Climate Policy

Amsterdam becomes the first world capital to ban both meat and fossil fuel advertising in public spaces starting May 1, following a 27-18 council vote. The prohibition covers billboards and bus stops but exempts private premises and general brand promotions. GroenLinks and the Party for the Animals drove the measure targeting large corporations that drive climate crisis. The ban aligns with Amsterdam's goal of increasing plant-based protein consumption from 40% to 60% by 2030. Legal challenges from advertisers over existing contracts remain possible, while other Dutch cities watch for replication potential.

Beijing is restarting mothballed coal-to-gas projects after years of pushing clean energy alternatives, marking the clearest sign yet that energy security now outranks climate commitments. The reversal comes as China faces potential energy supply disruptions from escalating Middle East tensions and US sanctions on Russian energy infrastructure. Coal-to-gas conversion produces 40 percent more carbon emissions than importing LNG, but offers complete supply chain control in a fragmenting global energy system.

Ed Miliband controls the biggest spending department, the most politically sensitive policies, and increasingly the government's entire economic strategy. His energy and climate brief now touches everything from industrial policy to housing costs, making him more influential than most chancellors. The question hanging over Starmer's cabinet is whether Miliband's technocratic approach can survive contact with voter bills. His carbon pricing plans will determine whether Labour's green transition becomes an economic asset or electoral liability.