China has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation against the US electric vehicle subsidies, claiming they are discriminatory. Indian refineries have stopped accepting Russian crude oil, with customs officials checking sanctioned shipping companies. Thailand has launched a hybrid energy project combining solar panels and hydropower. Danish wind developer Ørsted has decided to invest in the Sunrise Wind project, set to be the largest US offshore wind farm. Azerbaijan, Brazil, and the UAE have committed to updated climate plans adhering to the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal. The Jolt team discusses the impact of geopolitics on the energy transition and the role of legal cases in climate policies.

Addressing methane emissions is crucial for limiting global warming and preventing drastic climate change. MethaneSAT, launched earlier this month, aims to track 80% of the world's oil and gas industry emissions with unmatched accuracy. Daniel Zavala from the Environmental Defense Fund discusses the satellite project on the Watt Matters podcast, emphasizing the need for precise data to tackle methane emissions effectively.

The United States government is making its largest investment into industrial decarbonisation, with plans to invest up to $6 billion in projects to reduce emissions. The EU's environment ministers are considering a 90% emissions cut by 2040, with business support. Australia is set to introduce vehicle efficiency standards to significantly reduce emissions from new vehicles by 2030. Shipping companies are benefiting from the EU's inclusion of the maritime sector in its carbon market. The EU is also promoting the development of small modular reactors, with discussions featuring representatives from Rolls Royce SMR and nucleareurope, as well as skepticism from Greenpeace.

The Jolt provides updates on global energy and climate news, including the UK's carbon border tax plan, US-Ukraine relations regarding drone strikes on Russian refineries, Nigeria's offshore pipeline project to Morocco, and the EU's electricity production report. Norway's first offshore wind farm will be built by a consortium including IKEA's parent company. A US startup plans to build the world's largest aircraft for transporting wind turbine components. The episode also discusses satellite monitoring of the climate crisis and Japan's wind power initiatives.

The United States has implemented new vehicle pollution standards, projected to save seven billion tons of carbon emissions annually. EU transport emissions are rising, potentially accounting for nearly half of Europe's greenhouse gases by 2030. Small island states seek greater ambition ahead of COP29. South Korea's electricity price hikes are attributed to fossil fuel dependence and a delayed energy transition. KLM faced a court ruling for misleading advertising. The US solar industry's overreliance on imports is highlighted, while Chile boasts the world's first solar-powered air traffic control radar station. Carbon Tracker's Maeve O’Connor discussed oil and gas companies' alignment with the Paris Agreement, revealing subpar performance with the best grade being a 'D'.

The European Union's emissions trading system (ETS) saw a record high of over €100 per tonne of CO2 last year, but prices have since dropped to around €50 per tonne. Experts Hæge Fjellheim and Marion Labatut discuss the potential impacts on Europe's energy transition, including a possible short-term increase in CO2 emissions from coal power plants. Key global energy stories include Saudi Aramco's CEO criticizing the energy transition, the US government's optimistic report on geothermal power, and TotalEnergies' investment in a US carbon capture project. Other notable updates include calls for Nigeria to declare a state of emergency in its power sector and the UK's need for significant investment in its electricity grid.

The Green Brief from Euractiv reflects on the significant progress made by the European Union since the launch of the Green Deal in December 2019. Despite challenges such as the pandemic and war, the EU has doubled its climate objectives, reduced reliance on Russian fossil fuels, and accelerated the clean energy transition. The article discusses the legislative achievements, ongoing challenges, and the need for continued ambition and implementation of agreed policies to ensure energy sovereignty and address the climate crisis.

The European Parliament voted to adopt a position on legislation aimed at reducing packaging waste, but weakened key measures such as reuse and bans on unnecessary packaging due to political division and industry lobbying. The vote passed with 426 in favor, 125 against, and 74 abstentions. The Parliament's position includes reducing unnecessary packaging by up to 15% by 2040 and cutting plastic packaging by 20% by the same year. Environmental groups criticized the weakened measures, while conservative lawmakers and industry groups largely welcomed the vote. Negotiations with EU member states and the European Commission will now commence to finalize the law.

The European Parliament has adopted a weakened stance on a law aimed at reducing packaging waste, following intense debate and lobbying. The legislation, which initially aimed to promote recycling and set new targets for reuse and waste prevention, saw key measures diluted, including those on reusable packaging and bans on unnecessary packaging. The decision has drawn criticism from environmental organizations and left-leaning politicians, who see it as a missed opportunity, while conservative members and industry groups have welcomed the reduced regulatory burden. The next step involves negotiations with EU member states and the European Commission to finalize the law.

