The climate priorities for the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council

With European economies severely affected by the war, the green and energy transitions take centre stage, with the ‘Fit for 55’ package setting the framework for climate action. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recognises the EU’s climate leadership and declared Sweden’s intention to strengthen this position during the Presidency. The Bellona Foundation, an independent non-profit … Continue reading The climate priorities for the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council →

Mexico’s new climate plan is less ambitious than the previous government’s pledge

Mexico, a country of 130 million, is one of only two G20 countries not to have set net zero emission targets. Joe Lo discusses the country’s climate plan in an article on the Climate Change News website. Mexico’s new climate plan is worse than its old one, analysts say Mexico’s new climate plan, announced … Continue reading Mexico’s new climate plan is less ambitious than the previous government’s pledge →

New EEA report assesses the state of national adaptation actions in 2021

EU Member States recognise the importance of adapting to impacts of heatwaves, droughts, floods, heavy precipitation and changing temperatures and of mainstreaming climate change adaptation to a wide range of affected areas like agriculture, or water and disaster risk management. These are key findings of a European Environment Agency (EEA) report published this week which … Continue reading New EEA report assesses the state of national adaptation actions in 2021 →

Maritime industry’s energy transition must be “just” and “equitable”

The International Maritime Organisation uses the terms “just” and “equitable” in discussions around shipping’s energy transition. But there is currently no consensus over how to define these terms. Christiaan De Beukelaer, Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Study, Durham University and Senior Lecturer in Culture & Climate at The University of Melbourne discusses latest … Continue reading Maritime industry’s energy transition must be “just” and “equitable” →

France’s ban on short-haul flights with rail alternative endorsed by European Commission

Climate campaigners tentatively welcome the move but say that it is still ‘baby steps’ in battle to cut carbon dioxide emissions in France. Rebecca Rosman discusses the ban in an article on The Telegraph website. Which country is next? France ban on short-haul domestic flights with a rail alternative approved by Brussels France is … Continue reading France’s ban on short-haul flights with rail alternative endorsed by European Commission →

France’s energy transition needs more emphasis on renewable energy

France is losing €6-9 billion a year in gas imports because the country failed to meet its renewable energy goals agreed upon at the European level, according to a new think-tank study unveiled this week. Paul Messad discusses the report in an article on the Euractiv website. Renewable energy delay is costing France billions: … Continue reading France’s energy transition needs more emphasis on renewable energy →

Preparing for COP28: The Emirates are seeking international clout as the Gulf’s most proactive nation on climate action

The Gulf oil and gas exporter is going big on renewable energy investment and food security, while expanding hydrocarbon production. Chloé Farand reviews the plans of the UAE host of COP28 in an article on the Climate Change News website. UAE plans to have it both ways as Cop28 climate summit host If there … Continue reading Preparing for COP28: The Emirates are seeking international clout as the Gulf’s most proactive nation on climate action →

New EEA briefing on methane emissions in the EU

While emissions of methane across the European Union have decreased over past years, the overall reduction in emissions needs to accelerate to meet 2030 and 2050 EU climate objectives. Increased global efforts to reduce methane emissions would also be needed to mitigate global warming in the short term, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) … Continue reading New EEA briefing on methane emissions in the EU →

Hope is not lost: 2022 was an historic year for international climate policy

A lot of the reports out of COP27 in Egypt reflect failure of the international community to make any progress to raise the ambition needed to stay on the path to limit global warming to 1.5℃. Katherine Lake, Research Associate at the Centre for Resources, Energy and Environmental Law at the University of Melbourne takes … Continue reading Hope is not lost: 2022 was an historic year for international climate policy →

New EEA publication on Europe’s commitments for sustainability and energy system from the perspective multiple, interconnected crises

The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) assessments have shown that Europe and world face unprecedented environment and climate challenges that require ambitious policy responses, such as the European Green Deal. Published recently, EEA Signals 2022 looks at Europe’s commitments for sustainability and energy system from the perspective multiple, interconnected crises. Moving towards sustainability in times … Continue reading New EEA publication on Europe’s commitments for sustainability and energy system from the perspective multiple, interconnected crises →