Environment & Climate
The European Green Deal, energy transition, oceans and the climate policy behind the headlines.
France Bans Alcohol at Fête de la Musique as Heatwave Sweeps Europe
France has banned alcohol sales at the Fête de la Musique in Paris as temperatures hit 35°C. Southern France and Spain could reach 40°C. Mul
France's Troglodyte Village of Trôo Offers Natural Cooling as Heatwaves Intensify
The troglodyte village of Trôo, north of Tours, features homes carved into rock that maintain a stable 20°C interior temperature even during
Solar Fences Gain Traction Across Europe as Households Seek Creative Energy Solutions
Solar fences are emerging across Europe as a novel way to generate renewable energy from garden boundaries. While less efficient than roofto
Lightning Strikes Injure Ten at Handball Tournament in Southern Germany
Lightning struck a campsite in Rastatt, Baden-Württemberg, during a handball tournament, injuring nine people. A separate strike in Münsinge
France Braces for 40°C Heatwave, Echoing Deadly 2003 Conditions
Nearly two-thirds of France is under an orange heatwave alert as temperatures are expected to reach 40°C. The extreme heat recalls the deadl
High Seas Treaty Enters Force: A New Era for Global Ocean Governance
The High Seas Treaty, the first binding agreement to protect biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions, entered into force in January 2026.
France Heatwave Nears 40°C, Disrupting Tourist Plans Across the Country
France is experiencing a widespread heatwave with temperatures nearing 40°C in several areas. Tourists and locals are adapting their schedul
Berlin Zoo Deploys Ice Bombs and Showers as Heatwave Grips Europe
Berlin Zoo is using ice bombs and water showers to cool elephants and bears during a severe European heatwave. The measures underscore the g
Extreme Heat Could Cost France, Italy, and Spain Billions by 2030
France, Italy, and Spain are the European economies most vulnerable to extreme heat, with potential GDP losses of 5-7% by 2030. Labour produ
Bavarian Startup ChoViva Makes Cocoa-Free Chocolate from Sunflower Seeds
Planet A Foods in Munich has developed ChoViva, a cocoa-free chocolate alternative from fermented and roasted sunflower seeds. The startup a
Sherwood Forest's Legendary Major Oak, Linked to Robin Hood, Dies at 1,200
The Major Oak, a 1,200-year-old tree in Sherwood Forest linked to the Robin Hood legend, has died after failing to leaf out this spring. The
Heatwave Strains French Farms, Schools, Rail, and Health Services
French vineyards start work before dawn to avoid peak heat. Schools adjust timetables, SNCF cuts services, and hospitals see rising admissio