UK Climate Activists Are Locked in a Self-Dug Tunnel Underneath a London Station
18 February
Climate
Activists raise their concerns outside the Department for Work and Pensions in London on Feb. 8, 2021 about the treatment of activists who are in a tunnel beneath Euston Station to stop the high-speed train project HS2. Kristian Buus / In Pictures / Getty Images
By Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor
Beneath London's Euston Station, climate protester Blue Sandford is chained by the ankle in an illegally dug tunnel. The tunnel, 12-feet deep and 100ft long, is wet and muddy. It is propped up by wooden frames: in places wide enough only for them to lie flat on their stomachs.
<p>The 18-year-old is resisting UK authorities as they try remove her and other protesters.</p><p>Under the cover of a tent, the "Stop HS2" activists spent two months secretly digging the tunnel with shovels and buckets before going public and locking themselves inside on January 27.</p><p>They're protesting Britain's High-Speed 2 railway project (HS2), which involves clearing ancient woodland to make way for tracks and other rail infrastructure. It will also mean redeveloping Euston Square Gardens, a park in front of the station, they say.</p><p>"We're in serious debt here, the whole world, in terms of carbon and gas and methane. We need to start planting trees, not cutting them down," said Sandford, speaking on the phone to DW from the tunnel.</p><p>Four of the tunnelers, including Sandford's brother Lazer, have been either forcibly removed, or left voluntarily. Lazer had encased his arm in a steel tube that was surrounded by concrete and had to be drilled out. At least three more remain, despite fears the makeshift passage could collapse. For the protesters, the stakes are high, because this represents the larger fight to halt climate change.</p><p>"I'm here because we're facing societal collapse, and wars and famine and drought on a scale that we've never seen before and I'm really terrified for my future," said Sandford, who has also taken part in the <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/extinction-rebellion-the-activists-risking-prison-to-save-the-planet/a-48302957" target="_blank">Extinction Rebellion</a> protests, in a recorded message before the authorities arrived.</p>
<h2>Green Revolution or Carbon Nightmare?</h2><p>HS2 is the UK Government's major new railway project linking the capital, London, to northern cities like Manchester. After years of delays, construction finally began in September 2020.</p><p>The railway will allow high-speed trains to travel along their own tracks, freeing up the existing rail network for more local services with the aim of reducing cars on the road. <a href="https://bigplanbigchanges.co.uk/straight-answers/2-uncategorised/467-straight-answers-16" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HS2 says</a> its trains will offer cross-country travel with seven times lower emissions than cars and will carry freight to reduce high-polluting truck journeys.</p><p>Sustainable transport advocate and independent railway engineer Gareth Dennis says it is a vital part of the UK's plan to cut emissions and is being unfairly tarnished.</p><p>"We're hearing nothing about all the motorways and roads that are being built across the country, causing a huge amount more damage. There are bulldozers, diggers, tree felling, right now, with nobody digging a complicated set of tunnels in protest," said Dennis.</p><p>One point of contention is how long it will take for emissions from the construction and operation of HS2 to be canceled out by the benefits of greener travel. In 2019, the government's own commission, the <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/870092/oakervee-review.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Oakervee Review</a>, estimated that it could take 60 years of operation.</p><p>Adam Turner from Greens4HS2, a group of Green Party members who support electrified high-speed rail to achieve a net zero-carbon future and are at odds with the party's official position opposing HS2, said that though 60 years is not ideal, the UK must think about the bigger picture. <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/2021-climate-policy-biden-pledges/a-56437561" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">(Net zero</a> means reaching a balance between the greenhouse gases pumped into the atmosphere and those taken out.)</p><p>Greens4HS2 carried out an analysis showing the estimate could be reduced to 28 years "if government is assertive in driving people away from planes and cars, onto trains," added Turner.</p><p>But the protesters claim it will take much longer, as they believe estimates involved are skewed in HS2's favor, and do not take sufficient account of the likely increase in electric cars.</p>
<h2>Ancient Woodlands</h2><p>The emotive heart of the debate is over the ancient woodlands that have been felled to make way for new tracks.</p><p>Farmer Penny McGregor saw a local woods near Birmingham, a city in the English midlands, repossessed by HS2, and partially chopped down in 2020. She said the community treasured the area as a sanctuary full of birdsong and wild anemones, but she watched it get destroyed.</p><p>"It was all very traumatic that whole time," said McGregor. "I could hear the chainsaws every morning from the house. It's horrible. People on the footpaths said they could hear trees crashing."</p><p>HS2's critics point out that 13% of the UK is woodland, compared to more than 35-40% in the EU, and say the project's destruction of pristine woodlands is unacceptable.</p><p>UK conservation NGO Woodland Trust described HS2 as "devastating," saying the project threatens unique habitat as well as rare and endangered species and will exacerbate the UK's <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/bringing-britains-endangered-wildlife-back-from-the-brink/a-47854943" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">biodiversity crisis</a>.</p><p>Major parties on the left and right of British politics, including the Green Party and the UK Independence Party (UKIP), have also campaigned against HS2 due its cost and environmental impact. In 2019, the <a href="https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2019/11/28/hs2-is-an-act-of-ecocide-green-party-call-for-end-to-devastating-%C2%A380-billion-project/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Green Party labeled</a> it an act of "<a href="https://www.dw.com/en/could-germany-be-charged-with-ecocide/a-55585186" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ecocide</a>" that would cut habitats in half.</p><p>But advocates of the high-speed project call for more perspective, saying that just 43 out of 52,000 ancient woodlands have been affected, and that HS2 are planting seven million new trees to offset carbon emissions, all of which are native species specially picked by a leading UK tree nursery.</p><p>The project will cost a tiny fraction of the UK's tree coverage but is necessary to slash emissions, said Adam Turner from Greens4HS2.</p><p>"We're not going to achieve a zero-carbon Britain if we don't build it. And if we don't achieve a zero-carbon Britain, it won't just be a corridor of woodland we're saying goodbye to, it will be ancient woodland across the world. Those are the stakes here," said Turner.</p>
<h2>No Slowing Down</h2><p>For now, neither HS2 nor the protesters are deterred. The first phase of HS2 from London to Birmingham will be completed by 2031, with the second phases to Manchester and Leeds finished in 2040.</p><p>But the activists have warned there will be more tunnel protests to come.</p><p>Blue Sandford remains in the tunnel and could face criminal prosecution for her part in the protests. But she feels she has little choice.</p><p>"I don't want to be so scared that I have to risk my life. But I feel like I don't have a choice," she said. "Voting hasn't worked. Letters to MPs haven't worked. This is the only thing I can do."</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/why-uk-climate-activists-are-locked-in-a-dangerous-self-dug-tunnel-under-a-london-station/a-56610551" target="_blank">Deutsche Welle</a>.</em><span></span></p>
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Denmark already has wind parks, like this one in Copenhagen, but the country plans to build its biggest one yet on an artificial island by 2033. Flottmynd / Getty Images
Denmark approved plans on Thursday to construct an artificial island in the North Sea and use it as clean energy hub.
