Climate change
Berlin and Brussels mull forest protection as climate change takes its toll
The German Forest Days, which started on Friday (18 September), are intended to draw attention to the fact that forests are threatened by climate change. At the same time, Berlin and Brussels are developing strategies to protect them. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU climate plan could see bloc’s carbon price double this decade
Carbon costs for Europe's businesses could double this decade under European Union plans to deliver deeper emissions reductions by 2030, according to analysis of European Commission modelling.
Belgium’s iconic beer and fries threatened by climate change effects
Two of Belgium’s most iconic products, beer and fries, stand to be severely affected by the effects of climate change, a new report commissioned by the National Climate Commission warned on Thursday (17 September). According to the study, changes in...
German industry sceptical of EU’s new 2030 climate goals
The European Commission will present today (17 September) detailed proposals to reduce carbon emissions in the EU by 55% below 1990 levels by 2030. While German industry officially welcomes the new ambitions, it is also clearly sceptical. EURACTIV Germany reports.
China considers going ‘carbon neutral’, peaking emissions
China is considering carbon neutrality as part of its long term climate plan, the country’s foreign ministry announced following a summit with EU leaders. EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.
Parliament votes to allow gas projects in the Just Transition Fund
Hours before the EU executive announced higher climate objectives for 2030, the European Parliament voted to allow funding for fossil gas projects under the bloc’s flagship Just Transition Fund.
EU institutions caught in crossfire over Just Transition Fund
The European Parliament will vote on Tuesday and Wednesday (15-16 September) on the Just Transition Fund. But this mechanism, initially designed to finance the social aspects of the transition to a low-carbon economy, has now been extended to finance gas projects. EURACTIV France reports.
How the EU could snatch defeat from the jaws of victory on climate
The European Commission's commendable move to aim for emission reductions of "at least 55%" by 2030 risks being completely undermined if the target also takes into account “reductions and removals” from forest growth and tree planting schemes, warns Bert Metz.
Business leaders back EU’s draft 55% carbon target for 2030
More than 150 business leaders and investors have urged EU countries to set higher climate goals for 2030, backing a draft European Commission plan to aim for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade.
Google aims to run on carbon-free energy by 2030
Google aims to power its data centers and offices 24-7 using solely carbon-free electricity by 2030, its chief executive said, building on its previous goal of matching its energy use with 100% renewable energy.
An EU 2030 climate target of at least 55% is not only necessary – it is also possible
Ambitious climate policy in the EU can underpin a sustainable economic growth that supports the development of a competitive, modern economy that delivers benefits for all, and acts as a beacon of inspiration to the rest of the world, writes Dan Jørgensen.
Shippers balk at EU carbon market plan
The shipping industry has railed against plans to expand the EU carbon market to the maritime sector ahead of a crucial vote in the European Parliament on Tuesday (15 September) that risks putting lawmakers on a collision course with shippers.
EU carbon border tax: How a French idea ended up in the limelight
Since Jacques Chirac first proposed a carbon border tax, French presidents have never let go of the idea. Now, the European Commission plans to integrate it into its recovery plan, much to the irritation of Beijing, just as an EU-China summit opens on Monday (14 September). EURACTIV France reports.
LEAK: EU’s 2030 climate plan makes case for 55% emissions cut
The European Commission will argue this week in favour of a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and push for higher shares of renewable energy as part of an ambitious plan to achieve net-zero emissions by mid century, EURACTIV has learned.
Europe urges China to match its climate ambitions
The European Union will press China to aim for climate neutrality by 2060 or eventually face punitive carbon tariffs during a summit on Monday (14 September) aimed at concluding a bilateral trade agreement by the end of the year.
Warsaw says ‘committed’ to EU’s climate neutrality goal
Poland moved a step closer to formally endorsing the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal this week when its climate ministry presented an update of the country’s 2040 energy roadmap during an online event hosted by EURACTIV.
EU lawmakers up the ante, vote for 60% climate target for 2030
The European Parliament's environment committee has voted for a new EU-wide target to reduce carbon emissions 60% by 2030, setting the stage for tough negotiations with EU countries and the European Commission, which is expected to propose a 55% goal next week. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Polish oil firm signs up to 2050 climate neutrality goal
PKN Orlen, Poland's largest oil refiner and retailer, this week became the first oil company in central Europe to commit to climate neutrality by 2050, with plans to invest billions in energy efficiency, solar, wind, and hydrogen.
Europe’s centre-right rallies behind 55% EU climate goal for 2030
Europe’s largest and most influential political faction, the European People’s Party (EPP), has rallied behind an EU objective of curbing greenhouse gas emissions 55% by 2030, anticipating an announcement next week by the European Commission.
Europe must lead on electrifying urban mobility
Without bold and fast action to transform the way we move around in our cities, we will be unable to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and air pollution, warn Anabel Diaz and William Todts, as ride-hailing firm Uber announces a new global zero-emission goal.
The Brief, powered by amfori – A 55% chance of sunshine
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will next week confirm a new emissions-busting goal for 2030. But setting a target is the easy part of the climate fight.
‘Obsolete’ Energy Charter Treaty must be reformed or ditched, lawmakers say
The 1991 Energy Charter Treaty must be profoundly overhauled in order to remove all “obsolete” provisions protecting fossil fuel investments and hindering climate action, lawmakers from across Europe said on Tuesday (8 September).
German footballers face flak for short Swiss flight
The German football team has faced criticism for flying between the cities of Stuttgart and Basel on Sunday (6 September) instead of taking a train on the 260-kilometre journey. The Bundesrepublik's football federation cited virus restrictions as a deciding factor.