France to ban all new oil and gas exploration licenses
France plans to terminate the granting oil and gas exploration licenses at home and in overseas territories, as the country aims to increase the share of renewables in the nation’s energy mix.
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.
Europe mostly ends mobile roaming fees
Europeans traveling through the 28 Member State bloc are now able to use their mobile devices more freely, thanks to a top level abolition of mobile roaming charges across the region.
Leo Varadkar elected as Ireland’s first gay prime minister
Leo Varadkar was elected Irish Prime Minister on Wednesday, making the 38-year-old son of an Indian immigrant the first gay premier of the once-staunchly Catholic country and the youngest person to hold the office.
Church of Scotland apologizes for its historical discrimination against lesbian and gay people
The Kirk’s general assembly, meeting in Edinburgh, instructed officials to consider changes to church law that would allow ministers to preside over same-sex-marriage ceremonies.
Denmark’s DONG Energy divests from fossil fuels in favour of renewables
Danish wind energy giant DONG Energy announced its plans to divest its upstream oil and gas business for $1.05 billion.
Belgium abolishes forced sterilization for transgender people
Lawmakers voted in favor of a draft law on Wednesday which will no longer require transgender people to undergo sterilization or a mental health diagnosis in order for their preferred gender to be legally recognized.
$890 million E.U. package to help 79 developing nations combat climate change
The European Union (EU) will support 79 developing nations in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) with a €8 million ($891m) to implement a global deal to combat climate change.
Germany just smashed an energy record, generating 85% electricity from renewables
Germany breaks a daily record for renewable energy, generating 85% of its power from renewable sources on April 30.
Iceland is using extreme tech to harvest clean energy from volcanoes
Iceland currently runs on 100% renewable energy, making them a global leader in the fight against climate change.
Electric car sales are suddenly taking off in Europe
Sales of battery-powered cars soared 38 percent in the first quarter after models including Renault SA’s improved Zoe won buyers in Germany and Spain.