Energy & Environment
UN University director: ‘Biggest polluters should issue climate passports’
Climate change-related migration is a big issue at COP24. The idea, which involves issuing passports to the citizens of small Pacific island countries at risk of disappearing, is making its beginnings. EURACTIV France reports.
Two of 196 signatory countries to Paris Agreement have raised their climate ambitions
The signatories to the Paris Agreement are supposed to revise their climate ambitions upwards within the next 18 months. While states are struggling to get involved, businesses are trying to move forward. EURACTIV France reports.
Climate change is a problem of politics, not science
The scientific, economic and social arguments for aggressive action on climate change are powerful. Our political leaders are now at a fork in the road and our children and grandchildren are watching, write Valérie Masson-Delmotte and Jiang Kejun.
China open to ‘uniform’ climate rules, sidestepping old allies
China has signalled it is open to following “uniform” global climate change rules, shifting from its usual push for a clear division of responsibilities for rich and poor countries. EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.
Activist: Poland’s ‘just transition’ declaration is just posturing
The just transition declaration adopted at the COP24 in Poland sounds good but it is not connected to any kind of climate ambition or specific energy projects involving local communities, Alexandru Mustata told EURACTIV Slovakia.OpinionPromoted content
Power generation and transmission: quite far from a well-orchestrated symphony
The rise of renewables will require using the grid more efficiently. However, you cannot expect this from the market that neglects the grid as its fundamental assumption, write Konrad Purchała and Piotr Koryś.
France wants to support women’s role in addressing climate change
The inclusion of women in the climate debate remains in its early stages. The French women involved in the climate negotiations are trying to alert people to this issue. EURACTIV France reports.
COP24: Return of king coal
Poland is hosting lobbying for coal and fossil fuels of a scale that has rarely been seen during an annual UN conference on climate (COP). The EU is turning a blind eye to this new facet of its ‘enfant terrible.’ EURACTIV France reports.
COP24 diary – day #11
Over this special series on COP24, EURACTIV gives you a glimpse into the goings on of the UN climate conference in Katowice and what is driving the conversation there. In this edition: climate ambition at last, UN Secretary-General pounding on the table, Portugal getting carbon neutral, 630 brackets, and more.
Commission to fine Bulgaria over gas market distortions
The European Commission will fine Bulgarian Energy Holding as early as this month for hindering rivals’ access to key gas infrastructure, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday (11 December), based on information from three sources familiar with the dossier.
The US, still in the Paris Agreement, is trying to decide its future
Despite Donald Trump’s rejection of the Paris Agreement, the US is still very much in the accord and zealously setting the tone of international climate change negotiations. EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.
The EU and mako sharks: From sinner to saviour?
The EU should match its rhetoric on sustainable fisheries by leading global efforts to preserve mako sharks, argues Staci McLennan.Editor's picks
COP24 diary – day #10
Over this special series on COP24, EURACTIV gives you a glimpse into the goings on of the UN climate conference in Katowice and what is driving the conversation there. In this edition: coal bonanza at the EIB, roaming COP24, German 'nein', Fijian drum beat, and more.OpinionPromoted content
Green transition: What if heavy industry had the most to offer?
The EU’s transition to a low-carbon future is easier said than done, particularly for heavy industry. Start-ups and established corporates have been working with EIT Climate-KIC’s Re-Industrialise Flagship to test out ground-breaking solutions to these issues in real-life conditions, writes Ada Marmion.
Embracing the power of cheap renewables to deliver a carbon exit
Green steel, green ammonium, green plastics, green aluminium and green shipping can be within reach in a world with renewables at 3$ct/kilowatt hour and a carbon price of $50+/ton CO2, with limited costs to the global economy, argue Auke Lont...
EU must prioritise nature in its next long-term budget
The future of Europe is at stake as European leaders meet this week. Now is the opportunity to safeguard European biodiversity, writes Luc Bas.
Poland increasingly deporting activists from COP24
Poland has already deported 14 people from Central Europe since the beginning of COP24, including two members of the Georgian delegation. Many NGOs are questioning the legality of these bans on entering Polish territory. EURACTIV France reports.
COP24: ‘Yellow vest’ crisis weakens French position
In the midst of the ‘yellow vest’ movement in France, criticisms made by heads of state – such as Trump, Salvini and Erdoğan – fuel mistrust towards climate action, notably that carried out by France. EURACTIV France reports.
Is populism bad for climate change?
The violent response to the French carbon tax in Paris demonstrates good climate policy is dependent on a fair, just and managed transition writes Sanjeev Kumar. Far from stalling, climate change action is becoming a major issue in elections globally, he says.
EU talks to set CO2 emission limits for cars founder
The European Union failed on Tuesday (11 December) to reach a compromise over how sharply to curb carbon dioxide emissions from cars and vans as car-producing countries and more environmentally conscious lawmakers could not find a compromise.
COP24 dairy – day #9
Over this special series on COP24, EURACTIV gives you a glimpse into the goings on of the UN climate conference in Katowice and what is driving the conversation there. In this edition: An update on the negotiations, postponing climate ambition, 415 institutional investors, a climate damages tax, and more.
IEA chief: Ethanol ‘very important’ to reduce oil dependence
Ethanol will have a very important role in decarbonising the transport sector globally, the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) told EURACTIV.com. Another energy expert said electrification will play a major role in transport but is not applicable to all sectors, which is where biofuels come in.
Europe’s ‘Kafka-esque’ recycling dilemma for precious metals
Precious metals are big business in the EU but possible conflicts between recycling policies and chemical management mean that the industry risks missing out on a golden opportunity.