International: Europe
Germany's wind power expansion picks up, but targets still missed, says lobby
Fri 18 Jul 2025
Germany's onshore wind power sector recorded its strongest half-year since 2017, but the expansion still falls short of the legally mandated targets, the BWE wind power lobby said on Tuesday.
How heatwaves and soaring temperatures are changing tourism across Europe
Tue 15 Jul 2025
With unbearable heat and a worsening climate crisis becoming the norm, could the yearly summer holiday be a thing of the past?
1500 deaths in the recent European heatwave were due to climate change
Mon 14 Jul 2025
We now have the ability to rapidly assess the death toll of climate change after extreme heat – a first-of-its-kind analysis has shown that it nearly tripled the death toll from the most recent European heatwave
EU countries seek more cuts to deforestation rules
9 Jul 2025
From December, the world-first deforestation law will require operators placing goods including soy, beef and palm oil, onto the EU market to provide proof their products did not cause deforestation.
Experts question business case for nature credits as European Union publishes plan
9 Jul 2025
To protect and restore nature, the world needs to spend $700bn a year, says the Global Biodiversity Framework. The European Commission on Monday published a plan for how nature credits can play their role in boosting biodiversity funds.
Climate target deal in time for COP30 will be ‘difficult’, Denmark warns
7 Jul 2025
Denmark warns EU climate deal for COP30 risks slipping amid tight deadline and deep divisions.
EU Commission proposes allowing carbon offsets to help meet 2040 climate goal
4 Jul 2025
Campaigners accuse the European Commission of adding “loopholes” and “distractions” to the 90% emissions reduction target.
Record-breaking sea temperatures in the Mediterranean spark fresh warnings from scientists
4 Jul 2025
Intense marine heat can have devastating consequences for ecosystems with its ripple effects also extending onto land.
Brussels to stand its ground on 90% emissions cut by 2040
2 Jul 2025
The European Commission is set to propose a target to slash greenhouse gas emissions to a mere tenth of the levels seen back in 1990 – but a leaked summary confirms it will offer significant leeway as a sweetener for reluctant EU members.
Next EU climate target to allow carbon offsets from 2036, draft shows
1 Jul 2025
The European Commission will permit countries to outsource a portion of their climate efforts to poorer countries from 2036, according to a draft proposal.
Fires break out in France as southern Europe heatwave intensifies
1 Jul 2025
In France, wildfires broke out in the Corbières area in the southwest, where temperatures topped 40°C, forcing the evacuation of a campsite and abbey as a precaution.
Europe on alert as first major heatwave of 2025 pushes temperatures to 42C
30 Jun 2025
Authorities across Europe are on alert as the first heatwave of the summer pushes temperatures up to 42C (107.6F), as the fastest-warming continent continues to suffer the effects of the climate emergency.
Protesters flood Venice’s streets during Amazon founder Bezos’s wedding
30 Jun 2025
Protesters denounced the Amazon billionaire’s multimillion-dollar wedding in Venice as the city deals with environmental concerns.
EU countries abandon anti-greenwashing talks after Italy pulls out
25 Jun 2025
The proposed law preventing companies from making misleading environmental claims now looks unlikely to be enacted.
In London and Paris, we’ve experienced vicious backlash to climate action. But we’re not backing down
24 Jun 2025
COMMENT: Around the world, well-funded, organised climate deniers are spreading lies about the crisis. We call on governments and tech companies to step up.
Macron visits Greenland to show European support for the strategic Arctic island coveted by Trump
17 Jun 2025
French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Greenland is “not to be sold” nor “to be taken” in a key visit Sunday to the strategic Arctic territory coveted by U.S. President Donald Trump, saying he’s conveying a message of French and European solidarity.
Decarbonising Europe’s heavy industry, it’s not ‘Mission Impossible’
17 Jun 2025
Balancing climate ambitions with competitiveness is a challenge for every industrial sector. Heavy industry faces an even tougher time, but a new report says net-zero is possible.
Why the EU is about to cripple its next climate target
16 Jun 2025
The European Commission is about to release a controversial new climate milestone, setting the bloc’s economic course for the next 15 years. Most EU governments, however, would prefer Brussels drop the issue.
Ocean current ‘collapse’ could trigger ‘profound cooling’ in northern Europe – even with global warming
13 Jun 2025
A “collapse” of key Atlantic ocean currents would cause winter temperatures to plunge across northern Europe, overriding the warming driven by human activity.
