Energy
An economic lifeline – Why Iran opposes production curbs in UN plastics treaty
Iran’s plastics industry brings in much-needed foreign currency, which it can use to try and contain runaway inflation
How Shell greenwashed gas with sham Chinese carbon credits
Exclusive: Shell used rice-farming offsets for “carbon neutral” LNG campaign – but farmers and local authorities said no project activities took place
After Baku setback, activists call for ‘just transition’ to be front and centre at COP30
Developing states and labour activists say a fair global shift away from fossil fuels requires a firm UN plan for international support
Here’s how we take back control of COP from the world’s biggest polluters
From scrutinising delegates at UN climate summits to tightening rules on which countries host them and the deals they do, COPs can be cleaned up
Canada ignores official advice in setting much-criticised 2035 emissions target
While the Net Zero Advisory Body recommended a 50-55% cut in emissions, the government settled for a weaker 45-50% range
Biden uses only Africa visit to promote “game changer” railway for copper and cobalt
The US is placing its critical minerals hopes in the Lobito Corridor project, which it says will also bring growth and jobs to Africa
Green reforms to energy investment treaty pass key hurdle
The reforms will allow governments to end protection for investments in fossil fuels within their borders while keeping them for renewables
Failure of Busan talks exposes fossil fuel barrier to UN plastics pact
Countries told they can’t afford to miss the opportunity to tackle plastic pollution next year – but can they resolve a row over cutting oil-heavy production?
Talks to produce global plastics pact end without agreement
Countries failed to break a stalemate over core issues for a new treaty, with a push to manufacture less plastic meeting resistance from oil-rich states
New plastics pact text reflects stark divide on production cuts
Diplomats from high-ambition countries urge petrostates to compromise as latest draft text for a global treaty to end plastic pollution leaves all to play for
