The government is seeking public input on potential reforms to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which sets electric car and van sales targets for manufacturers. The proposed changes include options to weaken the 2030 EV sales targets, marking a controversial shift in the UK's electric vehicle strategy.
MRCool has released a new 115V do-it-yourself monoblock heat pump that eliminates the need for an outdoor unit, featuring 10,000 Btu/h cooling and 9,000 Btu/h heating capacity. The system uses R-32 refrigerant and inverter-driven technology, making heat pump installation more accessible to consumers.
China has unveiled its 15th five-year plan dedicated to climate change, covering the 2026-2030 period with comprehensive climate and energy targets. The plan is part of China's broader initiatives including efforts to build a 'Beautiful China' and represents the latest in a series of strategic climate policy documents.
Ireland's grid operator EirGrid recorded an all-time peak solar generation of 1,258 MW, demonstrating the growing capacity of grid-scale solar infrastructure. The milestone was followed by a dramatic drop to just 8 MW during the August 12 solar eclipse, highlighting the variability challenges of solar energy integration.
Australia has achieved 500,000 home and business battery installations in just 14 months following the launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program on July 1, 2025. The government rebate program has successfully accelerated adoption of residential energy storage systems across the country. This rapid uptake represents significant progress in Australia's transition to renewable energy and distributed storage capacity.
Relectrify has deployed its first inverterless AC1 battery energy storage system in Renmark, South Australia, partnering with local renewable energy company YES Energy. This installation represents an advancement in battery energy storage technology that eliminates the need for separate inverters. The project demonstrates growing adoption of innovative energy storage solutions in Australia's renewable energy sector.
India is expected to install a record 50 GW of solar capacity in 2026, driven by manufacturers rushing to meet ALMM-II (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) deadline requirements. While this represents significant renewable energy expansion, supply constraints in solar cells are expected to increase system prices through 2027 until domestic manufacturing capacity increases.
VodafoneThree has launched a four-year procurement process with Abatable to source carbon removals from nature-based and engineered projects within the UK. This initiative is part of the telecoms operator's broader climate strategy to offset its carbon emissions. The move represents corporate action toward meeting climate commitments through investment in domestic carbon removal solutions.
UK firefighters are battling multiple fires across central England during the hottest day of the year, with several houses burned to the ground in the West Midlands. The fire outbreak coincides with an intense heat wave affecting Europe, highlighting the increased fire risk associated with extreme heat events.
Bloomberg NEF modeling shows that thousands of companies face approximately $1.4 trillion in carbon price exposure over the next decade due to Emissions Trading Systems (ETS) compliance costs. The cost of carbon allowances alone is projected to reach $95.8 billion in 2026. This analysis highlights the significant financial burden that mandatory carbon pricing mechanisms will impose on businesses globally.
The Electrek Podcast covers recent developments in sustainable transportation, including updates on the Tesla Roadster production timeline, Kia's EV3 expansion to the US market, and the replacement of gas pumps with EV charging infrastructure. The episode highlights progress in electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure expansion.
South Africa's Constitutional Court has ruled against Shell and its partners' offshore oil exploration project, citing failures in community consultation and inadequate environmental risk assessment. The decision blocks the company's exploration rights in South African waters. This ruling represents a significant legal victory for environmental and community advocates opposing fossil fuel expansion.
Multiple wildfires devastated Stourbridge in the West Midlands on Thursday as the UK experienced record temperatures of 38.1C during its fifth consecutive heatwave, destroying more than a dozen homes. Residents described the fires as 'horrendous' and 'distressing,' with some blazes exceeding the height of residential buildings. The incidents highlight the increasing threat of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
A new study finds that existing marine protected areas are ineffective at safeguarding sharks and rays despite global conservation commitments. While 196 countries agreed to protect 30% of ocean areas by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal framework, only about 10% of the ocean currently has protected status, leaving many nations significantly behind their goals.
Waymo has received California regulatory approval to expand its robotaxi service across 18 counties, from Sonoma to San Diego. The expansion allows Waymo to charge for fully driverless rides throughout the Bay Area and Los Angeles, while also entering new markets in Sacramento and San Diego.
Hawaii's Big Island is preparing for Hurricane Lala, which could become the first hurricane on record to directly strike the island. The system poses significant threats including potential rainfall of up to 25 inches, presenting serious hazards to residents and infrastructure.
Data centers have become a significant election issue as public frustration with their environmental and infrastructure impacts grows. The topic is expected to reshape political discourse in the 2026 election cycle, indicating that data center policy will be a key campaign focus.
Andy Burnham and the Prime Minister respond to devastating wildfires by acknowledging that climate change is clearly occurring. They call for a renewed debate on accelerating green energy transition and improving the country's preparedness for extreme weather events.
BYD has launched the Qin Max EV, a Tesla Model 3-sized electric sedan priced at approximately half the cost of a Model 3. This development highlights increasing competition in the EV market and the potential for more affordable electric vehicles to reach consumers. The lower price point could accelerate EV adoption by making electric transportation more accessible.
A matriarch orca in an endangered pod off the Iberian Peninsula has been found with suspected gunshot wounds from a pellet gun. Spanish officials are investigating the incident, which conservationists describe as an act of extreme cruelty against the vulnerable population known for ramming boats in the Strait of Gibraltar.
