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In the first half of 2024, wind and solar power generated 30% of the European Union's electricity, surpassing fossil fuels (27%) for the first time. This shift occurred despite a 0.7% rebound in electricity demand, driven by structural capacity growth and favorable weather conditions, leading to a 17% decline in fossil fuel generation and a 31% drop in power sector emissions compared to the first half of 2022.

This policy brief examines the opportunities and barriers for the European Union to reduce consumption-based emissions (CBEs), which include emissions from the entire supply chain of goods and services consumed within the EU regardless of where production occurs. Based on policy analysis and case studies from France, Denmark, and Sweden, the brief argues that while territorial emissions have decreased, the EU's carbon footprint remains significant due to imports, necessitating coordinated EU-level targets and a shift from simple efficiency gains to systematic changes in consumption patterns.

This report analyzes the inclusion of fossil fuel production in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the world's top 20 producing countries and provides a framework for incorporating the COP 28 agreement to transition away from fossil fuels into third-generation NDCs and long-term low-emissions development strategies (LT-LEDS).

A June 2024 briefing by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) examines methane emissions from abandoned coal mines in the European Union (EU), highlighting significant data gaps and the potential for substantial unreported emissions. The report estimates that underground mines closed since 2015 could emit approximately 200 kilotonnes of methane per year, with Poland identified as the largest contributor.

This research paper by Ember analyzes draft National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) from EU Member States to determine if current national ambitions align with the REPowerEU plan and the Fit-for-55 package. The analysis finds that while renewable energy targets have increased significantly since 2019, the EU is still projected to fall short of its 2030 goals for renewable electricity share, solar capacity, and wind capacity.

The report 'Making clean power flexy' by Ember argues that clean flexibility—specifically battery storage and demand side flexibility (DSF)—is essential to integrate the rapid growth of wind and solar power in the European Union and phase out fossil fuel 'peakers'. It highlights a significant gap in national policy targets for these technologies despite projections that EU flexibility needs will double by 2030.

The Boom and Bust Coal 2024 report by Global Energy Monitor analyzes global coal power capacity trends, highlighting a net increase in operating capacity in 2023 driven primarily by China, despite a general global decline in new construction starts outside of China.

This report by Ember argues that Germany significantly underreports methane emissions from its coal mining sector due to an outdated and unverified single emission factor from 1989. The analysis suggests that actual emissions could be 28 to 220 times higher than official figures, urging an urgent update to monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) frameworks ahead of the new EU Methane Regulation.

The April 2024 report by Global Energy Monitor and partners reveals that while global coal capacity reached a record 2,130 GW in 2023, there is a stark divide: China continues to expand its fleet, while most other countries are reducing new construction. The report highlights that only 15% of operational capacity has retirement plans aligned with the 1.5°C goal. Regional analysis shows significant progress in the EU and UK, stability in Sub-Saharan Africa (dominated by South Africa), and a lack of new projects in the MENA region.

This report, published by Global Energy Monitor and a coalition of partners, tracks global coal-fired power plant capacity as of April 2024. It highlights a paradoxical trend where global coal capacity reached record highs in 2023, driven primarily by China, despite a general decline in new coal construction in the rest of the world and increasing phase-out commitments.

The Europe Gas Tracker Report 2024 by Global Energy Monitor analyzes the ongoing expansion of gas infrastructure in Europe. Despite a decrease in gas demand and a shift toward renewables, the region continues to plan and build LNG terminals and pipelines, which the report argues creates significant financial risk, environmental damage, and infrastructure overcapacity.

Friends of the Earth International issues a statement criticizing the proposed EU-Mercosur trade agreement, arguing that it prioritizes corporate interests over human rights, environmental sustainability, and local economies. The organization highlights opposition from both Latin American social movements and European farmers, while calling for a shift in global trade policies during the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference.

Stora Enso is transitioning from a declining paper business to a renewable materials company, targeting the food and building sectors. Through partnerships with entities like Tetra Pak and the creation of innovation accelerators, the company aims to derive 15% of its revenue from new products. While it has successfully launched recycling infrastructure in Poland and developed sustainable alternatives to plastics, it continues to face financial pressures and the challenge of scaling niche products for mainstream adoption.

This report by Ember analyzes the technical potential for rooftop solar expansion in Türkiye, estimating that the country could install at least 120 GW of capacity, which would meet 45% of its 2022 electricity consumption. The study identifies significant opportunities in residential and industrial sectors to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and lower the fiscal burden of electricity subsidies.

This report by Ember analyzes the underreporting of coal mine methane (CMM) emissions, finding that global emissions may be up to twice as high as government figures reported to the UNFCCC. It highlights systemic failures in monitoring, noting that 97% of reported emissions rely on general emission factors rather than direct measurement, and recommends mandatory direct monitoring, satellite verification, and international support for low-income countries to mitigate this potent greenhouse gas.

The report by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) analyzes global coal mining employment and the necessity of a 'just transition' for workers. Using a new dataset from the Global Coal Mine Tracker, GEM estimates that nearly 2.7 million people are directly employed at operating coal mines. The report warns that hundreds of thousands of jobs are at risk due to planned mine closures by 2035 and 2050, regardless of climate policies, and that significantly more layoffs would occur if the world adheres to 1.5°C and 2°C warming scenarios.

The Global Electricity Mid-Year Insights 2023 report by Ember analyses global electricity generation from January to June 2023. It finds that global power sector emissions plateaued, increasing by only 0.2%, as significant growth in wind and solar was offset by a historic decline in hydropower generation caused by droughts.

This research paper examines the evolution of multilateralism through the lens of relations between the European Union (EU) and the BRICS grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), particularly against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The author argues that a 'structural disjuncture' exists between the EU's preference for bilateral strategic partnerships and BRICS' pursuit of an inclusive, South-South multilateral model that challenges Western-led global governance and economic norms.

This guide by Zero Carbon Analytics explains the role of heat pumps in decarbonising buildings and industry, detailing their technical operation, economic viability, and the policy barriers to their global adoption.

An analysis of 2022 EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) data reveals that the ten largest emitters are all coal power plants, with a high concentration of emissions in Germany and Poland. While long-term trends show a decline in coal power emissions, 2022 saw a 6% increase compared to 2021 due to the energy crisis, nuclear outages, and droughts.