Record low water levels on the Danube and Rhine rivers due to drought and heat have forced nuclear reactor shutdowns in Hungary and Romania, disrupted shipping, and impacted tourism across central and eastern Europe, raising energy crisis concerns.
A senior European Central Bank policymaker, Frank Elderson, stated that the climate emergency and nature's breakdown present a dramatically growing risk to the global economy and financial stability. The ECB is increasing its monitoring of financial risks from ecosystem services destruction, with plans to publish analysis on credit loss dynamics for eurozone banks.
MPs are calling for a televised national climate emergency briefing in the UK, citing the "insidious threat" of climate breakdown. A new film, "People's Emergency Briefing," advocates for this, with cross-party support from MPs and peers. The government stated it already holds an annual climate statement.
MPs are calling for a televised national climate emergency briefing, citing "insidious threats" to society. A new film, "People's Emergency Briefing," highlights risks to food, economy, and health, urging government action. Over 2,000 screenings are planned.
Labour faces a race against time to meet its 2030 target of a virtually zero-carbon electricity system. Despite approving renewables at double the Conservative rate, hurdles in planning and grid connections mean the goal may be pushed to 2035. Experts warn of 'real world' risks impacting complex infrastructure delivery.
Spain's tourism minister, Jordi Hereu, is pushing to diversify the country's appeal beyond traditional "sun and sand" offerings as it anticipates a record 100 million foreign visitors. The strategy aims for "calm growth" to manage overtourism concerns and climate impacts, focusing on inland and cultural experiences.
The Cerne Giant, a 55-metre-tall chalk figure in Dorset, undergoes rechalking every 7-10 years, but climate change effects like algae growth and intense rainfall necessitate more frequent restoration, with the National Trust adapting techniques to preserve the hundreds-year-old landmark.
Canada's climate strategy is being dismantled under Prime Minister Carney, who has reversed key policies like the consumer carbon price and weakened regulations. Despite past advocacy for climate action, his government is prioritizing investment and fossil fuel infrastructure, leading to criticism and voter remorse.
Canada's climate strategy is being dismantled under Prime Minister Carney, with policies like carbon pricing, methane regulations, and EV mandates weakened or delayed. Critics argue this favors fossil fuel infrastructure and contradicts his past climate advocacy, leading to voter remorse and environmental concerns.
The UK government has revised its estimate of carbon emissions from AI datacentres by more than 100 times, after an investigation revealed the original figure was a significant underestimate. New data shows AI datacentres could emit 34-123 MtCO2 over the next decade, equivalent to 0.9-3.4% of the UK's projected total emissions between 2025-2035. The previous estimate claimed emissions would reach just 0.142 MtCO2 in a single year.
This opinion piece argues that female city leaders are driving unprecedented urban transformation toward more inclusive, sustainable cities. Drawing on examples from Barcelona's Ada Colau, Montréal's Valérie Plante and Paris's Anne Hidalgo, the authors contend that women leaders' lived experiences result in policies benefiting vulnerable groups. The article cites statistics showing only 25 of the world's 300 largest cities have female mayors, and calls for more gender balance in municipal leadership to create public spaces that work for everyone.
