International: All stories
Firestorms here to stay, scientists tell Aussies
17 Feb 2009
Scientists say that Australia can expect more of the scorching conditions that fanned the firestorms that killed at least 181 people this month.
Britain wants green makeover of all homes
17 Feb 2009
All UK households will have a green makeover by 2030 under government plans to reduce carbon emissions and cut energy bills.
Kiribati seeks new homeland as sea levels rise
17 Feb 2009
The Pacific island nation of Kiribati is following in the steps of the Maldives by preparing for relocation for its people as rising sea levels threaten to submerge the nation.
Clinton tries to build climate change pact with China
17 Feb 2009
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hopes to recruit China as a partner in American efforts to reduce global warming on her first official tour through Asia this week.
ETS review beginning of the end, says Turnbull
13 Feb 2009
The Rudd Government’s decision to order a review of its emissions trading scheme is the first step to abandoning the plan, Australian Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull says.
ASX to launch trading in thermal coal futures
13 Feb 2009
Australia's ASX , Asia-Pacific's second-largest listed stock exchange, plans to launch thermal coal futures contracts from April.
Airlines: Who must pay carbon price to fly into Europe
13 Feb 2009
All airlines using European airports will be regulated under the European Emissions Trading System from January 2012.
UN chief lines up Obama for debut appearance
13 Feb 2009
US President Barack Obama is expected to make his first appearance at the United Nations next month.
European cities (and Christchurch) sign climate pact
13 Feb 2009
Mayors from more than 350 cities across Europe signed an EU climate change agreement this week pledging to cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20 per cent by 2020.
Ford first to offer battery-powered commercial van
13 Feb 2009
Ford has become the first of the big three car makers to announce plans to market a pure battery electric-powered light commercial vehicle in North America.
Coast Guard prepares as Arctic shipping lanes melt
13 Feb 2009
Global warming could be a boon for international shipping if vessels eventually use the Arctic Ocean to cut transit routes in half between Europe and Asia.
‘Enron risk’ high for carbon market, says report
10 Feb 2009
The rapidly growing industry to manage greenhouse gas emissions is suffering from a profound skills shortage, according to a global survey of those involved in the sector.
Australian executives ahead of pack on climate change
10 Feb 2009
MORE than 50 per cent of Australia's business chiefs believe they have not received adequate information about the impact of climate change on business.
They all love lithium, but have we got enough?
10 Feb 2009
Lithium is a hot topic as the world searches for the perfect battery with which to power a new generation of electric vehicles.
US and China told to cooperate on climate change
10 Feb 2009
Cooperation between China and the United States is crucial to successfully addressing the climate change problem, says a report that was co-authored by Energy Secretary Steven Chu just before to his nomination.
Energy boss warns of end to California farming
10 Feb 2009
United States Energy Secretary Steven Chu has warned that, if climate change continues unabated, California’s agriculture could vanish by the end of the century.
Millions in Asia face growing water stress, UN warns
10 Feb 2009
Hundreds of millions of South Asians face growing water stress due to over exploitation, climate change and inadequate cooperation among countries, which are threatening river basins that sustain about half of the region’s 1.5 billion people, the United Nations warns in a new report.
Australian trader records biggest carbon sale
10 Feb 2009
Australia has recorded its largest carbon trade to date as trading in the over-the-counter carbon market gains momentum ahead of the introduction of a carbon pollution reduction scheme scheduled for mid-2010.
BP accused of watering down EU green agenda
3 Feb 2009
Oil industry lobbying at the heart of the European Union has undermined efforts to tackle climate change, environmental groups are claiming.
Carbon trading may be new sub-prime, says energy boss
3 Feb 2009
The row over the working of the European Union’s emissions trading scheme has intensified with EDF Energy warning that speculators risked turning carbon into a new category of sub-prime investment.
Banks key players in low-carbon future, says Stern
3 Feb 2009
Britain’s banking industry might be crippled and reviled, but it is likely to become one of the nation’s key assets in dealing with climate change, according to influential economist Lord Stern.
There’s still some hope for the American car
3 Feb 2009
It’s not news that Detroit is in the ditch, battered by both a frightful economy and self-inflicted woes.
