About: Climate Change
German coal commission member: If we don’t come up with a roadmap, it’ll be a disaster
Ahead of Germany’s coal commission meeting on Tuesday (18 September), one of its members explained to EURACTIV what is behind the meaning of ‘structural economic change’, which the newly appointed institution has to deal with.
Companies call for net-zero emissions by 2050 to help transition to low-carbon economy
Ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit on 12-14 September, Cambridge-based Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group has called for a worldwide government-mandated net zero carbon emissions target by 2050 to help speed up transition to a low-carbon economy.
Socially just energy transition for coal workers no pie in the sky, study finds
As the UN's climate chief called for more "urgency" from negotiators at the ongoing Bangkok climate talks, a new international report found that a socially just transition is already feasible for coal workers and communities, while a global decline in coal production is expected.
Paris angers ecologists with new environment minister
With the appointment of François de Rugy as minister of ecological transition, the French government has not moved an inch from its course despite a plunge in President Macron’s popularity and calls for changes from environmental experts. EURACTIV France reports.
Governments ‘not ready’ for Katowice COP24
Governments are unprepared for a crucial climate change meeting in Poland later this year aimed at ensuring the full implementation of the 2015 Paris Agreement, Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said on Tuesday (4 September) at the opening of climate talks in Bangkok.
Stakeholders’ climate action key to meeting Paris Agreement goals, new report finds
By 2030, global greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by up to an additional 2.2 Gigatonne CO2 a year compared to what would be achieved through current national policies if individual commitments from nearly 8,000 non-state actors are fully implemented, a new report published today (30 August) shows.
Merkel speaks out against more ambitious EU climate targets
German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke against setting more ambitious EU climate targets on Sunday (26 August) but supported the idea of a transition towards a decarbonised transport sector.
Coal commission keeps out of lignite mine expansion dispute
Germany’s coal commission will not give any recommendation regarding mining-owner RWE’s plans to continue clearing forest for the planned extension of the Hambach lignite mine in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. In its third meeting, the commission heard experts’ views on the implications of the country’s climate goals for the coal sector. EURACTIV's media partner Clean Energy Wire reports.
German farmers to get €340m state aid for drought-caused harvest losses
Farmers in Germany who have suffered harvest losses of 30% or more due to the ongoing drought will get a total of €340 million in state aid, a half of the estimated damage, Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner told a press...
EU carbon prices expected to rise quickly and accelerate energy transition
EU carbon prices could average €35-40 per tonne over 2019-2023, accelerating the switch from coal to gas and questioning the rationale for keeping old coal and lignite power plants running beyond 2021, said a new report by Carbon Tracker released on Tuesday (21 August).
Infected ticks and Lyme disease expand because of climate change
While Europe is undergoing an unusual summer weather pattern, infected ticks and the related Lyme disease are spreading through the continent, reflecting the growing impact of climate change on health.
Greece in mourning as horrifying wildfires kill at least 74
Greece was in mourning on Tuesday (24 July) following some of the worst wildfires this century, with fears the toll -- at least 74 dead and 187 injured so far -- could rise, as rescuers search for people trapped in their homes or burned-out cars.
Greece seeks help from EU allies to tackle raging fires
Greece has appealed for help from other countries to help tackle a spate of fires which were raging uncontrolled in the country on Monday (23 July), its fire brigade said.
French insurance companies to divest from German top utility RWE
Following the move by major European insurers Allianz, AXA, Generali and SCOR, the two French insurance companies Macif and AG2R La Mondiale will no longer invest in companies planning new coal-fired power plants. Germany’s top utility RWE is among the companies most affected by the new decision.
Five meat and dairy companies emit more emissions than major oil companies, study finds
Together, the five largest meat and dairy corporations (JBS, Tyson, Cargill, Dairy Farmers of America and Fonterra) are already responsible for more annual greenhouse gas emissions than ExxonMobil, Shell or BP, a new study released on Wednesday (18 July) warns.
Lavender farmer explains legal case against EU climate policy
Back in May, a lavender farmer and 10 other families decided to sue the European Union for failing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Now, the fragrant-flower farmer explains the rationale behind the landmark case. EURACTIV.fr reports.
EU leaders head to China and Japan, seeking to restore global trade
After the turmoil of Trump in Brussels, EU leaders are in China and Japan today and tomorrow for two important summits, a sign that Europe is looking to Asia, writes Fraser Cameron.
Agricultural industry eyes space data
Data access has become a key issue for the agricultural sector, which could benefit from European space programmes. EURACTIV.fr reports.
On climate change, ‘red alert is on’, says COP21 president Laurent Fabius
The world community has taken action against climate change but it must "triple its efforts" to reduce emissions and Europe needs to take the lead, COP21 President Laurent Fabius said ahead of the crucial United Nations’ annual conference (COP24) in December.
‘Super Grids Silk Road’ takes shape in Kazakhstan
A series of conferences dedicated to the China-promoted One Belt One Road initiative are taking place in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana. Plans to launch a gigantic renewable energy project with the potential to supply the EU were also mooted.
UN climate draft report leaked ahead of intense climate week
If emissions continue at their present rate, human-induced warming will exceed 1.5°C by around 2040, according to a draft UN report leaked ahead of an intense climate-focused political week.
G7 can tackle five priorities with one investment: agricultural research
This week the representatives of the world's most advanced economies grapple with complex challenges at the G7 summit. Smart investments need to be made to solve the five key issues addressed at the summit and the smartest investment is in agricultural research, writes Marcon Ferroni.
European Commission under fire after new CAP proposals unveiled
The European Commission unveiled on Friday (1 June) its plans for the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy, triggering a strong reaction from EU farmers and the environmental community for cutting the budget, giving member states too much leeway and fudging environmental and climate issues.