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- 1Germany commits to phasing out fossil fuels by 2045●Germany pledges to phase out fossil fuels for first time with target of 2045
Germany has for the first time formally pledged to phase out fossil fuels, setting a target date of 2045. The commitment marks a significant step for Europe's largest economy, which has historically relied heavily on coal and gas. The pledge, reported by the Guardian, is drawing attention as a benchmark for other industrialised nations ahead of international climate discussions.
- 2Wind and solar grow but fossil fuels rise too▼Environment: Wind and solar are increasing but so are fossil fuels
Global renewable energy from wind and solar continues to expand, but fossil fuel use is rising alongside it rather than declining. Commentators note that clean energy growth is being outpaced by overall energy demand, meaning renewables are adding to the energy mix instead of replacing coal, oil and gas.
- 3Trump rejects Iran's conditional ceasefire proposal●Trump rejects Iran's conditional ceasefire proposal, WSJ reports, as Saudi coalition intercepts projectiles
President Trump has rejected a conditional ceasefire proposal from Iran, according to a Wall Street Journal report, while the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted projectiles launched toward the kingdom. The twin developments point to an escalating standoff between Washington, Tehran and Saudi Arabia, with no sign of an imminent de-escalation.
- 4US utilities score 7/100 on climate goals as coal retirements slow▼# USA # US US utilities earn F as coal retirements fall, gas plans rise, and climate goals backslide "The utilities stud
A new study of US utilities gives the sector a failing grade, with an average score of 7 out of 100, as coal plant retirements fall behind schedule and companies plan new gas capacity instead of clean energy. The report argues utilities are backsliding on climate commitments, drawing attention to the gap between corporate net-zero pledges and actual investment decisions.
- 5Taxpayers subsidize fossil fuels at $4.5 trillion a year, critics say●"Too many governments in the world have been captured by the fossil fuel industry and the petrostates. Taxpayers around
Commenters are arguing that many governments have been captured by the fossil fuel industry and petrostates, leaving taxpayers effectively funding the burning of oil, gas and coal. They cite a Scientific American figure of $4.5 trillion a year in global fossil fuel subsidies, framing the money as public support for the very emissions governments claim to be cutting.
- 6
The US Energy Information Administration projects that solar power will generate more electricity than coal in Texas in 2026, marking a historic shift in the state's energy mix. Texas, the leading US energy producer, has seen rapid solar capacity growth alongside declining coal generation. The projection highlights the accelerating pace of the energy transition in a state long defined by oil and gas.
- 7Malaysia's BN Says It Will Quit Coalition at Next Election●Malaysia’s BN Says It Will Quit Coalition at Next Election: NST
Malaysia's Barisan Nasional has announced it will leave its governing coalition at the next general election, according to the New Straits Times and Bloomberg. The decision signals a major shake-up of the country's politics ahead of the vote, ending an alliance that has shaped Malaysian government in recent years. The announcement is drawing attention across the region as parties begin positioning for the polls.
- 8China kept pledge to stop funding overseas coal, but loopholes remain●China has kept its promise to stop funding overseas coal, but loopholes are helping coal expand
China has largely honoured its 2021 commitment to stop financing new overseas coal power projects, but reporting shows coal expansion continues through loopholes. Projects are still moving ahead via mechanisms that fall outside the scope of the pledge, including transactions structured before the announcement or channelled through other forms of support, allowing coal development to continue in participating countries.
- 9New Jersey joins state coalition pressing Congress on AI regulation▼New Jersey joins coalition urging Congress to adopt comprehensive AI regulations
New Jersey has joined a multistate coalition calling on Congress to pass comprehensive federal regulations for artificial intelligence. The move adds the state to a growing group of governments seeking uniform national rules on AI safety, privacy and accountability. The effort reflects mounting concern among state officials that rapid AI development is outpacing existing law.