Climate Change News

Scientists say Arctic may have passed 'tipping-point' towards ice-free summers

US scientists say they have found evidence that climate change-induced ice melting in the Arctic has crossed a 'tipping point' beyond which it may not go back. The evidence suggests that the Arctic region is warming at a faster rate than the rest of the World and years before it was predicted to do so.

more >

Policy Developments

LowCVP news release: Government changes to BSOG will stimulate introduction of low carbon buses

The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) welcomes today’s announcement by the Secretary of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon, regarding changes to the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) which will incentivise the introduction of low carbon, fuel efficient buses and help towards meeting the UK’s climate change targets.

more >

MEP's committee strengthens moves towards phasing out energy inefficient tyres

The internal market committee of the European Parliament has breathed new life into the Commission's draft directive designed to speed the introduction of more energy efficient and quieter tyres.

more >

Climate Change Committee assigns major role to transport in meeting climate targets

The Committee on Climate Change - which has been set up to oversee the UK's progress towards fulfilling the requirements of the Climate Change Act - says that the UK must cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 34% on 1990 levels by 2020. In its first report, the Committee says that the UK target for 2020 should be 42% below 1990 levels if a successor to the Kyoto Protocol is agreed.

more >

CBI urges Government to speed up pace of action on climate change

The UK's leading business association, the CBI, has warned that the Government will not meet ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions unless it significantly accelerates the pace of action and brings in bold policies including strong tax incentives. The CBI said that the current recession was not a reason to slow down or halt efforts to tackle climate change.

more >

Europe reaches agreement on Renewable Energy Directive

The European Commission, Parliament and member states have reached an agreement on the final terms of the Renewable Energy Directive which paves the way for the EU to achieve a 20% renewables contribution to total energy demand by 2020. The so called 20:20:20 plan also sets binding targets for the use of renewable fuels in transport.

more >

Industry News

Hertz targets car sharing as rental volumes contract

A leading car rental company, Hertz, has announced that it will roll-out its new car-share programme in December, starting with New York, London and Paris. In the UK this will mean competing with independent operators such as City Car Club, Streetcar and Zipcar.

more >

European Investment Bank increases 'greener' car loans

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is to provide an extra €2bn in loans to the car industry, designed to accelerate the development of 'greener' cars. There will also be extra funds for energy, climate and infrastructure projects.

more >

BMW Group to launch Electric Mini Cooper

BMW Group has announced plans to launch trials involving a fleet of 500 battery-electric Minis, mainly in the United States. The company says that the vehicles are capable of almost 100mph and have a range of over 150 miles on a single charge.

more >

US car firms in $17.4bn bail-out; UK industry calls for support

The outgoing US President, George Bush, has announced a $17.4bn (£11.7m) bail-out for General Motors and Chrysler who have been facing bankruptcy. Agreeing a $9.4bn loan to GM and $4bn to Chrysler, Mr Bush said that allowing the US car industry to fail would not be "a responsible course of action."

more >

Reports & Studies

RAC calls for colour-coded tax discs and improved environmental information for motorists

The UK's second biggest motorists' association, the RAC, is calling for model-specific CO2 emissions to be more effectively communicated to all motorists, including on MOT certificates and tax discs. The RAC Report on Motoring 2008 says that motorists are calling for green incentives to be driven by tax and price signals.

more >

Consultations

Delivering a sustainable transport system - DfT consultation

The Government has launched a new consultation on delivering a sustainable transport system which looks to planning measures for 2014 and beyond. The consultation includes proposals for investment packages for transport at national, regional and city levels which must set out how they will deliver quantified greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

more >

Technology News

TfL unveils new hybrid bus fleet for London

Transport for London has introduced a range of new, single and double decker hybrid buses; the first stage of what is planned to be a signifcant increase in London’s hybrid bus fleet. TfL says that by January 2009, 56 hybrid buses will be on the road in London, with a further 300 to be in operation by 2011. TfL claims that each new bus will deliver a 40% CO2 saving.

more >

International Developments

Project Better Place to build battery exchange stations in Japan

Better Place, the US-based initiative undertaking a large scale electric vehicle recharging and battery swap project in Israel, has announced plans to build battery exchange stations in Japan as part of a state-led project to encourage the uptake of electric cars.

more >

France announces car scrappage incentives as part of economic stimulus package

The French Government has announced that it will provide a €1,000 bonus for people scrapping an old car or van and buying a new fuel-efficient replacement. The announcement is part of a broader Government plan to help stimulate the French economy.

more >

Other News

Details of £10m low carbon vehicle demonstration fund announced

The Technology Strategy Board has announced details of a £10m fund which will support the demonstration of highly innovative, industry-led collaborative research projects. The fund, part of the Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform, will support projects in the field of ultra low carbon vehicle demonstration and development.

more >

Events

4th CLEAN MOVES – Energy Efficient Mobility: 20-24 April 2009
20th Apr 2009

CLEAN MOVES is the international trading hub and conference forum for market-proven efficient mobility technologies. After its first incarnation in London, the annual CLEAN MOVES flagship 2009 event will take place alongside the world's largest technology trade fair: the Hanover Messe.

more >

PACTS conference - Safety and Sustainability: Developing a Seamless Approach
11th Mar 2009

This conference - organised by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) - will explore the opportunities to make safety and sustainability complementary approaches. For example: how can we create environments that will encourage people to walk and cycle? Can business travel become both safe and sustainable? Can we identify the policy trade-offs needed to decide which should take priority?

more >

World Biofuels Markets Congress, 16-18 March, 2009
16th Mar 2009

The World Biofuels Market Congress, which takes place from 16-18 March, 2009, in Brussels is a leading international event for commercial and other stakeholders in the biofuels industry.

more >