Energy & Environment
Aluminium sector illustrates close link between trade and climate policy
New production methods and uses are making aluminium a material of choice for European policymakers looking to decarbonise the economy. But a flood of cheap carbon-intensive aluminium from China could complicate these efforts.
French researchers forecast more intensified global warming
According to new forecasts, the target laid out in the Paris Climate Agreement of 1.5 degrees Celsius could be out of reach, while temperature increases might even reach 6 or 7°C by 2100. EURACTIV France reports.
‘We need this dinosaur’: EU lifts veil on gas decarbonisation strategy
As the new European Commission of Ursula von der Leyen prepares to take office, one of its key priorities will be to deliver on a new market design for gas that will have EU decarbonisation objectives at its core. And natural gas of fossil origin will play a significant part, officials say.
Saudi attack will jolt oil markets out of ‘complacency’ over Gulf tensions – analysts
The price of oil has seemed relatively immune to heightened tensions in the Gulf, but this weekend’s attack on Saudi oil facilities means markets will now be more skittish.
Wealthy countries still failing on $100 billion climate finance pledge
In 2017, the most industrialised countries contributed a little above $70 billion to nations vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This number is far below the annual $100 billion pledged in 2009 for the following decade. EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'environnement reports.
Paris promises: where the world’s biggest polluters stand
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has convened a major new climate summit on September 23 because the world's main polluters remain well behind their goals as laid out in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Thousands of car protesters block Frankfurt Motor Show with bikes
Thousands of protesters took advantage of this year's international motor show in Frankfurt to call for a "transport revolution" - by parking their bikes. EURACTIV's partner Ouest-France reports.Promoted content
Kazakhstan’s history of peace, denuclearisation are valuable in time of global risks, says President
As the role of international law and global institutions in maintaining peace and security diminish, Kazakhstan’s history of peace and denuclearisation can serve as a valuable model, Kazakh President told the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.
First ‘millennial’ Commissioner to address challenges for Generation Z
Putting the youngest ever Commissioner-designate in charge of managing the most fearful threats for future generations of Europeans, such as environment protection and oceans' conservation, is the biggest gamble Ursula von der Leyen took in composing her team.
Forest protection likely to be new priority for EU Parliament
Large areas of forest are being cleared worldwide for the agricultural industry. Although the EU requires its contracting partners to protect the environment, it lacks the means for enforcement. Environmentalists and the European Parliament see an urgent need for action. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Brussels unlikely to appeal EU court decision hampering Nord Stream pipelines
The EU executive is unlikely to appeal a decision of the EU General Court in Luxembourg on Tuesday (10 September) to restrict the transit of Russian gas via the Opal pipeline, running on German territory.
Energy transition ‘happening fast but not quickly enough’ to stop planet heating: report
The remaining carbon budget to limit global warming to 1.5°C will be exhausted as early as 2028, even as the transition to low-carbon energy gains momentum, according to risk management firm DNV GL, which calls for “extraordinary policy action” to lower emissions.
Green Deal branded as ‘hallmark’ of new European Commission
"I want the European Green Deal to become Europe's hallmark,” said European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen, as she tasked her second-in-command with overseeing Europe’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by mid-century.
EU eyes end of energy tax waivers for air and sea transport sectors
The European Union is studying a reform of energy taxes to align them with climate targets, an EU document showed, listing as possible measures higher minimum tax rates, fossil fuel levies and the end of waivers for the air and sea transport sectors.
EIB begins metamorphosis into climate bank
European Investment Bank (EIB) directors will begin discussing on Tuesday (10 September) an updated lending policy which could see the EU bank stop funding fossil fuel projects. But some member states and even the European Commission might push for a more reserved approach.
EU countries have ‘no concrete plans’ to phase out fossil fuel subsidies: report
Not a single EU member state has so far spelled out a comprehensive plan to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, despite a commitment taken at the G20 ten years ago to eliminate them, according to a fresh analysis of the bloc’s 28 National Energy and Climate Plans.
US will sanction whoever purchases Iran’s oil, official says
The United States will continue to impose sanctions on whoever purchases Iran's oil or conducts business with Iran's Revolutionary Guards and no oil waivers will be re-issued, a US official said on Sunday (8 September).
France’s path towards sustainable farming eroded by increased droughts
The intense drought in France has already led to the elimination of fallow fields. It has also created tensions that are not so favourable to the negotiations over the EU's new Common Agricultural Policy. EURACTIV France reports.
Norway’s carbon storage project boosted by European industry
A Norwegian project aimed at storing millions of tonnes of carbon emissions underneath the North Sea received a shot in the arm on Thursday (5 September), when some of Europe’s biggest industrial players signed up to preliminary agreements.
Oil and gas companies risking $2.2trn in stranded assets during low-carbon transition, report warns
Since 2018, oil and gas companies have spent $50bn (€45.3bn) on investment projects that undermine the Paris Agreement, with a new report from think tank Carbon Tracker warning that major companies risk wasting $2.2trn (€1.9trn) on stranded assets by 2030. EURACTIV's media partner edie.net report.
EU auto industry forms unlikely alliance with NGO on electric cars
Long-time adversaries Transport & Environment and ACEA have signed a partnership to roll out electric vehicle charging points, as the auto industry seeks to rebrand with a focus on digital and electric.
European Central Bank should ‘gradually eliminate’ carbon assets, Lagarde says
The European Central Bank should phase out climate-warming investments by preferring green bonds, Christine Lagarde said as she pitched to become the bank’s first female president. EURACTIV's media partner Climate Home News reports.
International negotiations to protect the high seas advancing at ‘snail’s pace’
The third session of negotiations on the preservation of marine biodiversity in the high seas held under a UN Intergovernmental Conference came to an end in New York on 30 August. However, negotiations only resulted in a framework for a future treaty. EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'environnement reports.