Gerard Wynn

A study has found that most countries are yet to exploit energy efficiency's easy pickings; a green bank for simple housing upgrades could be among easy first steps.

A shift to gas and renewables, recessions and efficiency gains have seen emissions decline on either side of the Atlantic. But will the trend continue?

As gas becomes increasingly unprofitable in Germany, the re-elected chancellor must get the balance with renewables right to ensure grid security - but without hurting panel and turbine manufacturers.

Europe's Renewable Energy Directive has not thought adequately about how member countries need to respond to successfully integrate increasing amounts of wind and solar power.

The Australian electorate's switch away from carbon pricing is set to take the already fading political wind out of emissions trading proposals elsewhere.

Data on ocean temperature is not perfect but indicates rising greenhouse gas emissions are warming the planet in spite of slowing in rise of surface temperatures.

It's early days, but growing cooperation on climate policy between America and China could be the precursor to a global deal, albeit one without international treaties imposing carbon caps.

China will not reach emissions goals for 2015, but the intent to reduce emissions is there and positive results are starting to flow.

A longer-term agreement is needed between the EU and China over solar and perhaps a floor price on solar panels is the answer.

A new deal to curb emissions could copy features from the Montreal Protocol, which the US and China favoured over its Kyoto counterpart in an agreement on greenhouse gases at the weekend.

The growth of solar in Europe is remarkable on its own, but staggering when compared to government forecasts in 2010. And while there is talk of a solar downturn, there is still space for wild growth.

Tensions between China and Europe over solar duties continue to simmer but given both sides stand to lose from a protracted battle, expect a compromise shortly.