World
UK leaders debate climate, with Boris Johnson replaced by ice sculpture
Leaders of most major parties presented their ideas for meeting tough climate goals, but the Conservative prime minister declined
Angela Merkel criticises EIB decision to ban gas lending
The German chancellor made the comments after incoming EU Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen praised the bank’s progress on climate action
European Union climate investment lags behind US and China
The European Investment Bank warns the EU needs to make “a tremendous effort” to develop a comprehensive climate strategy, putting investment at its core
Countries’ fossil fuel production plans inconsistent with Paris Agreement
A UN Environment report warns production of oil, gas and coal to 2030 is on track for warming way beyond 1.5C goal
EU 2020 budget boosts climate action spending
Parliament and members states have agreed to allocate 21% of next year’s budget to measures to address climate change
European Investment Bank ends lending to fossil fuel projects
EU finance ministers agreed to phase out EIB lending to unabated oil and gas projects, overcoming opposition from some member states in marathon board meeting
Stakeholders push for progress on France’s climate adaptation plans
Politicians, citizens and experts meet to discuss how and why France must invest more heavily in climate adaptation after report warns of major national impacts
Economic opportunity should see US get on board with shipping clean-up
Shipping is finally playing catch-up on air pollution standards, but the US is slow-balling attempts to agree cleaner targets
EU plots climate deal with China
European leaders hope to strike a bargain with Beijing next September. What the EU can offer China to bring down its emissions is unclear
With UN climate talks looming, Spanish election continues political uncertainty
The Socialists won most seats, but were weakened by rise of far right and conservative vote. Madrid climate talks unlikely to be affected
London police ban on Extinction Rebellion was unlawful, court finds
Lawyers for the protest group say those arrested illegally could claim thousands in compensation
Extinction Rebellion art seized by police includes Ron Mueck skull
Australian artist’s works have sold for up to $1.3m. Police could not say whether they still have the skull, seized among hundreds of artworks during October protests
Trump begins formal US withdrawal from Paris Agreement
US will leave climate deal one day after 2020 presidential election, although a Democrat winner could reenter almost immediately
US will keep seat at climate talks after it leaves Paris deal
Formal withdrawal process could begin within days, but current and former diplomats say US will continue to influence global rulemaking on climate change
Madrid to host Cop25 climate talks in December after Chile withdraws
The talks will take place in Spain’s capital, the UN confirmed, after Chile pulled out amid social unrest
Catholic church denounces ‘attacks’ on Amazon people and forest
Setting up a collision with Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro, the church said ‘ecocidal’ projects should be stopped and proposed indigenous-led development plan
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
Green Climate Fund replenishment fails to fill hole left by Trump’s US
After the US, Russia, and Australia did not contribute, other developed countries fell $500m short of the fund’s starting capital
Russian draft climate law gutted after industry intervention
Draft bill, which had been seen as step towards modernising Russia’s economy, loses legal targets and support for low carbon projects
As rich countries slow walk green finance, Putin offers Africa an alternative
Two summits in one week presented a choice for African leaders: stalled promises of climate finance in Paris or business deals in Sochi