Energy & Environment
VW races to meet EU target with new pooling deal
Volkswagen has brokered an "insurance policy" agreement with MG Motor that will allow the German carmaker to count the firm’s electric car sales alongside its own, in what is seen as a last ditch effort to comply with the EU’s 2020 CO2 emissions target.
Europe’s new climate plan heralds energy ‘transformation’
Meeting the EU’s proposed new climate targets for 2030 will require a “transformation” of the bloc’s energy system, with a renewed focus on renewables and further efforts to cut fossil fuels in buildings, transport and industry, the European Commission has said.
World’s richest 1% cause double CO2 emissions of poorest half, says Oxfam
The wealthiest 1% of the world’s population were responsible for the emission of more than twice as much carbon dioxide as the poorer half of the world from 1990 to 2015, according to new research. EURACTIV's media partner, The Guardian, reports.
France says opposes EU-Mercosur trade deal over deforestation concerns
France remains opposed to a free trade deal in its current proposed form between the EU and South American countries due to "major" concerns about deforestation in the region, the government said on Friday (18 September).
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 mulls over plan to boost carbon-storage on farmlands
Farmers and foresters need to be "directly incentivised" to put in practice carbon-capture crops and other measures intended to reduce net greenhouse gases (GHG), according to an update of the European Commission's Climate Law.
A carbon neutral Nordic region would need 75% more electricity, study shows
Nordic countries would have to generate another 290 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity, an increase of 75% from current levels, to meet the additional demand for power if they become carbon neutral, a study published on Thursday showed.
Germany to ban plastic straws by mid-2021
German lawmakers approved legislation Thursday (17 September) banning disposable plastic products such as straws, cutlery and cotton buds that are polluting the world's oceans.
Commission under fire for including ‘carbon sinks’ into EU climate goals
The European Commission on Thursday (17 September) defended its plan to bring carbon removals from agriculture, land use and forestry into the EU’s updated climate target for 2030, saying this was in line with UNFCCC standards.
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...
European Parliament votes for new taxes in EU to repay recovery borrowing
The European Parliament voted on Wednesday (16 September) in favour of assigning new tax revenues to the European Union to repay the bloc's intended joint borrowing of €750 billion for economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finnish industries launch ‘game-changing’ bid to go green, digital
A consortium of twelve Finnish corporations calling themselves the "game-changers" have announced a new billion-euro offensive to build new digital infrastructure, saying the digital transition will be key to achieve green objectives after the COVID-19 crisis.
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.
Von der Leyen outlines path towards ‘new vitality’ in post-corona world
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged in her first ‘State of the Union’ address that Europe will lead the way towards a “new vitality” following the COVID-19 crisis, including a more “human” and greener economy.
‘We can do it!’: EU chief announces 55% emissions reduction target for 2030
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans on Wednesday (16 September) to target a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as part of a broader European Green Deal programme aimed at reaching "climate neutrality" by mid-century.
Greenpeace targets Spain with climate change lawsuit
Three environmental groups including Greenpeace said Tuesday (15 September) they have launched a lawsuit against the Spanish government, accusing it of taking insufficient action to tackle climate change.
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.
Ammonia: hydrogen’s green soulmate?
A chemical traditionally used in the fertiliser industry, ammonia is now also entering the realm of energy as a way to store and transport hydrogen, or as an alternative transport fuel in its own right.
MEPs agree to chart shipping’s ETS course
The European Parliament on Tuesday (15 September) voted in favour of including greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector in the European Union's carbon market from 2022, throwing its weight behind EU plans to make ships pay for their pollution.
Carbon market’s free perks need rethink, insists EU watchdog
The EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) of offering free pollution permits needs to be reviewed and aligned more closely with climate policy if the bloc wants to reap its full benefits, the European Court of Auditors said on Tuesday (15 September).