World can afford green economy, says new report
3 Feb 2009
Moving to a green global economy could not only protect the planet from the worst effects of climate change but is surprisingly affordable, new figures show.
US spacecraft aims to unlock secrets of carbon
3 Feb 2009
NASA's first spacecraft dedicated to studying atmospheric carbon dioxide is in final preparations for a February 23 launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Overheated Aussies get a taste of climate change
3 Feb 2009
A heatwave scorching southern Australia could be a glimpse of the future as the world’s climate changes, the government says.
Big UK polluters abusing EU carbon trading scheme
30 Jan 2009
Britain’s biggest polluting companies are abusing a European emissions trading scheme designed to tackle global warming by cashing in their carbon credits in order to bolster ailing balance sheets.
EU puts plan for global carbon trading system
30 Jan 2009
The European Union is calling on developed countries - particularly the US - to sign on to a global system for trading carbon credits to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Gore urges action on US green agenda
30 Jan 2009
Former US vice-president Al Gore yesterday, laid out a road map for President Barack Obama to push through his ambitious green agenda and re-assert American leadership on global climate change negotiations.
Climate change largely irreversible, new study shows
30 Jan 2009
A new scientific study reaches a powerful conclusion about the climate change caused by future increases of carbon dioxide: to a large extent, there’s no going back.
Asian cities team up to prepare for climate change
30 Jan 2009
Asian cities will form a network to prevent disasters and prepare for the impacts of climate change with initial backing of around $50 million from the US-based Rockefeller Foundation.
Europe woos US for transatlantic carbon market
27 Jan 2009
The European Commission is preparing to call on the United States to create a transatlantic system of carbon trading to limit greenhouse gas emissions and to press for the establishment of similar markets spanning the developed world.
Leading investors call for US 'green recovery'
27 Jan 2009
A group of 44 US and international investors managing more than $1.7 trillion in assets has called on Congressional leaders to include significant funding for energy efficiency, clean energy and clean transportation in the economic stimulus bill being debated this week in Congress.
Clinton names key US climate change envoy
27 Jan 2009
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today appointed a special envoy for climate change, vowing that the Obama administration would restore America's credentials and leadership in shaping environmental policy.
Rudd minister rubbishes Opposition’s ETS scheme
27 Jan 2009
Australian Climate Change Minister Penny Wong has scoffed at Opposition claims that the Rudd Government has done nothing on developing clean energy sources, insisting it has already allocated $1 billion for development of renewable technologies and clean coal.
Japan satellite to measure carbon gases from space
27 Jan 2009
Japan has launched the first satellite to monitor greenhouse gases worldwide, a tool to help scientists better judge where global warming emissions are coming from, and how much is being absorbed by the oceans and forests.
US domestic airline offers offset as you go
27 Jan 2009
Passengers flying with Virgin America can offset the environmental impact of their journey while they are travelling.
Obama vows to pioneer renewable energy revolution
23 Jan 2009
President Barack Obama has promised the American people the country will pioneer a green revolution in renewable energy.
‘Optimistic’ UN chief greets new US president
23 Jan 2009
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has, “with great optimism,” congratulated Barack Obama on his inauguration as President of the United States, stressing that America and the UN share a number of common goals.
UN hails green stimulus plans by Japan and Korea
23 Jan 2009
The decisions of Japan and the Republic of Korea to invest billions of dollars in environmentally smart projects to create jobs and spur economic growth has been applauded by the United Nations.
Europe votes to ban toxic chemicals in pesticides
23 Jan 2009
The European Parliament has voted to ban the use of several toxic chemicals in pesticides and has put in place new rules to protect the public and the environment from other pesticides.
UK names date for second emissions trading auction
23 Jan 2009
The British Government intends to hold its second auction in Phase II of the European Union's Emissions Trading System on March 24.
New firm eyes Africa’s carbon trading potential
23 Jan 2009
A new advisory firm will focus on increasing carbon emissions trading in sub-Saharan Africa.
Scientists find out how fish poo fights climate change
23 Jan 2009
Scientists have discovered that fish play a major role in the marine carbon cycle, making them unexpected allies against climate change.
