High Noon for 2°C The world’s nations agreed to “prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system” (Art. 2 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change1) back in 1992. Until recently, most nations had not agreed what that meant, however. Read more
Pollution treaty to be revised A revised Gothenburg protocol is expected to include new national emission ceilings for 2020. Read more
Still high ozone levels despite less air pollution Ozone levels remain largely unchanged in many European countries, even though emissions of the air pollutants involved in ozone formation have been reduced significantly. Read more
Ministers water down pollution legislation EU environment ministers have agreed to water down proposals for stronger industrial pollution control. Read more
North American ECA met by approval The process of establishing an emission control area (ECA) off the North American shores has taken a step further. Read more
Shipping climate policy continues to drift Once again, the IMO has failed to adopt binding measures to reduce emissions from international shipping. Read more
Cutting ship fuel sulphur may save 45,000 lives Lowering the sulphur content of fuel used in shipping could prevent upwards of 45,000 premature deaths a year by reducing exposure to fine particles. Read more
Commission scrutinizes air quality derogations The EU Commission has approved time extensions for 19 air quality zones, but raised objections to 75 other proposed exemptions. Read more
US to cut CO2 emissions from cars and light-duty trucks A proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road vehicles in the USA will apply for model years from 2012. Read more
Island states demand 95 per cent emission cuts Island states and least developed countries agree: Rich nations have caused the problem, and should cut emissions 95 per cent by 2050. Read more
Most rich Kyoto countries off track Many rich countries will not be able to meet their climate commitments through active policy initiatives. Only “hot air” will do the trick. Read more
Editorial: Bring them in In June 2009, a coalition of environmental organisations presented a benchmark Copenhagen climate treaty. The document describes the path the world must be on to avoid catastrophic climate change, recognising that global temperature increase must be kept well below 2 degrees Celsius. Read more
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