The US is expected to unveil a stronger emissions target and call for higher ambition from big emitters at a leaders’ summit on Thursday
Pakistan explores debt-for-nature scheme to accelerate its 10 billion tree tsunami
Creditors could grant Pakistan debt relief in exchange for meeting nature restoration targets, under a proposed first-of-its-kind bond
In Amazon protection talks, US demands action from Bolsonaro
Joe Biden promised to mobilise $20 billion to protect the Amazon rainforest, but negotiations with Jair Bolsonaro’s government are fraught
Climate watchers pay tribute to Nicaraguan envoy Paul Oquist, who died on Monday
The outspoken diplomat, who famously described the Paris Agreement as a “path to failure”, will be remembered as a complex figure who fought for justice
Total signs deal to build East African oil pipeline, despite lack of finance
Uganda and Tanzania have given political backing to the 1,445km East African Crude Oil Pipeline, but climate campaigners are deterring investment
Emerging economies share ‘grave concern’ over EU plans for a carbon border tax
Brazil, South Africa, India and China say EU plans for a carbon levy on imported products like steel and cement will unfairly penalise their economies