U.K. government announces plans to ban plastic straws, cotton-buds, and stirrers
The U.K. government has laid out plans to prohibit the distribution and sale of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds.
Europe
E.U. teams up with Bill Gates to launch $115.2 million clean energy investment fund
In a statement Wednesday, the Commission said the 100 million-euro ($115.2 million) fund would be used to help “innovative European companies develop and bring radically new clean energy technologies to the market.”
Mayor of London announces £5 million funding for public water fountains
The Mayor or London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a £5 million fund to implement more public water fountains.
Scottish Power switches to 100% wind power
Scottish Power has become the first integrated energy company in the U.K. to make the shift from coal and gas generation to wind power.
Amazon signs deal for 100% renewable electricity in their U.K. buildings
The solar panels are expected to generate the equivalent amount of electricity required to power over 4,500 U.K. homes and will reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 6,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Tens of thousands march across France to demand climate action
Tens of thousands of people marched in Paris and other major cities across France on Saturday to call for greater action on climate change.
£1.4M prize awaits U.K. circular plastics flagship projects
This competition aims to engage Britain’s best scientists and innovators to help move the country towards a more circular economy and sustainable approaches to plastics.
The first Hyperloop passenger capsule is unveiled in Spain
A feasibility analysis by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) estimates that Hyperloop routes could be up to six times more energy efficient than air travel on short routes, and over three times faster than the world’s fastest high-speed rail system.
U.K. grocers pledge to halve food waste from ‘farm to fork’ by 2030
Eighty-nine early signatories, including the U.K.’s biggest supermarkets as well as food producers, manufacturers and restaurant chains, have committed to halving their food waste from “farm to fork” by 2030.
Germany launches world’s first hydrogen-powered train
Germany has rolled out the world’s first hydrogen-powered train, signalling the start of a push to challenge the might of polluting diesel trains with costlier but more eco-friendly technology.