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What you need to know

Will Germany become the Rust Belt of Europe, thanks to terrible energy decisions?

Why this matters? Germany: Europe’s powerhouse for… well, ever. Now, industry down 20%.
What happened? Relied on “cheap” Russian gas (that didn’t work) and shut low-carbon, low-cost nukes (why?). Plus: ageing population, refusal to borrow to invest, belief China wouldn’t steal tech, dependence on exports.
Make it really humiliating. Spain is growing faster (Politico)
Read more: Telegrafi on de-industrialization; Worries from the German Chamber of Commerce

No, Luton wasn’t about electric vehicles. It’s China, dumbass.

Press talking nonsense again? Yes - blaming UK’s EV laws for Vauxhall closing Luton plant. Example: Daily Mail talking rot.
All of them? Weirdly, the Telegraph covered this accurately - it’s China upending the auto industry.
So what’s up? China ramping car exports cars. Biggest supplier of cars in places like Mexico. German car industry profits down 50%, will fall further.
Read more: New York Times

26.9°C, at night, late November, in France

What’s up with the climate this year? I wonder.
Worried? Europe has warmed TWICE as fast as the global average. Already heatwaves kill tens of thousands. We’ll have to adapt, meaning lots of AC (which American tourists will appreciate).
Read more: Guardian on France; WRI on extreme heat facing Europe’s cities

One thing to worry about

Did you know plastics are three times worse for the climate than aviation?

Carbon Brief outlines the problems, ahead of global negotiations on plastics starting next week.

One thing to be optimistic about

Solar above vines increases grape yields by 30-60% (PV Magazine).

Why? Moderates temperatures, increases humidity and reduces irrigation needs.

Plus, extra income for growers.

If you’ve got more time, listen to this…

Excellent techno-optimist conversation between Azeem Azhar and Michael Liebricht. Can exponential technologies save the planet?

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