The European Union has made significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions within its borders, but a substantial share of its overall carbon footprint continues to originate overseas. According to data from the European Climate Foundation (ECF) and climate consultancy Matière, approximately 35% of the EU’s carbon footprint was generated abroad in 2023. The findings highlight the growing importance of **trade emissions** as Europe attempts to reconcile ambitious domestic climate policies with its dependence on imported goods.
Continue reading “EU-China cooperation on trade emissions”Negative energy prices challenge Europe
Europe’s rapid expansion of wind and solar power has strengthened energy independence and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, but it has also created a growing challenge: negative energy prices. When renewable generation exceeds electricity demand, wholesale prices can fall below zero, meaning producers effectively pay to supply electricity to the grid. Without sufficient energy storage to absorb this surplus power, the problem could undermine renewable energy investment and threaten Europe’s long-term energy security.
Continue reading “Negative energy prices challenge Europe”UNEP warns of a global climate overshoot
The world is increasingly likely to temporarily exceed the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In 2024, average global temperature exceeded this threshold for the first time over a calendar year. Although climate targets are assessed over longer periods, the milestone illustrates how rapidly the planet is warming. Even if current climate commitments and policies are fully implemented, warming is projected to reach at least 1.8°C.
Continue reading “UNEP warns of a global climate overshoot”Free trade can ease El Nino food shocks
A potentially exceptionally powerful El Nino is threatening to intensify pressure on global food systems already facing rising prices, geopolitical disruption and climate-related extremes. The weather pattern is expected to peak toward the end of the year, potentially bringing severe droughts, floods and storms to vulnerable regions. However, history suggests that the consequences will depend as much on government preparedness, international trade and disaster-response systems as on the severity of the weather itself.
Continue reading “Free trade can ease El Nino food shocks”Carbon capture moves toward shared networks
Europe’s carbon capture ambitions are shifting from individual technology projects toward integrated industrial systems built around shared transport, storage infrastructure and long-term contracts. While technical questions about capturing, compressing and permanently storing carbon dioxide remain important, the biggest obstacle to widespread deployment is increasingly commercial. Projects must determine who will pay the additional costs and who will assume risks involving volumes, infrastructure performance and long-term liability.
Continue reading “Carbon capture moves toward shared networks”Marine heatwaves surge across European seas
Carbon pollution caused by human activity has dramatically increased the scale and intensity of marine heatwaves across European waters during the summer of 2026, according to research from World Weather Attribution. Some parts of Europe experienced sea temperatures as much as 6C above normal, creating potentially serious consequences for marine ecosystems, coastal communities and extreme weather.
Continue reading “Marine heatwaves surge across European seas”Panama canal drought threatens global trade
The Panama canal, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, is preparing to reduce the number of ships allowed to pass through each day as severe drought lowers water levels in the artificial lakes that supply the waterway. The drought, intensified by the El Niño climate pattern, is creating new concerns about global shipping delays, higher transportation costs, and the long-term reliability of the canal.
Continue reading “Panama canal drought threatens global trade”Railway network adapts to climate extremes
Britain’s railway network is preparing for increasingly severe weather as a developing El Niño raises the possibility of record-breaking heat in 2027. Extreme temperatures have already disrupted rail services across the country, forcing operators to reduce train speeds and alter timetables. During the UK’s fifth heatwave in August, two trains derailed within 24 hours, highlighting the growing challenges that climate extremes pose to transport infrastructure.
Continue reading “Railway network adapts to climate extremes”El Nino threatens global food supplies
A strengthening El Nino is threatening global agricultural production, pushing commodity prices higher and increasing concerns about food shortages and inflation. The recurring Pacific climate pattern can cause severe droughts, heavy rainfall, and unusually high temperatures across major farming regions. Coffee, cocoa, wheat, rice, sugar, palm oil, and fisheries are among the commodities facing growing risks as adverse weather combines with fertilizer shortages and geopolitical disruptions.
Continue reading “El Nino threatens global food supplies”River shipping emissions are surging
New research published in Nature Climate Change reveals that ships traveling on rivers and canals are a surprisingly large source of global carbon dioxide pollution. Although these inland waterways represent less than 1% of the world’s navigable waters, vessels operating on them generated nearly one-quarter of global shipping emissions in 2022. The findings highlight an important source of transportation pollution that has received far less attention than emissions from ocean-going vessels.
Continue reading “River shipping emissions are surging “