Solar power in the Netherlands grows 50% in 2019
The share of renewables in the country’s electricity consumption rose from 15% to 17% compared to the year before.
Europe
Ikea bans all single-use plastic from its stores and restaurants
The Swedish furniture giant said it will stop selling single-use plastic products like straws, plates, cups, freezer bags, garbage bags, and plastic-coated paper plates and cups.
U.K. electricity generation drops to its lowest since 1994
A new analysis shows that in 2018 U.K. electricity generation dropped to its lowest since 1994. The amount of electricity generated per person in the UK has fallen 24% since 2005.
E.U. bans almost all coal mining
Every unprofitable coal mine in the European Union must cease production by the first day of 2019, the date on which all public funds for the mines will come to an end.
Nearly 2 million people sign petition to sue France over climate inaction
More than 1.8 million people worldwide have signed a petition from environmental groups to sue the French government for failing to take sufficient action on the matter.
E.U. agrees deal on single-use plastic ban
The single-use plastic ban was introduced earlier this year and yesterday the European commission agreed a deal to set the ban in place.
U.K. Government invests £100 million in renewable energy projects in Africa
The projects funded by the new investment could help cut carbon emissions equivalent to those created by 800,000 cars a year.
Church of England welcomes trans people into the faith
The Church of England has issued new guidance saying that it “welcomes and encourages the unconditional affirmation of trans people” and offers clergy ways to help them celebrate the sacrament of baptism in a meaningful, inclusive way.
Norway to become first country that bans palm oil biofuels that are linked to deforestation
In a historic vote, the majority of the Norwegian parliament agreed to ban their biofuel industry from buying palm oil and other dangerous biofuels that are linked to deforestation and harmful environmental practices.
Kelloggs use rejected cornflakes to make beer in bid to cut down on food waste
Throw Away IPA’, made by Seven Bro7thers Brewery in Manchester, uses “upcycled” cornflakes which are too big, small or overcooked to go in a box of breakfast cereal as a proportion of the wheat grain which goes into the beer.