<p>When built, the island will supply both clean power to homes and green hydrogen for use in shipping, aviation, industry and heavy transport.</p><p>The decision came as the EU unveiled plans to transform the bloc's electricity supply. The bloc aims to rely mostly on renewable energy within a decade while increasing offshore wind energy capacity roughly 25-fold by mid-century.</p><h2>Tapping Into 'Enormous Potential' of Wind Power</h2><p>The planned island, which will be located 80 kilometers off Denmark's west coast, will initially be 120,000 square meters in size, bigger than 18 standard football fields.</p><p>"The energy hub in the North Sea will be the largest construction project in Danish history," Climate Minister Dan Joergensen told a press briefing.</p><p>"It will make a big contribution to the realization of the enormous potential for European offshore wind,'' he continued.</p><p>Authorities hope to have the hub operable by 2033. The first phase of the project is expected to cost around 210 billion Danish crowns ($33.87 billion).</p>
<h2>Big Step for Global Green Transition</h2><p>The surrounding wind turbines will have a capacity of at least 3 gigawatts, ramping up to 10 gigawatts over time.</p><p>"This is truly a great moment for Denmark and for the global green transition," continued Jorgensen.</p><p>The energy island is an important part of country's legally binding target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 70% of the 1990 levels by 2030.</p><p>"Only by inspiring others and developing new green solutions they also want to use, can we really do something to combat climate change,'' Joergensen added.</p><h2>Decades of Wind Power</h2><p>The Nordic country, with its favorable wind speeds, was a <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/denmarks-wind-power-flowering-a-small-country-with-big-dreams-of-a-fossil-free-future/a-18398487" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pioneer in both onshore and offshore wind</a>, building the world's first offshore wind farm almost 30 years ago.</p><p><em>Bloomberg Green</em> reports Denmark gets <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/denmark-leads-the-charge-in-renewable-energy/a-17603695" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">40% of its electricity from wind power</a>. The nation is also <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/wind-farm-group-aims-for-denmarks-biggest-ever-ipo/a-19284321" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">home to the world's largest wind turbine producer</a>, Vesta Wind Systems and the world's top developer of offshore wind, Orsted AS. </p><p>In December, the government decided to <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/danish-pension-fund-dumps-oil-majors-on-climate-change-concerns/a-50288283" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">halt the search for oil and gas</a> in the Danish part of the North Sea.</p><p>No date has yet been set to begin construction of the island, which will be controlled by the Danish government.</p><p>The state also has plans for a second energy island in the Baltic Sea.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/denmark-to-construct-artificial-island-as-a-wind-energy-hub/a-56458179" target="_blank">Deutsche Welle.</a></em><br/></p>
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AdamRadosavljevic / Getty Images
A good backup generator can help you keep your home running smoothly, even in the event of a major power outage. And, when you choose a solar generator, you can power your home using clean, renewable energy from the sun. By contrast, gas and diesel generators burn fossil fuels, and are extremely loud and spew harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Here are the best solar power generators available today that can provide a cleaner alternative for home generators.
<h2>Our picks for the top solar generators</h2><p><em>Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.</em></p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Best Overall - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Inverter-Generator-Generators-Emergency/dp/B08MBDN4VK" target="_blank">Goal Zero Yeti 6000X</a></li><li>Best Portability - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Powerbox-Portable-Outdoor-1075WH-Generator/dp/B01N6BCDZD" target="_blank">Renogy Lycan Powerbox</a></li><li>Best for Camping - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083KBKJ8Q/?tag=best-solar-generator-20" target="_blank">Jackery Explorer 1000</a></li><li>Most Affordable - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-iGen600s-Portable-Generator-Lithium-ion/dp/B08SJ8JBBC/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&m=A2MDFVW08TGIW8&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&qid=1614289724&s=merchant-items&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Westinghouse iGen600s</a></li><li>Fastest Charging- <a href="https://www.amazon.com/EF-ECOFLOW-Portable-Station-Generator/dp/B083FR3762" target="_blank">EcoFlow DELTA</a></li><li>Best for Larger Appliac - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-Station-Generator-Emergency/dp/B08MZJW9Y5" target="_blank">MAXOAK Bluetti AC200P</a></li><li>Most Powerful - <a href="https://www.pointzeroenergy.com/product/titan-solar-generator/" target="_blank">Point Zero Energy Titan</a></li></ul><h2>How we reviewed the best solar generators</h2><p>There are a number of factors we considered when choosing which solar power generators to recommend, including:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li><strong>Battery capacity.</strong> Battery storage capacity is an important ranking factor. A greater battery capacity means the generator can store more energy, which ultimately means it will last longer without requiring a recharge. This is measured in watt-hours (Wh).</li><li><strong>Power output. </strong>When your generator is up and running, it will put out a certain amount of energy, measured in watts. It's important to select a generator that offers enough watts for you to power your essential home appliances.</li><li><strong>Inverter rating. </strong>The <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-glossary#direct_current" target="_blank">inverter</a> is a critical part of any backup power generator. Basically, this is the component that turns solar energy into AC (alternating current) electricity. Inverter rating, along with battery capacity, determine how much power you can get from your home backup generator.</li><li><strong>Expandability. </strong>In order for your backup generator to function, you'll need some way of charging it. And if you plan to rely on solar energy, that means using solar panels. Expandability means that you can add solar panels to your generator as needed, making it easier to absorb more sunlight for energy.</li><li><strong>Number of outlets. </strong>How many devices or appliances do you need to charge? The functionality of your backup generator will be determined by how many outlets or ports are available.</li><li><strong>Price.</strong> Of course, as you look for the best home backup generator, one of the most crucial considerations of all is your budget. We've sought to emphasize generators that offer maximum value.</li></ul><p>Based on these criteria, we've determined the solar backup generators that offer the most consumer value.Check out our complete list of recommendations below. You can also read our complete review of the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/best-solar-energy-companies-2650809962.html" target="_blank">best solar energy companies</a> for rooftop home solar systems.</p><h2>The best solar energy generators</h2>
<h2>How does a solar generator work?</h2><p>Solar generators <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/how-does-solar-work" target="_blank">capture energy from the sun</a> using photovoltaic solar panels, and store it in a built-in battery. Note that in order to absorb the sun's energy, your portable generator will need solar panels. These are typically sold separately, or as a package with the unit, so you'll need to factor in this additional cost. Solar panels contain solar cells, which are typically made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicone that acts as a semiconductor.</p><p>Once the sun's energy is stored in the battery, it is converted into AC energy. This happens via a component known as an inverter. AC power is required for most of your household appliances, as well as for charging devices like your phone, laptop, or tablet that normally require a wall charger or AC outlet.</p><h2>Can a solar generator power my whole house?</h2><p>Generally speaking, a rechargeable solar generator won't be able to power your entire house if you lose power. With that said, even a smaller generator can be used to power key devices or appliances, sometimes for days at a time depending on its power consumption. For instance, you can keep your refrigerator up and running, and/or ensure plenty of sustained use for medical devices, like CPAP machines.</p><p>With an especially robust generator, you may also be able to connect to core circuits, running multiple appliances at one time.</p><p>So, while having an emergency power supply from a solar generator may not mean that you can go about your life just like you would normally, you can at least keep the lights on at home, run your air conditioner, or ensure your perishable food items remain fresh until your electricity comes back on.</p><h2>What are the benefits of a solar generator?</h2><p>There are a number of advantages you can anticipate from an emergency generator, especially when you choose to go solar. Consider:</p><p><strong>You can minimize the disruption of a power outage.</strong></p><p>Again, inclement weather can cause power outages that last for hours, sometimes even days. During that time, you can use a backup generator to keep your essential appliances and devices up and running. This level of preparedness can offer ample peace of mind.</p><p><strong>Solar generators offer a clean alternative to other energy sources.</strong></p><p>Most generators are powered by fossil fuels, which means they emit a lot of noxious emissions. If you want a clean power source and a minimal environmental footprint, these solar solutions are just the ticket. They are also much quieter than traditional gas or diesel generators.</p><p><strong>They can be very cost-effective in the long run.</strong></p><p>While the initial purchase price of a solar generator may seem steep, keep in mind that sunlight is free. You don't have to worry about buying fuel or any additional expenses associated with your solar unit.</p><h2>Find the solar generator that's best for you</h2><p>Disaster preparedness begins by identifying a reliable power source, and if you want that power source to be clean and renewable, solar generators are ideal. Take a moment to explore the options and find the generator that's right for you.</p><p><em><strong>Josh Hurst </strong></em><em>is a journalist, critic, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. His writing on natural health, nutrition, and supplements has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.</em></p>
