Luxembourg to become the first country to offer free mass transit for all
Free mass transit will be available across Luxembourg from the beginning of 2020 – making it the first country in the world to do so.
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.
Volkswagen will launch its last gas-powered cars in 2026
Volkswagen’s strategy chief, Michael Jost, told attendees at the Handelsblatt automotive summit conference on Tuesday that the company will launch its last generation of gas-powered cars in 2026.
Shell becomes first energy company to link executive pay to carbon emissions
Royal Dutch Shell caved in to growing investor pressure over climate change, setting out plans to introduce industry-leading carbon emissions targets linked to executive pay.
Spain to produce all electricity from renewables by 2050 and cut emissions by 90%
Spain’s proposals, set to be adopted by the cabinet in coming weeks, spell out an ambitious target to draw 100 per cent of the country’s electricity from renewables by 2050.
The EU says it is aiming to become the first major economy to go “climate neutral” by 2050
Net-zero by 2050 just got its first major champion: the European Union has unveiled a strategy that would make it the first large economy to commit to full climate neutrality. The plan leans on technology that already exists today — scaling solar and wind to 80% of electricity, insulating homes, and restoring forests to absorb what can’t be eliminated. Alongside the climate benefits, the EU estimates the shift could cut energy import costs by up to three trillion euros a year and reduce premature deaths from air pollution by 40%. A coalition of ten member states, including Sweden, is already pushing to move faster — a sign that ambitious climate leadership is becoming Europe’s mainstream expectation rather than its fringe.
Enel plans to invest €10.6 billion in 11.6 GW of renewable energy
Italian energy giant Enel has announced its Strategic Plan for the next three years, which includes plans to invest €10.6 billion in new renewable energy capacity with plans to create an additional 11.6 gigawatts (GW).
U.K. pledges £50m to help end female genital mutilation across Africa by 2030
The British government is to invest £50m in an attempt to end female genital mutilation by 2030, claiming it is the single biggest investment to tackle the issue by an international donor.
Scientists in Sweden develop liquid that can store solar energy for more than a decade
Scientists in Sweden have developed a specialized fluid, called a solar thermal fuel, that can reportedly store energy captured from the sun for over a decade.
France announces plans to ban deforestation imports
Five French Government departments have announced the adoption of a new nation strategy to end deforestation caused by the import of unsustainable forest or agricultural products, including palm oil, beef, wood, and soy.
Spain will switch to 100% renewable energy by 2050
The country will install at least 3,000 megawatts of wind and solar power capacity every year for the next ten years. This will result in greenhouse gas emissions being cut by 90 per cent compared to 1990 levels by the middle of the century.