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.
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.
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.
Luxembourg to become the first country to offer free mass transit for all
Free mass transit will be available across Luxembourg from the beginning of 2020 – making it the first country in the world to do so.
Volkswagen will launch its last gas-powered cars in 2026
Volkswagen’s strategy chief, Michael Jost, told attendees at the Handelsblatt automotive summit conference on Tuesday that the company will launch its last generation of gas-powered cars in 2026.
Shell becomes first energy company to link executive pay to carbon emissions
Royal Dutch Shell caved in to growing investor pressure over climate change, setting out plans to introduce industry-leading carbon emissions targets linked to executive pay.
Spain to produce all electricity from renewables by 2050 and cut emissions by 90%
Spain’s proposals, set to be adopted by the cabinet in coming weeks, spell out an ambitious target to draw 100 per cent of the country’s electricity from renewables by 2050.