U.K. launches world’s largest ocean monitoring system
The U.K. government, under the Blue Belt program, has announced its plan to install underwater camera rigs for monitoring ocean wildlife across over 4 million square kilometers of ocean space.
Europe
This archive covers progress stories from across Europe, spanning the U.K., Scandinavia, the E.U. and beyond. Readers will find reporting on health, climate policy, social welfare, science and more — drawn from nearly 1,200 articles tracking real gains made by communities, governments and researchers throughout the region.
Tesco removed one billion pieces of plastic from across its stores in 2020
Last year, Tesco met with 1,500 suppliers to let them know that the company reserves the right to no longer stock products that use excessive packaging or hard to recycle materials.
Spain set to pilot four-day work week program
The €50m project provides funding to incentivize companies to try out the new schedule. Officials estimate that they will have the funding to sponsor 200 companies, impacting 3,000 to 6,000 employees.
The Netherlands to install a million EV chargers by 2030
By building the infrastructure, the Dutch government will make the transition to electric vehicles as seamless and painless as possible.
CASE announces first-ever electric backhoe-loader
Case says the fuel and maintenance costs are reduced by 90%, and that most users will recoup the extra costs within 5 years of operation.
Audi commits to cut water consumption in half by 2035
Automotive World says that it takes 39,000 gallons of water to produce a car, with one of the biggest issues being painting.
Renault Trucks pledges to phase out fossil fuels by 2040
Renault Trucks is the latest manufacturer to lay out its electrification pledge: it’ll have a battery or fuel cell option in every segment from 2023, it’s aiming for 35 percent electric sales in 2030, and it’ll ditch fossil fuels and decarbonize completely by 2040.
Conservationists are creating ‘superhighways’ for insects in the U.K.
A new conservation project aims to create a network of wildflower superhighways across the U.K. Ten years in the making, the B-Lines initiative was launched by the insect charity Buglife.
Landmark brain cancer vaccine passes first phase of human trials
New data suggests the experimental vaccine is safe and stimulates a significant immune response that slows tumor progression. A larger Phase 2 trial is currently being planned.
First all-electric Norwegian commuter aircraft to hit the skies by 2026
“This aircraft shows how quickly new technology can and will be developed, and that we are on track with our ambition of flying with zero emissions around 2025.”