📰 Carbon Brief · 20
United KingdomExperts: Why carbon removal needs a ‘major scale up’ to return warming to 1.5C
Over 260 researchers gathered in Milan to discuss the potential, challenges, and risks of scaling 'carbon dioxide removal' (CDR) technologies to meet global climate goals. The event, part of an ongoing series, included experts from various fields such as environmental science, social sciences, and policy. Discussions focused on the current state of CDR technologies, their scalability, and the role of policy in driving their deployment. Dr. Soheil Shayegh emphasized the importance of conveying scientific findings to policymakers, while Dr. Morgan Edwards highlighted the urgent need for rapid CＤ
USRED PACIFIKA UPRAVO SE FORMIRA KLIMATSKI MONSTRUM! Stiže 'Godzila', a ono što donosi nismo videli nikada u istoriji
The article discusses the formation of an intense El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, referred to as 'Godzilla El Niño,' which could lead to extreme heatwaves, droughts, and increased risk of wildfires, particularly in Australia and other parts of the world. It notes that while El Niño itself is not directly caused by climate change, global warming amplifies its effects, making them more severe than in previous instances. Experts such as Marshall Burke from Stanford and organizations like the World Meteorological Organization warn that 2027 could become the hottest year on record due to a
El Niño has arrived – and will spike the price of these ‘big shop’ essentials
An upcoming El Niño weather pattern is expected to cause droughts and crop failures globally, potentially leading to increased prices for certain food items in the UK, including rice, chocolate, fruits, coffee, and tea. The UN has issued warnings about the impact of this phenomenon, which is anticipated to raise global temperatures and intensify extreme weather conditions. Countries such as India, Australia, and parts of Africa are expected to face significant agricultural challenges, increasing the risk of higher food prices. Experts recommend that UK food suppliers diversify their supply-ch铇
Q&A: What do China’s provincial five-year plans say about climate and energy?
China's provincial-level governments have released their 15th five-year plans covering 2026-2030, which outline economic and social development strategies. These plans align with the country's broader climate and energy objectives, including reducing carbon intensity and increasing the share of non-fossil energy. However, they also reflect regional variations influenced by economic and geographic factors. The plans incorporate both quantitative targets, such as those related to carbon reduction, and qualitative policy directions, like promoting new-energy vehicles and hydrogen industries.
Cropped 17 June 2026: Coral reef ‘hope’ | Ocean talks | Plant flowering times ‘shift’
Carbon Brief summarizes recent environmental news, focusing on ocean-related topics. Key points include African and Commonwealth nations urging implementation of the High Seas Treaty at the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya, a UN report highlighting severe strain on oceans due to climate change and other factors, and concerns over the U.S. Trump administration's potential dismantling of an ocean observation system.
Analysis: Energy-efficient air conditioning could save Indian homes 69bn rupees a year
New analysis by Carbon Brief suggests that adopting more energy-efficient air conditioning units in India could save households ₹69 billion annually. The report highlights rising air conditioning usage due to climate change-induced heatwaves, which is straining the power grid and increasing emissions. If 15 million households opt for five-star rated ACs instead of two-star models, CO2 emissions could decrease by nearly 5 million tonnes. However, challenges such as the high cost of efficient technology remain.
Analysis: UK’s EV drivers are now saving £1,100 each a year – and £3bn in total
Carbon Brief analyzed the financial benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK, finding that EV drivers save over £1,100 annually in fuel costs compared to petrol car owners. The analysis estimates total annual savings across 2 million battery EVs, 1 million plug-in hybrids, and 100,000 electric vans at approximately £3 billion. These savings are attributed to the higher efficiency of EVs and rising fossil fuel prices. The report also highlights reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions associated with EV usage.
Analysis: Solar overtakes gas power in Asia for first time ever
According to new analysis by Carbon Brief, solar power has surpassed gas power in Asia to become the continent's third-largest source of electricity. This shift is attributed to the rapid expansion of solar energy in countries like China, India, and Pakistan, where annual solar output has increased nearly fourfold since 2020. Asia contributes approximately 60% of global solar-power growth during this period. Coal remains the largest source of electricity in Asia, followed by hydropower. Gas power output has stagnated due to supply disruptions, high prices, and the rise of cleaner alternatives.
China Briefing 11 June 2026: Tech clampdown | Extreme weather | Provinces’ energy plans
China has introduced new regulations that expand controls over the overseas transfer of domestic technology and grant the government explicit authority to retaliate against countries restricting Chinese investments. These measures are seen as a response to the EU's proposed Industrial Accelerator Act and aim to protect China's leadership in clean technology manufacturing. Analysts suggest the rules are intended to prevent Chinese intellectual property from being taken advantage of by foreign entities.