Goal Zero Yeti 6000X
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTc5OTIxMS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3NDY0MTU0MH0.DESPf736lfPascaXVa9R6mJQNSv5sI8U8yB4gu1tDmM/img.png?width=980" id="534d0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="832f91baeadf06dc4410b8261cf7ef4a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Goal Zero
<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Inverter-Generator-Generators-Emergency/dp/B08MBDN4VK" target="_blank">Yeti 6000X</a> is actually a portable power station that can be used for off-grid camping or powering an RV. With 6,000 watt-hours and two 2000W AC charger ports, it will give you plenty of power for your home. With a home integration kit, it's easy to use the Goal Zero Yeti 6000X to power essential circuits.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>Though it isn't exactly cheap, the Yeti 6000X power station is a great all-purpose backup generator, including a top-of-the-line charge controller and two robust AC outlets that make it easy for you to keep your household essentials up and running. It can even power a full-size refrigerator or microwave.</p>
$5000
Renogy Lycan Powerbox
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTc5OTIwMS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MTM3NjI1N30.EDSdmpiGcknKhn94YhJLnyJUEn3zxWo9vGzmT2c4Zcs/img.png?width=980" id="0cab1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c5c9cd60d3ab98503fd3ad5e32909229" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Renogy
<p>Renogy produces several different power stations and chargers, but we especially like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Powerbox-Portable-Outdoor-1075WH-Generator/dp/B01N6BCDZD" target="_blank">Lycan Powerbox</a>, a solar power solution that's only a little bit bigger than a suitcase. It comes with an easy-grip handle and heavy-duty wheels, making it one of the most portable solar generators around while still offering 1200W of output, which is enough power for most electronic devices and some appliances.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> The Lycan Powerbox can provide 1075 watt-hours of continuous power without the noise or fumes associated with gas generators. It offers great portability and includes an LCD display and easy, intuitive controls that allow you to switch between DC power and AC power as needed, as well USB ports and 12 volt car charger ports.</p>
$1300
Jackery Explorer 1000
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTc5OTE3NS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMTA3MDIwNX0.bTHIOQjgpXbREPl1C9qHAtcXkJ-uKXhWfNZYoD-bjjA/img.png?width=980" id="e2b71" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c5f59c32bc198c9ea57ac1c35a25ec4b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Jackery
<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083KBKJ8Q/?tag=best-solar-generator-20" target="_blank">Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station</a> is one of the best all-around options, equally suited for outdoor activities and for emergency power readiness. Though it's rated for 1,000 watts, it can actually get closer to 2,000. The lithium battery pack offers a capacity of 1,200 watt-hours, and Jackery's professional MPPT technology makes it easy to get your unit fully charged in a relatively short span of time (usually just eight hours if you have two panels going).</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>Jackery is one of the leading names in outdoor equipment and in clean energy products. This portable power station is a great pick for campers and can also be a very effective home backup power solution for small appliances and electronics thanks to its pure sine wave inverter AC outlets.</p>
$1000
Westinghouse iGen600s
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTc5OTE2OC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0Nzg2OTg0Nn0.gQOrdLgsS7ZBw5ccrVoCXHqYvZ5JZIOA282ltOO8kHY/img.png?width=980" id="f5e59" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="369df3dc290b5be3708f7e424b072f4e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Westinghouse Outdoor Power
<p>Westinghouse is another company that specializes in solar powered generators, most of which are more ideally suited for camping trips. Their <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Westinghouse-iGen600s-Portable-Generator-Lithium-ion/dp/B08SJ8JBBC/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&m=A2MDFVW08TGIW8&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&qid=1614289724&s=merchant-items&sr=1-2" target="_blank">iGen600s</a> portable generator, however, offers a wattage of up to 1,200 peak watts, which can certainly function as a decent emergency backup for certain household appliances and small devices.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>For a portable yet still very versatile solar generator, Westinghouse is a company to keep on your list. The iGen600 power system can run a mini fridge for up to 42 hours or a CPAP machine for up to 46 hours thanks to its lithium-ion battery that offers 592 Watt-hours of energy and a long battery life.</p>
$499
EcoFlow DELTA
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTc5OTE2MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3NzYzOTAxNn0.ZFdqRPZfKPd_vOGK8FEUVY_3git-ATlmAvKSqQk47aM/img.png?width=980" id="991f2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e60ae1ca24865db60be46fe486c9c8a9" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />EcoFlow
<p>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/EF-ECOFLOW-Portable-Station-Generator/dp/B083FR3762" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EcoFlow DELTA power station</a> is a wonderfully rugged, dependable backup generator that can help meet your power needs during a blackout. For one thing, the charging time is incredible; you can potentially go from zero to 80 percent in under an hour with a wall outlet. Should you ever find yourself facing a power outage, this is an emergency energy solution you'll be really thankful for.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> The DELTA station from EcoFlow offers a lot of value and usability; in particular, it has one of the fastest recharging times of any solar generator, which may be reason enough for you to choose it over the competitors. The DELTA unit offers 13 ports, meaning it's compatible with pretty much any device or appliance you could ever need to charge.</p>
$1399
MAXOAK Bluetti AC200P
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTc5OTE1MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MDEzMjAwNn0.qU0EE--tgolDhaaU-EumYLOs_jtFd9L4SWvDhP4PySk/img.png?width=980" id="aa450" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7eb54f1dd0974c5fe4a9920bdbfe98c1" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="400" />Bluetti
<p>For a heavy-duty emergency power solution, look no further than to MAXOAK, and particularly to a product called the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/BLUETTI-Portable-Station-Generator-Emergency/dp/B08MZJW9Y5" target="_blank">Bluetti AC200P</a>. With a 2000 Watt-hour capacity, this is one of the most robust solar generators you'll find anywhere.</p><p><strong>Why buy:</strong> MAXOAK's Bluetti AC200P is the one you're going to want for really heavy-duty home energy backup. With massive AC inverters that offer up to 4800W surge capacity, it can provide more than enough power to fuel all your most critical home appliances, even some HVAC units. Also note the two-year warranty, a generous consumer protection.</p>
$2000
Point Zero Energy Titan Solar Generator
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTc5OTEzMi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NjY5NzcwMH0.urU8n-Yghr4O-LzDr_nAath6k8XMFZrCGU5JISwbwp8/img.png?width=980" id="93ad7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8526191ca3bffa4638b69e80d61809ce" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="349" />Point Zero Energy
<p><a href="https://www.pointzeroenergy.com/product/titan-solar-generator/" target="_blank">Point Zero Energy</a> is one of the foremost names in disaster preparedness, and when you take a look at their product specs, you'll see why. Their Titan model solar generator offers almost twice the storage of similarly priced units with a high-capacity 2,000-watt-hour battery capacity and 3,000 watt high-efficiency inverter.</p><p><strong>Why buy: </strong>On a purely technical level, this is the beefiest generator on our list, though of course, it's also one of the priciest. The unit is made with high-efficiency components, meaning it doesn't waste a lot of energy running the system; instead, it just supplies you with plenty of functional electricity when you need it the most.</p>
$2995
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Students protest climate change as part of the global movement Fridays for Future on March 15, 2019 in Paris, France. Kiran Ridley / Getty Images
French environmental groups have won a landmark court case hailed as the "affair of the century."
