French incentives for less-polluting cars and heating systems

From 1 January 2018 the bonus scheme for the purchase of new less-polluting vehicles, which was previously available only to low-income families, has been extended to all citizens and to second-hand cars. For poorer families, the premium has doubled to €2,000. For buying an electric car, the incentive amounts to €2,500, on top of a €6,000 subsidy.

Measures also include bonuses and tax credits for domestic energy savings, and they specifically target low-income households. Up to €3,000 is available for households with very modest incomes to switch from old heating systems to new renewable ones. Tax credits on insulation improvement are maintained and extended to energy audits. From 2019, these will be turned into a premium to be paid directly after completion of the work.

Source: Ends Europe, 3 January 2018.

French Ministry: https://www.ecologique-solidaire.gouv.fr/entree-en-vigueur-des-quatre-me...

In this issue

Below 1.5 – to Stay Alive

“1.5 to Stay Alive” is the rallying call from the Caribbean region for the global community to take action now in the UN during 2018. A film with that message will be submitted to the Talanoa dialogue by AirClim.

Editorial: Europe should decarbonise its economy by 2030

Most governments and civil society are aware that the national and international reduction commitments for greenhouse gases ...

Black carbon emissions from global shipping

New studies show how much ships contribute to emissions of soot particles and the measures available to cut those emissions.

Denmark to expose sulphur-cheating ships

Shipping companies not complying with fuel sulphur limits will be publicly named and shamed under new Danish government plans.

IMO moves to ban carriage of high-sulphur marine fuel

Implementing the global lower-sulphur fuel requirement will reduce ship emissions related to premature mortality and morbidity by 34 and 54 per cent, respectively.

Development of Kyoto GHG emissions in Europe 1990 to 2015

Greenhouse gas emissions in Europe are falling rapidly in some countries and not at all in others. The great variation geographically and over time show that much more can be done.

Climate forcers that increase or decrease warming

The net effect of climate forcers not covered by the Kyoto Protocol is global cooling. Emissions of those climate forcers decreased between 1990 and 2015 in Europe.

Europeans expect to cut back on meat

New policies, health concerns and innovative food businesses can all contribute to reducing the climate footprint of European dinner tables.

Poland and Bulgaria challenge EU air pollution law

Threat to annul new emission limits for coal-fired power plants that could save more than 20,000 lives every year.

Courts require action to clear the air

Member states that fail to protect people’s health will – eventually – end up in court, and persistent failure is likely to become very, very costly.

Greenwashing of farm payments

The EU spends 12 billion euro a year on “greening” – a reform that is intended to mainstream environmental practices in agriculture but delivers close to nothing.

Possible to phase out the climate impact of road traffic in 15 years

Taxes, regulations, fuel switches, electrification and climate-conscious social planning is the recipe if the Nordic and Baltic states is going to abolish GHG emissions from road traffic.

The Nordic-Baltic Region can be decarbonised by 2030

Zero carbon emissions by 2030 can be achieved in the electricity, heat and industrial sectors without nuclear power and without CCS, according to new report from AirClim.

Ecosystems hit by air pollutant fallout

Three-quarters of EU ecosystems are currently exposed to more nitrogen deposition than they can cope with and nearly one-tenth is still receiving too much acid fallout.

Sustainably feeding the Nordics

It is possible to feed 37 million in the Nordic countries on food mostly produced within the region using organic practices. This would come with a significant reduction in the environmental footprint from food consumption