Britain sets new daily record for wind generation
Stormy conditions drove wind to a new record-high share of Britain’s electricity supply that at one point hit 56% this weekend, said power market analysts.
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.
United Kingdom to ban petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars by 2035
The sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be banned as of 2035. After the ban comes into effect, only electric and hydrogen vehicles will be available for purchase.
AI system develops new drug for OCD patients, cutting costs and moving it to trail faster
AI could reduce costs of labor and R&D of pharmaceuticals by 80%. The front-loaded savings means that more drugs for more diseases can be synthesized and moved into trials.
Katerina Sakellaropoulou becomes Greece’s first female president
A high court judge and ardent human rights advocate has been elected Greece’s first female president in a historic vote by parliament.
Switzerland votes in favour of LGBT protection bill
The result – 63.1% in favour to 36.9% against – is a huge boost for Switzerland’s LGBT community. A bill to legalise same-sex marriage is currently on its way through parliament.
Ernst & Young pledges to be carbon neutral by end of 2020
To achieve carbon neutrality, EY will focus on areas including reducing travel emissions, sustainable procurement practices and purchasing more renewable energy to power EY offices, for example wind or solar energy.
Mayor announces plans to make Paris 100% bicycle friendly by 2024
In order to fulfill the commitment of carrying out an “ecological transformation of the city”, a new traffic plan will be implemented to promote walking, cycling and public transport.
U.K. aviation industry commits to net zero carbon emissions by 2050
The Sustainable Aviation coalition say that the U.K. will be able to grow passenger numbers by 70% while reducing net emissions from 30 million tonnes of CO2 per year today down to zero.
Finland to offer new fathers as much paid leave as mothers
Finland’s woman-led center-left government plans to give new fathers the same amount of paid time off work as new mothers, nearly doubling paternity leave, it announced on Wednesday.
Landmark French law will stop unsold goods being thrown away
France is to ban designer clothes and luxury goods companies from destroying unsold or returned items under a wide-ranging anti-waste law passed by parliament.