The article describes the Cerros de Mavicure, distinctive rock formations rising above the forest in Colombia's Guainía region near the Inírida River. The author was drawn to visit this unique Amazon landscape after seeing photographs of its striking dark rock formations contrasting against the surrounding green forest.
Quantum computing's rapid development presents new challenges for utility companies unprepared for its unique energy demands. Schneider Electric's chief strategy officer notes that quantum computing's load profile differs significantly from traditional power consumption patterns utilities have historically planned for.
This article covers a collection of promotional deals on electric and green technology products, including e-bikes, electric lawn mowers, and portable power stations. The deals featured include the Velotric Nomad 2 e-bike at $1,749, a Greenworks electric zero-turn mower bundle at $5,000, and an Anker SOLIX power station at $1,330.
News Corp's Australian newspaper reported that the Great Barrier Reef shows signs of recovery based on government data, framing this as evidence against climate change warnings. Scientists counter that high coral cover indicates resilience from disturbances, not that the mortality-causing events didn't occur. The article critiques News Corp for using selective data interpretation to dismiss climate science.
Research from energy think tank Ember reveals that solar power output across Europe increased by 17% during the heatwaves that occurred in June and July 2026. This finding highlights an unintended positive consequence of extreme heat events on renewable energy generation. The data suggests that intense solar radiation during heatwaves can significantly boost clean energy production in Europe.
WSP, a professional services company, is experiencing significant growth in the US power sector, with power work now representing 40% of the company's revenue according to CEO Alexandre L'Heureux. This surge reflects increasing demand for infrastructure and engineering services related to energy transition and power generation projects.
Hyundai has begun production of the IONIQ 3, an affordable electric hatchback designed for the European market. The company aims for the vehicle to be a leading option in its segment, with sales expected to start soon.
A wildlife ecologist at Qatar University discovered a larger population of sand cats than expected while surveying the region. Sand cats are small, rarely-studied wild felines native to desert regions across Southwest and Central Asia, northern Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. The findings suggest the species may have a more sizable presence in Qatar than previously understood.
Climate Investment Platform (CIP) has closed a $3 billion growth fund, with GMF II having committed $1.6 billion across nine investments. The fund represents significant capital mobilization for climate-related ventures and technologies.
The UK government has implemented a temporary nationwide ban on disposable barbecue sales as Britain faces severe wildfire conditions. The Prime Minister has urged the public to avoid risky behavior that could start fires, and the military has been deployed to assist with wildfire management efforts. At least 19 people have been hospitalized during incidents in the West Midlands.
Kia has launched the EV3 electric vehicle in the US and Canada with competitive pricing, starting at $29,890 in the US and positioning it as Canada's most affordable EV. The announcement represents a significant step toward making electric vehicles more accessible to mainstream consumers through lower price points.
Recent 2026 studies demonstrate the Amazon rainforest exhibits surprising resilience and capacity for rapid regrowth. However, researchers warn that continued deforestation and climate warming could push the ecosystem past a critical tipping point within the next 15 years, potentially causing irreversible system-wide collapse.
Brookfield and La Caisse have completed their acquisition of Boralex, a Canadian renewable energy developer, resulting in the company's delisting from the Toronto Stock Exchange next week. This transaction consolidates ownership of a major clean energy producer under new management.
The European Commission has launched an electrification action plan to transition homes away from imported gas heating and cooling toward electricity, aiming to double electricity's energy share from 23% to 46% by 2040. The article outlines reasons why fully electric homes can be both affordable and efficient alternatives that reduce energy waste and carbon emissions.
Tesla plans to demonstrate its new Roadster as early as this month, featuring a stunt where the vehicle lifts off the ground using SpaceX-developed cold gas thrusters. The demonstration will be remotely operated with no occupants inside, and spectators will be kept several hundred yards away due to the extreme noise levels from the thrusters.
Female farmers in a buffer zone of Tesso Nilo National Park in Sumatra are working to protect elephants and forests while combating deforestation from illegal oil palm plantation encroachment. Their efforts represent a positive approach to addressing human-wildlife conflict in the region. The initiative demonstrates how local communities, particularly women, can play a crucial role in conservation.
Five major reservoirs in England and Wales have reached exceptionally low levels due to extreme heat and lack of rainfall, threatening the public water supply. The drought is expected to persist into autumn, with officials warning of serious consequences if dry conditions continue. Most of Europe is experiencing climate crisis-driven heatwaves with minimal rainfall across the region.
Australia's home battery subsidy program has exceeded expectations, with over 500,000 batteries installed in just over a year. The rapid deployment has helped integrate large volumes of wasted solar energy into the grid and reduced wholesale power prices by approximately 50%. This success demonstrates how residential energy storage can support renewable energy adoption at scale.
Lucid Motors has unveiled the Gravity GT-S, a three-row electric SUV boasting over 1,000 horsepower, positioning it as America's most powerful vehicle in its class. The launch represents Lucid's expansion into the SUV market segment with a high-performance electric vehicle offering.
Greggs bakery chain has integrated data analytics, operational flexibility, and eco-focused store concepts into its climate strategy. CEO Roisin Currie discusses how the company has evolved its Greggs Pledge commitment and product offerings to address an increasingly complex environmental landscape.
Track the climate economy in real time. We surface the most important stories about climate change, clean energy, and sustainability — and the companies and people behind them.