No. 4 December 2024
How oceans could soak climate policy
Oceans are acknowledged in several UNFCCC processes, but there is a pressing need for more precise and integrated actions to fully harness their climate mitigation potential.
Editorial: Integrating ecosystems and climate demands a broad approach
The earth’s climate system and the global carbon cycle are coupled with major ecosystems such as forests and oceans ...
COP16 in Cali call for unified action on biodiversity and climate
The biodiversity summit decided to improve policy coherence across the Rio Conventions. But there was little concrete progress on critical issues like financing and forests.
Ozone – the invisible threat to Europe’s forests
Ambitious measures to tackle ozone precursors could reduce impact on forests by 30 per cent. This would boost biomass growth and significantly enhance carbon storage.
The future of an Agri-ETS in the EU
Agriculture faces growing scrutiny over its modest emissions reductions. The concept of an agricultural emissions trading system (Agri-ETS) has emerged as a focal point of debate.
Time to cut ship emissions in the North Atlantic
Designating the North Atlantic as an Emission Control Area could lead to significant air pollution reductions from shipping that would benefit both human health and the environment.
Climate impacts in northern forests
New report provides a review of the current scientific literature on climate impacts in northern forests.
The role of northern forests in limiting warming to 1.5°C
Analysis of 1.5°C-compatible pathways shows that the most important land-based mitigation action for northern forests is to halt deforestation by 2030.
Global warming heading for 3°C
COP29 showed insufficient progress in climate pledges. Greenhouse gas emissions must decrease by at least 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035 to meet Paris Agreement goals.
Stockholm gets ready for zero emissions
The Swedish capital will soon have its first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ), only allowing access in a central area to those vehicles that meet strict electrification and emission standards.
A milestone for cleaner air
The European Union has now adopted the Ambient Air Quality Directive, which is a move closer to the WHO standards. Though some steps remain before it is fully aligned.
Gas flaring in the Amazon sparks legal and environmental battle
Indigenous girls are leading legal action against the Ecuadorian state for authorizing gas flaring near their homes. Currently, this harmful practice is permitted as close as 100 metres from residential areas.
Unlocking the potential of energy sufficiency
Countries and regions that adopt sufficiency strategies can achieve enhanced energy security, reduced environmental impacts, and economic sustainability.
Pathway for reducing EU farm emissions by 60 %
The European Union could slash greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and peatlands by up to 60% by 2050, according to a new report from Agora Agriculture.
Denmark to introduce first CO₂ tax on livestock
A historic political agreement in the Danish Parliament has brought the Green Tripartite Agreement to life.
Close-to-nature forestry is common practise in Croatia
Croatian foresters limit logging to maintain a balance between conservation and economy. This approach has resulted in high biodiversity and 640 million tons of carbon storage.
Green hydrogen, out of the blue
Hydrogen-based steelmaking develops faster and more effectively than CCS approaches.
Setting 1.5°C-compatible wind and solar targets
At the UN Climate Convention COP28 in 2023, the world committed to tripling renewable capacity by 2030.
Net-zero policies could save upto 15,000 lives
A new study shows that US net-zero policies could reduce air pollution, delivering health benefits worth $65–128 billion in 2035 alone.
Boom in electric vans paves the way for Zero-Emission Zones
With the rapid growth of electric vans (e-vans) in Europe, all European capitals could introduce zero-emission freight zones by 2030 ...
Unfair air measures in Delhi
For a decade, Delhi has regularly received the dishonourable title of being the world’s most polluted city. The 30 million people living ...
Ammonia pollution in Europe is persistent and deadly
Ammonia contributes to 50% of fine particulate matter in Europe. But it also has independent health effects, such as an association with early-onset asthma in children under six.