<p>In a decision Wednesday, the administrative court of Paris ruled that the French state failed to adequately act on the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" target="_self">climate crisis</a>.</p><p>"This is an historic win for climate justice," Jean-François Julliard, the executive director of plaintiff Greenpeace France, told <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/03/court-convicts-french-state-for-failure-to-address-climate-crisis" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>. "The decision not only takes into consideration what scientists say and what people want from French public policies, but it should also inspire people all over the world to hold their governments accountable for climate change in their courts."</p><p>Greenpeace France was one of four plaintiffs, along with French Oxfam, Nicolas Hulot Foundation and Notre Affaire à Tous ("An affair that concerns all of us"), <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/03/world/europe/france-emissions-court.html" target="_blank">The New York Times reported</a>. The case followed a <a href="https://laffairedusiecle.net/petition/" target="_blank">petition</a> that demanded the French government meet its climate goals. With more than 2.3 million signatures, it is the largest online petition in French history.</p><p>The groups initially filed a complaint with the French prime minister's office in December 2018, according to The Guardian. When they received an inadequate response, they filed a legal challenge in March 2019.</p>
<p>The groups claimed that the French government did not act quickly enough to reduce its emissions, dragging its feet on actions such as improving buildings' energy efficiency and developing <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/renewable-energy/" target="_self">renewable energy</a>.</p><p>French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated for climate action on the international stage, <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210203-french-government-found-guilty-in-landmark-lawsuit-over-climate-inaction" target="_blank">France 24 reported</a>. For example, he pushed the EU to increase its greenhouse gas reduction targets from 40 percent to 55 percent by 2030.</p><p>But France has still not met its commitments under the 2015 Paris agreement and delayed most of its climate action plans until after 2020, the groups said. Case in point, France needs to lower its emissions by 1.5 percent until 2025 in order to meet its targets and by 3.2 percent after that, The Guardian reported. However, France lowered its emissions by just 0.9 percent between 2018 and 2019.</p><p>The French government, meanwhile, countered that it had taken action and that it could not be held responsible for the global rise in greenhouse gas emissions.</p>
<p>So far, the ruling has no serious financial consequences. The court awarded the four plaintiffs the equivalent of about $1 each for "moral prejudice." The court also gave the French government two months to take appropriate steps before ordering it to lower emissions or compensating for the effects of its inaction, The New York Times reported. The government can appeal the ruling, but it is not known whether it will.</p><p>The case comes as a growing number of climate activists have <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/environmental-activists-climate-change-2648937624.html" target="_self">taken to the courts</a> to try and force governments to act. In the Netherlands, for instance, the Supreme Court ordered the government to reduce emissions in 2019.</p><p>Notre Affaire à Tous Director Cécilia Rinaudo said the impact of Wednesday's ruling extended beyond France.</p><p>"It's a victory for all the people who are already facing the devastating impact of the climate crisis that our leaders fail to tackle. The time has come for justice," Rinaudo told The Guardian.</p>
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New EU rules could ban the vegan industry from even referencing anything dairy-like or using packaging associated with dairy products. sergeyryzhov / Getty Images
What's in a name? Apparently, a lot. According to the European Union (EU), plant-based, dairy alternatives commonly referred to as almond milk or vegan cheese cannot be marketed as such. New, stricter rules under consideration this week could ban the vegan products from even referencing anything dairy-like or using packaging associated with the dairy industry.
<p>In 2017, the European Court of Justice <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32013R1308" target="_blank">ruled</a> that dairy terms, including milk, cheese, butter and yogurt, could only refer to products derived from an animal, and not plant-based alternatives. A new set of rules, known as <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-8-2019-0198_EN.pdf" target="_blank">Amendment 171</a>, now aim to increase restrictions and make it illegal for plant-based foods to be compared to dairy products at all.</p><p>The so-called "Dairy Ban" passed a final vote in the European parliament in Oct. 2020 by a narrow 54 percent majority, <a href="https://theconversation.com/vegan-dairy-products-face-eu-ban-from-using-milk-cartons-and-yoghurt-pots-and-uk-could-be-next-153564" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> reported. This week, Amendment 171 will be considered for approval by the EU Council of Ministers and the European Commission, The Conversation added. If approved by both, the amendment will become law.</p><p>So, what exactly does Amendment 171 mean for tofu cheese, soy yogurt, vegan butter and other plant-based, dairy-alternative products steadily coming into the mainstream? The new rules would prohibit "imitation or evocation" of dairy products, <a href="https://www.politico.eu/sponsored-content/what-is-amendment-171-and-how-could-it-affect-plant-based-foods/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Politico </a>reported. Interpreted broadly, descriptions such as "creamy," "cheese-alternative," "milk-free" and "does not contain milk" would be illegal, <a href="https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/oatly-slams-eu-over-dairy-ban/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Plant Based News</a> reported. In the extreme, the rule could even require package redesign, as milk cartons and yogurt cups are most commonly associated with dairy, The Conversation reported.</p><p>Vegan producers would also be prevented from discussing the health or environmental advantages of their plant-based products by comparing them to traditional dairy products. Because of the high carbon footprint of animal products, studies have found that <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/vegan-climate-change-2558286917.html" target="_self">going vegan is the best thing consumers can do for the planet</a>. Indeed, in a 2019 leaked report from the United Nations, climate scientists felt that a <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/vegetarian-climate-change-2639648388.html" target="_self">shift to vegetarian diets is necessary to save the world</a>.</p>
<p>With the proportion of vegans in the EU doubling in the last four years and up to one-third of all consumers self-identifying as "flexitarians" rather than meat-eaters, according to a <a href="https://veganz.com/blog/veganz-nutrition-study-2020/" target="_blank">Veganz survey</a>, the commercial implications of pro-dairy censorship are huge.</p><p>"Given the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" target="_self">climate crisis</a>, it's irresponsible to try and prevent us from encouraging people to make the switch to plant-based and help protect the planet in the process," Cecilia McAleavey, director of public affairs and sustainable eating for Swedish oat milk brand Oatly, told <a href="https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2021/01/14/How-Oatly-Upfield-and-ProVeg-plan-to-overthrow-Amendment-171" target="_blank">Food Navigator</a>. "People are not stupid — everyone understands that this is an attempt by the dairy lobby to hinder the shift towards sustainable plant-based eating."</p><p>The dairy industry claims that Amendment 171 prevents consumer confusion, reported The Conversation. The use of dairy-related terminology on plant-based products could mislead consumers, the industry argues. Is it either dairy-based or it's not.</p><p>The European Dairy Association told Food Navigator, "Non-dairy products cannot hijack our dairy terms and the well-deserved reputation of excellence in milk and dairy."</p>
<p>The lobby noted that similar laws exist within the EU to protect the national origin of products such as "Champagne" and "Parmigiano," The Conversation reported. A 2017 <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/european-journal-of-risk-regulation/article/abs/geographical-indications-food-fraud-and-the-fight-against-italian-sounding-products/E97B0A9C23BD8285FA047D9F8959B20F" target="_blank">Cambridge study</a> called such intentionally ambiguous language "food fraud" meant to "[induce] a false impression on the consumer" and found that such behavior had an increasing economic impact on the continent.</p><p>The vegan-alternative sector claims that its products need to be evaluated against conventional dairy products to showcase health and environmental benefits. Politico argued that a broad application of Amendment 171 could actually censor essential information for consumers suffering from dairy allergies and intolerances. Without terms like "dairy-free" and "milk-alternative," shopping could become needlessly difficult for these people, the report said.</p><p>Packaging changes could also confuse consumers, if, for example, plant-based cheese can no longer be sold as a classic block shape that indicates what it is, as well as its anticipated flavor and texture, Politico said.</p><p>In an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGuedRNM2aK/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">Instagram</a> response to Amendment 171, Oatly called its passage a "wacko, incomprehensible direction to take in the middle of a climate crisis." Oatly, Upfield and other plant-based brands launched a petition to overturn Amendment 171, Food Navigator reported. They argue that the ban is counter to the EU's stated goals to improve public health and environmental sustainability, Food Navigator added.</p><p>"Making it illegal to name, package and depict plant-based foods in the way we have done for over 100 years is a serious step backwards," said Upfield's Janette Fielding. "Consumers are looking for strong EU leadership on climate and environment. That means tearing down bureaucratic barriers to sustainable and healthy eating, not building them higher."</p>
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EU will no longer allow exports of hazardous plastics to countries like Malaysia, pictured, as of Jan. 1, 2021. Mohd Rasfan / AFP / Getty Images
By Jessica Corbett
The European Union's executive branch on Tuesday announced new rules for plastic waste shipments—including a ban on some exports to poorer countries—that will take effect on January 1 as part of the bloc's Circular Economy Action Plan and European Green Deal.
