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Green politics and policy

Environmental issues really matter to people — that is the message from the European Parliament elections and beyond. So as these concerns become mainstream, how are governments reshaping policy? Here’s the best of this week’s opinion and analysis

Climate change protesters in Stokholm. Activists say shipping emissions cause major repiratory illnesses, pollute lakes and streams and cause crop damage, particularly in south-east Asia © AFP

Politics remains the biggest obstacle to climate change action
No leader in the developing world can pursue policies that threaten growth
Fragmented Europe risks paralysis
Parties built around the structure of last century are losing their relevance
Green party gains should embolden the EU on climate change
Pressure increases on European institutions to take a global lead
Renewable energy: Australia bets on a ‘water battery’
Pumped hydro can generate electricity to offset irregular wind and solar power. But critics worry it is too expensive
Further inaction on climate change is simply not an option
Leaders must come to the UN summit in September armed with solutions as well as speeches
Pollution: the race to clean up the shipping industry
New rules aim to reduce sulphur emissions from one of the world’s most polluting sectors but higher fuel prices are likely
Time to add in the true cost of climate inaction
Letter from Chris Botsford and Iain Henderson, Hong Kong
Carmakers are recognising the climate imperative
Letter from Paul Meins, London, UK