The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) think tank has this week published a new series of briefing papers on the transition to a net zero emission economy, ahead of a crucial few months in the debate over whether the UK should set a new net zero target. The new reports cover the case for setting a net zero target, how to develop new negative emission industries, and the likely impact on businesses and employment of the transition to net zero. It also looks at the implications of a net zero target for specific sectors, including energy, transport, and heavy industry.
Business Green 19th Sept 2018 read more »
Companies including Facebook, Google and Microsoft have failed to distance themselves from a lobby group’s proposal to fight any effort by the EU to set more ambitious climate change goals. A leaked document shows that BusinessEurope, Europe’s biggest business lobbying group, will urge members to oppose any moves by the European Commission to ratchet up the bloc’s 2030 targets for clean energy, carbon cuts and energy efficiency. The commission is considering whether to set more ambitious goals in November after a key international science panel report on meeting tougher global warming targets is published in October, and before a UN climate summit in December. But, at meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, BusinessEurope will ask big companies to agree a “line to take” on the prospect of steeper carbon cuts. If the commission’s measures have teeth, the group’s “advocacy and communication strategy” recommends companies agree to fight them. “To oppose the new increase of ambition, using the usual arguments of global playing field, we cannot compensate for others, etc,” the document said. If the commission opts for warm words and a political statement rather than a material ratcheting up of the targets, the group suggests it should react by being “rather positive”.
Guardian 19th Sept 2018 read more »