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European nations are showing a renewed interest in nuclear energy as they seek greater energy independence amid shifting geopolitical and economic conditions. Denmark, long known for its strong reliance on wind and solar, is now reevaluating its 40-year ban on nuclear energy, signaling a major policy shift. While Denmark emphasizes that solar and wind remain central to its green transition, officials recognize the potential role that advanced nuclear energy technologies—like small modular reactors—could play in complementing intermittent renewables.

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Each year, the world loses approximately 5 million hectares of forest, with 95% of this loss occurring in tropical regions. South America is a significant deforestation hotspot, particularly Brazil, where over 70% of forest clearing in the Amazon is driven by cattle ranching. This environmental degradation is often carried out by smallholder farmers who are grappling with worsening droughts and the increasing pressures of climate change. In an effort to survive, these farmers often make choices—such as clearing forest for pasture—that may provide short-term relief but ultimately increase their vulnerability to future climate shocks.

Continue reading “Breaking the cycle of climate traps”

The European drought is taking a severe toll on farmers across north-western Europe, echoing past hardships and intensifying concerns about the future of agriculture under climate change. Hendrik Jan ten Cate, a Dutch farmer, vividly recalls the devastating 2018 drought that slashed his onion yield to a mere 10% of normal levels. In his desperation to salvage crops, he overworked himself to the point of injury, breaking his arm while trying to pump water from a canal. Today, he finds himself once again anxiously monitoring weather forecasts as his crops—potatoes, onions, cereals, carrots, and sugar beet—struggle with an alarming lack of rainfall.

Continue reading “European drought intensifies farming crisis”

The European Space Agency (ESA) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of international collaboration, scientific discovery, and ambitious space missions. Unlike national space agencies, ESA is a unique multinational organization, funded by 23 member states and associated partners such as Canada. This collaborative structure allows ESA to pool resources and expertise, enabling it to undertake projects that might be beyond the capabilities of individual European nations.

Continue reading “ESA at 50 a legacy of space innovation”

For decades, plastic recycling has failed to live up to its promise—plagued by inefficiency, high costs, and degradation of material quality. Traditional methods rely on high-heat extrusion and mechanical separation, which reduce the integrity of plastics with each cycle. As a result, more than 90% of global plastic waste still ends up in landfills or incinerators. But a new advanced recycling technology may change that trajectory for good.

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Methane emissions, which account for roughly one-third of global warming, continue to pose a major climate challenge, according to the latest Global Methane Tracker report from the International Energy Agency (IEA). Despite mounting international concern and technological solutions already available, methane emissions from fossil fuel production have held steady at approximately 120 million tonnes annually since 2019.

Continue reading “Methane emissions threaten climate goals”

Over the past decade, the growth in carbon emissions has slowed significantly, falling to an average annual increase of just 0.6%, compared to 2% in the previous decade. However, this plateau has occurred at an alarmingly high level, with human activities releasing a record 10.2 gigatonnes of carbon (GtC) in 2024. While deforestation and land use emissions have declined, this reduction has not been enough to offset the rise in fossil fuel use, resulting in the highest atmospheric CO₂ concentration on record—424 parts per million (ppm), a 3.5 ppm jump from the previous year.

Continue reading “Why stabilizing carbon emissions isn’t enough”

Ørsted’s decision to pause the Hornsea 4 offshore wind project has sparked major concern across the UK’s renewable energy landscape. The Denmark-based energy company halted its development of the 2.4GW windfarm—one of Britain’s largest proposed projects—citing a combination of rising interest rates, escalating construction costs, and most notably, offshore wind supply chain issues. The decision adds to a wave of setbacks in the UK’s clean energy sector and raises fresh doubts about the government’s ability to meet its 2030 net zero power targets.

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A massive power outage that recently struck Spain, Portugal, and parts of France has served as a stark reminder of the fragility of current energy infrastructure and the urgent need for a global energy grid upgrade. The blackout halted train services, disrupted banking systems, and left mobile networks inoperative, highlighting the critical role electricity plays in daily life and economic stability. While the exact cause remains under investigation, early reports pointed to “anomalous oscillations” in high-voltage power lines, possibly linked to rare atmospheric conditions. Cyberattack concerns have largely been ruled out, though the incident has amplified calls for stronger grid resilience.

Continue reading “Wake-up call for global energy grid upgrade”

A new analysis by Transport & Environment (T&E) reveals that expanding the scope of key EU legislation could significantly reduce aviation emissions and generate billions to fund the green transition. The study shows that emissions from European flights in 2024 nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 8.4 million flights producing 187.6 million tonnes (Mt) of CO₂—96% of 2019’s flight numbers and 98% of its emissions. Despite this surge, airlines only paid for 30% of the pollution they caused due to widespread exemptions in the EU’s current carbon market rules.

Continue reading “EU urged to fully price aviation emissions”