Climate Change News
Climate change could mean a billion refugees by 2050 - UNHCR
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warns that up to a billion people could lose their homes due to rising sea levels or be forced to move because of food or water shortages within 50 years as a result of climate change.
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European greenhouse gas emissions continue falling trend
Total emissions of greenhouse gases in Europe fell in 2006, according to the preliminary aggregate figures published by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The fall follows a reduction in emissions in 2005 after a two-year rising trend.
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Policy Developments
BERR announces inquiry by New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team
Shriti Vadera, the Business Minister, has announced a new investigation into the UK's automotive industry which aims to identify measures to tackle the challenges of low cost competition and the move to lower-carbon transport. The review will be conducted by a new Automotive Innovation and Growth Team (NAIGT) to be chaired by Richard Parry-Jones, a former Ford vice-president.
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Commission does have the right to impose CO2 penalties on car makers say lawyers
The European Commission is within its rights to levy financial penalties on car makers who fail to meet proposed CO2 emission standards according to the Commission's lawyers. Meanwhile, there are reports of Franco-German discussions involving the final form of the car CO2 regulations and hints of possible concessions to Germany's car makers.
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EU considers strengthening biofuels sustainability criteria
The European Union may be about to toughen sustainability standards for biofuels. Following a Council of Ministers meeting, the EU's Slovenian Presidency has circulated a proposal under which, from 2015, biofuels sold in the EU would have to achieve a net life-cycle greenhouse gas saving of 50% over conventional fuels.
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MEPs urge measures to promote take-up of 'intelligent' cars
Developing cars that are smarter, safer and greener is part of the EU’s ‘European Information Society 2100’ strategy to boost growth and jobs in the digital economy by using new information and communication technology (ICT) to improve quality of life. In line with the strategy the European Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Tourism has adopted the report by Hungarian Socialist MEP, Zita Gurmai on "The First Intelligent Car", a European Commission initiative towards Europe-wide Safer, Cleaner and Efficient Mobility.
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Council to charge 'school run' drivers on the basis of CO2 emissions
Richmond-upon-Thames Council in south-west London is to trial a scheme to charge drivers of high CO2-emission cars up to £75 a year for parking outside their children's school.
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Reports & Studies
European car makers call for greater harmonisation of CO2 taxation
The European car makers association, ACEA, says that fourteen West-European countries now levy some form of CO2 tax on passenger cars. While the Association says that it welcomes this trend, it says that there is too much inconsistency in the way that the taxes are levied.
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Electric vehicle technology could provide route to sustainable future - WWF report
Electric vehicle technologies in the form of plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles could provide the route towards a sustainable future for transport, helping to reduce CO2 emissions and avert potential conflicts over reduced oil resources according to a report from the global conservation organisation, WWF.
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LowCVP News
LowCVP Conference to focus on leading issues: biofuels; EU regulation; King Review responses
The LowCVP’s annual conference on 23rd July will give delegates the opportunity to learn the outcomes of the critical ‘Gallagher Review’ of biofuels policy, the Government’s response to the King Review of low carbon cars as well as hearing insiders’ views on impending EU 'Cars and CO2' regulation and more on the latest, leading issues at the top of the low carbon road transport agenda.
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International Developments
US Government introduces tougher than expected car fuel economy rules
The US Government has issued new rules which mean that US car makers must raise average fuel efficiency of their cars and trucks to 31.6 miles per gallon, from today's 25, by 2015. The rules are more aggressive than were anticipated when first announced in last year's Energy Bill and have been interpreted as an attempt by Washington to undermine States' efforts to take control of the issue.
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Chinese car makers racing to introduce lowest carbon technology
China's car manufacturers are rapidly introducing new generation low carbon technologies in a bid for greater future market share according to The Financial Times, reporting on Auto China, the country's largest motor show.
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Technology News
Shell boss calls for incentives to encourage carbon capture and storage
Shell's Chief Executive has urged governments to rapidly introduce new incentives to ensure the rapid development of techniques to store CO2 underground. Shell also says that the carbon price may need to triple before industry will invest in the thousands of carbon capture and storage (CCS) schemes needed for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Industry News
Tesco accused of false claims about sources of biodiesel
An investigation by Greenpeace has found that the supermarket Tesco has made false claims about the source of biodiesel sold at its service stations. The report found that 30 per cent of the biofuel in Tesco diesel came from palm oil. Tesco's diesel typically contains 5 per cent biofuel.
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China's BYD Auto introduces electric car with 186 mile range
BYD Auto has introduced an electric 5-seat crossover/MPV concept which the makers claim can travel 300km (186 miles) on a full battery charge.
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2008 Commercial Vehicle Show features CO2 saving technologies
The UK's Commercial Vehicle Show, which took place over three days in early April at Birmingham's NEC, included the display of vehicles and innovative technologies designted to reduce CO2 emissions from vans and other commercial vehicles.
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Other News
The Energy Saving Trust invites nominations for its 'Fleet Hero' Awards 2008
The third annual Energy Saving Trust Fleet Hero Awards were launched at the end of March in partnership with Guardian, The Observer and Fleet News. The awards will recognise best practice in green fleet management and take place at the London Transport Museum on Tuesday, 14 October.
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Events
The Segway - low emissions personal transport
30th Apr 2008
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Intelligent Energy and Segway Inc are holding an event to introduce the Segway - an innovative, low-emissions personal transport system which could can help ease congestion and reduce carbon emissions in UK cities.
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