International: All stories
Why you should give up red meat, not flying
1 Feb 2013
People who want to have an effect on climate change would be better to give up red meat and changing lightbulbs than to stop taking flights, says a new study.
Our oil sands are fine, insists Canada
1 Feb 2013
A Canadian bid to persuade European Union policymakers to soften proposed fuel quality laws has come unstuck.
Green cooking stoves make Helen's headlines
1 Feb 2013
The story of an indigenous family in central Brazil which now uses clean, economical and green cook stoves provided through a United project is among 12 winners of an annual storytelling competition.
Market reels as European carbon plummets
25 Jan 2013
International traders are dismayed at a spectacular price crash today that left the world’s biggest carbon market in disarray.
At last, it's climate-change time for Obama
25 Jan 2013
By PETER GRIFFIN in Washington. Emboldened by a decisive defeat of his rival in November’s US election, President Barack Obama has outlined a progressive agenda for his second and final term, including rekindling efforts to combat climate change.
Mega-projects threaten us all, says report
25 Jan 2013
Government hypocrisy on major energy projects is fueling climate change and placing populations at risk, Greenpeace said as it released a report revealing the alarming threat posed by a planned massive global increase in emissions from coal, oil and gas projects.
Airlines use ETS costs to pocket millions
25 Jan 2013
Airlines profited up to 1.36 billion euros last year by passing “imaginary” costs from the European Union Emissions Trading System on to consumers, says a new study.
Big industry claims policies unfair
25 Jan 2013
Heavy industries claim to be unfairly hit by rising energy prices caused by the EU's climate policies.
EU begins work on Australian link
25 Jan 2013
The European Commission has begun negotiations on linking the EU emissions trading system with Australia's domestic trading system.
UN eyes sustainable development goals
25 Jan 2013
The United Nations has established a working group that will focus on the design of a set of sustainable development goals to promote global prosperity, reduce poverty and advance social equity and environmental protection.
After 13 billion years, the Universe is getting cooler
25 Jan 2013
Astronomers using a radio telescope have taken the Universe's temperature, and have found that it has cooled down just the way the Big Bang theory predicts.
China could lead world in carbon trading
18 Jan 2013
Pilot schemes to be launched in China this year could be the start of a world-class system - if the country can solve its data-gathering problems.
So, what exactly is going on in Europe?
18 Jan 2013
Despite its green credentials, Europe has ramped up its consumption of coal.
Black carbon looms as much bigger problem
18 Jan 2013
Black carbon, the soot produced by burning fossil fuels and biomass, is a more potent atmospheric pollutant than previously thought, according to a four-year international study just released.
Britain backs off hard line on Arctic drilling
18 Jan 2013
The British government is seeking to water down planned European Union regulations on deep-sea oil drilling, even while insisting to MPs that it wants "robust environmental protection" for oil drilling in the Arctic.
Countries in trouble over green buildings
18 Jan 2013
More than 70 per cent of European Union states could face court action over defiance of building efficiency measures which are slated to account for up to a quarter of the EU’s planned energy savings by 2020.
Camels win reprieve from Aussie guns
18 Jan 2013
The Australian Government has rejected a plan to give carbon credits for slaughtering camels to curb emissions coming from their flatulence.
Poor countries the big climate winners
14 Dec 2012
Poor countries have won historic recognition of the plight they face from the ravages of climate change, wringing a pledge from rich nations that they will receive funds to repair the "loss and damage" incurred.
UN happy with progress made in Doha
14 Dec 2012
The outcome of the United Nations climate conference in Doha paves the way for a comprehensive, legally binding agreement by 2015, says Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Organisers hail success of green Olympics
14 Dec 2012
The London Olympics generated 28 per cent less carbon dioxide than was forecast as energy use at venues was cut, the organisers say.
Australia acts to protect biodiversity
14 Dec 2012
The Australian Government has released a prospectus that sets out the framework for its investment in biodiversity conservation.
