Shipping industry under pressure to reduce GHG emissions given that 99% of shipping globally is powered by fossil fuels

Chris Brown writes on the CBC News website about the pressure that the shipping industry is under, given that all sectors of the economy are having to find an appropriate path to net-zero emissions. Importantly, one company, Copenhagen-based Maersk, until recently the world's No. 1 container shipper over the past 25 years, has set one … Continue reading Shipping industry under pressure to reduce GHG emissions given that 99% of shipping globally is powered by fossil fuels →

“Debt-for-climate swaps” to help low- and middle-income countries lower their vulnerability

With carefully designed debt-for-climate swaps and support from international institutions, developing countries could expand their finance for desperately needed climate mitigation and adaptation actions and remove some of their heavy debt burden. Soyoung Oh, Junior Research Fellow, The Fletcher School at Tufts University discusses her views in an article on The Conversation website. How … Continue reading “Debt-for-climate swaps” to help low- and middle-income countries lower their vulnerability →

New report on overhauling investment governance for a just zero-carbon future

The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI) recently released a briefing titled “International Investment Governance and Achieving a Just Zero-Carbon Future,” available in both English and French. The briefing discusses how the current international investment regime is hostile to states’ ability to address the climate crisis and will deter, delay or water down states’ climate-related … Continue reading New report on overhauling investment governance for a just zero-carbon future →

EU planning major reform of its anti-pollution legislation

As part of a major reform of the EU’s anti-pollution legislation, the European Commission said it planned to tighten air quality standards, including on one of the most dangerous pollutants, fine particulate matter. Jennifer Rankin discusses latest developments in an article on The Guardian website. EU plans tighter controls on pollution as doctors call … Continue reading EU planning major reform of its anti-pollution legislation →

The “perfect solution” to climate change and energy security?

The presidency of upcoming climate talks is embracing fossil gas as a “transition” fuel, despite its polluting impact. Joe Lo discusses latest developments in an article on the Climate Change News website. Cop27 host Egypt plans to push gas as ‘the perfect solution’ Cop27 host Egypt and 16 other gas-exporting governments have pledged to … Continue reading The “perfect solution” to climate change and energy security? →

New EEA report on progress in EU reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption

GHG emissions and energy consumption rose in 2021 due mostly to Europe’s post-pandemic recovery, according to the latest ‘Trends and Projections’ report published this week by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Most EU Member States successfully achieved the EU’s 2020 climate and energy targets and are now turning their sights toward climate neutrality while also … Continue reading New EEA report on progress in EU reducing GHG emissions and energy consumption →

Can COP 27 help close the emissions gap?

The window to reign in climate-wrecking emissions and limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is fast closing, says a new UN report. Societal transformation may be the only way to avoid a coming calamity. Stuart Braun discusses the recent report in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. Climate crisis: Widening emissions gap threatens … Continue reading Can COP 27 help close the emissions gap? →

New EEA briefing on urban prosumption

Europe’s urban centres offer opportunities for citizens to produce renewable energy as prosumers according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, published this week. Cities can play a key role in Europe’s shift to a low-carbon future. Facilitating urban prosumption can help accelerate this process. Cities can offer new opportunities for prosumers of renewable … Continue reading New EEA briefing on urban prosumption →

Who will claim Crimea’s GHG emissions?

Countries usually try to lower emissions, but both Kyiv and Moscow claim Crimea’s carbon impact as their own. Michael Birnbaum discusses this strange situation in an article on the Washington Post website. At war, Russia aims to claim Ukraine’s land — and its carbon emissions Countries usually try to lower their carbon emissions, not … Continue reading Who will claim Crimea’s GHG emissions? →

Germany concedes move to cap gas prices as EU wrestles with energy crisis

European Council President Charles Michel said EU leaders agreed to cooperate on energy after a long day of talks. However, a consensus was not reached on capping gas prices. A news item on the Deutsche Welle website presents latest developments. EU leaders agree to combat rising energy prices European Council President Charles Michel said early … Continue reading Germany concedes move to cap gas prices as EU wrestles with energy crisis →