https://degreesnow.com/Climate change, Europe. Organised around the physical evidence, and the European policy instrument responding to it.enhttps://degreesnow.com/news/plastics-treaty-text-sparks-e7dad8/https://degreesnow.com/news/plastics-treaty-text-sparks-e7dad8/A new draft text for the UN plastics treaty has been released, sparking concerns that ambition for the global pact is shrinking. The text does not include specific measures to manage runaway plastic production, a growing source of greenhouse gas emissions.17 August 2026https://degreesnow.com/news/rethinking-economic-success-face-7255ac/https://degreesnow.com/news/rethinking-economic-success-face-7255ac/As the world grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, experts are calling for a shift in how we measure economic success. The traditional metric of gross domestic product (GDP) has been criticized for its limitations, particularly in the face of environmental crises.17 August 2026https://degreesnow.com/news/caribbean-faces-escalating-drought-4b090c/https://degreesnow.com/news/caribbean-faces-escalating-drought-4b090c/The Caribbean is grappling with severe drought and extreme heat as El Niño intensifies, worsened by climate change. Rising temperatures, water shortages, and economic disruptions highlight the urgent need for climate action beyond emergency relief.17 August 2026https://degreesnow.com/news/quarter-countries-miss-un-56434c/https://degreesnow.com/news/quarter-countries-miss-un-56434c/A UN report reveals 45 countries have failed to submit new national climate plans, breaching Paris Agreement rules, 18 months after the deadline.17 August 2026https://degreesnow.com/news/south-africa-top-court-3d6198/https://degreesnow.com/news/south-africa-top-court-3d6198/South Africa's Constitutional Court has ruled that Shell and its partner Impact Africa failed to consult affected communities and did not properly consider the environmental risks of offshore oil exploration.16 August 2026https://degreesnow.com/news/coal-mine-openings-slow-8fa6ce/https://degreesnow.com/news/coal-mine-openings-slow-8fa6ce/A report by Global Energy Monitor found that new coal mine capacity declined by nearly 40% in 2025, driven by China and Australia, where new additions fell by 44% and 96%, respectively.16 August 2026https://degreesnow.com/news/cop17-summit-mongolia-address-b35ffd/https://degreesnow.com/news/cop17-summit-mongolia-address-b35ffd/The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP17 summit is set to take place in Mongolia, bringing together government negotiators, scientists, journalists, and campaigners to discuss desertification and its relation to climate change.16 August 2026https://degreesnow.com/news/advertising-hidden-role-fueling-f71961/https://degreesnow.com/news/advertising-hidden-role-fueling-f71961/A lack of regulation in the advertising industry is contributing to the climate crisis by promoting high-carbon lifestyles and activities, such as frequent flying and meat consumption.16 August 2026https://degreesnow.com/news/china-15th-five-year-04d0f1/https://degreesnow.com/news/china-15th-five-year-04d0f1/China's new five-year plan for coal emphasizes the importance of the fuel in the country's energy system, but also discusses the need for a 'green and low-carbon transition' of the industry.16 August 2026https://degreesnow.com/news/weaker-uk-ev-targets-c3e440/https://degreesnow.com/news/weaker-uk-ev-targets-c3e440/A potential weakening of the UK's electric vehicle (EV) sales targets could cost consumers an additional £3bn per year by 2030, increase oil imports by 17 million barrels, and raise national emissions by 2.5%, according to Carbon Brief analysis. The current mandate requires 80% of new car sales to be battery EVs by 2030, but reports suggest the Labour government may reduce this to 50%. Industry groups warn of risks to investments in EV infrastructure, while carmakers argue natural demand is insu16 August 2026https://degreesnow.com/news/heatwaves-impact-power-generation-b4d640/https://degreesnow.com/news/heatwaves-impact-power-generation-b4d640/Heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change, affecting various sources of power generation worldwide. While all types of electricity generation are impacted, some commentators downplay the effects on gas or nuclear power, focusing on 'intermittent' wind and solar. This article explores how key power sources cope with extreme heat, highlighting the challenges and adaptations of nuclear, gas, wind, and solar power during heatwaves.16 August 2026https://degreesnow.com/news/carbon-capture-storage-key-ae92fe/https://degreesnow.com/news/carbon-capture-storage-key-ae92fe/The role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in achieving net-zero emissions is a topic of ongoing debate. While some see it as a critical technology for cutting emissions from key sectors, others have raised concerns about its high costs, ties to the fossil-fuel industry, and poor performance record.16 August 2026