April

European Climate Law: "a legally binding target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The EU Institutions and the Member States are bound to take the necessary measures at EU and national level to meet the target, taking into account the importance of promoting fairness and solidarity among Member States." See proposal for the first European Climate Law. Image by Monica Pinheiro, license CC BY-NC-SA (CC)

Climate-neutral transitions

"[T]his toolkit focuses on technical options to (re‑)use the infrastructure and sites of coal‑fired power plants (...) to convert power stations to alternative energy facilities such as energy storage, renewable energy hubs, gas and biomass plants, and provides examples and ideas for non‑energy‑related options. (...) For gas and biomass, special attention needs to be given to limiting factors related to carbon neutrality goals and long‑term applicability. Generally speaking, as every region is different (...) the arguments for or against a certain option for after‑use of coal‑fired power plants and their related infrastructure must be carefully considered and fit into an overall transition strategy for the region." [added italics] European Commission (2021). Toolkit Technology options in coal regions in transition: Transforming industries in coal regions for a climate‑neutral economy. 

Note: Toolkit "‘Environmental Rehabilitation and Repurposing’ looks into questions of governance, institutions and tools to support regional decision‑makers in the process of repurposing coal related infrastructure".

Image by Monica Pinheiro, license CC BY-NC-SA (CC) 

Global Tree Knowledge Platform

  

"Planters, scientists, policy makers and anyone else who is interested in trees will enjoy using the resources. (...) The present lack of knowledge globally about tree species and their uses is a major constraint in achieving the full potential of trees to help address the crises affecting all life on Earth. It is this knowledge gap that the Platform aims to help close. The benefits of increased access to improved knowledge include enhanced food and nutritional security for communities, higher incomes, healthier people and landscapes, and more and cheaper energy. Benefits also include effectively restored soils and forests and the better provision of ecosystem services, such as cleaner air and water." in World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Global Tree Knowledge Platform. Image by Monica Pinheiro, license CC BY-NC-SA (CC)