Climate change
Natural gas is a ‘caveat’ in energy transition, EU admits
While fossil fuel projects are in theory excluded from EU funding, natural gas will continue to play a key role in replacing coal while helping to build a hydrogen infrastructure at least cost, EU climate chief Frans Timmermans said on Thursday (28 May).
EU urged not to mess with UN aviation rules
Leading MEPs have asked the European Commission and Council not to seek changes to the UN's global aviation scheme, which is aimed at making the industry carbon neutral. Airlines have requested more leeway to ride out the coronavirus outbreak slump.
Number crunching on expanded Just Transition Fund continues
The European Commission revealed on Thursday (28 May) how individual EU members stand to gain from the newly-fortified €40bn Just Transition Fund. Talks are still ongoing on widening the scope of the fund to more regions that might need green aid.
Scientists warn of ‘zombie fires’ in the Arctic
Dormant "zombie fires" scattered across the Arctic region – remnants of record blazes last year – may be coming to life after an unusually warm and dry Spring, scientists warned Wednesday (27 May).
‘Do no harm’: EU recovery fund has green strings attached
The European Union's proposed €750 billion fund to help the bloc recover from the coronavirus crisis will have green strings attached, with 25% of all funding set aside for climate action, the European Commission has said.
EU recovery fund is a chance to accelerate the circular economy
The EU recovery fund can be used to unlock an estimated €1.8 trillion opportunity by 2030 by making better use of materials and reducing waste, write Patrick Schröder and David McGinty.
Electricity giants join forces on renewable hydrogen
Major European electricity groups – including Enel, Iberdrola, Ørsted, and EDP – have issued a joint call urging the European Commission to prioritise renewable hydrogen in its upcoming pandemic recovery plan.
In political U-turn, Czechs back EU’s green recovery plan
A draft statement from the Czech government calls on the EU economic recovery plan and long-term budget to fall in line with the European Green Deal, marking a U-turn from Prague's earlier positions.
Green recovery hinges on the right data
EU policymakers are promoting a green recovery. A public-private agency rating companies’ climate performance would help keep it on track, argue Steven Tebbe and Laurent Babikian.
Kazakhstan approves new green projects in a bid to cut fossil fuels in half by 2050
Kazakhstan‘s new leadership, faced with concurrent challenges of volatile oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic, has approved nineteen new renewable energy projects worth $1.1 billion in the country’s latest effort to go green and diversify its energy supply. To date,...
Denmark plans two huge ‘energy islands’ to meet climate goals
Denmark plans to build two “energy islands” totalling 4GW of offshore wind capacity, under plans to reduce emissions by 70% from 1990s levels by 2030 and become a green energy exporter. EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.
Brussels bares teeth with launch of new biodiversity plan
The European Commission is getting tough on biodiversity with a new set of “nature restoration targets” announced for publication next year, which the EU executive says will be strictly enforced.
Germany still hesitating to link stimulus packages with climate targets
France, the Netherlands and Austria want to put environmentally friendly conditions on aid for corporations. In Germany, companies themselves are calling for a climate stimulus package, yet Economy Minister Peter Altmaier is hesitating. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU climate neutrality is essential, or recovery will be short-lived
A growing number of businesses have recognised the economic benefits of the transition to a carbon neutral economy. It is now critically important that Europe commits to strengthening the Green Deal with a 55% greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030, write Eliot Whittington and María Mendiluce.
Coal industry will never recover after coronavirus pandemic, say experts
The global coal industry will “never recover” from the COVID-19 pandemic, industry observers predict, because the crisis has proved renewable energy is cheaper for consumers and a safer bet for investors. EURACTIV's media partner, The Guardian, reports.
Germany must become climate-neutral by 2038, says government advisory council
The German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU) presented on Thursday (14 May) its report on the state of the country's environmental policy. With Germany's carbon budget now almost exhausted, researchers urge stronger climate action in all areas. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Beware of jobs vs. climate clash in virus aftermath, EU warned
Governments in Europe and beyond should pay “utmost attention” to avoid a “jobs versus climate” confrontation in the recovery phase from the COVID-19 crisis, said Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
German CDU/CSU climate paper: A stab in Merkel’s back?
In a position paper, Germany's conservative CDU/CSU parliamentary group opposed increasing the EU's climate target to 55% by 2030. While this has been the cause for much criticism from other parties, Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats do not believe this contradicts her words. EURACTIV Germany reports.
The Brief, powered by IPA Europe – Climate hawks vs doves
The battle against the coronavirus outbreak tops most fight cards but there are climate brawls to be had too. Some are in progress, while others are only just beginning. Better strap yourselves in before the hawks and doves go to war.
IEA: Oil crisis is ‘litmus test’ for industry’s resolve on climate
The April oil market crash will test the determination of majors like Shell and BP, which have recently announced goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Germany: CDU/CSU put brakes on Merkel’s climate ambitions
The conservatives in the German parliament reject any increase in Germany's greenhouse gas reduction targets without also reopening sensitive talks about burden-sharing at EU level, the Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on Saturday (9 May).
Bikes starting to push cars out of cities thanks to COVID-19
Curfews have paralysed traffic as the COVID-19 pandemic hit many cities, which have started to use this opportunity to promote the bicycle revolution and ban cars from their inner cities. EURACTIV Germany takes a look at Paris, Brussels and Berlin.
Energy firms rally behind green stimulus call
A coalition of 40 global businesses – including energy majors such as BP, Iberdrola, Orsted, and Shell – have called on governments to support "a massive wave of investments in renewable electricity" and other low-carbon energy solutions when devising recovery plans from the COVID-19 pandemic.