Mittspalt

There is a notion that there is a large group of emissions that are hard to abate, and therefore need either CCS on those emissions (effectively ‘turning the chimneys down’ into the underground) or negative emissions (to suck back CO2 from the atmosphere after it has been emitted). This notion has gone viral in the climate policy discussion. It is now the main justification for CCS.

The most effective way to improve the climate benefit of Swedish forests is by harvesting less. This is a brief summary of the current state of knowledge.

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.

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.

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.

New report provides a review of the current scientific literature on climate impacts in northern forests.

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.

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.

Countries and regions that adopt sufficiency strategies can achieve enhanced energy security, reduced environmental impacts, and economic sustainability.

Discussions about new 2035 and 2040 climate targets have started in the European Union.

EU Member States and the European Parliament recently agreed on the Regulation on deforestation-free products, which aims to promote the consumption of forest-friendly products and reduce the EU’s impact on global deforestation and forest degradation.

The IPCC’s sixth assessment report (AR6) provides crucial information on how to tackle climate change, in particular identifying pathways that limit warming to 1.5°C with zero or limited overshoot. 

Poorer areas of the EU are exploring funding approaches such as crowdfunding and citizen-driven energy communities for the green transition.

In 2022 Aarhus introduced an internal climate tax. In the first year, it resulted in a 40 per cent reduction of beef consumption and a 12 per cent overall decrease in food-related emissions.

Car-free cities is an opportunity to reduce the health burden in cities. Society need to keep their eyes on the goal and make science-based decisions to get there.

Leading experts are asking medical researchers to ban financial interference between research individuals and institutions and the fossil fuel industry.