Tassie bright sparks show the way
14 Dec 2012
Tasmania’s reputation as Australia’s clean energy state has been confirmed with a clever project from local small business that can help families and businesses to save energy and reduce power costs
Industry leads electricity transformation
14 Dec 2012
More than 35 industry partners will work together to explore the future of Australia’s electricity system.
This is a crisis, Ban tells Doha
7 Dec 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged countries at the United Nations talks in Doha to act decisively to tackle the growing crisis of climate change.
De Boer wants carbon price of 150 euros
7 Dec 2012
Urgent action is needed to boost carbon prices to €150 a tonne - 2250 per cent higher than current levels - if the EU is to meet its decarbonisation goals by 2050, says a former United Nations climate chief.
China eyes nationwide emission trading
7 Dec 2012
China hopes to extend its pilot carbon emission trading system to across the nation in its new five- year plan starting 2016, a member of the Chinese delegation to the Doha climate talks said yesterday.
Energy savings only way left, says economist
7 Dec 2012
Energy savings are one of the “few valuable options” left for humankind to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, says the chief economist of the International Energy Agency.
New phone app digs up the dirt on soil
7 Dec 2012
Australia’s national soil databases can now be accessed in real time online through a new iPad app called SoilMapp.
This year set to be one of warmest since 1850
30 Nov 2012
Temperatures this year are the ninth highest on record since 1850, says a United Nations report released this week.
Permafrost hosts massive danger, says UN
30 Nov 2012
Huge stores of carbon trapped under the northern hemisphere’s frozen expanses risk being unleashed and becoming a major factor in global warming, a new United Nations report warns.
UN wants private sector to stand up
30 Nov 2012
A new United Nations-led partnership aimed at showcasing innovative models for fighting climate change says it’s time the private sector became a significant investor.
Australian ETS links up with the world
30 Nov 2012
Legislation passed by Senate this week will enable Australia and Europe to begin linking their emissions trading systems.
New strategy aims to help primary producers
30 Nov 2012
A revised climate change strategy launched this week will help to build a sustainable, strong and viable future for Australia’s primary industries, a Government minister says.
The answer is a fish’s ear …
30 Nov 2012
Scientists believe that fish ear bones and their distinctive growth rings can offer clues to the likely impacts of climate change in aquatic environments.
Gas emissions levels up by 20%, says UN
23 Nov 2012
The world’s concentration of warming gases like carbon dioxide has increased by 20 per cent since 2000, a new United Nations report says.
California dips toe in carbon market
23 Nov 2012
California has kicked off its cap-and-trade programme to reduce carbon dioxide emissions amid speculation about whether it will nose-dive or become a national model.
Market leaders grab cheap credits
23 Nov 2012
Some of the companies that have complained loudest about the EU's environmental measures are using the zone’s Emissions Trading System to give money to rivals in other countries instead of cutting their own greenhouse gas emissions, it has emerged.
Australia happy trading scheme is working
23 Nov 2012
The Australian experience since the July launch of its emissions trading scheme had proved positive, a senior diplomat has told corporate leaders meeting in Brussels.
Europe decides when a bicycle isn’t a bicycle
23 Nov 2012
European lawmakers have decided what is a bicycle … and what isn’t.
New TVs cut hundreds from energy bill, say makers
23 Nov 2012
Two major television manufacturers claim their multi-star rated sets can save owners hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills.
US leads energy race, says report
16 Nov 2012
The global energy map is changing in dramatic fashion, the International Energy Agency said as it launched the 2012 edition of the World Energy Outlook.
EU climate chief demands action
16 Nov 2012
European Union member states must reach agreement before the end of the year on a stop-gap measure to tackle the virtual collapse of the bloc’s main instrument for cutting carbon emissions, a senior EU official says.
Greenies threaten to sue Netherlands
16 Nov 2012
The Netherlands Government is facing legal action unless it takes swift action on climate change.
Storage problems solved, say inventors
16 Nov 2012
Queensland technology company RedFlow has launched an innovative renewable energy battery storage system - the M90 - at the University of Queensland..
