World
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
Australia PM: coal to play a role in energy mix “possibly forever”
Malcolm Turnbull supports most polluting fuel amid wrangling over energy policy, despite Australia lagging its emission reduction target
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
Mysterious emissions of banned greenhouse gas traced to Chinese factories
Illegal production of CFC-11 in China has a climate impact equivalent to 16-20 coal power plants, the Environmental Investigation Agency estimates
Graphics of Marshall Islands sea level rise ‘brought EU ministers to tears’
Striking sea level rise images have sent shockwaves through the Marshallese community and touched European ministers, says minister David Paul
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
Why is the world’s newest development bank investing in coal despite its green promise?
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is backing a coal-fired cement works in Myanmar through an intermediary, in a worrying sign for its climate credentials
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
EU can increase 2030 pledge to Paris Agreement, says climate chief
The EU should raise its Paris deal pledge to a 45% emissions cut by 2030, commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete tells ministers in Brussels
EU decides on non-binding 2030 energy efficiency target
Deal between lawmakers and ministers will cut energy waste 32.5% and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, but didn’t go far enough for green groups
The ice beneath the EU-China climate bonhomie
When it comes to clean technology, German chancellor Angela Merkel says China is no longer seen as a developing country but a competitor
Merkel: Auto and coal workers need to know what their next jobs are
At a meeting of climate ministers in Berlin, the German chancellor stressed the importance of re-training to help people take part in a greener economy
EU climate efforts not living up to Paris promises, says NGO
Report ranking national efforts finds many European nations are working against efforts to increase ambition to act on climate change
Pakistani senator calls for climate cooperation with India amid water crisis
As drought bites, senate opposition leader Sherry Rehman says climate action is a security priority for South Asia
Canada and Argentina to peer review each other’s fossil fuel subsidies
G7 and G20 hosts commit to a process they hope will help them phase out taxpayer support for coal, oil and gas
South Africa draft climate law would set emissions targets for every sector
The bill calls on every part of government to coordinate in climate action, but South Africa’s heavy use of coal remains its biggest challenge
I’m Tory he’s Labour, the UK climate act shows what happens if we work together
When politicians from opposing sides look for solutions, on the basis of evidence and in the common interest, remarkable things can be achieved
EU sets 32% renewable energy target by 2030 in late-night deal
After lengthy negotiations, lawmakers and member states agreed on a renewable energy law, including support for electric vehicles and rooftop solar panels
World Bank reconsidering support for its last coal plant
Kosovo C is the last exception to the bank’s policy against backing coal plants, but a new assessment looks set to favour renewable alternatives