EU
EU energy crisis plan: gas price renegotiation and windfall taxes
In her annual state of the union speech, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen set out major energy market interventions to manage high prices
UK puts climate denier in charge of energy policy
The UK’s new prime minister Liz Truss has appointed Jacob Rees-Mogg as energy secretary, who has a record of dismissing climate science
African leaders blast European no-shows at climate adaptation summit
Presidents of Senegal, DRC and Ghana travelled to Rotterdam to talk about adapting to climate change. Only one European leader was there to meet them
British company forces Italy to pay €190m for offshore oil ban
Rockhopper used the Energy Charter Treaty to sue the Italian government for foregone profits and plans to invest the compensation in further drilling
Germany hypes green hydrogen alliance while shopping for Canadian fossil gas
Olaf Scholz is boosting gas infrastructure projects on the basis they will be “hydrogen-ready”, which experts say is unrealistic and risks locking in high emissions
EU energy ministers agree to cut gas use in the face of Russian supply disruptions
Despite a backlash against moves to impose rationing, every member state except Hungary united behind the plan to boost energy security this winter
EU lawmakers back stronger energy efficiency target in response to Russian war
The European Parliament’s four largest political groups are proposing a 14.5% efficiency goal by 2030, up from the 9% discussed last year
EU set to use ‘green’ label for gas, nuclear investments after parliamentary vote
Climate campaigners accused EU lawmakers of “betrayal” and some member states are preparing legal challenges to the sustainable taxonomy
Germany, Italy moot support for gas export facility in Argentina
Olaf Scholz and Mario Draghi met with Argentina’s president Alberto Fernández to discuss support for new gas infrastructure on the sidelines of G7 meetings
Europe must set robust clean hydrogen standards to mobilise MENA investment
Europe needs low-carbon hydrogen and the Middle-East and North Africa can produce it
EU and UK will end investment protection for fossil fuels in 10 years
Under the reform, the EU will end protection for new fossil fuel infrastructure. But existing ones will remain protected for 10 years and some gas projects for even longer
EU blocks bespoke fund for climate victims as rich nations moot alternatives
A proposal by developing countries for a loss and damage facility isn’t flying with rich nations, who prefer other options.
EU lawmakers form cross-party coalition to block gas and nuclear from green taxonomy
From the Greens and left to the centre-right, MEPs object to gas and nuclear investments getting a “green” label
Climate lawyers challenge EU support for gas pipelines
Client Earth is arguing the European Commission’s infrastructure priorities are not compatible with climate goals
Deutsche Bank executive resigns after offices raided in greenwashing probe
Asset management subsidiary DWS is under investigation for mislabelling investments as “sustainable”, in a case that could amount to investment fraud
Finland sets world’s most ambitious climate target in law
Finland’s goal to go net zero by 2035 and then carbon negative was based on equity as well as science, but it won’t be easy to reverse forest loss
European Commission overreported climate spending by €72 billion, auditors find
Only 13% of EU spending 2014-20 was relevant to climate action, not 20% as claimed, the European Court of Auditors said, with the biggest gap in farming policy
Europe should use its Putin-proofing energy plans to reinvigorate climate action
Many of the actions being taken for Europe’s energy security will cut emissions – so why not submit a stronger climate target to the UN?
EU unveils €300bn plan to quit Russian fossil fuels by 2027 and boost clean energy
The European Commission proposes increased ambition for renewables and energy efficiency, while seeking alternative oil and gas supplies in the short term
Ukraine builds legal case against Russia for environmental damage
Officials have recorded 231 alleged environmental crimes since Russian troops invaded and are preparing to seek reparations