In brief | 4 August ‘25

FT: Europe’s electricity system tested by heatwaves as air-conditioning use soars

Record temperatures also force temporary shutdowns at power plants.

Politico: Confused politics fans the flames of southern Europe’s wildfires

In Cyprus, an early warning system failed and an evacuation plan confused locals. The government’s struggles are emblematic of a wider problem across many countries.

Reuters: EU energy policy trapped between US gas and Chinese green tech – commentary

The European Union's lavish pledge to buy 750 billion dollars of US energy by 2028 risks exacerbating the bloc's already outsized dependence on American gas, just as it finds itself increasingly reliant on Chinese technology to power its energy transition, writes Ron Bousso.

Montel: US energy deal “does not undermine” EU climate goals – EC official

The new EU-US deal on trade and tariffs does not undermine Europe’s medium and long-term climate objectives, a European Commission official told Montel, following criticism the agreement on energy imports was “implausible”.

IISD: Building Forward Better – Review of sustainable recovery frameworks and lessons for Ukraine

This report summary reviews global sustainable recovery frameworks and draws lessons for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction.

AP: Vatican strikes solar farm deal to become the world’s first carbon-neutral state

Italy agreed to a Vatican plan to turn a 430-hectare (1,000-acre) field north of Rome into a vast solar farm that the Holy See hopes will generate enough electricity to meet its needs and turn Vatican City into the world’s first carbon-neutral state.