Reduce, repair, recycle as EU plans 'circular' rules for everyday items 31/3/2022

Smartphones, clothes and furniture will have to become longer-lasting and easier to repair and recycle under new sustainability rules proposed by the European Union. ...more

Global flood losses hit $82 bln last year, as study highlights UK risk 31/3/2022

Flooding cost the global economy more than $82 billion last year, accounting for nearly a third of all losses from natural catastrophes, reinsurance agency Swiss Re Institute reported Wednesday. ...more

Corporate emitters fall far short of climate goals, investors say 31/3/2022

The heaviest-emitting companies have yet to take the steps needed to align their businesses with the world's mission to cap global warming, an investor group said on Wednesday, adding it expected shareholders to ramp up the pressure for action. ...more

Major automakers back tough U.S. vehicle emissions rules in court battle 31/3/2022

Major U.S. and foreign automakers on Wednesday backed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new tougher vehicle emissions regulations in a court challenge brought by some states and ethanol groups. ...more

Australia's Qantas aims to cut carbon emissions 25% by 2030 31/3/2022

Qantas Airways Ltd plans to reduce carbon emissions by about 25% by 2030, in part by boosting sustainable aviation fuel to 10% of its fuel mix and increasing the fuel efficiency of flights by 1.5% a year. ...more

Climate-related disasters pose 'major' growth threat in Middle East, Central Asia - IMF 30/3/2022

The frequency and severity of climate-related disasters are rising faster in the Middle East and Central Asia than anywhere in the world, posing a "major threat" to growth and prosperity, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said. ...more

Energy Transition Holds Key to Tackle Global Energy and Climate Crisis 30/3/2022

World Energy Transitions Outlook outlines priority actions till 2030 to keep 1.5°C alive; calls on governments to fast-track energy transition for more energy security, resilience, and affordable energy for all. ...more

Global wind and solar growth on track to meet climate targets 30/3/2022

Solar and wind power can grow enough to limit global warming to 1.5C if the 10-year average compound growth rate of 20% can be maintained to 2030, independent climate think tank Ember said in a report on Wednesday. ...more

World delegates appear to kick deal to halt nature loss into long grass 30/3/2022

Negotiations on an ambitious global biodiversity deal to halt or reverse nature loss closed in Switzerland on Tuesday, with countries agreeing to little more than further talks in June. ...more

Shell filed appeal against landmark Dutch climate ruling 30/3/2022

Energy major Shell has filed its appeal against a Dutch court ruling that ordered the oil, gas and fuel producer to cut its emissions faster in a landmark win for activists turning to courts to force climate action. ...more