International: All stories
Global experts talk low-carbon economy
5 Oct 2015
International experts and institutions managing more than $1 trillion in funds gather in Melbourne this week talk about accelerating the shift to a low-carbon economy.
What in the world's going on ...
5 Oct 2015
* The highs and (mostly) lows of Shell’s failed Arctic adventure * Climate pledges by 140 countries will not be enough * India unveils climate change plan * Netherlands enters appeal against climate ruling * Offer investors in booming renewables security, says IEA * Volkswagen to refit cars affected by emissions scandal * Europe’s largest solar park connected to the grid * Blame an FAA blunder for the lack of electric planes
Remote Queensland solar plant makes a mark
5 Oct 2015
Australia’s first commercial diesel-displacement solar plant has begun operating at a remote mine in northern Queensland.
China unveils trading plan and joins hands with US
28 Sep 2015
China, the world’s largest carbon polluter, has reiterated its carbon trading commitment and has pledged $3.1 billion in climate financing to assist developing countries.
UN adopts bold new sustainability goals
28 Sep 2015
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a set of bold new global goals, which Ban Ki-moon hailed as a universal, integrated and transformative vision for a better world.
Forests move centre stage in India’s climate plan
28 Sep 2015
India, the world’s third-largest polluter, is planning to balance development with environment protection as it tackles climate change.
What in the world's going on ...
28 Sep 2015
* Q&A: Obama opens up on climate change * Pope to Congress: Act on issues of life and death, including climate * Shell accused of strategy risking catastrophic climate change * BP tops the list of firms obstructing climate action in Europe * Fading coal industry in China may offer chance to aid climate * Renewable energy outstrips coal for first time in UK electricity mix * Brewery turns utility into Texas-size solar art
Turnbull should go back to his old climate self
21 Sep 2015
No more “stop the boats” or “axe the tax”. In announcing his challenge to Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull promised to take Australian politics away from the mantrafication of policy by three-word chant.
Let’s take the market out of conservation
21 Sep 2015
For years, scientists and environmentalists have debated the best ways to conserve and protect natural resources from pollution and over-exploitation.
What in the world's going on ...
21 Sep 2015
* Australian homes among first to get Tesla's Powerwall solar-energy battery * Ministers unite on mandate for Paris climate talks * Canada having a green energy boom — with or without PM Harper * Pakistan ordered to enforce climate law by Lahore court * Migrant crisis: 'If we don't stop climate change, what we see now is just the beginning' * Cameron gives top environment policy job to oil man ahead of major climate talks * Volkswagen just re-released everyone’s favourite hippie-van …...
Australian climate turns up heat on tennis stars
21 Sep 2015
Study of Melbourne weather records shows that temperatures have been steadily rising – especially during the Australian Open tennis championship.
Climate change efforts are hurting Africa’s rural poor
21 Sep 2015
In recent years there has been significant movement toward land acquisition in developing countries to establish forestry plantations for offsetting carbon pollution elsewhere in the. This is often referred to as land grabbing.
Canberra climate boss quits over 'hostile' minister
14 Sep 2015
The chairman of Australia's Climate Change Authority, Bernie Fraser, has quit – apparently after a long period of bad relations with Environment Minister Greg Hunt.
... so, where does the authority go from here
14 Sep 2015
Bernie Fraser’s resignation as chairman of Australia’s Climate Change Authority has left many wondering what is left of it and what its future might be.
Copenhagen chair fears Paris talks outcome
14 Sep 2015
At the world’s last blockbuster climate summit, in Copenhagen in 2009, the person in the president’s chair was former EU climate commissioner and Danish environment minister Connie Hedegaard.
We need cities to make the most of urban ecosystems
14 Sep 2015
Back in 1839, public health expert J. F. Murray published his article The Lungs of London, in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine. Even then, city dwellers appreciated the advantages of open, green spaces.
What in the world's happening ...
14 Sep 2015
* Australian solar farms given $350m push * Civil aviation falling short of climate commitments * Southern Ocean showing revival in carbon absorption ability * Israel's 300 days of sun no help as offshore gas eclipses solar * Low-carbon cities are a $17 trillion opportunity * Russia orders all fuel stations to have charging stations * Small countries lead way on green land use pledges * Mostly female anti-poaching unit wins environmental prize
Australia’s new cap a trading scheme in all but name
7 Sep 2015
The Australian Government has released its final draft for a cap on greenhouse gas emissions. The “safeguard mechanism” will form part of the government’s central climate policy, and will fine large businesses for exceeding emissions baselines.
Clean water musn't send climate targets down the gurgler
7 Sep 2015
Much of the world still lacks clean, safe water. Progress on sanitation is falling far short of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals.
Top musicians release love song to Earth
7 Sep 2015
Internationally renowned artists have released a song urging world leaders to reach a global agreement during the Paris climate conference in December to limit the impacts of climate change.
What in the world's happening ...