The European Parliament adopted a softened stance on the EU packaging waste law, reducing some key measures aimed at waste reduction. The legislation, which initially sought to significantly cut packaging waste through recycling and reuse targets, faced political division and intense lobbying. The final position includes reduced targets for unnecessary packaging and specific measures for plastic reduction, but weakens reuse goals and bans on certain single-use items. Environmental groups criticized the changes, while center-right and conservative MEPs, along with industry groups, welcomed the adjustments. The debate continues as the law moves to trilogue negotiations with EU member states and the European Commission.

The European Green Deal, initiated in December 2019, has driven significant progress in EU climate policy, setting ambitious targets for 2030 and 2050 despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Key achievements include the EU's Climate Law, the 'Fit for 55' package, and the world's first carbon border levy. However, issues remain in areas like wind power, nuclear energy's role, and climate finance. The EU must continue its momentum to meet future climate targets, emphasizing the need for effective implementation and new intermediary goals for 2040.

The European Parliament has adopted its position on a carbon absorption certification system to combat greenwashing. The framework, proposed by the European Commission, aims to ensure carbon reduction initiatives are environmentally beneficial. The Parliament's resolution, passed with a significant majority, emphasizes compliance with international standards to prevent fraud. The certification system is designed to attract private investment in carbon removal projects, including tree planting and industrial technologies like direct air capture. Environmental organizations urge negotiators to focus on effective use of carbon capture to avoid misuse and greenwashing. The final negotiations between the Parliament and EU countries are set to begin, with calls for precise and purposeful certification to balance emissions that cannot be otherwise reduced.

The European Parliament has established its stance on a certification system for CO2 removal to facilitate climate goals and reduce greenwashing. The framework, proposed by the European Commission, aims to regulate a market plagued by greenwashing and mistrust. The Parliament's position, supported by a significant majority, emphasizes the need for international standards and transparency. The certification system will cover various activities, including CO2 removal and carbon storage in products. Environmental NGOs hope for focused negotiations to ensure the system's effectiveness in reducing emissions and preventing greenwashing.

A major study led by the Crowther Lab and involving hundreds of scientists globally has found that restoring the world's forests through community-driven action can capture up to 226 gigatonnes of carbon. This amount is roughly a third of the carbon released since the industrial era. The study highlights the importance of protecting existing forests and allowing them to regrow, as well as reconnecting fragmented landscapes. The EU's recent nature restoration law and plans to plant three billion trees by 2030 align with these findings. Researchers emphasize the central role of local communities and Indigenous Peoples in restoration efforts and caution against using forest carbon capture as a substitute for reducing fossil fuel emissions.

Construction has begun on a high-voltage submarine cable, the 'Celtic Interconnector', which will transport energy for 450,000 homes, aiming to enhance energy security and help reduce energy bills between France and Ireland. Set to be completed in 2026 and connected to the grid by 2027, it marks a significant step for the energy future of both countries. Irish Environment and Climate Minister Eamon Ryan and his French counterpart Agnès Pannier-Runacher, who visited Dublin for the event, emphasized the project's role in renewable energy usage, lowering energy prices, and contributing to Ireland's zero-emission energy system. The 700-megawatt cable will run between the southern coast of Ireland and northern France, directly linking the Irish and EU electrical grids. The project is part of the EU's Offshore Grid Development Plan and has received €530.7 million from the Connecting Europe Facility. Both governments also signed a declaration of intent to cooperate on energy transition, including onshore wind, solar energy, and offshore renewables.

EU countries and the European Parliament reached a landmark agreement on a new law for the restoration of at least 20% of Europe's land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems requiring restoration by 2050. This law is the first European legislation to actively restore ecosystems, aiming to reverse the drastic decline of many European habitats. The law is a key pillar of the EU's 2030 biodiversity strategy and will help achieve the international goal of restoring 30% of land and seas by 2030. Despite the progress, there are concerns about numerous exceptions and the lack of legal guarantees that could undermine the law's effectiveness.

EU negotiators have agreed on a landmark law to restore 20% of Europe's land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need by 2050. The law, part of the EU's Biodiversity Strategy, aims to reverse habitat decline and includes measures for forests, urban areas, and agricultural ecosystems. While the law has been praised for its ambition, it has faced criticism for being weakened during negotiations, particularly regarding agricultural measures and peatland restoration. The law still requires formal approval from the European Parliament and EU countries.

EU negotiators have agreed on a historic law to restore at least 20% of Europe's terrestrial and marine areas by 2030 and all ecosystems needing restoration by 2050. This law, part of the EU's biodiversity strategy, aims to reverse the decline of European habitats. It includes specific measures for various ecosystems and mandates EU countries to create national restoration plans. However, the law has been weakened with several exemptions and a shift from result-based to effort-based approaches. Environmental groups have mixed reactions, acknowledging the law's potential but criticizing its diluted provisions.

