Swiss scientists invent system that produces jet fuel from carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight
The amount of CO2 emitted during kerosene combustion in a jet engine equals that consumed during its production in the solar plant.
Transportation
Transportation shapes how people access jobs, healthcare, education, and each other. This archive tracks real progress in transit, infrastructure, electric vehicles, cycling, and more — from local wins to national policy shifts worth knowing about.
Australian Capitol Territory becomes first state in Australia to ban conventional cars
Australia’s Capital Territory is sending a clear signal to the rest of the country: the fossil-fuel car has an end date. The region surrounding Canberra wants at least 80% of new light vehicles sold there to be zero-emission by 2030, as a stepping stone to the full 2035 ban. Interest-free loans up to $15,000 and registration fee exemptions are already helping residents make the switch today. When a high-visibility jurisdiction at the heart of national politics demonstrates this transition is manageable, neighboring states face far less risk in following — and that ripple effect is exactly how national change begins.
Zuva Petroleum starts rolling out EV chargers at its petrol stations in Zimbabwe
The first site was launched on the 30th of June in Harare.
Airbus flies first helicopter with both engines burning 100% green fuel for the first time ever
Sustainable aviation fuel just powered both engines of an Airbus H225 helicopter at the same time — a first for any rotorcraft, anywhere. Earlier tests had only run SAF in one engine at a time, so flying twin engines on 100% SAF marks a real leap toward proving the fuel works under the demanding, variable loads helicopters face. Airbus says SAF at full concentration can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional jet fuel, and the company is aiming to certify 100% SAF across its commercial aircraft and helicopters by 2030. For missions like search and rescue or medical evacuation, where batteries can’t yet deliver, this is one of the most promising paths to cleaner skies.
Zero-emissions hydrogen cargo airship prototype planned for 2025
H2 Clipper claims it’ll cost a quarter of what today’s air freight services cost per ton-mile, making it an economically disruptive way to move bulk cargo as well as an opportunity to decarbonize trans-continental logistics operations.
E.U. extends carbon market to shipping and road transportation industries
Polluters will have to pay for all greenhouse gases they pollute — CO2, methane and nitrous oxide — when sailing within the EU and 50% of voyages outside of the bloc.
Seattle offers utility pole EV chargers to city residents
Residents who live within city limits can request to have a public electric vehicle charging station installed in front of their home or residential property. Installations are expected to begin early next year.
New Zealand passes landmark climate legislation, helping switch to EVs
New Zealand’s sweeping 15-year emissions plan shows what climate legislation can look like when it’s built to last — with near cross-party backing making it harder for future governments to unravel. Central to it is a “scrap and replace” program giving lower- and middle-income families real help trading older vehicles for electric or hybrid ones, tackling the equity problem that typically leaves cleaner cars out of reach. Greener buses, trams, and cycling infrastructure round out the approach, recognizing that fewer car trips matter as much as cleaner ones. It’s a model other countries will be watching closely.
Ultra-low emissions zone extended to all of London
Starting in 2023, anyone driving a vehicle with high tailpipe emissions within London city limits will have to pay the £12.50 a day.
Light-duty plug-in electric vehicle sales in the United States nearly doubled from 2020 to 2021
The rapid growth in plug-in electric vehicle sales from 2020 to 2021 is remarkable in the context of overall light-duty vehicle sales, which increased by only 3% during the same period.