Nestle creates wrapper that degrades in the sea within six months
“We know it will degrade in a marine environment within six months, which, compared to the flow wrap that it’s currently in, it’s about 450 years.”
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.
The Co-op Group commits to reducing GHG emissions 50% by 2025
The U.K. retail company’s Annual General Meeting 2019 saw 98% of Co-op Members vote in favor to take action against the climate crisis.
Lightyear unveils the world’s first long-range solar car
Lightyear’s solar-powered EV boasts a range of 450 miles on a single charge – far more than the 370 miles of Tesla’s market-leading Model S.
Paris bans nearly 3 million vehicles during weekdays to curb pollution
The policy is set to ban diesel cars and vans made before Jan. 1, 2006, from the city between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays.
U.K. businesses commit to remove eight problem plastics by 2020
The Pact, originally launched in 2018, represents 127 members, accounting for 85% of plastic packaging in U.K. supermarkets including Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
Zero carbon electricity overtakes fossil fuels for first time in the U.K.
Britain is set to achieve a historic milestone this year, with more electricity generated from zero carbon sources than fossil fuels.
U.K. government commits to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050
The U.K. is to enshrine a 2050 net zero emissions target in law, with an amendment to the Climate Change Act.
Barclays commits to 100% renewable energy by 2030
The British multinational investment bank Barclays has entered RE100, a global initiative committing to source 100% renewable electricity for their global operations by 2030.
Canary Wharf is now the world’s first plastic free commercial center
Canary Wharf, the Estate at the heart of London’s capital, has become the first commercial center in the world to be awarded a ‘Plastic Free Community’ status.
The world’s largest offshore wind farm just came online off the shores of Britain
The massive wind farm now has 50 of 174 turbines spinning. When completed, the project will have more than double the capacity of the current largest offshore installation.