7 Sep 2015
* Shell to axe thousands of jobs amid $7 billion in spending cuts * What do chief executives really think about climate change? * Climate action will reduce risk of heart disease, say experts * Energy storage business is growing fast * Bill Gates calls for more funds to help world's poorest farmers * Three face charges in alleged green energy Ponzi scheme
Hurricane Katrina: what have we learned?
31 Aug 2015
Two academic papers inspired a media firestorm, polarising popular opinion and scientists, on whether global warming was in some way responsible for Hurricane Katrina.
Scientists rate Australia even worse than NZ
31 Aug 2015
Australia has got an even worse review from an international coalition of climate scientists for its post-2020 emissions reduction target than New Zealand got.
What in the world's going on ...
31 Aug 2015
* What does China’s Black Monday mean for the climate? * Total brings down the curtain on coal operations * You can fight climate change and grow the economy, says Lord Stern * Government accused of failing to protect waterways from farm pollution * In just three years all Dutch trains will run on windpower * US Navy invests in world’s largest solar farm
Islamic climate experts urge 1.5° limit on warming
24 Aug 2015
A far-reaching call to avoid runaway climate change and to build a more just and sustainable global society has been launched by Islamic leaders.
Sydney sets energy sights on saving $600 million
24 Aug 2015
A new energy efficiency plan is set to save Sydney more than $600 million in power bills by 2030.
What in the world's going on ...
24 Aug 2015
* Feeling the heat: Earth in July was hottest month on record * Norwegian fund divests from four Asian companies over palm oil * How coal giant Adani charmed Australia's political elite * 1000 square miles of England to be opened up for fracking * Artificial leaf could one day power the world with clean energy * Groundwater pumping in California drought causes land to sink faster * How Carbon Tracker changed the climate debate * Philippines plans huge bet on coal
The quest to find sanitation solutions for Africa
24 Aug 2015
In a bid to get closer to the Millennium Development Goal of halving the 2.5 billion people without sanitation access, innovative solutions are being tested across the globe.
Australia's 'weak' emissions targets don't add up
17 Aug 2015
Australia has a huge gap between its projected and target 2030 emissions, an analyst is warning.
Frustrated Sydney gets climate act together
17 Aug 2015
Sydney is acting to protect itself against heat waves, floods, storms and energy shortages as a result of climate change.
Why promoting green ways in Africa might be bad
17 Aug 2015
Inadequate infrastructure is widely recognised to be holding back Africa’s development and lowering the quality of life of its citizens.
What in the world's going on ...
17 Aug 2015
* IPCC chair election: 5 candidates, 8 weeks to go * Fifteen states seek to block Obama power plan * UK to trial under-road wireless charging for EVs * How Japan pushes coal on the world * Reporting your company's carbon footprint can save millions * The lowly lightbulb outshines solar and wind * Scottish motorists get millions to buy e-cars
Obama plan opens door to real action in Paris
10 Aug 2015
President Obama’s determination to reduce US carbon emissions by 32% below 2005 levels by 2030 sends a message to the rest of the world’s leaders that the UN climate talks in Paris could succeed in saving the planet from overheating.
A carbon tax for South Africa: why a pragmatic approach makes sense
10 Aug 2015
The furore over the carbon tax in South Africa that is playing itself out both in public and behind closed doors is leading to an impasse.
What in the world's going on ...
10 Aug 2015
* Mafia and multinationals milk Italy's green energy boom * Labour hopeful demands solar panels on every rooftop * Shell to leave US anti-carbon lobbying group * Eleven events that will shape the Paris climate deal * Abbott warns against sabotaging Carmichael coalmine * Wind-powered kites could signal step-change for renewable energy * Wind-powered kites could signal step-change for renewable energy * Tiny grains of rice hold big promise for gas reductions * Tech tells you how much...
Australia's worst emitters look like dodging the bullet
3 Aug 2015
None of Australia’s 20 largest emitting facilities is expected to be accountable for emissions, despite almost all being forecast to grow emissions over the next 10 years.
Clinton stakes out safe political ground with energy and climate plan
3 Aug 2015
US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has begun to unveil components of her policy agenda on energy and climate change.
Half of climate safety level has gone, say scientists
3 Aug 2015
Global temperatures have risen by 1°C in the past 150 years, and scientists say doubling that level could unleash catastrophic sea level rise this century.
Sustainable oil from algae: the technology is ready, but what about the politics?
3 Aug 2015
Ultimately, all of the oil we use to power our modern lives comes from living creatures such as algae – albeit ones that lived 3.5 billion years ago, before gradually morphing into fossil fuel.
Message in a bottle: wine industry gives farmers a taste of what's to come
3 Aug 2015
Wine seems to be a handy way to galvanise concerns about the future ill-effects of climate change.
WORLD WEEK: Coal hard facts
3 Aug 2015
* World Bank rejects notion that coal can cure poverty * Green groups express concern over Tory policies in letter to PM * France targets carbon tax in energy transition law * Drought might stunt forests’ ability to capture carbon * Polaris introduces electric motorcycle, beating Harley to market * Figures confirm wind delivers lion's share of UK clean energy * Iran’s thirst for energy draws in wind developers * Leak shows US spying on Japan over climate change
One year on from the carbon price experiment, the rebound in emissions is clear
27 Jul 2015
Just over a year ago, Australia concluded a unique public policy experiment. For the preceding two years and two weeks, it had put a price on a range of greenhouse gas emitting activities, most significantly power generation.
