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What you need to know

Right-wing nutcases rejoice: Climate change to wreck EU

Can’t the EU collapse on its own? Probably, but climate means more wars, starvation and migration, says a new report.
And British right can help accelerate it? Of course - in a genius move, Reform UK’s new energy policy will push up carbon AND costs. A triumph of putting your fingers in your ears and shouting ‘La-la-la-I-Can’t-Hear-You’.
Read more: Politico on EU challenges; Reaction on Reform’s “indescribably bad” energy proposals

Snow-go: French ski resorts being wiped out

Why them? French Alps are heating twice as fast as the rest of the planet.
What do I do? Dunno, probably go soon.
Read more: France 24

Collapse in EV sales continues with 18% growth in January

But that’s not a collapse? Exactly.
So you’re being cynical about mainstream reporting? Yes.
Read more: Rho Motion

One thing to worry about

Britain is the only major economy with a plan to meet Paris COP climate goal.

Only 13 countries, of 195, have published anything at all (Carbon Brief).

One thing to be optimistic about

Solar farms are great for nature: they triple bird populations and help other wildlife, finds an RSPB report.

If you’ve got more time, think about this…

The biggest factor for Europeans considering military support for Ukraine is gas prices going up. Not Trump, nor morals.

Soaring natural gas prices are again crippling European industry and sparking a cost-of-living crisis.

Gas is double a year ago and 8x higher than US. So it’s hurting:

• German industrial production was down 4.5% in 2024 (Destatis)

• Dec to Dec: Austria industry fell 9.5%, Italy 7.1%, and Hungary 6.4% (GMK)

• In the UK gas prices mean fertiliser giant Yara is shuttering its ammonia plant in Hull (Yahoo)

• EU commerical vehicle sales expected to drop 4.2% this year (S&P)

• The cold winter means storage levels are low, and refilling worries are pushing summer prices up

Renewables & nukes help keep prices down but we don’t have enough, yet.

Most politicians are weak, short-term creatures who will sell anyone down the river for a few votes. They want a solution to their domestic problems rather than stand for something.

Does Trump’s desire to stop supporting Ukraine give them excuse they need?

With peace, Russian gas will flow. Goldman Sachs thinks prices might drop 50% (ForexLive). Gas futures dropped 5% after Trump had a simple phone call with Putin this week (X).

Maybe Europe fights for its principles. Or maybe it remembers Bismark - “The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia.”

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