In brief | 27 March ‘26

FT: German ‘city of peace’ wrestles with weapons pivot to save VW jobs

The German industrial city of Osnabrück is grappling with the idea that its embattled Volkswagen factory could be saved — but only if it switches from making cars to producing components for Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system.

Reuters: EU urges countries to start filling gas storage early amid Iran war, sources say

The European Commission urged EU governments to start refilling gas storage caverns as soon as ​possible to prepare for next winter, as the Iran war ‌disrupts global fuel markets, EU diplomats told Reuters.

Bloomberg: Iran War is pushing consumers to break up with fossil fuels

EVs, solar panels, induction stoves and heat pumps, now cheaper than ever, are becoming more attractive as the conflict upends oil and gas markets.

Reuters: Thyssenkrupp extends production cut in France, blames imports

German steel company Thyssenkrupp announced that it will extend production ‌cuts at its site in Isbergues in northern France, citing a "ruinous flood of imports" ​coming to Europe.

Agora Verkehrswende: G20 countries: Slower growth in transport CO₂ emissions thanks in part to electrification 

Transport-sector emissions in the G20 have grown just four percent since 2015 – a notable slowdown from the rapid increases of past decades. 

The Guardian: Fossil fuel companies finally accept the climate crisis – just not their role in it - analysis

The era of corporate climate denial is over but in courts around the world the big names have shifted strategy. 

The Conversation: Climate change is altering Saharan dust – and Europe is downwind 

Saharan dust can substantially degrade air quality, pushing levels of invisible particulate matter beyond health guidelines.

The Conversation: Share prices, sports results … CO₂ levels? The case for reporting climate stats every day - Commentary

Numeric snapshots – what’s up, what’s down and overall trends – are very familiar from daily reports of everything from stock markets to sports.

The Independent: UK climate minister: We need to remake the case for net zero - Interview

UK climate minister Katie White explained how she believes progressives can take back control of the narrative.