In brief | 13 February '26

Montel News: Germany grapples with how to refill low gas stocks – industry

German gas storage facilities face a steepening refilling challenge. 

Energy Transition: Heat pumps: phases of transition differ strongly among countries in Europe

Starting points and paces of change in the heat pump market differ wildly, this article explores why timelines in Sweden, France and Germany are so different.

S&P Global: European carbon prices slide as Germany's Merz says EU ETS may need revamping

European carbon prices were trading near six-month lows on 12 February after German chancellor Friedrich Merz said the EU's Emissions Trading System should be revised or postponed if it undermines industrial competitiveness.

The Guardian: National security plans must adapt to avoid ‘new world disorder’, says UN climate chief

Simon Stiell tells audience in Cop31 host nation Turkey that climate extremes are fuelling famine, displacement and war. 

The Guardian: Portugal urged to adapt to climate emergency after series of deadly storms

“We are not prepared for the present climate, much less for the future,” says atmospheric physicist. 

The Guardian: EU leaders agree to move ahead with ‘Buy European’ policy

Ursula von der Leyen promises action plan to boost and protect sectors including defence, AI and clean tech. 

Euractiv: France goes all-in for nuclear in new energy roadmap

France remains committed to nuclear power and will be more cautious about building up solar capacity over the next nine years, the French government said when presenting a long-delayed energy plan.

BBC News: Analysis: Trump takes victory lap after biggest climate rollback yet

His sweeping rollback of federal climate change policy is one of the most significant moves of his second term in office. 

The Washington Post: Trump repeals US government’s power to regulate climate

“This rule doesn’t change the reality of climate change — it just denies it,” said one former EPA adviser under president Biden.