About: carbon emissions

What is a ‘net’ climate target?

Over 100 countries worldwide, including the United States, Japan and the UK, have pledged to hit net zero emissions by 2050 - a goal which also became law across the European Union this year. But what is a net target and how does the EU plan to get there?

Commission says Germany lags behind in reducing agriculture emissions

The European Commission has highlighted Germany's lack of progress in reducing emissions by implementing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Industry associations also see current plans as falling short of the mark. EURACTIV Germany reports.

How Joe Biden could effortlessly boost aviation climate action

Europe is strengthening its carbon pricing system for aviation. After having fought the policy under the Obama administration, President Joe Biden has a chance to show that the world has changed and that the US is now ready to support real climate action, argues Jakop Dalunde.

CO2 pollution bounces back, climate goals at risk: IEA

Global CO2 emissions have returned to pre-pandemic levels, threatening to put climate treaty targets for capping global warming out of reach, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday (2 March).

Deliveries are up, e-van sales are not – that’s a disaster for pollution

The sale of electric vans has been sluggish despite a boom in home deliveries, spurred by pandemic-driven online shopping. The lack of clean vans on European roads will harm our chances to reach emissions targets, writes James Nix.

French sports retailer Decathlon to participate in EU ‘green consumption’ project

The European Commission launched its green consumption commitment initiative on Monday (25 January) and French sporting goods retailer Decathlon was among the first companies to announce its participation in the project. EURACTIV France reports.

Positive ‘tipping points’ provide fresh hope for climate, study says

Positive “tipping points” in the uptake of electric vehicles and the decarbonisation of electricity generation could spark a global transition to a climate neutral economy, scientists say, providing fresh hope in the fight against global warming.

China to launch carbon emissions trading scheme next month

China's delayed carbon trading system will start operating in February, the environment ministry has said, as the world's biggest polluter takes steps towards decarbonising its economy by 2060.

EU price on pollution hits record high in early 2021

The price of permits on the European Union carbon market has soared to record levels in the first trading days of the year, hiking costs for polluters as the EU prepares measures to enforce deeper emissions cuts.

Macron and the citizens’ convention divided on climate issues

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with members of the Citizens' Climate Convention on Monday (14 December). Although his announcement of a potential referendum on climate and environment made a lot of noise, the heated debate revealed continuing tensions between citizens and the executive. EURACTIV France reports.

French court gives government three months to prove effective climate policy

France's highest legal body ruled on Thursday (19 November) that the government has three months to explain its "greenhouse gas emission reduction path". EURACTIV France reports.

This is the moment to renovate your buildings, EU tells member states

Now is the time for member states to renovate buildings and make them energy efficient, the EU's climate chief Frans Timmermans said today (27 October), despite a lack of clarity on minimum requirements at EU level, which won’t be introduced until next year.

EU Climate Law: ‘In nobody’s interest for Germany to ‘fall flat on its face’, says Renew MEP

After long negotiations, MEPs voted on Tuesday (6 October) in favour of further increasing the bloc's emissions target to 60% by 2030. In a double-interview with EURACTIV Germany, two German MEPs discuss what this could mean for the EU and Germany, as well as how the new target could be achieved.

The EU can and must cut emissions by more than 55% by 2030

The European Commission has proposed to strengthen its 40% greenhouse gas emission reduction target to 50% or 55% on 1990 levels in the next ten years. But this step does not meet the minimum level of ambition that climate science,...

EU’s hydrogen strategy a good start but key problems sidestepped

Europe’s hydrogen strategy mostly points in the right direction by identifying renewable hydrogen as a key energy vector and necessary storage solution for delivering a zero-carbon EU, but it side-steps several key problems that go to the core of what...

Oil, gas, coal could lose two-thirds of value by 2070, says study

Business in oil, gas and coal is becoming increasingly unprofitable as global fossil reserves could lose around two-thirds of their value in the next 50 years, plummeting from around $39 trillion to $14 trillion, according to a study published on Thursday (4 May) by British think tank Carbon Tracker. EURACTIV Germany reports.

German CO2 emissions dive amid coronavirus slump

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a dramatic impact on Germany's demand for electricity. According to initial projections, Germany could emit between 50 and 120 million tons less CO2 this year, meaning it could even exceed its climate target. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Greenpeace proposes 70% meat consumption reduction by 2030

Three burgers a week: that's the maximum amount of meat Europeans should get used to eating, according to NGO Greenpeace, which has been looking at Europe's eating habits. EURACTIV France reports.

Europe’s agricultural sector struggles to reduce emissions

Europe's agricultural sector has barely managed to reduce its emissions since 2018, according to a report by the European Environment Agency published on Tuesday (10 March). EURACTIV France reports.

‘Flight shame’? Europeans have never flown as frequently

Many people claim they are flying less to protect the environment but the figures say otherwise. The aviation industry is doing better than ever and its emissions have more than doubled since 1990. EURACTIV Germany reports.

French football clubs revisit transport modes in bid to reduce carbon footprint

With the travel of football players and fans having a significant impact on the environment,  France's football clubs, including amateur ones, have started developing initiatives to reduce travel. EURACTIV France reports.

Germany’s official 2018 emission figures are better than expected

Germany has sent the EU Commission its official emissions figures for 2018, which are slightly lower than the previous year. Most reductions were made in the energy sector, while transport and agriculture still lag behind. Yet, Germany will not miss its climate targets for this decade as was initially anticipated. EURACTIV Germany reports.