Thinking about the next heatwave? Prepare for more rain first
The UK may experience a warmer-than-average summer with an increased likelihood of heatwaves, according to recent forecasts by the Met Office and MeteoGroup. The Met Office noted that a hotter summer is now twice as likely compared to the reference period of 1991–2020. This follows a late-spring heatwave that broke temperature records, including a new all-time May record in Kew Gardens, London. Long-range forecasts predict above-average temperatures for June, July, and August, along with significant heat events.
DeBriefed 5 June 2026: UK eyes 2040 emissions cut | US ‘dismantling’ oceans research | China’s solar slump
The UK government has proposed a new emissions reduction target of 87% below 1990 levels by 2040, which could help achieve the 2050 net-zero goal. A Carbon Brief analysis estimates this would require £880bn in investment but generate £1,620bn in benefits. The target needs parliamentary approval and may face opposition from some parties. A CBI report highlights the economic value of the UK's net-zero economy, estimating it at over £100bn annually and supporting 1.1 million jobs.
Chart: Why China’s solar boom is slowing down
China's solar power installation growth slowed significantly in 2026 compared to 2025, with a 56% decline in March and a 79% drop in April. This slowdown follows a policy shift in early 2025, where the government introduced a 'contract for difference' (CfD)-style system for financing new solar and wind projects. Under this system, only a portion of renewable capacity receives a fixed 'strike price,' while additional projects must compete on the open market. Analysts had predicted this slower growth due to the transition from guaranteed tariffs to market-based pricing.
Analysis: China’s CO2 climbs 2% in early 2026 due to ‘wasted’ wind and solar
China's CO2 emissions rose by 2% in Q1 2026, driven by an increase in fossil fuel usage for electricity generation despite record additions of wind and solar capacity. The report highlights that 'wasted' renewable energy—due to inflexible coal plant operations and grid management—led to higher emissions in the power sector. Emissions from other economic sectors increased by 1%. While China's overall emissions remain below their 2024 peak, the inefficiencies in integrating renewables into the electricity system are a concern.
Cropped 3 June 2026: Highway through the Amazon | El Niño impact | State of CO2 removal
The article discusses recent developments related to the Amazon rainforest, including record-low deforestation rates, plans for a new highway and railway projects, and concerns about future deforestation due to increased beef production.
Q&A: How UK’s seventh carbon budget will deliver ‘£865bn’ in economic benefits
The UK Labour government has proposed a new carbon budget aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 87% below 1990 levels by 2040. The government claims this will generate £865bn in economic benefits, including improved energy security and protection against fossil fuel price volatility. The proposal is part of draft legislation for the seventh carbon budget, covering the period 2038–2042. According to an impact assessment, achieving the target would require £880bn in investment over 25 years but would result in £1,620bn in total benefits. The assessment highlights energy security savings,估
Q&A: The current state of ‘carbon dioxide removal’ around the world
A report by over 50 scientists highlights the urgent need for scaling up carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies to meet the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2100. The report states that current national CDR plans are insufficient, requiring a fourfold increase in global CDR capacity from 2.2 GtCO2 in 2026 to 8.75 GtCO2 by 2050. The report emphasizes that achieving this target will require not only significant emissions reductions but also large-scale deployment of CDR methods such as afforestation and direct air capture.
DeBriefed 29 May 2026: Europe’s ‘mind-boggling’ May | Indian heat deaths | Nigeria’s solar mini-grids
The article discusses extreme weather events across Europe and India during May 2026, highlighting record-breaking temperatures, associated fatalities, and impacts such as power outages. It references multiple international news outlets including the Financial Times, Associated Press, BBC News, Reuters, ABC News, Politico, and Khaleej Times.
AI boom means US is now ‘investing more’ in fossil-fuel power than China
The 'data-centre boom' is increasing gas investment in the US, surpassing China's fossil-fuel power investments, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This growth is driven by high electricity demands from expanding data centres supporting the AI industry. US gas-power investment increased threefold in 2025, while Chinese investment in coal and gas is projected to decline due to policy shifts and rising gas prices. The IEA forecasts US fossil-fuel power investment to exceed China's in 2026. Meanwhile, global investment in renewables and electricity grids remains dominant.
EM-DAT: Trump aid cuts could close database storing ‘world’s memory of disasters’
The EM-DAT disaster database, used globally by scientists and policymakers, faces closure due to reduced U.S. foreign aid under the Trump administration. The database, maintained by CRED at the University of Louvain, provides critical data on natural disasters. Funding for EM-DAT primarily comes from USAID, which has seen significant reductions. Scientists and academics have called for alternative funding sources to preserve the database.
China Briefing 28 May 2026: Deadly rains | China pushes back | Examining China’s carbon intensity metric
This briefing covers recent extreme weather events in China, including deadly floods affecting multiple provinces. It reports on the number of casualties, government response, and meteorological data indicating unusually high rainfall levels. The article also mentions China's efforts to address climate impacts and provides context on the scale of the event.