EU Policy
Bangkok 2012 – Is Australia about to come out of the cold on climate change?
There are signs at home and abroad that the country is set to make a binding international commitment on emissions reductions.
Australia joins EU carbon trading scheme boosting its credentials as a climate change tool
Expanding emissions market sends positive signals for future international carbon cuts but analysts warn it is no quick fix for troubled system.
No US-style shale gas boom for Europe, says energy investor
Speed and scale of drilling for unconventional gas resources will not be repeated, despite previous calls from EU Energy Commissioner.
EU commits to two degrees climate change goal despite US doubts
US climate change envoy Todd Stern’s calls for a more “flexible” approach to the limit on warming dismissed by EU.
Aviation battle lines drawn as first attempt at a global carbon deal turns sour
Groups including Oxfam and Greenpeace weigh in as politicians and lobby groups raise the stakes and trade increasingly bold accusations.
Splits emerging in EU over fossil fuels and climate policy as energy commissioner appears to back tar sands
Günter Oettinger hails US “industrialisation by fossil fuel” through deepwater drilling and tar sands exploration, contradicting ongoing work in Brussels decarbonise the economy.
New report says UK has fallen behind Europe and OECD on climate change action
Majority of Europe surpasses country’s carbon dioxide cuts while renewable energy remains a fraction of that of fellow OECD and EU nations despite pace of expansion, according to new figures.
Bonn 2012: Polish chief Chruszczow defends climate change stance
Country’s special envoy for climate change says no other EU country can match Poland’s record for sustainable development.
India and EU on collision course at climate change talks over rich/poor firewall
As nations prepare to gather in Bonn next week, an argument is brewing over the respective treatment of developing and developed countries.
EU “will not abandon” biofuels in face of renewed criticism
Bloc continues to see role for the technology in its fight against climate change despite claims linking it human rights abuses and concerns over food prices.
Do biofuels have a sustainable future?
As a leading NGO calls on the EU to turn its back on biofuels over food price and human rights fears, is there a sustainable path for the industry?
Five things we learned about climate change this week
A selection of the top stories from Responding to Climate Change this week including camel nostrils, Arctic drilling and why China’s economy needs to get resource efficient.
Report: EU energy efficiency targets not ambitious
Researchers call for increased ambition and propose a 40% reduction by 2050.
Comment: Short-term economic issues distort EU climate policy
EU efforts to ban highly polluting fuels and cost the effects of airline emissions are being thwarted for the sake of short-term economic goals.
European carbon price soars 18.8% following EU vote
Decision to withhold additional carbon allowances in 2013 buoys market.
European court throws out US objections to EU aviation carbon fees
All flights landing or taking off from EU airports to be included in emissions trading scheme from January 2012.
EU: COP17 deal hinges on last big emitters to commit
Connie Hedegaard says rich poor gap has disappeared from COP talks for first time.
EU says US “ping-pong” blame game with China must stop
EU calls US “arrogant and ignorant” for interfering in Emissions Trading Scheme and says deal must be agreed.