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PGE to exit coal by 2030 and targets climate neutrality by 2040
European firms team up to scale transaction of removals credits
Indian state boycotts central government’s palm oil plantation drive in a bid to protect biodiversity
Asia-focused offset standard launches in Singapore, targets technology-based solutions
It’s Ulez day, and to those who would thwart it I say: people are dying, this will save lives | Jenny Jones
Amid the culture war bickering and rightwing campaigns, it’s time to remember why this move is practical, popular and essential
On this day, Ulez day – after all the misrepresentations and smothering of the concept by toxic, opportunistic politicians – there are basic facts that bear repeating. When people are breathing in polluted air, doing nothing about cleaning it up means that people will die prematurely. The connection between dirty air and asthma, strokes, Alzheimer’s, bronchus and lung cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections is all proven. If one of your relatives or friends has suffered from any of these serious conditions, then air pollution could have been a contributory factor. And if you are still arguing that you have the right to drive a polluting, life-curtailing vehicle, then ask yourself: is that the person you really want to be?
That doesn’t mean that the capital’s now extended ultra-low emission zone, or Ulez, is the only solution, but it is the most effective one we can put in place today. The Ulez gives us the best and most immediate chance of reducing the number of people dying prematurely, children developing smaller lung capacity and many of us suffering lung and respiratory problems. I agree we should heavily regulate the use of domestic wood burners, have better public transport and dramatically increase the number of electric charging points. I’m happy to listen to anyone who makes the case for additional measures that we should be taking. But having spent 24 years campaigning for clean air, I know that there has never been a shortage of solutions – it is only the political will to implement them that has been lacking.
Jenny Jones is a Green party peer and former deputy mayor of London
Continue reading...Developed countries urged to ‘step up’ contributions to global nature fund
Canada and UK only donor countries to contribute so far, leaving scheme short of $40m to formally launch
Developed countries have been urged to contribute to a new nature fund after it was left undercapitalised by $40m (£32m), receiving money from just two donors.
At the Cop15 biodiversity summit in December, where countries agreed this decade’s biodiversity targets that included aims to protect 30% of Earth, governments agreed to the creation of a fund to help developing countries meet the deal’s aims, which included a target to provide $200bn for nature a year by 2030.
Continue reading...Clean air ‘a right not a privilege’, says London mayor as Ulez is expanded
Sadiq Khan defends expansion of ultra-low emission zone as government continues to criticise it
Clean air is “a right not a privilege”, the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has said as the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) was expanded to include the outer boroughs of London.
People who drive in the zone in a vehicle that does not meet minimum emissions standards are required to pay a £12.50 daily fee or risk a £180 fine, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
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The post “High velocity” renewables shift urgently needs bigger and stronger grid, says Transgrid appeared first on RenewEconomy.
South Australia wants out of new offshore wind zone, to protect rock lobsters
South Australia chooses to back its fisheries industries, which are worried about the impact of offshore wind farm construction.
The post South Australia wants out of new offshore wind zone, to protect rock lobsters appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Queensland spends $28m to get four remote communities off diesel for good
The communities will receive solar systems and batteries, with an expected annual saving of $3 million a year.
The post Queensland spends $28m to get four remote communities off diesel for good appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Beware people talking clean hydrogen, they are the ones who brought you clean coal
Malcolm Turnbull warns against fossil fuelled hydrogen proposals - as offshore wind wrestles with rising costs, supply chain issues and permitting.
The post Beware people talking clean hydrogen, they are the ones who brought you clean coal appeared first on RenewEconomy.
How a lethal fungus is shrinking living space for our frogs
Australia’s national hydrogen strategy needs to separate financial reality from hype
Hydrogen offers some genuine opportunities for Australia in the race to decarbonise. We must choose carefully to capitalise on our advantages.
The post Australia’s national hydrogen strategy needs to separate financial reality from hype appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Young climate activist tells Greenpeace to drop ‘old-fashioned’ anti-nuclear stance
Swedish teenager Ia Anstoot says group’s ‘unscientific’ opposition to EU nuclear power serves fossil fuel interests
An 18-year-old climate activist has called for Greenpeace to drop its “old-fashioned and unscientific” campaign against nuclear power in the EU.
In April, the environmental campaign group announced it would appeal against the EU Commission’s decision to include nuclear power in its classification system for sustainable finance. This “taxonomy” is designed as a guide for private investors wanting to fund green projects, aiming to boost environmental investment.
Continue reading...Li-ion pioneer makes breakthrough in cheaper, safer “zinc-air” batteries
Perth-based researcher who helped pioneer now ubiquitous lithium-ion battery technology is heralding a breakthrough in zinc-air chemistry.
The post Li-ion pioneer makes breakthrough in cheaper, safer “zinc-air” batteries appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Tamworth solar and battery project beset by objections from community and government
Huge solar and battery project near Tamworth is wading through a river of objections, as members of the community and government departments question its environmental impact statement.
The post Tamworth solar and battery project beset by objections from community and government appeared first on RenewEconomy.
Major Japanese companies invest in Southeast Asia-focused forestry fund
WA lands $3 billion from CEFC to expand grid and deliver stunning renewable plans
Western Australia lands $3 billion from CEFC to fast track grid investment for the tens of gigawatts of wind and solar needed for green energy transition.
The post WA lands $3 billion from CEFC to expand grid and deliver stunning renewable plans appeared first on RenewEconomy.