<p>The changes to the bloc's 2006 Waste Shipment Regulation will apply to exports, imports, and intra-E.U. shipments of plastic waste, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/news/plastic-waste-shipments-new-eu-rules-importing-and-exporting-plastic-waste-2020-12-22_en" target="_blank">according to</a> a statement from the European Commission. Various shipments to and from the E.U.'s 27 member states will be subjected to a "prior notification and consent procedure."</p><p>Starting next year, bloc members may no longer export plastic waste that is hazardous or hard to recycle to nations that are not a part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the export of clean, non-hazardous waste to non-OECD countries will only be allowed under certain conditions laid out by the importer.</p>
<div id="f1a80" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="57b9f26a98e967fc856d98690e7880b9"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1341355128943742976" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">🆕 Milestone in the fight against #PlasticPollution
NEW 🇪🇺 rules on importing & exporting plastic waste, to
boost… https://t.co/uAabNZXTVM</div> — EU Environment (@EU Environment)<a href="https://twitter.com/EU_ENV/statuses/1341355128943742976">1608638958.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>The rules come in response to a 2019 conference at which 187 countries <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/05/10/187-countries-just-took-crucial-step-stop-rich-nations-treating-global-south-dumping" target="_blank">agreed</a> to add restrictions on plastics to a 1989 United Nations treaty—a deal that was praised by public health and environmental advocates. According to the commission, "By banning the export outside the OECD of plastic waste that is difficult to recycle, the E.U. is actually going further than the requirements of the Basel Convention."</p><p>As Virginijus Sinkevičius, commissioner for environment, oceans, and fisheries, put it: "These new rules send a clear message that in the E.U. we are taking responsibility for the waste we generate."</p><p>"This is an important milestone in fighting plastic pollution, transitioning shifting to a circular economy, and achieving the aims of the European Green Deal," he said.</p><p>The German broadcaster <em>Deutsche Welle </em><a href="https://www.dw.com/en/eu-bans-plastic-waste-exports-to-poor-nations/a-56033900" target="_blank">noted</a> that "the moves follow China's 2018 ban on plastic imports and statements from environmentalists that waste was ending up in other Asian nations, such as Malaysia, and then being dumped into ocean waters."</p><p>Citing Sinkevičius, <em>DW</em> added that last year, "the E.U. exported 1.5 million tons of plastic waste, mostly to Turkey and Asian countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia."</p>
<div id="a8875" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bd8ae72b8f552f4b8f7148d2ac8bfb28"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1341816020575641601" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">This is huge. New rules will require trash importers and exporters to *agree* on how to handle hazardous shipments. https://t.co/BNZGIgb92O</div> — Rachel Cernansky (@Rachel Cernansky)<a href="https://twitter.com/rachelcernansky/statuses/1341816020575641601">1608748843.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>Greenpeace Malaysia <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/international/press-release/43469/waste-trade-woes-plastic-waste-from-developed-countries-add-to-malaysias-environmental-crisis/" target="_blank">detailed</a> in a May report how plastic waste from developed nations is adding to the country's environmental crisis.</p><p>"When plastics are exported from one country to another they can bring with them a wide range of hazardous chemicals," explained Kevin Brigden, senior scientist of Greenpeace Research Laboratories. "Improper storage and treatment can later release these chemicals into the local environment, and burning can even generate new hazardous chemicals."</p><p>Heng Kiah Chun, a Greenpeace Malaysia campaigner, said at the time that "the illegal dumping of plastic waste from over 19 countries worldwide has left an indelible mark on Malaysia and other countries in Southeast Asia."</p><p>"Aside from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, communities in Selangor and Kedah have another invisible enemy to face—chemical contaminants that remain in our environment with the possibility of entering our food chain," the campaigner added.</p>
<div id="a5f12" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e278de1d1b8eb654dde4a24795b71fcb"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1339641918779617281" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">We must beware of false solutions and work to change the single-use culture of modern society. It's time for the… https://t.co/ULtXld98gI</div> — Greenpeace NZ (@Greenpeace NZ)<a href="https://twitter.com/GreenpeaceNZ/statuses/1339641918779617281">1608230497.0</a></blockquote></div>
<div id="b6045" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9491474b61d6b8a286b66dd964f9eae8"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1341821315930533889" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">In order to STOP polluting our earth with single-use plastic, we need robust reuse systems to be put in place.
Sig… https://t.co/H3RA23QlqS</div> — breakfreefromplastic (@breakfreefromplastic)<a href="https://twitter.com/brkfreeplastic/statuses/1341821315930533889">1608750106.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>Greenpeace Germany campaigner Manfred Santen emphasized in May that exporting countries like his "must take responsibility for its wastes" and "stronger regulations are needed to drastically reduce the production of unnecessary single-use plastic packaging by multinationals like Nestle, so waste does not need to be exported in the first place."</p><p>While the new E.U. rules are designed to help stop richer countries from exploiting poorer ones, demands are still mounting worldwide for more ambitious efforts to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakFreeFromPlastic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#BreakFreeFromPlastic</a>. Warning against "<a href="https://twitter.com/GreenpeaceNZ/status/1339641918779617281" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">false solutions</a>" like biodegradable plastic production, anti-pollution campaigners continue to push for banning single-use plastic products, creating "robust reuse systems," and pursuing a <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/04/partner-content-circular-economy-event-recap/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">circular economy</a>.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/23/eu-ramps-fight-against-pollution-ban-plastic-waste-exports-poorer-countries?cd-origin=rss" target="_blank">Common Dreams</a>.</em></p>From Your Site Articles
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- EU Moves to Ban 10 Most Harmful Single-Use Plastics - EcoWatch ›
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- Another Reason to Ditch Plastic—It Smells Like Food to Fish - EcoWatch ›
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The coal-fired Belchatow Power Station is seen on November 29, 2018 in Rogowiec, Poland. Sean Gallup / Getty Images
European Union leaders reached an eleventh-hour agreement Friday to reduce the bloc's collective greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent of 1990 levels by 2030.
