Carbon prices jump in EU, taking industrial pollution costs to 14-year high
Expenses for greenhouse gas emissions at factories and energy producers briefly surged to a level unseen since 2016. As the EU tightens environmental regulations and polluters are suffering from rising carbon costs, green technologies are becoming more profitable. Uncertainty and the lockdown measures throughout the world to curb the spread of the coronavirus devastated the […]
Amazon earmarks USD 2 billion in venture capital for Climate Pledge Fund
Jeff Bezos’s online retail empire is accelerating its efforts toward carbon neutrality. Amazon decided to invest USD 2 billion in visionary projects in the first phase of its Climate Pledge Fund. Amazon has released its annual report on sustainability and said it is setting aside USD 2 billion for the initial investment in its Climate […]
O2 Challenge 2 in North Macedonia delays deadline to July 3
A government program is supporting micro, small and medium-sized North Macedonian firms in projects for climate change mitigation and the reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases. The timeframe for applications in O2 Challenge 2 has been pushed back to July 3 and organizers scheduled an info session to be held on June 29. The Fund […]
SO2 emissions in Western Balkans coal plants six times above limit in 2019
There was no improvement last year on air pollution from lignite-fired industrial facilities reported to the European Environment Agency by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia, Bankwatch said. A comparison with the national emissions reduction plans reveals coal plant sulphur dioxide emissions were increased and that they were six time higher than […]
North Macedonian firms seek partners from region for O2 Challenge
Micro, small and medium-sized North Macedonian firms can apply alone or in groups for the O2 Challenge, ideally involving partners from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo* or Albania. Eligible endeavors lower emissions and help the adaptation to climate change. Marketable and innovative processes, services, products, methodologies and activities dealing with the environmental impact are […]
European Commission proposes Climate Law to make 2050 net zero emissions target legally binding
The European Commission has proposed a European Climate Law with the aim of making the EU’s plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 legally binding. The proposed legislation also seeks to provide predictability for public authorities, businesses, and citizens in the bloc’s transition towards climate neutrality. “The Climate Law is the legal […]
New timeframe for Energy Community 2030 energy, climate targets
Targets for 2030 in energy efficiency, renewables and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the Energy Community contracting parties should be adopted by mid-2021, the European Commission has announced, after the previously set deadline – November 2019, wasn’t met. According to the Energy Community Secretariat, at a meeting of the Energy and Climate Technical […]
Energy and climate policies overview – current situation and recommendations for the preparation of Montenegro’s NECP
Author: Danilo Barjaktarović, Director, EcoEnergy Consulting Montenegro has pledged to join the international community’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, as a member of the Energy Community and a candidate for EU membership, Montenegro is committed to meeting the national goals in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions […]