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A deal for renewable energy development -

Australia and the UK have agreed to collaborate on climate action, focusing on renewable energy development, including advancing green hydrogen and offshore wind technologies for accelerated progress in sustainable energy solutions.

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Europe's largest MPA -

Portugal now hosts Europe's largest Marine Protected Area (MPA), safeguarding the Azores' underwater ecosystems. This protects deep-sea corals, whales, and sharks from harmful activities like fishing, ensuring vital protection for marine biodiversity.

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UK's largest solar heat system -

The British Library, home to historic treasures like the Magna Carta, recently installed the UK's largest solar heat system, aiming to decarbonize while keeping visitors comfortable and reducing carbon emissions.

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A pledge for biodiversity -

Six European nations pledged €200 million (US$209,768) to the world's leading biodiversity fund during October's UN COP16 summit in Colombia, including Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, and the UK.

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Eco-friendly electric wallpaper -

Glasgow is piloting electric wallpaper in 12 tenement properties to explore its potential as a clean, cost-effective heat source, aiming to decarbonize homes and reduce energy bills.

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Biden's clean energy push -

As his term ends, President Joe Biden prioritizes clean energy, investing billions and advancing offshore wind projects to cement major climate initiatives ahead of the presidential handover.

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The world's largest vertical solar panel -

In June 2024, Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo became home to the world's largest vertical solar panel installation. The 1,242 bifacial panels boost energy efficiency, positioning the stadium as a renewable energy leader.

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European cities with the greenest transport -

A study comparing transport in 24 European cities revealed that London, Amsterdam, and Vienna offer the greenest transport options, followed by Berlin and Helsinki, as Europe aims to cut car emissions by 55% by 2030.

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Rewilding bulls -

A herd of 15 tauros wild bulls will be reintroduced to Scotland's Highlands by 2026 to restore biodiversity, store carbon, and boost ecotourism.

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Portugal's environmental rail pass -

Portugal's new €20 Green Rail Pass, announced in August by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, offers unlimited travel on urban, regional, and inter-city services operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP), promoting environmental sustainability.

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End of coal power for the UK -

On 30 September, the UK became the first G7 country to end coal power. The last coal plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, was disconnected from the grid, marking the end of 142 years of coal electricity.

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Plastic bag ban proves effective -

A new study shows that single-use plastic bag bans in five US states and cities have reduced consumption by six billion bags annually. These bans, affecting 12 million people, could eliminate 300 bags per person each year.

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Copenhagen's green tourism perks -

In 2024, Copenhagen launched the CopenPay initiative, rewarding tourists using public transport or bikes with perks like free coffee, museum admissions, and an extra 20 minutes' ski time on the slope of a heating plant. This initiative promotes sustainable tourism and reduces car usage.

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Environmental "dream team" -

Ursula von der Leyen's reappointment of Wopke Hoekstra, Dan Jørgensen, and Teresa Ribera as key climate and energy commissioners has been positively received by climate activists and the renewable energy lobby, ensuring continuity with her Green Deal legacy.

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Water safety rule -

The US' first federal limits on toxic "forever chemicals" in drinking water, finalized on April 10, will reduce exposure for 100 million people. This rule is expected to prevent thousands of illnesses, including cancers.

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Saving a once-extinct bird -

Scientists taught the once-extinct northern bald ibis how to migrate by guiding them across Europe in light aircraft. Since 2002, Fritz and the Waldrappteam, an Austrian conservation group, have increased the Central European population from zero to nearly 300 through innovative conservation techniques.

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Lava as potential building material -

An architecture studio in Iceland is exploring lava as a sustainable building material. Arnhildur Pálmadóttir's Lavaforming project will be presented at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale.

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Mexico City's tree army -

Arturo Hernández launched El Ejercito de Arboles, or The Tree Army, in May to protect Mexico City's urban forest by removing concrete, preventing illegal cutting, and planting trees in need.

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Combining farming with green energy production -

According to new research, the use of solar panels and growing crops on the same land could be a solution to boost renewable electricity in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, reaching the equivalent of 68% of today's energy demand in these countries. This move could also increase food security and generate additional income for farmers.

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Turtles make a comeback -

Green and loggerhead turtles are thriving on Cyprus beaches with nests surpassing last year's count by 25%. This success follows €17,000 (US$17,827) fines and daily patrols with two British military bases protecting them.

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Historic low in deforestation in Colombia -

Deforestation in Colombia fell by 36%, reaching a record low. This significant drop, benefiting the Amazon rainforest, resulted from years of Indigenous activists' campaigns to protect their homes and livelihoods.

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France's composting mandate -

Starting in January 2024, France mandated organic waste recycling to reduce emissions. Supported by the Green Fund, municipalities will help residents sort bio-waste, tackling the 16% of EU food system emissions from food waste.

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Green heating revolution -

Helsinki is installing the world's largest air-to-water heat pump to decarbonize its district heating system. Operating at -20°C (-4°F) and powered by renewable electricity, it aims to keep homes warm and reduce carbon emissions.

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Chemical-free seeds -

ThermoSeed, developed by Kenneth Alness, uses steam to treat seeds, killing pests without chemicals. This sustainable method is gaining popularity among farmers in Sweden, aligning with organic farming principles.

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UN pact to transition away from fossil fuels -

At the UN's Summit of the Future, a blueprint to tackle global challenges was adopted, with climate change as a key focus. UN Secretary-General António Guterres hailed it as a step toward a better future.

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Alternative protein -

The UK is advancing alternative proteins with a £15 million (US$18.9 million) research hub. Insect-based burgers and lab-grown steaks may soon be common, supported by the new National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre.

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Employer-paid public transport -

Belgium, France, and Austria now mandate employers to cover public transport costs, promoting sustainable travel and easing financial burdens. Employees get reimbursed for their travel subscriptions by submitting receipts to their companies.

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London rooftop oasis -

This year, rare orchids and bees are thriving on London's green rooftops. These green roofs, designed to lower urban temperatures, are making the city's skyline more appealing and helping to keep residents cool.

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Hidden water treasure -

A vast freshwater reserve, twice the size of Loch Ness, has been discovered beneath Sicily's Iblei Mountains. This 17 billion cubic meter reserve could help alleviate the region's severe drought.

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A new cooling fabric -

Engineers from Zhengzhou University in China and the University of South Australia have developed a fabric designed to lower surrounding temperatures, offering a new solution for staying cool during heatwaves in urban environments.

Sources: (Euronews) (BBC) (The Guardian) 

See also: Foods with high environmental impact that we consume

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