<p>The deal, hashed out over a negotiation all-nighter, managed to reconcile differences between wealthier Western European countries and Eastern European countries such as Poland that are still heavily dependent on <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/coal" target="_self">coal</a>, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/11/world/europe/eu-climate-emissions.html#:~:text=E.U.-,Agrees%20to%20Slash%20Carbon%20Emissions%20by%202030,substantial%20reduction%20than%20previously%20proposed" target="_blank">The New York Times reported</a>.</p><p>"Europe is the leader in the fight against <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" target="_self">climate change</a>," European Council President Charles Michel tweeted Friday morning, <a href="https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/1337296150580383744" target="_blank">announcing the news</a>.</p>
<div id="9cdc2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="97b83cd67a1260727f1519ae627fa752"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1337296150580383744" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Europe is the leader in the fight against climate change. We decided to cut our greenhouse gas emissions of at lea… https://t.co/65Pq9FHyn1</div> — Charles Michel (@Charles Michel)<a href="https://twitter.com/eucopresident/statuses/1337296150580383744">1607671222.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p>The deal comes after the European Commission, the EU's executive branch, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/greta-thunberg-eu-climate-law-2645391457.html?rebelltitem=1" target="_self">drafted a law</a> in March that would make the 27-country bloc carbon neutral by 2050. Activists like Greta Thunberg criticized the plan for setting a benchmark so far in the future. While Thunberg also thought 2030 was too far of a target, analysts told The New York Times that Friday's deal makes the EU's 2050 target more credible.</p><p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen championed the new deal.</p><p>"Today's agreement puts us on a clear path to climate neutrality in 2050," The Guardian reported her saying. The agreement was also reached in time for von der Leyen to announce it at a virtual <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/virtual-climate-summit-2020-2649465278.html" target="_self">UN climate meeting Saturday</a>, The New York Times reported.</p><p>The deal came after the bloc failed to agree to a less-ambitious 40 percent emissions reduction target in October. Two key factors bridged the gap between coal-dependent members and the rest.</p>
<ol><li>The deal was reached after the EU agreed on a $2.2 trillion budget Thursday evening that includes funds for transitioning away from <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/fossil-fuels" target="_self">fossil fuels</a>.</li><li>The negotiators agreed to make the target a collective one so that each country will not be held to the same standards, and countries with more diverse energy sources can compensate for slower transitions from coal-dependent states.</li></ol><p>"We have an agreement which on the one hand allows us to realize the E.U. target, and on the other creates conditions for a just transition of the Polish economy and the energy sector," Polish minister of climate and environment Michal Kurtyka told The New York Times.</p><p>The deal will also focus on accelerating the transition to <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/electric-vehicle" target="_self">electric vehicles</a> and mandate an investment of $420 billion a year this decade for decarbonizing the energy sector, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/eu-summit-climate/eu-leaders-clinch-deal-on-tougher-2030-climate-goal-idUSKBN28L0N3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Reuters reported</a>.</p>
<p>The deal will now need to be approved by the European Parliament, which supports a more ambitious emissions reduction of 60 percent by 2030.</p><p>"It is important not to be fooled into thinking that a net target of 55 percent is sufficient," Jytte Guteland, the parliament member taking the lead on climate legislation, <a href="https://twitter.com/JytteGuteland/status/1337317060376932352" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tweeted Friday</a>. "I have a strong mandate from the elected representatives in the European Parliament to push for more climate ambition. I intend to do that when we meet and negotiate."</p><p>The Guardian reported that the new commitment means that the EU now has one of the leading climate plans of any major economy. Still, several activists agreed with Guteland that the deal did not go far enough.</p><p>"Governments will no doubt call it historic, but the evidence shows this deal is only a small improvement on the emissions cuts the EU is already expected to achieve. It shows that political convenience takes precedence over climate science, and that most politicians are still afraid to take on big polluters," <a href="https://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Greenpeace EU</a> policy advisor Sebastian Mang told The Guardian.</p><p>Colin Roche, <a href="https://www.foeeurope.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Friends of the Earth Europe</a> climate justice coordinator, also said the EU should be more ambitious in its goals in order to meet its commitments under the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/paris-agreement" target="_self">Paris agreement</a>.</p><p>"Our leaders must go further to deliver Europe's fair share of global action to cut carbon and live up to the agreement they made in Paris five years ago," Roche told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/11/eu-leaders-agree-on-55percent-greenhouse-gas-emissions-reduction-target.html" target="_blank">CNBC</a>. "Meanwhile if this new target is to be meaningful, planned new EU infrastructure spending must cut out all fossil fuels now."</p>
<p><br/></p><p><br/></p><p><span></span></p>From Your Site Articles
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Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service has released a report on the world's record heat in November 2020. Anton Petrus / Getty Images
By Timothy Jones
The world experienced the hottest November on record in 2020, while Europe has had its warmest fall weather in history, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said in a monthly report on Monday.
<p>C3S' analysis of surface and air temperatures found that the month was 0.8 degrees Celsius (1.44 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the 30-year average of 1981-2010. This November also broke the previous record by more than 0.1 C, set in 2016.</p><p>The data showed temperatures in the boreal fall (September-November) in Europe were 1.9 C above the 1981-2010 norm, and 0.4 C higher than the average temperature for 2006, the previous warmest fall.</p><p>The average temperature in November in Europe was 2.2 C above that in Novembers of the 1981-2010 reference period and the joint second-highest on record. The highest was in November 2015, at 2.4 C.</p>
<h2>'Alarm Bells'</h2><p>"These records are consistent with the long-term warming trend of the global climate," said C3S director Carlo Buontempo.</p><p>"All policymakers who prioritize mitigating climate risks should see these records as alarm bells," he added.</p><p>Earth is seeing an increase in the frequency and strength of extreme weather events as human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels contribute to a rise in average global temperatures. The changing climate has resulted in devastating wildfires and led to ever more violent tropical storms in many regions of the world.</p><p>The five hottest years in history have all come since 2015. A landmark deal struck in that year, <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/are-international-pledges-bold-enough-to-stop-global-warming/a-41343653" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the Paris Agreement,</a> aims to limit temperature rises to "well below" 2 C (3.6 F) above pre-industrial levels. Currently, the Earth is seeing just over 1 C of warming.</p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/climate-change-hottest-november-ever/a-55842640" target="_blank">Deutsche Welle</a>.</em></p>From Your Site Articles
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Sheep like these will no longer be exported from England and Wales for slaughter under a proposed ban. Chris Jackson / Getty Images
The UK has taken steps toward becoming the first European country to ban the export of live animals for slaughter.
<p>Environment Secretary George Eustice announced the new plans Thursday, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/03/uk-to-become-first-country-in-europe-to-ban-live-animal-exports" target="_blank">The Guardian reported</a>. The ban would fulfill a campaign promise from the ruling Conservative Party, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55167473" target="_blank">BBC News explained</a>.</p><p>"We are committed to improving the welfare of animals at all stages of life," Eustice told <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/live-animal-export-ban-uk-defra-b1765196.html" target="_blank">The Independent</a>. "Today marks a major step forward in delivering on our manifesto commitment to end live exports for slaughter."</p><p>The ban would apply to live animals exported for slaughter from England and Wales, BBC News reported. The plan will first undergo an eight-week consultation period that will cover how to improve animal welfare during transport within the UK. The results will be presented to Parliament in the summer of 2021 and should go into effect by the end of 2021.</p>
<p>The plan already includes a few exceptions. Animals will still be exported from Northern Ireland, and the export of poultry or animals intended for breeding will not be covered by the ban, according to The Guardian. The results of the eight-week consultation will be used to discuss a joint ban with Scotland.</p><p>The announcement won wide praise from UK <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/animal-welfare" target="_self">animal welfare</a> groups. Both the <a href="https://www.rspca.org.uk/" target="_blank">RSPCA</a> and <a href="https://www.ciwf.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Compassion in World Farming</a> told The Independent that they had campaigned against the practice for more than 50 years.</p><p>"There is absolutely no reasonable justification to subject an animal to an unnecessarily stressful journey abroad simply for them to be fattened for slaughter," RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood told The Independent. "Ending live exports for slaughter and further fattening would be a landmark achievement for animal welfare."</p>
<p>The government stressed that the proposed ban was made possible by Brexit.</p><p>"Now that we have left the EU, we have an opportunity to end this unnecessary practice. We want to ensure that animals are spared stress prior to slaughter," Eustice told The Independent.</p><p>In 2012, for example, a local government in Kent tried to ban the practice after a truck full of lame sheep was discovered at a port and had to be put to sleep, BBC News reported. However, the High Court ruled that the ban violated EU free trade laws.</p><p>"The government has long maintained that exporting live animals was a practice which could be ended as a result of Brexit — a good example of where leaving the EU would bring benefits," BBC political correspondent Helen Catt wrote. "No surprise then that it is keen to deliver on it fully."</p>
<p>The government has also promised a number of other post-Brexit animal protection measures.</p><p>"This announcement marks the start of renewed efforts from government to raise standards on animal welfare even further now we are outside the EU, including taking steps to ban primates as pets and crack down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies, with further proposals to improve standards and eradicate cruel practices expected to be set out in the coming months," the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said in a statement, The Independent reported.</p><p>However, a <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/brexit-environment-risk-2559682645.html?share_id=3522712" target="_self">2018 analysis</a> from <a href="https://friendsoftheearth.uk/" target="_blank">Friends of the Earth</a> found that Brexit was likely to weaken environmental regulations overall in both the UK and the EU.</p>
<p>Yet there are also moves within the EU to restrict the practice of animal export, according to The Guardian. In September the Dutch suggested that animal transport should be limited, and a European parliamentary committee on the protection of animals during transport has been holding hearings since October.</p><p>Animal welfare groups in the EU also responded favorably to the news of the proposed UK ban.</p><p>"This is great news, it is far too stressful to export live animals for slaughter," Iris Baumgaertner from Germany's Animal Welfare Foundation told The Guardian.</p>
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Protesters shouting slogans on megaphones during the climate strike on September 25 in Lisbon, Portugal. Hugo Amaral / SOPA Images / LightRocket / Getty Images
By Dana Drugmand
An unprecedented climate lawsuit brought by six Portuguese youths is to be fast-tracked at Europe's highest court, it was announced today.
