US Withdrawal From UN Climate Treaty Raises Global Climate Stability Concerns

US withdrawal from UN climate treaty sparks EU concern

The European Union has strongly criticised the United States’ decision to withdraw from the UN’s main climate treaty, warning that the move could undermine international coordination on climate policy. EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said the UNFCCC is essential for reducing emissions, supporting climate adaptation, and tracking countries’ progress toward global targets. He called the US exit “regrettable and unfortunate,” stressing that the withdrawal of the world’s largest economy and second-biggest emitter weakens cooperation at a critical moment. The decision raises concerns about future negotiations, potential delays in global climate commitments, and the impact on developing nations that rely on collective climate frameworks.

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Further reading: EU regrets US withdrawal from UN climate treaty

Australia faces ‘catastrophic’ bushfire danger as heatwave sparks massive blazes in Victoria

Uncontrolled bushfires in Victoria forced evacuations on Thursday as temperatures surged past 40°C and authorities issued a “catastrophic” fire danger rating for Friday. Two major fires near Longwood and Walwa have already destroyed buildings and continue to expand, driven by high heat, strong winds, and extremely dry conditions. The Longwood blaze has grown to more than 25,000 hectares, while the Walwa fire has reached 10,000 hectares and created its own weather system, generating lightning and thunder. Officials warn of significant risk to life and property, with hundreds of schools set to close and transport services disrupted. Conditions are comparable to the deadly 2019 Black Summer fires, raising concerns across Australia and even New Zealand as the heatwave spreads.

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Further reading: Bushfires rage in Australia’s southeast, authorities warn of ‘catastrophic’ conditions

Indonesia considers higher palm oil export levy to fund biodiesel expansion

Indonesia is considering raising its palm oil export levy to secure funding for its expanding biodiesel mandate, officials said on Thursday. The country already operates the world’s highest blending requirement with its B40 programme, which uses a 40% palm-based biodiesel mix. Authorities aim to increase the blend to B50 later this year, but the government’s plantation fund is running low as biodiesel consumption continues to rise. Indonesia used 14.2 million kilolitres of palm-based biodiesel in 2025, a 7.6% increase from the previous year, and has allocated 15.65 million kilolitres for the current year. A six-month road test for B50 began in December, and policymakers will meet next week to finalise the levy adjustment.

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Further reading: Indonesia mulls palm oil export levy hike to support biodiesel mandate

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EEX appoints new CEO as global energy markets expand

The European Energy Exchange (EEX) has appointed Tobias Paulun, head of its clearing house European Commodity Clearing (ECC), as its new chief executive, effective August 1. Paulun will replace Peter Reitz, who is stepping down after 15 years in the role but will remain on the supervisory boards of EEX subsidiaries Nodal and EPEX SPOT. The exchange, part of Deutsche Boerse, has grown into the world’s leading electricity derivatives platform with major market shares across Europe and growing activity in North America and Japan. Under Paulun’s leadership, EEX plans to expand its global customer network and strengthen its role in providing risk-management tools for increasingly volatile and fast-evolving energy markets. ECC is already seeking a new CEO ahead of the transition.

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Further reading: EEX energy exchange appoints its clearing house chief as new CEO

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