When we set up Sandbag in 2008 we chose the name 'Sandbag' for a simple reason. To make a link between one of the likely impacts of climate change: increased flooding (thanks to changes in rainfall patterns and increased sea level) and the need for action....
Category: General
Commission takes a step in the right direction on future climate policy
**Press release** Today the Commission has published two important new documents on the evolution of EU climate policy, a White Paper on the 2030 Framework and a legislative proposal to reform the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.[1] While important advances have been...
Back-loading agreed, next stop structural reform.
Structural reform of the EU ETS came one step closer today with the agreement by EU Member States to enter into informal negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission on the back-loading of allowances in the emissions trading scheme. This...
How will the government best meet its strategic energy and climate interest whilst responding to public concerns?
Now is not a good time to be a climate change campaigner. Concern about our legacy to future generations has given way to more immediate concerns about economic growth and high energy bills. However persuasive the facts, those of us engaged in the issue are in danger...
Has Germany benefited from the Carbon Market?
In a recent collaboration Sandbag has been working with the [Wuppertal Institute](http://wupperinst.org/en/home/ "") on a report investigating the benefits of the carbon market for Germany. Specifically this work has looked to better understand to what extend German...
Possibilities of abrupt climate change this century: Notes from a Royal Society conference
Last week, the Royal Society, advancing knowledge since 1662, hosted a two day conference on “Next Steps in Climate Science” following the release of the IPCC draft Physical Science report. The conference gathered together climate scientists to explore the...
EU climate policy outpaced by emissions reductions
This morning the [European Environment Agency (EEA)](http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/trends-and-projections-2013 "") published a new report estimating Europe's emissions were roughly 18% below 1990 levels in 2012, almost reaching the 20% target due in 2020. But...
The shale debate is over, now let’s talk about climate targets
A [speech given this morning](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-myths-and-realities-of-shale-gas-exploration "") by Energy Secretary Ed Davey to the Royal Society should help soothe the rattled nerves of the climate movement and help bring the debate on shale...
EU Parliament takes first key step in fixing the EU carbon market
The European Parliament today voted in support of the back-loading proposal, designed to temporarily restrict the supply of emissions allowances in the EU emissions trading scheme (ETS). The decision reached today comes after months of hard negotiations to find a...
Drifting toward disaster? The ETS adrift in Europe’s climate efforts
**Europe’s emissions trading scheme will cancel out 700 million tonnes of other climate policies unless reformed, says [a new study](http://www.sandbag.org.uk/site_media/pdfs/reports/Drifting_Towards_Disaster.pdf "") launched in Brussels today.** **The EU emissions...