EU negotiators and the European Parliament have reached an agreement on the Renaturation Law aimed at restoring European ecosystems. The law, part of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, mandates member states to create national restoration plans and prevent further degradation of ecosystems. Key measures include improving biodiversity in forests, maintaining urban green spaces, and restoring peatlands. The law faced significant opposition, particularly regarding agricultural ecosystems, leading to several concessions. Environmental organizations have mixed reactions, praising the inclusion of various ecosystems but criticizing the law's weakened provisions and potential loopholes. The agreement awaits formal approval from the European Parliament and EU member states.

The Jolt provides updates on key climate and energy stories globally. The UK government plans to delay a scheme for heat pump sales by a year. A Polish court revoked the Turów coal mine's environmental permit, jeopardizing its extended license. Finland's Fingrid issued a €500 million green bond to develop its electricity system. The US-EU Energy Council meets to discuss energy policies and support for Ukraine. Leonardo DiCaprio invests in Solarmente, a Catalan solar power startup. The episode also covers truck electrification in the US, Japan's LNG issues, and a poll on power grid bottlenecks.

The construction of the Celtic Interconnector, a high-voltage submarine cable between France and Ireland, has begun. Expected to be completed by 2026 and operational by 2027, the project aims to enhance energy security and reduce electricity costs for 450,000 households. The initiative is a significant step for both countries' energy futures, promoting renewable energy use and market integration within the EU. The project has received €530.7 million in funding from the Connecting Europe Facility. French and Irish governments also signed a declaration to cooperate on energy transition, focusing on wind, solar, and marine renewable energy projects, and preparing for the COP28 climate summit and the 2024 International Energy Agency ministerial meeting.

Construction has begun on the Celtic Interconnector, a high-voltage subsea cable between France and Ireland, aimed at enhancing energy security and reducing costs. The project, expected to be completed by 2026 and operational by 2027, will link the Irish and EU electricity grids, facilitating renewable energy use and market integration. The EU supports this initiative as part of its broader energy security and renewable integration strategy, with significant funding from the Connecting Europe Facility. French and Irish officials emphasize the project's importance for their countries' energy futures and broader European energy plans.

The UK government has announced its support for a moratorium on commercial deep-sea mining, reversing its previous stance. This decision follows criticism from scientists, parliamentarians, and environmentalists. The UK joins a growing list of countries advocating for a pause in deep-sea mining until sufficient scientific evidence is available to assess its environmental impact. The move has been praised by various environmental organizations and aligns with broader international efforts to protect marine ecosystems. The UK government will also establish a scientific network to study the environmental impact of deep-sea mining.

Ireland, despite its 'Green Island' moniker, is one of the least forested countries in the EU. The government aims to increase forest cover from 11% to 18% through initiatives like forestry grants for farmers. Efforts are part of broader EU goals to restore ecosystems. Challenges include overgrazing, invasive species, and engaging local communities. The Hometree project collaborates with farmers and owns land to demonstrate restoration practices. Long-term success requires sustained funding and community involvement. The EU plans to plant three billion trees by 2030 to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.

Europe faces significant water scarcity challenges exacerbated by climate change, with disrupted water supplies affecting industries, agriculture, and citizens. Despite existing legislation like the Water Framework Directive, enforcement and implementation gaps persist. Experts call for a shift towards sustainable water use, reuse, and circular economy principles. Initiatives like the EU-funded iWays project and BayWa r.e's innovative water conservation methods offer potential solutions. Cooperation across borders and sectors is essential to address the issue comprehensively, with a need for stronger political will and investment.

China's significant role in the global energy transition is highlighted, with its dominance in clean energy manufacturing and production. The Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment's report underscores China's potential to accelerate the transition but also raises concerns about trade barriers. Key climate and energy updates include new climate records, UN's call for action, and Shell's emission reduction pledges. Additionally, Germany and the US plan to launch satellites to monitor environmental changes.

EU energy ministers have unanimously voted to adopt a new law mandating that Europe's gas storage be at least 80% full by November 2022, in response to disruptions from Russian gas deliveries. The European Commission has accused Russia of using gas supply as blackmail, and there are concerns that the EU could lose its entire Russian gas supply by year's end. The EU is attempting to fill 85% of its total underground gas storage capacity this year. Despite challenges, storage levels are currently 56% higher than the historical average. The EU is also looking to diversify its gas supply, with record LNG imports and cooperation with the US. Solidarity within the EU is emphasized, with countries urged to update contingency plans and prepare for possible further disruptions. The European Commission is planning a proposal on reducing energy demand, and a coordinated demand reduction plan is in the works.