E.U. to end undercounting of plug-in hybrid emissions
Currently, regulators assume PHEVs are driven far more in electric mode than is actually the case, leading to unrealistically low emissions ratings.
Europe
This archive covers progress stories and milestones from across Europe, spanning health, climate policy, social equity, and scientific research. From small-nation experiments to E.U.-wide initiatives, these reports highlight what is working and why.
First couples wed as Swiss same-sex marriage law takes effect
Marriage for All took effect in Switzerland on July 1, 2022, with same-sex couples saying their vows just months after voters approved the law by 64.1% in a national referendum. Among the first were Aline and Laure, a Geneva couple of two decades who married on the 19th anniversary of their civil union. “It’s normality that’s taking effect,” Laure said — a quiet way of describing a change that also brings full adoption rights, immigration sponsorship, and equal access to fertility care. With Switzerland on board, most of Western Europe now recognizes same-sex marriage, adding momentum to a global shift that began with the Netherlands in 2001 and continues to widen, country by country.
In world first, The Netherlands caps flights at major airport to cut pollution
Flight caps at major airports are now a reality, and the Netherlands just proved a democratic government can make it happen. By hard-capping annual flights at Schiphol — Europe’s third-busiest airport — Dutch leaders treated aviation the same way they’d treat any polluting industry: subject to real environmental limits, not just cleaner-technology promises. Climate researchers say that curbing flight numbers, alongside greener fuels, is genuinely necessary to meet Paris Agreement goals. Greenpeace called the decision a historic breakthrough, and it’s easy to see why — other governments now have a working model to follow.
Airbus flies first helicopter with both engines burning 100% green fuel for the first time ever
Sustainable aviation fuel just powered both engines of an Airbus H225 helicopter at the same time — a first for any rotorcraft, anywhere. Earlier tests had only run SAF in one engine at a time, so flying twin engines on 100% SAF marks a real leap toward proving the fuel works under the demanding, variable loads helicopters face. Airbus says SAF at full concentration can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional jet fuel, and the company is aiming to certify 100% SAF across its commercial aircraft and helicopters by 2030. For missions like search and rescue or medical evacuation, where batteries can’t yet deliver, this is one of the most promising paths to cleaner skies.
Revolutionary new photoimmunotherapy lights up and wipes out cancer cells
Experts are predicting that this new photoimmunotherapy will be the world’s fifth major cancer treatment following surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
E.U. extends carbon market to shipping and road transportation industries
Polluters will have to pay for all greenhouse gases they pollute — CO2, methane and nitrous oxide — when sailing within the EU and 50% of voyages outside of the bloc.
Energy Dome launches world’s first CO2 battery energy storage facility in Sardinia
These “CO2 batteries” can store renewable energy over long periods and release it quickly, at less than half the cost of big lithium batteries.
Finland is the first country to pass a legally binding carbon negativity act
Finland’s parliament recently passed a new Climate Change Act which legally binds it to its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2035 and negative emissions by 2040.
Germany returns stolen colonial treasures to Namibia
The decision is part of reparations for a period of colonial rule during which Germany committed a genocide against the Namibian people.
Switzerland votes for default organ donations to save more lives in the country
Under this new ‘presumed consent’ model, people who do not wish to become organ donors after death must explicitly say so.