Some Australian units hit the carbon market
20 Jan 2009
Australia put its toe in the water yesterday with a small trade in Australian Emissions Units (AEUs).
Obama has four years to save Earth, says climate expert
20 Jan 2009
Barack Obama has only four years to save the world. That is the stark assessment of NASA scientist and leading climate expert Jim Hansen who has warned only urgent action by the new US president can halt the devastating climate change that threatens Earth.
Major US companies put plan to cut carbon emissions
20 Jan 2009
A group of major American companies has unveiled a plan to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent to below 2005 levels by 2050.
US power company plans $2b coal-fired plant
20 Jan 2009
A United States company has formally filed an application with state regulators to build a $2 billion coal-fired power plant in Mississippi.
PwC buys international environment advisory firm
20 Jan 2009
PricewaterhouseCoopers has announced the acquisition of the US operations of Sustainable Finance Limited, an international advisory firm with operations based in America, Britain and Holland.
It could be a good move to hang on to that old Corolla
20 Jan 2009
It can be more eco-friendly to drive an older, well-maintained car that gets about 25 miles a gallon than to buy a new car that gets about 35 miles a gallon.
World carbon market could be worth $150 billion this year
16 Jan 2009
Despite the slumping economy, the value of the worldwide carbon market soared 84 per cent in 2008 to reach $118 billion, and could reach $150 billion this year.
Australia opens first carbon refinery, making new products from captured CO2
Wed 24 Jun 2026
Australia’s first carbon refinery opened in New South Wales, capturing carbon dioxide from explosives giant Orica's ammonia-making operations on Kooragang Island and turning it into products such as concrete, paper and glass.
US defence spending on critical minerals surges in the last decade
Mon 22 Jun 2026
Members of communities affected by some of these projects said that U.S. state backing has meant projects are being fast-tracked without the necessary social and environmental checks or meaningful consultation.
China to raise power prices for energy-intensive sectors in green transition push
Fri 19 Jun 2026
Beijing’s latest road map aims to cut carbon emissions by 200 million tonnes by 2028 – but analysts say implementation may vary across regions.
Half of France under red heat alert as alcohol banned at street music festival
Tue 23 Jun 2026
France has issued red heatwave alerts for around half the country including Paris for Monday as a heatwave pushes temperatures towards record levels.
UK heatwave: 40C in June must be wake-up call on climate crisis, scientists warn
Wed 24 Jun 2026
Scientists are warning that politicians are failing to appreciate the magnitude of the climate crisis after the Met Office forecast that temperatures in the UK could hit 40C for just the second time since records began.
Canada signs landmark LNG energy deal with Germany
29 May 2026
Canada has announced a landmark energy agreement with Germany that will see the first-ever long-term shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Canada to Europe in the coming years.
Asia warming nearly twice as fast as before
Fri 19 Jun 2026
A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlights record ocean heat, accelerating glacier loss and a series of extreme weather events causing significant human and economic losses across Asia.
‘Those blocking climate science are not our friends': Pacific leaders warn at Bonn talks
Tue 23 Jun 2026
Pacific nations and civil society groups have united at UN climate talks, pushing back against efforts to weaken agreed language on global temperature limits as negotiations continue behind closed doors.
Antarctica’s west coast missing an area of sea ice the size of France as temperatures peak 20C above average
16 Jun 2026
A vast area of the Bellingshausen Sea should be covered by sea ice by now, with one expert calling the loss of ice ‘depressing’.
Mombasa ocean summit drives progress on marine protection, but threats persist
Tue 23 Jun 2026
At the 11th Our Ocean conference in Kenya, its founder John Kerry says the ocean must become central to climate solutions and needs to be looked after.
Colombia’s climate crossroads: Trumpism casts shadow over presidential battle
26 May 2026
Colombia is a global leader in climate activism. Could US influence drag country to a future of mining and fracking?
Bonn climate talks end in “gridlock” on adaptation and emissions-cutting
Mon 22 Jun 2026
After two weeks of climate negotiations riven by arguments over finance and science, the UN climate chief expressed disappointment and denounced governments for “cherry-picking” commitments they have already made and waiting for others to move first.