Good on ya, Julia, says UN chief
16 Nov 2012
Australia has been publicly thanked by the United Nations for signing on for the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.
We must ramp up carbon cuts, says report
9 Nov 2012
The world will have to cut the rate of carbon emissions by an unprecedented rate to 2050 to stop global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius this century, a new report says.
World trading system on way, says expert
9 Nov 2012
A global platform for carbon trading might be in place this decade, an official at one of the world's major environmental think tanks said.
World of waste ... and it's worsening
9 Nov 2012
Waste management issues are becoming increasingly crucial for the promotion of environmental sustainability, delegates at a United Nations conference have been told.
Billions use Internet ... but far too many can’t
9 Nov 2012
More than two billion people use the Internet, but greater efforts must be made to bridge the ongoing digital divide and ensure that everyone around the world can harness its benefits, says a top United Nations official.
US forces going green to fuel military machine
9 Nov 2012
The United States military is going green – for security reasons.
Climate and rock art advocates take on ‘carbon bomb’ gas project in Aus federal court
Wed 22 Jul 2026
The Albanese government’s decision to approve one of the world’s largest gas projects in Western Australia is being challenged in the federal court, setting up a significant test of how Australia’s environment law deals with the climate crisis.
Trump blames Canada for wildfire smoke affecting US
21 Jul 2026
A series of Republican “leaders” have started producing angry denunciations of Canada for polluting America’s air with their "thoughtless" fires.
China solar exports to South, Southeast Asia and Africa rise despite post-rebate slump
Wed 22 Jul 2026
China's solar exports to Southeast and South Asia as well as Africa rose year-over-year in June, customs data showed on Monday, though overall solar exports slipped for a second month after China removed an export tax rebate.
Climate change exacerbating drought across Europe, scientists say
Mon 27 Jul 2026
Climate change is exacerbating drought this year in Europe as extreme heat evaporates water supplies, scientists said in an analysis published on Thursday, after low water levels disrupted shipping, farming and industries in countries including Romania and Greece.
Development and climate 'will be at heart' of UK foreign policy
Mon 27 Jul 2026
Britain’s foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, is to indicate he will put the climate crisis and overseas development at the heart of UK international relations by taking up the country’s seat on the board at the World Bank.
Ontario seeks federal support for evacuations as wildfires devastate remote Canadian towns
20 Jul 2026
Ontario requested federal assistance to evacuate people from remote northern Canadian communities ravaged by wildfires on Thursday, as smoke brought poor air quality to Toronto and much of the Northeastern U.S.
Extreme heat costing India’s poorest workers 2% of GDP, survey finds
Thu 23 Jul 2026
India’s informal workers are estimated to be losing $78 billion in wages per year because of productivity declines and illness caused by intensifying heat.
French Polynesia objects to an American seabed mining plan made without its input
Fri 24 Jul 2026
The government of French Polynesia plans to challenge an American startup’s proposal to explore the waters just beyond its maritime borders for seabed mining.
‘I can’t work in the farce of climate change cruise tourism anymore’: why Antarctic guides quit their dream jobs
Wed 22 Jul 2026
“You’d see massive glacier calvings, and you’d just want to cry. But all the guests would be cheering. And you’d be like … ‘can you not put two and two together?’”
Lessons from South Africa on how parks and community gardens can help cities adapt to climate change
Mon 27 Jul 2026
Climate change is affecting cities more and more. This creates major challenges, but it also gives fast-growing cities, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, the chance to adapt to global warming in new and better ways.
Panama Canal braces for El Niño, announcing first transit restrictions
Fri 24 Jul 2026
The probability of a severe El Nino has risen from 25% to 81% and the Panama Canal is preparing to restrict transits.
COP31 president says electrification is ‘surest way to protect citizens’
14 Jul 2026
Last month, COP31 president-designate Murat Kurum launched a target for 35% of the world’s final energy to come from electricity by 2035. In an interview with Carbon Brief, Kurum says that the target was not a political choice, but instead reflects the latest evidence on “what is needed to keep 1.5C within reach”.