The European Court of Human Rights said the case, which accuses 33 European nations of violating the applicants' right to life by disregarding the climate emergency, would be granted priority status due to the "importance and urgency of the issues raised."
<p>This is the first climate lawsuit to be filed with the <a href="https://www.echr.coe.int/Pages/home.aspx?p=home&c=" target="_blank">international court in Strasbourg, France</a>, and campaigners say the decision represents a major step towards a potential landmark judgment.</p>
‘Protect Our Future’
<p>Cláudia Agostinho (21), Catarina Mota (20), Martim Agostinho (17), Sofia Oliveira (15), André Oliveira (12) and Mariana Agostinho (8) are <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/2020/09/03/youth-climate-lawsuit-portugal-33-european-countries" target="_blank">bringing the case</a> with nonprofit law firm Global Legal Action Network (<span style="background-color: initial;">GLAN</span>), arguing that none of the countries have sufficiently ambitious targets to cut their emissions.</p><p>Portugal recently sweltered through its <a href="https://www.ipma.pt/pt/media/noticias/news.detail.jsp?f=/pt/media/noticias/textos/resumo-clima-julho-20.html" target="_blank">hottest July in 90 years</a> and has seen a rise in devastating heatwaves and wildfires over recent years due to rising temperatures. Four of the applicants live in Leiria, one of the regions worst-hit by the forest fires that killed more than 120 people in 2017. </p><p>Responding to the development, André Oliveira, 12, said: "It gives me lots of hope to know that the judges in the European Court of Human Rights recognise the urgency of our case." </p><p>"But what I'd like the most would be for European governments to immediately do what the scientists say is necessary to protect our future. Until they do this, we will keep on fighting with more determination than ever."</p>‘Highly Significant'
<p>The decision represents a "highly significant" step, <a href="https://www.glanlaw.org/about-us" target="_blank">GLAN</a> Director Dr. Gearóid Ó Cuinn said in a <a href="https://youth4climatejustice.org/" target="_blank">press release</a>.</p><p>"This is an appropriate response from the Court given the scale and imminence of the threat these young people face from the climate emergency," he added. </p><p>By suing the 33 countries all together, the youths aim to compel these national governments to act more aggressively on climate through a single court order, which would potentially be more effective than pursuing separate lawsuits or lobbying policymakers in each country.</p><p>If successful, the defendant countries would be legally bound not only to ramp up emissions cuts, but also to tackle overseas contributions to climate change including those of their multinational enterprises.</p>‘Major Hurdle’
<p>The <a href="https://youth4climatejustice.org/the-case/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">countries targeted</a> include all of the European Union member states as well as Norway, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, none of which are currently aligned with <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/paris-agreement">Paris agreement</a> target to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees C (3.6 degrees F) and pursue a limit of 1.5 degrees C (2.7 degrees F).<a href="https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a></p><p><a href="https://climateactiontracker.org/countries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Climate Action Tracker rates</a> most of Europe as "insufficient" in terms of its emissions reduction policies based on the Paris target, while Ukraine, Turkey and Russia are assessed as "critically insufficient" – meaning they are on track for a warming of 4 degrees C or higher.</p><p>The European Union has pledged to slash its emissions by <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/eu-climate-action/2030_ctp_en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">at least 55 percent by 2030</a>. But the Portuguese youth plaintiffs are calling for cuts of at least 65 percent by 2030, a level that <a href="http://www.caneurope.org/energy/climate-energy-targets" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">European climate campaigners say</a> is necessary to meet the 1.5 degrees warming limit.</p><p> The 33 countries must each respond to the youths' complaint by the end of February, before lawyers representing the plaintiffs will respond to the points of defense. </p><p>"Nothing less than a 65 percent reduction by 2030 will be enough for the EU member states to comply with their obligations to the youth-applicants and indeed countless others," Gerry Liston, legal officer with GLAN, said in a press release.</p><p>"These brave young people have cleared a major hurdle in their pursuit of a judgment which compels European governments to accelerate their climate mitigation efforts."</p><p><span></span><em>Reposted with permission from <a href="https://www.desmogblog.com/2020/11/29/court-advances-landmark-youth-climate-lawsuit-against-33-european-nations" target="_blank">DeSmog</a>. </em></p>From Your Site Articles
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A mural reading "The future is Europe" is seen on a building outside the EU Headquarters in Brussels on November 24, 2018. Philippe Lopez LOPEZ / AFP / Getty Images
Europe's chief policy-making body Wednesday called for a safer, more sustainable chemicals market, plotting a zero-tolerance approach that nearly eliminates hormone mimicking compounds.
<p>The strategy, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/chemicals-strategy_en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">approved by the European Commission</a>, represents some of the most ambitious policy recommendations on the planet and draws a stark contrast with the United States, where endocrine-disrupting compounds—such as bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, certain flame retardants and pesticides—remain largely unregulated and ubiquitous in products and packaging.</p><h3>'Once-in-a-Decade Opportunity'</h3><p>Environmental health advocates hailed the effort as "the most transformative chemical policy initiative" in 20 years and a "once-in-a-decade opportunity to rethink Europe's approach to chemicals management."</p><p>"Every day, our exposure to cocktails of harmful chemicals is translating in real-life health conditions and diseases for current and future generations," said Natacha Cingotti, senior policy officer for health and chemicals at the Brussels-based <a href="https://www.env-health.org/eu-chemicals-strategy-speedy-implementation-steps-key-to-truly-protect-peoples-health/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Health and Environment Alliance</a>.</p><p>"While we welcome this significant step forward, the reality leaves no room for self-complacency and it is urgent the Commission gets to work to implement the promises made to effectively protect people from harm and support safe innovation for non-toxic material cycles."</p>
Five Main Thrusts
<p>The new European plan, dubbed the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, is part of the broader Europe Green Deal, a sweeping proposal for the European Union to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, eliminate pollution, and promote a sustainable economy.</p><p>The strategy released Wednesday has five main thrusts:</p><ol><li>Tighter scrutiny of hormone-mimicking compounds, along with an early warning system for chemical risks before such compounds hit the market.</li><li>A "one substance, one assessment" approach to increase chemical testing transparency.</li><li>Incentives for green chemistry and non-toxic materials development.</li><li>Information and tools for citizens to understand chemical risks.</li><li>Pressure on international markets to improve chemical safety globally.</li></ol><p>At its core, the strategy makes use of the precautionary principle—forcing companies or manufacturers to prove chemicals are safe before they go to market, and making them pay when there is pollution.</p>Concern From Business
<p>While environmental and health advocates lauded the move, business interests cautioned it will stifle commerce and innovation.<br></p><p>"Production cycles and supply chains are complex ... (and) not always well understood by decision makers," wrote EuroCommerce, representing the continents' retail and wholesale business sectors, in a position paper as the policy was being crafted this summer. "We ask the Commission to keep a close eye on the impact of individual initiatives, and its cumulative effects on the retail and wholesale sector and how it affects their economic viability."</p>Contrast With United States