Why economic changes are needed to tackle climate crisis
27 Jul 2015
The president of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, says the world needs a whole new economic framework to tackle the consequences of the warming caused by emissions of greenhouse gases.
WORLD WEEK
27 Jul 2015
* Australia's dirtiest power station considers clean energy biomass burning option * Fresh negotiating text promises strong foundation for Paris Climate Summit * Startup bets e-scooters can give urban power grids a makeover * UK suspends ban on pesticides linked to serious harm in bees * Small island states set example for large polluters ahead of Paris talks * Kenya vows to cut emissions 30 per cent by 2030 * Who’s who in the world of climate change diplomacy
Australia hit its Kyoto target, but it was more a three-inch putt than a hole in one
20 Jul 2015
In the saga of mendacity that is the climate policy debate, no claim has been more audacious than the one now being told by the federal government about Australia’s “success” in meeting its Kyoto emissions target.
Eco-friendly golf means not worrying if the grass is greener on the other course
20 Jul 2015
The Open Championship has returned to St Andrews, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious golf courses and one that has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability.
Climate threat as grave a risk as nuclear war, say scientists
20 Jul 2015
The risks of climate change are comparable to those posed by nuclear conflict, says a new report.
Record torrential rainfall linked to warming climate
20 Jul 2015
If you think you’re getting an unusually hard soaking more often when you go out in the rain, you’re probably right.
Bioenergy: making money and clean energy
20 Jul 2015
The Australian government’s draft direction to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to invest in “emerging” clean energy over mature sources such as wind and rooftop solar has added yet more uncertainty to the renewable sector in the country.
WORLD WEEK: For Tony Abbott, it's full steam ahead on coal, 'the foundation of prosperity'
20 Jul 2015
* Japan to deliver 26% emissions reduction plan * The trillion-dollar question: How do we create sustainable development? * Chinese zero-emissions electric bus prepares for service in London * Muslim scholars name climate change as dire threat * Beware permitting fracking, says farmer who allowed coal methane borehole
No room for the timid: setting Australia’s 2035 emissions target is a daring tightrope act
Tue 26 Aug 2025
Any week now, Australia will set its 2035 emissions target. It must signal the nation’s strong ambition on climate action, to drive policy and investment. And it must avoid being seen as either unrealistic or too costly.
California is backsliding on climate progress. It’s (mostly) Gavin Newsom’s fault
Tue 26 Aug 2025
The California Supreme Court just gave state officials a golden opportunity to revitalize the rooftop solar industry, helping millions of homes and businesses lower their electric bills and fight the climate crisis.
Is historically arid Beijing ready for a wetter future?
Mon 25 Aug 2025
Beijing's mountainous northern Huairou district and neighbouring Miyun district received a year's worth of rain in a single week, triggering flash floods that devastated entire villages and killed 44 people in the deadliest flood since 2012.
EU wildfires hit new record as flames scorch area larger than Cyprus
Mon 25 Aug 2025
The area burned this year has exceeded the 1 million hectare mark for the first time since records started in 2006.
What happens to net zero if the trees don’t survive?
20 Aug 2025
When climate change undermines the climate plan.
Challenges persist in bid to mine the deep sea, even after boost from Trump
29 Jul 2025
After years of delay, the deep-sea mining plans of Canadian firm The Metals Company (TMC) now appear to be progressing as it pursues a controversial new path to securing a license to mine in international waters under U.S. jurisdiction.
India needs $467 billion climate finance by 2030 to decarbonise 4 key sectors
Mon 25 Aug 2025
India will need to mobilise USD $467 billion in climate finance by 2030 to put four of its most carbon-intensive sectors – power, steel, cement and transport – on a low-carbon pathway.
Rise in dengue fever outbreaks across the Pacific driven by the climate crisis, experts say
13 Aug 2025
Samoa, Fiji and Tonga among the worst affected amid warning the disease and others will become ‘more common and more serious’ as the planet warms.
Iconic Antarctic species at risk amid 'regime shift', with 'rapid and self-perpetuating changes'
Fri 22 Aug 2025
Scientists say there is emerging evidence of abrupt and potentially unstoppable changes in the Antarctic environment.
Africa’s top climate change challenges: a fairer deal on phasing out fossil fuels and mobilising funds
Fri 22 Aug 2025
African countries have made binding commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. To do this, they will need to shift to renewable energy and stop mining and using fossil fuels like oil and coal.
Bolivia will choose a new president but environmental activists see little hope of progress
Fri 22 Aug 2025
Many Indigenous and environmental leaders doubt the election will bring progress in stopping deforestation, wildfires or pollution in the Amazon.
Brazil issues last-ditch plea for countries to submit climate plans ahead of COP30
20 Aug 2025
Only 28 countries have submitted carbon-cutting proposals to the UN, with some of the biggest emitters yet to produce plans.
