coal

Germany has, for the first time, formally committed to phasing out fossil fuels, setting a target date of 2045. The pledge, reported by the Guardian, marks a significant shift in the country's climate policy, aligning its energy transition goals with a full exit from coal, oil and gas rather than renewables expansion alone. Reaction online has been notable among climate and policy watchers, with debate over feasibility and economic impact likely to follow.

Coal inventories at Indian power plants have fallen to a three-year low as generators increase coal-fired output to compensate for weak hydroelectric generation. The government has ordered all captive coal plants above 50 megawatts to run at full capacity in an effort to head off a possible power shortage, raising concerns about grid reliability during periods of high electricity demand.

Sudan's army has rejected Ethiopian allegations that it is supporting an anti-government coalition, according to Sudan Tribune. The denial comes amid already strained relations between Khartoum and Addis Ababa, with disputes over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and border issues long souring ties. Details of the Ethiopian claims and the army's full response remain limited.

New data on global electricity generation shows coal remained the world's largest single source in 2024, producing about 34% of all power. Wind and solar together supplied 15%, a sharp rise from just 4% a decade earlier. The figures, presented in charts drawn directly onto an interactive map, are drawing attention for how clearly they show both coal's persistence and renewables' rapid growth.

Sudan's army has rejected claims made by Ethiopia that it is backing an armed opposition coalition. The allegation, reported by Addis Standard, points to rising friction between the two neighbours, who share a restive border and have already clashed over territory and cross-border security issues in recent years. Neither side has offered detailed public evidence for its position, and tensions between Khartoum and Addis Ababa continue to draw regional attention.

Global renewable energy from wind and solar continues to expand, but fossil fuel use is rising alongside it rather than declining. Commentators note that clean energy growth is being outpaced by overall energy demand, meaning renewables are adding to the energy mix instead of replacing coal, oil and gas.

A campaign is calling for national delegations to the COP31 climate summit to exclude fossil fuel lobbyists entirely. The push aims to prevent oil, gas and coal industry representatives from influencing negotiations at the UN climate talks. Advocates argue industry presence undermines the credibility and ambition of the summit's outcomes.

The US Energy Information Administration projects that solar power generation in Texas will overtake coal-fired generation in 2026. The forecast reflects rapid solar capacity additions across the state and continued declines in coal output. It would mark a significant milestone in the shift of the Texas grid, one of the largest power markets in the country, away from fossil fuels.

A new poll shows New Zealand's Green Party at a record high level of support, raising the prospects of a centre-left coalition forming after the country's next election. Stronger Green numbers could prove decisive in whether Labour and its allies can command a parliamentary majority, making the party's surge a key factor in campaign calculations.

Pollster Frank Luntz says voters are angry as he outlines which coalitions of voters could decide the 2026 US midterm elections. His analysis points to shifting allegiances among key voting blocs that both parties will need to watch as campaigns ramp up.

Leading figures in the fashion industry have come together to form the Climate Pledge Fashion Coalition, a new initiative aimed at cutting the sector's climate impact. The announcement has drawn attention from sustainability observers, who see it as a step toward coordinated emissions reduction across brands and suppliers, though details of members and commitments remain limited.

Malaysia's Barisan Nasional has announced it will leave its governing coalition at the next general election, according to the New Straits Times and Bloomberg. The decision signals a major shake-up of the country's politics ahead of the vote, ending an alliance that has shaped Malaysian government in recent years. The announcement is drawing attention across the region as parties begin positioning for the polls.

New Jersey has joined a multistate coalition calling on Congress to pass comprehensive federal regulations for artificial intelligence. The move adds the state to a growing group of governments seeking uniform national rules on AI safety, privacy and accountability. The effort reflects mounting concern among state officials that rapid AI development is outpacing existing law.

A coalition of faith, labor and civil rights organizations has announced a campaign to mobilize voters across the American South for the November elections and beyond. The effort aims to increase turnout among communities that these groups historically represent. The long-term focus suggests the coalition plans sustained organizing beyond a single election cycle.

The Protective Buffers PA Coalition is holding a rally at the State Capitol in Harrisburg on October 7, calling on Pennsylvania lawmakers to increase mandatory setbacks between shale gas drilling operations and homes, schools and other sensitive sites. The coalition argues the current 500-foot buffer is inadequate to protect public health and the environment, and is pressing for stronger distance requirements from gas wells.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has announced his support for a black lung bill currently before Congress. The legislation concerns benefits and protections for coal miners suffering from black lung disease, a long-standing issue in Kentucky's coal-producing regions. The endorsement places Beshear alongside mining advocates pushing for federal action on miner health protections.

Harvey Norman has opened its 41st store in Malaysia at Coalfields Retail Park in Sungai Buloh, Selangor. The Australian electronics and furniture retailer continues expanding its Malaysian footprint, with the new outlet adding to its presence in the Klang Valley and offering tech, appliances and homeware to shoppers in the growing area.