Qatar Airways CEO defends 160 extra daily flights at 'climate-neutral' World Cup 2/6/2022

The chief executive of Qatar Airways has defended a plan to operate more than 160 extra flights to shuttle spectators from the region to Doha and back each day, for what has been advertised as the first "carbon neutral" FIFA World Cup. ...more

Abu Dhabi Retailers Single-Use Plastic Bags Ban Begins 2/6/2022

Yesterday marked the start of the implementation of the single-use plastic bag ban in Abu Dhabi, which was announced in April. This development comes as part of the tools of an integrated and comprehensive single-use plastic policy developed by Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi (EAD) in 2020 that will be implemented this year. ...more

COVID-19 Slows Progress Towards Universal Energy Access 2/6/2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a key factor in slowing progress toward universal energy access. Globally, 733 million people still have no access to electricity, and 2.4 billion people still cook using fuels detrimental to their health and the environment. At the current rate of progress, 670 million people will remain without electricity by 2030 – 10 million more than projected last year. ...more

IKEA to sell solar panels to Americans 2/6/2022

Ikea shoppers will be able to buy solar panels at US stores starting this fall. In a press statement, Ikea said that the new product comes under their partnership with SunPower, a California-based company that sells and installs solar power. Through this partnership, Ikea will be able to extend its green footprint. ...more

World's biggest plant discovered off Australian coast 2/6/2022

The largest known plant on Earth - a seagrass roughly three times the size of Manhattan - has been discovered off the coast of Australia. ...more

Drought threatens starvation in Horn of Africa, U.N., agencies say 1/6/2022

Millions of people face severe hunger in the Horn of Africa as the worst drought in more than 40 years could extend to a fifth consecutive failed rainy season, the United Nations and humanitarian agencies warned on Tuesday. ...more

U.S. says it will cut costs for clean energy projects on public lands 1/6/2022

The Biden administration on Tuesday said it would substantially reduce the cost of building wind and solar energy projects on federal lands to help spur renewable energy development and address climate change. ...more

China vows new financial tools to support drive to carbon neutrality 1/6/2022

China's government said it will expand its range of financial tools and make greater use of fiscal and taxation policies to support the shift towards carbon neutrality. ...more

WHO raises alarm on tobacco industry environmental impact 1/6/2022

WHO has yesterday revealed new information on the extent to which tobacco damages both the environment and human health, calling for steps to make the industry more accountable for the destruction it is causing. ...more

Fashion industry needs to pick up pace on climate goals, says report 1/6/2022

The 30 largest listed fashion firms must do more to hit Paris climate accord targets and U.N. sustainable development goals, although some are improving their social and environmental credentials, The Business of Fashion said in a report on Tuesday. ...more