Nyheder – Europe

Norwegian electric vehicle record: The Norwegian city of Bergen now holds the world record for electric vehicles. 19.1 percent of the city’s cars are electric.

Air pollution deaths halved: The number of yearly deaths caused by air pollution in Europe has more than halved since 1990. The improvement is due to cleaner industry and vehicles.

Europe powering past coal: For the first time ever, Europe is expected to generate more electricity this year from renewable energy sources than from coal.

Europeans support development aid: Nearly 9 out of every 10 Europeans support international cooperation to help developing countries.

Scotland sets new climate target: With not a single vote against, the Scottish parliament has adopted a new climate target: 75 percent less CO2 emission in 2030.

Russians drink less: Alcohol consumption in Russia has decreased by 43 percent since 2003, and smoking has also gone down. Life expectancy in Russia has increased significantly.

British law against trophy import: The British Government plans to ban the import of trophies from endangered species, in order to protect animals such as elephants and lions.

Eagles soar once more above England: White-tailed eagles are now returning to England after being absent for 240 years. Six eagles will be released annually on the Isle of Wight.

Plastic bag fees work: Five years ago, each person in England used 140 supermarket plastic bags annually. This number has now dropped to 10 bags a year, after bags stopped being free.

Cleaner air in London: Particle pollution has decreased by 45 percent in central London, since only low-emission cars were allowed to enter the city centre.

France taxes air traffic for climate: Air fares in France will become up to 18 euro more expensive, due to a new tax. The revenue is to be invested in rail transport.

A greener and more pleasant land: Over the next two years, an additional 130,000 trees are to be planted in English towns and cities, in order to fight climate change and make life more pleasant.

New law against child labour: The Netherlands has passed a law to force companies to investigate and make sure that there is no child labour in their supply chain.

UK declares climate emergency: The British Parliament has declared a climate emergency, adding pressure for the UK government to ramp up its climate and environmental ambitions.

Cities act on air pollution: Air pollution decreased in more than half of cities in Europe and in the Americas between 2010 and 2016.

New speed record for electric vehicles: A new luxury car from Italy is to become the fastest vehicle legal to drive in public. Reaching 100 km/h in less than 2 seconds, top speed is above 400 km/h.

Giant festival to ditch plastic bottles: The large Glastonbury Festival has decided to stop using plastic water bottles. Festivalgoers will be offered to refill reusabel bottles at free taps and drinking fountains.

Solar power rising in France: The French government wants to double the country’s sustainable energy capacity over the next ten years. Solar power is to be increased fivefold.

No more rough sleeping in Helsinki: The number of homeless in Helsinki has dropped to nearly zero, due to a strategy of providing them with a stable home, then help to quit alcohol and drug abuse.

Italian town rewards bicycling: An app lets citizens of Bologna collect points when walking, bicycling, or using public transport. The points can be exchanged for ice cream and movie tickets.