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Pod Point reports weak demand for new cars as government says no firms will pay fines over ZEV mandate

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A charging company has said proposed UK changes to electric car sales rules could increase uncertainty over demand, as it said that it had been caught out by lower numbers of purchases by British drivers.

Pod Point, which is majority-owned by EDF Energy, said weak demand for new cars meant it made revenues of £53m in 2024 from its sales of chargers and services, compared with a £60m target. The London-listed company’s share price slumped by more than a third on Monday morning.

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Even average use of nitrogen fertilisers cut flower numbers fivefold and halved pollinating insects

Using high levels of common fertilisers on grassland halves pollinator numbers and drastically reduces the number of flowers, research from the world’s longest-running ecological experiment has found.

Increasing the amount of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus doused on agricultural grassland reduced flower numbers fivefold and halved the number of pollinating insects, according to the paper by the University of Sussex and Rothamsted Research.

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Incoming US President Donald Trump is set declare a national energy emergency when he officially takes office on Monday, in a move aimed at unleashing fossil fuel production while reversing America’s commitment to fight climate change, according to media reports.

Top steelmakers in South Korea could face additional tariffs imposed by the US, as extra permit allocation to steel companies under the Korean emissions trading scheme is considered to constitute a subsidy, according to a recent judicial decision.

One of Japan’s largest trading houses in partnership with a leading shipping conglomerate has established a venture to create, trade, and retire nature-based carbon removals credits, they announced Monday.

New Zealand carbon allowances remain below the auction price floor with little movement expected until the next government auction in March, as the country’s climate minister has been given a broader remit in a cabinet shakeup.

The administration of new Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum last week stated it would prioritise operationalising the country’s long-delayed emissions trading system (ETS), potentially leading a recent wave of ETS plans in the region, though subnational CO2 taxes continue as the dominant carbon pricing mechanism in the North American country.

Ozone-depleting substance (ODS) refrigerant gas projects are scarce but on the rise in a voluntary carbon market (VCM) angling to prove its integrity, and they could gain a foothold in Gulf countries best known as buyers, according to the regional lead for a VCM standard speaking in Abu Dhabi.

Australia is putting A$2 billion ($1.24 bln) behind a green aluminium industry that will use clean energy rather than coal in the production process, offering credits to smelters under a 10-year plan.

Even though 1080 is derived from native plants, not all of Australia’s native species are resistant to this lethal poison. Rachel Mason, PhD candidate in Conservation Biology, Deakin University Anthony Rendall, Lecturer in Conservation Biology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Euan Ritchie, Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Oil giant retracts claim it stores about a million tonnes of CO2 annually at its flagship carbon capture project after being presented with data showing the real figure at as little as a tenth of that amount. 

The post Norway’s Equinor forced to withdraw key carbon capture claim appeared first on RenewEconomy.

WestWind is seeking a federal green tick for a wind farm proposed for construction in the region of a new transmissions line that will link Victoria and New South Wales.

The post Proposed wind farm joins tussle for spot in Victoria’s north, near new transmission line appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Advances in climate attribution science are helping to make the case that individual fossil fuel companies should be made to pay compensation for climate change linked disasters.

The post Emissions to impact: How climate science will hold fossil fuel companies to account appeared first on RenewEconomy.

The world's third-largest battery, the Moss Landing BESS in California, is still smoking after a fire that destroyed 80% of the facility.

The post Massive Moss Landing battery “still smoking” as authorities probe cause of devastating fire appeared first on RenewEconomy.

A state approved wind farm is in limbo, and three others on pause, as the LNP reviews community consultation and impact assessment process for wind projects.

The post Brookfield-backed wind farm in limbo, three others on pause as LNP overhauls state approval process appeared first on RenewEconomy.

The prime minister is unveiling a green aluminium production credit scheme that will provide financial support to smelters changing their energy source before 2036.

The post “Crucial support:” Federal Labor launches $2bn green aluminium production credit scheme appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Two giant transformers arrive for installation at Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub, one of the biggest grid-scale batteries in Australia and the first from the State Electricity Commission.

The post Giant transformers arrive at massive battery, as state opposition vows to dump the SEC appeared first on RenewEconomy.

New research highlights the need for a broader approach to attracting fairy-wrens and other beloved birds to our gardens. Rochelle Steven, Lecturer in Environmental Management, Murdoch University David Newsome, Assoc. Professor of Environmental Science, Murdoch University Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

Exclusive: Restoration fund in England could be ‘siphoned off’ to be used for general government spending, not repairing rivers

Rachel Reeves’s Treasury is looking to keep millions of pounds levied on polluting water companies in fines that were meant to be earmarked for sewage cleanup, the Guardian has learned.

The £11m water restoration fund was announced before the election last year, with projects bidding for the cash to improve waterways and repair damage done by sewage pollution in areas where fines have been imposed.

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Shifting responsibility to consumers minimises the role of energy industry and policymakers, University of Sydney research suggests

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It’s not unusual to see individuals championed as heroes of climate action, with their efforts to install rooftop solar and buy electric cars promoted as pivotal in the fight to save the planet.

Hero figures can motivate others to follow suit, but a University of Sydney study suggests the way the energy sector shapes this narrative sets individuals up to fail.

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