U.K. scientists discover method to reduce steelmaking’s CO2 emissions by 90%
The iron and steel industry is a major cause of greenhouse gasses, accounting for 9% of global emissions.
Europe
Finland grew its wind power capacity by 75% in 2022
Last year Finland built 427 new turbines with a combined power capacity of 2,430 megawatts. By 2025, wind is projected to cover at least 28% of the country’s power consumption.
Portugal to redirect Cape Verde debt payments to new climate fund
Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony, owes 140 million euros to the Portugal. Under the new agreement, Portugal will redirect debt payments owed to a fund that will help the island nation tackle climate change.
Danske Bank quits new fossil fuel financing
Denmark’s biggest bank has declared an end to fossil fuel financing, after concluding that 99.9% of its carbon footprint comes from financed emissions.
Dutch constitution will be amended to ban LGBTQ+ discrimination
Following the Dutch Senate’s vote passing the proposal in a 56–15 vote, it now only needs to be signed by King Willem-Alexander and the responsible minister before becoming law.
Staggering 79% of new cars sold in Norway in 2022 were electric
There are now more than 600,000 EVs in Norway. In 2017, the country pledged to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2025. The government also has exempted new EVs from purchase tax and sales tax.
England to ban single-use plastic cutlery and plates
Similar bans have already been made in Scotland and Wales, while the U.K. government banned single-use plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds in England in 2020.
Ireland to install a massive 7 GW of offshore wind power by 2030
Seven new projects, amounting to 2.5GW, will enter the Irish planning system and are expected to take part in ORESS 1, the first round of offshore wind auctions set to take place in 2023
Slovakia’s last coal mines to close in 2023
Lignite mining in the Slovak Upper Nitra region is coming to an end as the last two coal mines will close by the end of 2023 following the government’s plans to stop subsidies for domestic mining.
Mammal populations in Europe see dramatic increase over last 50 years
Hunting and habitat loss drove many large mammals in Europe close to extinction. New data shows that many are now flourishing again.