In brief | 25 July '25

AP: Europe and China agree to take action on climate change and nothing else in tense Beijing summit

The two economic juggernauts issued a joint statement on climate change, urging more emission cuts and greater use of green technology and affirming their support for the Paris Climate Agreement as well as calling for strong action at the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil.

Climate Home News: EU-China climate statement shows joint resolve in face of US desertion

While the two powers made no new commitments, experts say the cooperation agreement reafirms their climate leadership ahead of COP30

Reuters: EU solar energy rollout slows for first time in decade as subsidies cut 

Trend reflects shifting priorities in Europe as some member states have scaled back green measures from budgets stretched by spending on defence and local industries.

Centre for European Reform: The EU Emissions Trading System in a larger EU

The EU should include candidate countries in its ETS incentivise decarbonisation of  carbon-intensive electricity and heavy industries. But this should be done gradually to prevent a high carbon price from crippling their economies.

IEEFA: Greece increases gas-fired power reliance

Gas-fired power growth is not driven by security of supply concerns but by an opportunistic financial goal of becoming an electricity exporter, says IEEFA report.

Agora Industry: Decarbonising steel in Southeast Asia

With over 90 percent of blast furnaces needing reinvestment by 2040, the region has a critical window to shift to low-emission steel, argues think tank report.