Renewable energy sources such as the wind and the sun overtook fossil fuels as the European Union's main generators of electricity in the first half of this year, according to a new report published on Wednesday.

"In the first half of 2020, renewables -- wind, solar, hydro and bioenergy -- generated 40 percent of of the EU-27's electricity, whereas fossil fuels generated 34 percent," the London-based think-tank Ember found in its study.

The amount of electricity generated by renewables in the EU's 27 member states rose by 11 percent in the period from January to June, Ember calculated.

"This was driven by new wind and solar installations and favourable conditions during a mild and windy start to the year."

Wind and solar alone reached a record of 21 percent of Europe's total electricity generation, and reached even higher penetration in Denmark (64 percent), Ireland (49 percent) and Germany (42 percent), the study said.

Fossil fuels, on the other hand, fell by 18 percent, squeezed both by rising renewable generation and a seven-percent fall in electricity demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As a result, the EU-27 power sector's emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) fell by about 23 percent, Ember said.

"This marks a symbolic moment in the transition of Europe's electricity sector," said Ember's electricity analyst, Dave Jones.

"Renewables generated more electricity than fossil fuels, driven by wind and solar replacing coal. That's fast progress from just nine years ago when fossil fuels generated twice as much as renewables."

Nevertheless, the pace of change varied from country to country, the think-tank said.

While the phase-out of coal, for example, gathered pace across the whole bloc, falling by 32 percent in the entire EU, Poland became Europe's biggest coal generator after Germany.

"For the first time ever, Germany generated less coal-fired electricity than Poland. Coal also fell in other countries faster than Poland, so that Poland now generates as much coal generation as the remaining 25 EU countries combined," Ember said.

Aussie student in landmark climate change lawsuit against government
Sydney (AFP) July 22, 2020 - An Australian student is suing the government for failing to disclose climate change risks to investors in sovereign bonds, in what lawyers believe is the first case of its kind.

The lawsuit filed in the Federal Court on Wednesday alleges Australia's economy and reputation will be significantly impacted by the government's response to climate change and that investors should be made aware of those risks, Sydney-based firm Equity Generation Lawyers said in a statement.

Kathleen O'Donnell, a 23-year-old student who owns Australian government bonds, is the lead claimant in the class action.

It comes after Australia suffered a devastating summer of bushfires that razed vast tracts of land, killing more than 30 people and an estimated billion animals.

Scientists say climate change is making fire seasons Down Under longer and more severe, while also burning in areas previously untouched by bushfire.

O'Donnell grew up in an area of rural Victoria state that has previously been ravaged by bushfires.

"Australia's reputation is particularly impacted by the government's failure to limit fossil fuel production and failure to have a credible plan to transition Australia to a low carbon economy," her lawyers said.

"The lack of credible policies is expected to ultimately cost the economy when a sudden and disorderly transition occurs."

Renewables accounted for just six percent of Australia's primary energy mix in 2018, according to government figures, while the country is one of the world's largest exporters of fossil fuels.

However the conservative government insists Australia will meet its Paris climate agreement target of reducing emissions by 26-28 percent on 2005 levels by 2030.

The country has just over Aus$600 billion ($429 billion) in sovereign bonds on issue, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia.

O'Donnell's claim is seeking a court injunction to prevent Australia from promoting bonds without informing investors about climate change risks.

Her lawyers said it "is the first case in the world dealing with climate as a material risk to the sovereign bond market".

Australia's Treasury department said it "does not comment on matters concerning current court proceedings".

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