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.
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.
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.
U.K. supermarket chain Waitrose to remove all plastic bags by March 2019 to save 500 tonnes of plastic a year
Waitrose will remove 5p bags from six shops from 8 October to understand how to manage the changeover ahead of their complete removal next year.
In a world-first, Carlsberg to replace plastic ring can holders with recyclable glue
Danish brewer will be the first to ditch pack rings in a move it says will reduce plastic by up to 76%
Istanbul’s ‘reverse vending machines’ trade recyclables for metro fare
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality plans to install at least 100 of the machines in 25 locations by the end of 2018.
The world’s first ocean cleanup system launched from San Francisco
The cleanup system is heading to a location 240 nautical miles offshore for a two-week trial before continuing its journey toward the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.