Greenpeace Denmark complaint accuses dairy giant of 'systemic greenwashing'
9 Jun 2025
"Greenwashing and false marketing will not be tolerated, no matter how big you are and where you are based," said one Greenpeace Denmark campaigner.
EU asks 44 oil and gas producers to provide new CO2 storage solutions
5 Jun 2025
The European Commission said on Thursday it had asked 44 oil and gas companies to contribute to the EU's collective target of storing at least 50 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030, as part of the bloc's aim to achieve climate neutrality.
EU science advisers slam Brussels’ weakened 2040 climate plans
4 Jun 2025
Using international carbon credits in place of domestic action undermines climate efforts, scientific advisory board says.
EU climate chief lobbied Germany to back weakened 2040 goal
3 Jun 2025
The European Commission’s climate chief successfully lobbied Germany’s coalition government to endorse a controversial measure that weakens the EU’s next climate target.
Brussels to propose ‘pragmatic’ 90% climate target for 2040
30 May 2025
The European Commission will tell countries to cut 90 percent of their planet-warming emissions by 2040, but offer “flexibilities” to make the goal politically palatable, according to EU climate chief Teresa Ribera.
Glacier collapse buries most of Swiss village
30 May 2025
The Swiss village of Blatten has been partially destroyed after a huge chunk of glacier crashed down into the valley.
Europe’s next climate target may already have been agreed in Berlin
28 May 2025
Germany’s new coalition has adopted a climate stance shaped by talks with the EU’s top climate official, signalling where the bloc may land on a likely upcoming 2040 emissions target.
EU countries agree to exempt most firms from carbon border tariff
28 May 2025
European Union countries backed plans on Tuesday to scale back the bloc's carbon border levy to cover just 10% of the companies currently covered by the scheme, on the grounds that these firms account for nearly all of the emissions involved.
Dutch environmental group launches new climate case against Shell to stop all investment in new oil and gas fields
21 May 2025
The NGO previously sued Shell to reduce its carbon emissions. The oil major has 700 extraction assets that have yet to be developed with potential CO2 emissions of 36 times those of the Netherlands’ annually.
More than 70% of adaptation plans for European cities are ‘inconsistent’
20 May 2025
More than 70% of European cities are not adapting to climate change in a consistent and coherent way.
Greenland dangles rare earths partnership with EU as Trump looms
20 May 2025
Greenland’s foreign minister has suggested the European Union could develop its coveted mineral resources amid threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to seize the island.
Help sustainable aviation fuels take off or delay targets, airlines warn EU
20 May 2025
Earmarked funding, risk-reduction tools, and simplified imports top Airlines for Europe’s wish list for the EU’s upcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan.
Germany on track for 2030 climate goal but future targets at risk, advisers say
19 May 2025
Germany is on track to meet its 2021-2030 climate goal but risks missing post-2030 targets, independent government advisers warned on Thursday, urging a clear long-term climate strategy for Europe's largest economy.
European firms ramping up lobbying for climate action, report finds
19 May 2025
Research shows companies ‘aligned’ with strategies to meet climate goals have risen from 3% in 2019 to 23% in 2025.
What Pope Leo means for global climate action and colonialism
16 May 2025
Pope Francis made a strong moral case for addressing climate change and respecting Indigenous rights. Will Leo do the same?
Germany’s €100 billion green gamble: Inside the nation’s bold climate investment
13 May 2025
In the race for a net-zero future —Germany’s latest €100 billion climate investment package is so large it has been dubbed a "green bombshell."
The new pope, Leo XIV, has spoken out about urgent need for climate change action
12 May 2025
As a cardinal, Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was aligned with Pope Francis’s views on the environment.
EU farm plan: More cash for disaster relief and looser green rules
12 May 2025
Proposals to slash red tape risk clashing with earlier recommendations to make farming more resilient.
EU plans to end Russian gas imports by end of 2027
8 May 2025
The European Commission has published a "roadmap" outlining its plans to end Europe's reliance on Russian energy in the coming years.
Landmark ruling should encourage more cities to ban fossil fuel ads, campaigners urge
6 May 2025
A ban on fossil fuel adverts in The Hague has been upheld by a Dutch court, in an “historic ruling” that campaigners hope will embolden other cities to take action.
What caused the blackout in Spain and Portugal and did renewable energy play a part?
2 May 2025
The countries boast high levels of wind and solar on their grids, leading to speculation about the robustness of the technology.
Massive power outage in Spain and Portugal leaves thousands stranded and millions without light
30 Apr 2025
An unprecedented blackout brought much of Spain and Portugal to a standstill Monday.
Europe's flagship carbon capture project a €200 per ton mirage?
