A 1.5 target is needed to save the Baltic Sea, CCS in Norway, Member states weaken NEC targets, EU without an energy strategy to fulfil Paris agreement, Nitrogen on the table, Harmful air pollution, The polluter-pays principle or the polluterprofits principle?
No. 1, April 2016
A 1.5 target is needed to save the Baltic Sea
Effects of global temperature increases on the biodiversity of the Baltic Sea.
CCS in Norway – still a long way from the goal
The CCS project at Mongstad in western Norway was finally cancelled in 2013, causing sarcastic comments about “The Moon landing that failed”.
How to account for emissions of greenhouse gases from imported goods?
Carbon emissions have dropped in many rich countries, Sweden among them. Or is it just that the emitting industries have moved to China? A technical discussion is getting intensely political.
Member states opt for weakening air pollution targets
Compared to the Commission’s proposal, the relaxed targets agreed by member states could result in an additional 130,000 premature deaths by 2030.
The EU should phase out fossil gas
AirClim has published a new report (1) about the need to phase out the use of fossil gas as soon as possible in order to meet the climate targets agreed at the UN Paris Climate Conference in December 2015.
Sanctions missing for ship sulphur sinners
In the first year of stricter standards in the Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECA) of the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the English Channel, Swedish authorities took 441 ship fuel oil samples. They discovered 15 violations of the sulphur limit, but none of these resulted in fines or other types of sanctions.
New rules on emissions from medium combustion plants adopted
Despite a widespread agreement on the urgent need to cut emissions to improve air quality, existing installations are given very generous transition periods.
Cutting meat and dairy intake is beneficial for health, the environment and climate
Halving the consumption of meat and dairy in the EU would cut agricultural nitrogen losses by more than 40 per cent and GHG emissions by 25–40 per cent.
Sector targets for aviation and shipping wanted
In the absence of additional action, international shipping and aviation will be responsible for close to 40 per cent of global CO2 emissions by 2050.
Europeans still exposed to harmful air pollution
A new report by the European Environment Agency estimates that air pollution continues to be responsible for more than 430 000 premature deaths in Europe.
A new era for the debate on coal phase-out in Germany
2015 was not only the year of the groundbreaking climate agreement in Paris. It also marked a new era in political efforts on a more actively managed phase-out of power generation from coal and lignite mining in Germany.
Explaining vehicle emissions
A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) provides a non-technical guide that describes why, for certain pollutants, vehicles can emit substantially higher emissions on the road than official emissions tested in laboratories.
CCS sidelined by public opposition
In the EU, coal power currently accounts for about one fourth of electricity generation.
Need to decarbonise transport
Policies needed to stimulate behavioural changes.
Editorial
The EU must now sharpen its climate policy targets as a consequence of the international agreement in Paris last December.
Livestock causes 80% of agriculture emissions
Livestock production is the dominant cause of EU agriculture’s impact on climate change, air pollution and biodiversity loss
Poland referred to Court for breaching the PM limit
The European Commission has referred Poland to the EU Court of Justice over high levels of dust particles that pose a major risk to public health.
Solar club builds up powerful alliance
A new solar power club of 122 nations has been founded in Gurgaon, India, by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and the French President, François Hollande − cementing an agreement the two leaders made at the Paris climate talks last December.
Health impacts of air pollution in the UK
A new study concludes that around 40,000 deaths are attributable each year in the UK to exposure to outdoor air pollution.
National record for renewable energy
Last year, on Saturday 25 July, Germany set a new national record for renewable energy by meeting 78 per cent of the day’s electricity demand with renewable sources, exceeding the previous record of 74 per cent set in May of 2014.
80% reduction in US GHG in 15 years possible
The US could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation by 80 per cent below 1990 levels within 15 years just by using renewable sources such as wind and solar energy, according to Dr Alexander MacDonald.
UK coal closures good for climate and air quality
Of the UK’s remaining 11 coal power stations, five have announced they will close this year.
Health impacts of air pollution in the UK
A new study concludes that around 40,000 deaths are attributable each year in the UK to exposure to outdoor air pollution.National record for renewable energy
Last year, on Saturday 25 July, Germany set a new national record for renewable energy by meeting 78 per cent of the day’s electricity demand with renewable sources ..80% reduction in US GHG in 15 years possible
The US could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation by 80 per cent below 1990 levels within 15 years just by using renewable sources such as wind and solar energy ..UK coal closures good for climate and air quality
Of the UK’s remaining 11 coal power stations, five have announced they will close this year.