<p>The Commission's plan stands in sharp contrast to the United States. Despite decades of warnings from academic scientists, U.S. regulators have largely ignored independent, non-industry science about the dangers of chemicals that impact our hormones, often at very low doses.<br></p><p>Endocrine-disrupting compounds are a particular concern, based on science from research labs worldwide. The compounds—added to a broad range of products such as plastics, toys, cosmetics, food packaging—have been linked to myriad health problems, including birth defects, obesity, diabetes, certain cancers, as well as impacts to the brain and reproductive and immune systems.</p><p>The highest profile—and highest dollar— effort by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to get on the same page of academic scientists and Europe on endocrine disruptor science has only deepened divides. An <a href="https://www.ehn.org/is-bpa-dangerous-for-health-2641153205.html" target="_blank">EHN investigation</a> of the FDA's effort on just one chemical, BPA, found the agency stacked the deck against findings from independent scientists studying BPA. It also found that many chemicals used to replace BPA in "BPA-free" products have the same adverse health impacts as the original chemical.</p>Separate Focus on PFAS
<p>Also released Wednesday was an EU strategy that specifically takes aim at PFAS, compounds so persistent they're called "forever chemicals." PFAS, used in products including firefighting foam, non-stick cookware and some clothing, have been found in the water of roughly 2,230 U.S. communities in 49 states, affecting more than 100 million people.<br></p><p>The new European strategy would only allow for PFAS use when the chemicals are "essential for society." In addition, it will fund research for safe alternatives and for monitoring and cleanup.</p>Toward 'Zero Pollution'
<p>The framework stems from political guidelines laid out at the end of 2019 by European Union President Ursula von der Leyen that pointed Europe toward "zero pollution."</p><p>"I will put forward a cross-cutting strategy to protect citizens' health from environmental degradation and pollution, addressing air and water quality, hazardous chemicals, industrial emissions, pesticides and endocrine disruptors," President von der Leyen wrote <a href="https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/43a17056-ebf1-11e9-9c4e-01aa75ed71a1" target="_blank">in the report.</a></p><p>The Commission plans to release a Zero Action Pollution Action Plan on air, water and soil next year to complement the chemicals strategy.</p>From Your Site Articles
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The Earth has experienced its warmest September since record-keeping began, according to a European Union agency's report. skeeze / Pixabay
The Earth has experienced its warmest September since record-keeping began, according to a European Union agency's report published Wednesday.
<p>The <a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/climate-bulletins" target="_blank">Copernicus Climate Change Service</a>, which tracks global temperatures, published statistics that show 2020 is, so far, tying with 2016 for the warmest calendar year. <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/global-heating-could-pass-key-mark-in-5-years-un/a-54116525" target="_blank">Global temperatures in January, May and September</a> exceeded those in 2016 and tied in April and June.</p><p>"There is currently little difference between 2020 and 2016 for the year-to-date," Copernicus researcher Freja Vambourg said.</p><p>The report showed that temperatures in Europe were particularly warm, with the cooling La Nina weather event in the eastern Pacific cooling parts of the southern hemisphere.</p><p>Arctic sea ice saw its second-lowest September average extent on record, more than 40% below the 1981-2020 average. Temperatures in Siberia were "especially high."</p>
Paris Agreement Temperature Rise Maximum Is Close
<p>Monitors of the Paris Climate Agreement will view the figures with particular alarm: for the 12-month period through to September 2020, the planet was nearly 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.4 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than pre-industrial levels.</p><p>This is close to the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold for severe impacts to the planet detailed in a 2018 UN climate report.</p><p>The Paris Agreement, of which many UN nations are signatories, has nations aim to cap global warming "well below" 2 degrees Celsius and at 1.5 degrees if possible.</p><p>Overall, September 2020 was 0.05 degrees Celsius warmer than September 2019.</p>From Your Site Articles
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The Capucins market in Marseille, France on September 30, 2020. Marseille has ordered all bars and restaurants to close for two weeks as part of local measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Jeremy Suyker / Getty Images
Britain and France both posted record high rises in the daily number of coronavirus cases on Saturday evening.
<p>France reported 17,000 new cases, with 49 additional deaths on the same day. More than 32,000 people have now died of the virus in France, and more than 606,625 people have been infected. The rate of positive coronavirus tests rose to 7.9% from 7.7% in the country.</p><p>Bars and restaurants are closed in the southern port of Marseilles, and rising infection rates mean similar closures could soon apply in the capital, Paris. Mask-wearing is compulsory, even outdoors, in a number of French cities. </p><p>In Britain, the Health Ministry reported almost 13,000 new cases, almost double the cases reported on Friday. The British government said the sudden spike was due to a "technical issue" which caused a delay in reporting previous cases.</p><p>Britain's coronavirus death toll stands at 42,317 — higher than any other country in Europe. In a bid to curb the spread of the virus, the government has imposed restrictions on social gatherings and warned that tougher measures could follow if infection rates don't start to drop. </p>
<h2>Europe</h2><p>Europe is in the middle of another surge in cases, as new restrictions are being placed across the continent.</p><p>Germany: Data from the Robert Koch Institute showed that cases increased by 2,279 on Sunday. The death toll rose by 2, taking the total to 9,529.</p><p>Italy: The country reported 2,844 new cases on Saturday, its highest tally since April, when the country was still in lockdown. The death toll rose by 27. The Italian government announced measures to curb the rise in numbers to be introduced soon, which will make wearing masks in public compulsory. </p>
<p>Ukraine: Former President Petro Poroshenko has been hospitalized for double pneumonia, according to his wife. "Despite the fact that my husband has double pneumonia, he is strong-willed and is demonstrating this in the fight against the disease," Maryna Poroshenko said. The 55-year-old tested positive for the virus just a few days ago.</p><p>Ireland: The chief medical officer of Ireland said the country was seeing rising numbers after the country reported the highest rise in cases since April. Ireland has taken measures such as banning indoor restaurants and travel in and out of the capital, Dublin. </p><p>Poland: After reporting 1,934 new cases on Sunday, Poland's total caseload has cracked the 100,000 mark. The country has registered 100,074 cases and 2,630 since the pandemic began. Though it was one of the first countries to go into lockdown, Poland's conservative government has not committed to another despite recording three daily case records in the past week.</p>
<h2>Asia</h2><p>India: The South Asian nation has recorded 75,829 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections to 6.5 million, according to data from the Health Ministry.</p><p>India's death toll of almost 102,000 is the world's third-highest behind the United States and Brazil.</p><p>The world's second-most populous country is registering the highest number of daily cases globally, but it's also reporting that ill people are recovering at a rate of more than 83%. Still, experts warn India's lower rates of testing compared to many other countries could mean its real tally may be much higher. </p><p>As infections continue to surge, India's Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said the country hopes to have 500 million doses of coronavirus vaccine by July of next year.</p>
<h2>Americas</h2><p>USA: President Donald Trump, who tested positive for coronavirus, <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/coming-days-critical-with-trump-in-hospital-after-covid-19-infection-live-updates/a-55141841" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">put out a video of himself</a> saying the coming days will be "most crucial." He and First Lady Melania Trump are receiving treatment at the Walter Reed Hospital.</p><h2>Africa</h2><p>Tunisia: The North African nation is set to ban all public gatherings, and reduce working hours for public sector employees. The decision was taken due to the rise in coronavirus cases, over fears that the healthcare sector would be unable to cope with the high numbers. The country faces a shortage of intensive care beds. </p>
<p><em>Reposted with permission from </em><em><a href="https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-digest-france-and-uk-set-record-daily-figures/a-55149529?maca=en-VAM_volltext_ecowatch-28485-html-copypaste" target="_blank">Deutsche Welle</a>.</em><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/r/entryeditor/2648098484#/" target="_self"></a></p>From Your Site Articles
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