Environment & Climate
The European Green Deal, energy transition, oceans and the climate policy behind the headlines.
Caspian Sea Shrinking: Central Asian Nations Face Race to Save Ecosystems
Satellite data shows the Caspian Sea's water levels have been declining since the mid-1990s. Climate change is accelerating evaporation, dis
Germany and UK Top European Plastic Waste Exports as EU Prepares Ban
Germany exported 810,000 tonnes of plastic waste in 2025, the highest globally. The UK shipped 675,000 tonnes, its highest in eight years. E
Coal Pollution Dims Solar Output Across Europe and Beyond, Study Finds
A study by Oxford and UCL reveals that coal pollution reduces global solar electricity output by 5.8% in 2023, equivalent to 111 TWh. Europe
Cyprus Sees Surge in Dolphin and Whale Sightings, Triggers New Protection Rules
Recent weeks have seen a notable increase in dolphin and whale sightings in Cyprus's marine areas. The Department of Fisheries and Marine Re
Germany Scraps Renewable Heating Mandate as Heat Pump Sales Surge
Germany's cabinet has abandoned the Buildings Energy Act's requirement for new heating systems to use at least 65% renewable energy. The mov
EU Ban on Brazilian Beef: Animal Welfare Groups Say Farming Systems Are the Real Problem
The EU will ban Brazilian meat imports from September due to antimicrobial use in livestock. Animal welfare groups argue that the real issue
Iran Conflict Drives European Household Gas Prices Up 6.8%: Brussels and Berlin Hit Hardest
Residential gas prices in EU capitals rose 6.8% between early February and early April 2026, driven by the Iran conflict. Brussels and Berli
World Weather Attribution Warns of Hazardous Heat at 2026 World Cup
Climate scientists warn that extreme heat could affect a quarter of 2026 World Cup games, with some venues facing 'near certainty' of hazard
EU Energy Ministers Tackle Dependence on Chinese Battery Storage
EU energy ministers met in Cyprus to debate the bloc's growing dependence on Chinese battery storage. With renewables outpacing infrastructu
Three European Airports Among World's Top Polluters, Study Finds
London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Frankfurt rank among the top ten most polluting airports globally. The three hubs together emi
Heat Pump Sales Surge in Germany as Gas Boilers Decline Across Europe
Heat pump sales grew 10.3% across 16 European countries in 2025, with Germany seeing a 21% increase. Norway leads with 662 units per 1,000 h
Baku Prepares Olympic Stadium for Global Urban Forum as 28,000 Delegates Expected
Azerbaijan is converting Baku's Olympic Stadium into a major conference venue for WUF13, expecting over 28,000 attendees. Authorities are ex