Europe can hit climate neutrality goal at net-zero cost: report

Although cutting emissions to net-zero by 2050 will destroy jobs and push up the costs of doing business in some sectors, it will bring gains elsewhere that will make up for the difference, according to a new study by McKinsey & company.

Why Europe must reskill workers to reach its climate goals

The large-scale social and economic shifts caused by the clean energy transition should be managed with care, write Magnus Tyreman and Hauke Engel. A broad training effort would enable Europe to create a labour force that will thrive during the pursuit of the net-zero emissions target, they argue.

‘Complete overhaul’ of buildings needed to meet EU’s 2030 climate goal

Europe needs a “complete overhaul” of its buildings to meet a higher 2030 emissions reduction target, according to new research published today (3 December).

EU opens door to gas and nuclear in search for deal on 2030 climate target

The European Union is offering assurances on funding for poorer members and countries' ability to choose their own energy mix, as it strives for a deal next week on a tougher target to cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to EU documents and sources.

Fossil fuel production needs to fall 6% per year to avoid catastrophic warming: report

World governments need to reduce fossil fuel production by 6% every year over the next decade to reach a 1.5°C pathway and limit catastrophic warming, according to new research.

MEP Canfin: EU countries must face sanctions for non-compliance with climate goals

As negotiations on the EU's proposed climate law enter the home straight, Pascal Canfin highlights the European Parliament's red lines in talks with EU member states.

While coal premiums soar, insurance groups still supports oil and gas

Insurance companies have accelerated their withdrawal from coal this year, making it costlier to secure insurance for new projects. However, the insurance industry is still underwriting oil and gas companies, according to new research.

Biggest challenge in energy transition is social justice, EU official says

While legitimate worries are being expressed about funding for low-carbon technologies to meet EU climate goals, the biggest challenge will be to manage the energy transition in a way that does not deepen social inequalities, a senior EU official has said.

Recycler: Simpler EU laws would help recycle e-waste plastics

Around half of e-waste plastics are not recycled in Europe but rather shipped abroad where they often end up being dumped or burnt. Simpler laws on recycling in Europe would help keep those materials at home and recycle them, argues Chris Slijkhuis.

Europe on track to smash its 2020 climate goal, EEA says

Greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union dropped by 3.7% last year, bringing the bloc on track to smash its 2020 emission goals by 4 percentage points, according to the European Environment Agency.

Energy: A critical raw material in its own right?

Access to affordable energy is a key factor underpinning the competitiveness of European industries. But as the green transition gains momentum, pressure is building to put a higher price signal on energy and CO2 emissions, leaving regulators in a quandary.

Environment must be considered in moves to end period poverty

Scotland passed a law to make menstrual products free and end period poverty on Tuesday (24 November), but more needs to be done to discuss the environmental and health impacts of disposable products, according to environmental campaigners.

Parliament backs consumer’s right to repair in push towards circular economy

The EU should promote durable and repairable products, as well as boost a second-hand market and tackle greenwashing, under a proposal backed by the European Parliament on Tuesday (24 November).

Are stars finally aligning for CCS in Europe?

With greater investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects and the need for the EU to rapidly decrease its carbon emissions, optimism in the schemes is growing, writes Guloren Turan, ahead of an online event to launch Global CCS Institute’s new report in December.

Auditors raise ‘red flag’ over EU efforts to protect seas

Efforts to protect the European Union seas are failing to slow biodiversity loss or prevent overfishing, with the Mediterranean under particular threat, a report by auditors said on Thursday (26 November).

EU Commission backs global hydrogen market with euro as its key currency

Europe wants to install the euro as the reference currency for trading hydrogen, but a global market with harmonised standards needs to be put in place first in order to meet demand, the EU's energy commissioner said on Thursday (26 November).

Brussels approves German hard coal exit tender

The European Commission on Wednesday (25 November) green-lit a scheme under which operators of hard coal-fired power plants in Germany will be paid to shut down their stations earlier in the wake of the country’s accelerated exit from the fuel.

EU drafts deal to upgrade 2030 climate change target next month

The European Union has drafted a deal aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, against 1990 levels, a target it hopes its 27 members will endorse at a summit next month.

EU ombudsman criticises BlackRock contract

The EU’s ombudsman on Wednesday (25 November) reproached the European Commission for a contract with BlackRock, the world’s biggest asset manager, to study sustainable finance regulations which raised conflict-of-interest questions. Emily O’Reilly, whose role is to be an ethics watchdog...

Why green means growth for business in Europe

There are clear reasons why so many European businesses buy into the European Green Deal as a growth strategy. The question now is how to make a success of it, writes Eliot Whittington.

EU green finance rules at risk of deviating from science

Some of the draft emission thresholds contained in the EU's sustainable finance taxonomy are not aligned with climate neutrality and deviate from scientific evidence, raising concerns about political and industry pressure, write Tsvetelina Kuzmanova and Sara Dethier.

Steelmakers call for ‘Green Deal’ to counter Chinese dumping

European steelmakers were already reeling from dumped Chinese imports and US tariffs when the coronavirus pandemic hit this year. According to trade body Eurofer, it will take two years for the industry to recover, a process it says could be accelerated with a new “Green Deal for steel” and a carbon border levy.

Poland can contribute to the EU’s 55% target while solving its key problems

Poland is lagging behind cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but diversifying its energy mix, making heating clean and increasing traffic electrification could improve emission reductions and transform the economy for the future, writes Aleksandra Gawlikowska-Fyk.