Crackdown on coal mine ‘self-bonds’ stalls under Trump
Regulators have almost wiped out risky practice since 2015-16 wave of bankruptcies, but some coal companies still insure themselves
Obama official: Trump cuts will leave coal clean-up agency unable to function
The number of mine site inspections is falling and proposed budget cuts at the federal regulator will further erode oversight, a former top official warns
US coal hasn’t set aside enough money to clean up its mines
Schemes that favour coal companies in Appalachia have left a national shortfall experts said was ‘one of the biggest public failures that has gone under the radar’
Climate deal critic Pompeo to replace Tillerson as US secretary of state
Donald Trump has chosen Mike Pompeo, ally of the Koch brothers and critic of the Paris climate agreement, to replace Rex Tillerson as foreign affairs chief
France’s Macron pledges €700m to solar energy push
The French president announced extra finance to help developing countries adopt clean energy at the International Solar Alliance launch in New Delhi
Brazil fights emissions cap for shipping, citing cost concerns
Ahead of a key meeting at the International Maritime Organisation in April, Brazil is leading objections to setting tough climate targets for the sector
Fiji climate lead challenged consultants’ influence before losing job
Nazhat Shameem Khan was removed from her role in the UN climate talks presidency after a protracted power struggle with Australian and European advisers
Video: Michael Bloomberg appointed UN climate envoy
The New York billionaire immediately called on Donald Trump to revise his views on climate change and show he was a “great leader”
‘Mr Energiewende’ quits German government in protest at coalition deal
Germany’s new deal was a “bitter disappointment” for those looking for a modern climate and energy policy, said outgoing energy secretary Rainer Baake
Dutch PM calls for more ambitious 2030 EU climate target
Mark Rutte said Europe had a responsibility to align its targets with the Paris climate deal, joining the Swedes and French in pushing for sharper cuts
Nicaragua assumes top climate finance post despite past Paris scepticism
Paul Oquist has been approved as co-chair of the Green Climate Fund, against Georgia’s objection Nicaragua was not a cooperative international player
Palestinian requests to global green fund ignored since 2016
Letters and emails show the Global Environment Facility stonewalled while US pressure built on international bodies that recognise Palestine
Fiji chief negotiator replaced midway through UN climate presidency
Nazhat Shameem Khan has been replaced by Fiji’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, Luke Daunivalu, in a shock personnel change
EU foreign ministers say China must sign up to universal climate rules
In a statement laying out their priorities for the year, EU ministers set themselves on a collision course with China and other emerging economies
Unwritten Paris rules dominate as tense year of climate diplomacy begins in Japan
Diplomats meeting in Japan focused heavily on the contentious rules for the Paris deal, which are due to be set by the end of this year
Tokyo 2020 Olympics confirms use of rainforest timber in stadium build
Admission prompts calls for transparency over Tokyo 2020 supply chain with timber sourced from deforestation hotspot
Coal India report finds renewables will ‘substantially decrease’ coal demand
The falling cost of solar power and batteries is having a “significant impact” on the coal sector, says national mining company in Coal Vision 2030 consultation
Documents reveal UK push to water down EU biomass regulations
Brexit-bound UK won big concessions for power stations that burn wood, while new research claims the technology will undermine carbon cuts for half a century
Former UN chief Ban Ki-moon to lead global ‘green growth’ push
The diplomatic heavyweight, who oversaw UN climate and sustainable development deals, will join Seoul-based organisation as its chair and president
Why is tiny Nauru getting $26.9m in climate finance to build a port?
Nauru’s biggest donor Australia lobbied for a project that raises tough questions over how climate finance differs from traditional development aid