23 Apr 2025
Northern Lights, Europe’s flagship cross-border carbon capture and storage project, is now ready to receive carbon dioxide for sequestration, with the first ships in the water and expected to start delivering waste gas from customers this year. It’s being celebrated as a triumph of climate leadership and engineering.
Europe’s electric car revolution needs chargers
22 Apr 2025
Five years before the EU’s deadline for installing 3.5 million charging stations, an EV journey from Lisbon to Białystok would still require elaborate planning.
State aid set to energise France’s shift away from coal-fired power
16 Apr 2025
Coal-fired power plants converted to cleaner fuels to qualify for state assistance in meeting peak demand.
Deadly floods, storms and heatwaves: Europe suffered the 'serious impacts’ of climate change in 2024
16 Apr 2025
Storms and flooding across Europe last year affected a total of 413,000 people, led to the loss of at least 335 lives and are estimated to have cost at least €18 billion in damages.
What does the new German coalition government mean for climate and energy?
15 Apr 2025
Since the German election took place in February, which saw the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) win the most seats, parties have been negotiating to form a new coalition government.
EU Emissions Trading System at risk of money laundering
15 Apr 2025
The European emissions trading system, designed to make polluters pay for their CO2 emissions, appears vulnerable to financial crime, particularly money laundering. This concern was highlighted in two studies commissioned by Germany’s environment agency, prompting the agency to investigate better detection methods.
German coalition eyes 'limited' foreign carbon credits
10 Apr 2025
The parties likely to form Germany's next government today presented their coalition treaty, which pledges to allow the use of foreign carbon credits to reach the country's 2040 climate target.
Europe just had warmest March on record
9 Apr 2025
Europe experienced its warmest March since records began, as climate change continues to push temperatures to unprecedented levels, European Union scientists said on Tuesday.
Finland's last active coal-fired power and heat plant shuts down
7 Apr 2025
Finland's last coal-fired power and heat plant in active production will shut down permanently on Tuesday, enabling Helsinki energy group Helen to cut its emissions and put an end to rising energy costs for its customers, its chief executive said.
Rio Tinto urges Albanese govt to reimpose carbon tax, boost green energy subsidies
Thu 17 Jul 2025
The mining giant has used it’s submission to the Productivity Commission ahead of the Albanese government’s economic roundtable to lobby for the re-imposition of a carbon pricing scheme and bolstered green energy subsidies.
Why flash floods like those in Texas and New York are becoming more common
Fri 18 Jul 2025
Storms sweeping through the U.S. this summer have dumped intense rain on cities across the country, left towns flood-ravaged and forced water rescues.
EU wants to see China take more ambitious climate action
Tue 15 Jul 2025
The world needs China to show more leadership on climate action, highlighting the importance of cutting planet-heating emissions and reducing the Chinese economy's reliance on coal.
Climate groups want UK wealth tax to make super-rich fund sustainable economy
Thu 17 Jul 2025
Growing number of campaigners urge government to ensure green investment is not done ‘on backs of the poor’.
Is Mark Carney turning his back on climate action?
23 Jun 2025
The G7 summit in Alberta, hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has ended with only passing mention of fighting climate change, including a statement on wildfires that is silent on the pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Amid stifling summers Japan warns of future restrictions on children’s sport
Fri 18 Jul 2025
As soon as 2060, global heating may send temperatures high enough to stop children in most parts of country from taking part in outdoor summer sports, study shows.
Nearly a third of Tuvaluans have applied for climate migration visa
27 Jun 2025
With their country threatened by sea level rise, the people of Tuvalu have been offered an escape route through an agreement with Australia, and many are contemplating leaving their home.
The struggle for control of the Arctic is accelerating - and it's riskier than ever
11 Jul 2025
As the battle for one of the world’s coldest places heats up, an increasingly fragile security balance may be breaking down, leading to an escalating arms race.
How Ireland’s ‘mediocre’ milk powder made it big in West Africa
Wed 16 Jul 2025
Polluting dairy industry accused of using “highly unethical” marketing to pass off ultra-processed “poor quality by-products” as milk.
Illegal loggers profit from Brazil’s carbon credit projects
Thu 17 Jul 2025
How a system designed to protect the world’s biggest rainforest is funding businesses with a track record of illegal deforestation.
UN Human Rights Council fails to call out fossil fuels after decision cuts mention
11 Jul 2025
A proposal by the Marshall Islands and Colombia calling for a transition away from fossil fuels at the UN Human Rights Council failed to make it into the council’s declaration on climate change and human rights issued on Tuesday.
