The EU and ministers from more than 30 countries are opposing efforts by Saudi Arabia, China, India and other fossil fuel-dependent nations to delay publication of key scientific reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Financial Times reports. The proposed postponement until 2029 would mean that crucial scientific evidence would not be available for the 2028 UN climate summit, when countries’ progress towards meeting the Paris Agreement goals will be assessed. While those advocating delays argue that more time is needed to ensure scientific quality and allow developing countries to participate fully, the EU-led coalition warns that political interference risks undermining timely, science-based climate action.
Reuters reports that surging demand from data centers and air conditioners put the US power system through a tough test this summer. But instead of triggering a jump in fossil-fuel use, record renewables output carried much of the extra load and helped keep the lights on
In London, office developers are calling for a relaxation of mandatory bicycle parking requirements, arguing that only a quarter of spaces are being used, partly because of the growing popularity of rental e-bikes that are parked on streets. The Financial Times reports that developers say excessive parking requirements increase construction costs, add to buildings’ carbon footprints and occupy valuable space that could be used for other amenities. However, cycling advocates warn that reducing provision could undermine long-term sustainable transport goals, particularly as cycling journeys across London increased by almost 13% last year.
Another Financial Times article reports that Australia’s High Court has upheld a ruling blocking the expansion of a coal mine in New South Wales, establishing that planning authorities must consider the climate impacts of burning exported coal, not just emissions from its extraction. The decision, which directly affects 17 proposed coal projects, has been welcomed by environmental campaigners but criticised by the mining industry, which warns of significant consequences for investment and Australia’s coal exports. The ruling adds to a growing international trend of climate litigation holding fossil fuel producers and governments accountable for the wider environmental consequences of their activities, including similar judgments in the UK and international courts.
In planning travel over the upcoming weeks, here are some useful ideas to help you along:
- There’s never been a more important moment to travel right in Europe with masses of overdevelopment, cruise ships, walking pollution and captive cetaceans still hot topics when it comes to responsible tourism issues in Europe. Check out the Responsible Travel website.
- Experience the beauty of Scotland this autumn.
- Autumn is the best time for a cycling trip in Europe because the summer heat is gone, the roads are quiet, and the trees turn bright red and gold. Check out Bike Tours in Europe for some inspiration.
- 2026 is the centenary of the death of the painter Claude Monet (1840-1926). To mark this anniversary, the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris has organised an exhibition, entitled Monet, painting time, focusing on his body of work’s relationship with time. It continues until January 27, 2027.
Albert Camus (1913-1960), the French philosopher, writer and political activist, gives us a warm feeling about the season: “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
EiD welcomes your views about this week’s selection of posts on the zero-carbon energy transition:
- Climate action is about more than climate
- Energy-importing countries scaling clean energy three times faster than exporters
- Europe’s electrification and industrial competitiveness
- America’s fuel efficiency retreat comes at a cost
- Important launch of 10 targeted solutions that can support tackling the ongoing housing crisis
- Emerging economies are leapfrogging the fossil fuel age
- Britain’s record-breaking summer raises climate concerns, but will it change behaviour?
- The hidden costs of Russia’s nuclear ambitions
- Germany debates weakening energy efficiency requirements as data centres take centre stage
- How climate progress became ammunition for climate misinformation
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