Britain’s farming sector is facing mounting pressure from drought, extreme heat, and repeated weather disruptions, raising concerns about possible food shortages and the long-term viability of domestic agriculture. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has warned that exceptionally dry conditions across parts of England could reduce supplies of certain foods as another heatwave pushes temperatures above 30°C. Heat health alerts have been issued across eight regions, while farmers struggle with water shortages, irrigation restrictions, and declining crop yields.
Continue reading “England drought threatens food security “European rivers hit historic lows
Historic low water levels across the Rhine, Danube and Po are intensifying concerns about the effects of climate change on Europe’s economy, agriculture, ecosystems and drinking water supplies. Following severe heatwaves and wildfires earlier in the summer, prolonged drought has caused European rivers to shrink dramatically, disrupting transportation and exposing riverbeds that are normally submerged.
Continue reading “European rivers hit historic lows”AI boosts soil health across Europe
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful tool for improving soil health, offering Europe new ways to address one of its most significant environmental and agricultural challenges. Although AI often raises concerns about employment, misinformation, and transparency, scientists argue that its application to soil management demonstrates how the technology can deliver clear public benefits. Healthy soils underpin food security, agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and climate resilience. They also reduce dependence on imported fertilizers and strengthen regional food systems, making them increasingly important as geopolitical disruptions expose vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
Continue reading “AI boosts soil health across Europe”Germany renewable curtailment rises
Europe’s transition to renewable energy is accelerating, with renewables supplying 45.5% of the European Union’s electricity during the first quarter of 2026, according to Eurostat. Wind power accounted for the largest share of renewable generation at 44.9%, followed by hydropower at 28% and solar at 17.3%. Rising oil and natural gas prices linked to the conflict involving Iran have reinforced the economic value of domestic renewable energy, encouraging European countries to continue reducing their dependence on fossil fuels. At the same time, the rapid expansion of wind and solar power is creating new challenges for electricity markets, particularly during periods when renewable generation exceeds consumer demand.
Continue reading “Germany renewable curtailment rises “European heatwave disrupts energy and transport
Europe’s intense early summer heatwave is disrupting energy production, transportation, and supply chains across the continent, adding new economic pressures at a time when energy markets are already strained by the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Record-breaking temperatures in Germany and France since June have reduced rainfall, lowered major river levels, and increased water temperatures. The European heatwave is therefore affecting both electricity generation and the movement of essential commodities, including fuel and coal.
Continue reading “European heatwave disrupts energy and transport”Hybrid hydropower unlocks Europe’s grid capacity
A new report from energy think tank Ember highlights the potential to combine wind and solar generation with existing hydropower facilities across Europe, helping increase renewable electricity production without requiring equivalent expansion of transmission infrastructure. The analysis estimates that hydropower plants in seven European Union countries could accommodate around 25 GW of additional wind and solar capacity through existing grid connections. Developing hybrid hydropower projects could therefore help address grid congestion while supporting Europe’s renewable energy targets for 2030.
Continue reading “Hybrid hydropower unlocks Europe’s grid capacity”EU ETS reform sparks climate debate
The European Commission has proposed significant reforms to the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS), Europe’s flagship carbon market, aiming to balance ambitious climate targets with concerns about industrial competitiveness and energy costs. The review comes as Europe experiences increasingly severe climate impacts, including record-breaking heatwaves and destructive wildfires, while remaining committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 and achieving climate neutrality by the middle of the century.
Continue reading “EU ETS reform sparks climate debate”European solar power saves billions
Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are highlighting the growing economic and strategic importance of European solar power as Europe seeks to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. The conflict involving Iran has increased uncertainty in global energy markets, driving up both oil and natural gas prices. Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, has risen significantly since the conflict began, while Dutch TTF natural gas prices have also climbed sharply. Much of this volatility stems from concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes. Higher fuel prices increase energy costs for European consumers and industries, reinforcing the value of domestic renewable energy production.
Continue reading “European solar power saves billions”EU innovation faces a funding gap
Europe remains one of the world’s leading centers for scientific research, producing groundbreaking discoveries, highly skilled researchers, and innovative entrepreneurs. However, according to former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta, the continent continues to struggle with transforming scientific excellence into globally competitive businesses. He argues that success in today’s technology-driven economy depends not only on inventing new ideas but also on the ability to finance, test, manufacture, and rapidly scale them. Strengthening EU innovation is therefore essential if Europe wants to remain competitive against major global rivals such as the United States and China.
Continue reading “EU innovation faces a funding gap “EU solar manufacturing challenges
Italy’s first renewable energy auction restricted to solar projects built without Chinese-manufactured equipment has highlighted both Europe’s determination to diversify its clean energy supply chains and the significant challenges involved. In December 2025, Italy awarded more than 1.1 gigawatts of solar capacity across 88 projects, with winning bids averaging €66.38 per megawatt-hour, around 17% higher than prices recorded in unrestricted renewable auctions earlier that year. The higher costs reflected a deliberate decision to source equipment outside China, emphasizing growing concerns about supply chain resilience and the future of EU solar manufacturing.
Continue reading “EU solar manufacturing challenges”