For the first time, solar power surpassed coal as a source of electricity in the European Union (EU) last year, according to a new report by thinktank Ember released on Thursday.
Ember’s European Electricity Review 2025 found that solar generated 11 percent of the bloc’s electricity, while coal-fired power plants supplied 10 percent. Meanwhile, the use of fossil gas dropped to 16 percent of the energy mix, falling for the fifth straight year.
“This is a milestone,” said co-author of the report Beatrice Petrovich, senior energy analyst at Ember, as The Guardian reported. “Coal is the oldest way of producing electricity, but also the dirtiest. Solar is the rising star.”
The burning of coal for power in the EU saw its peak in 2003 and has since plummeted by 68 percent.
Along with coal’s decline has come the rise of clean energy, with solar and wind making up 29 percent of the EU’s electricity generation last year.
“The transition of the EU electricity sector maintained momentum in 2024, despite challenging political and economic conditions,” Ember’s executive summary of the report said. “Another year of coal and gas decline – the fifth year in a row for gas – cut EU power sector emissions to below half their 2007 peak and further reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels.”
Solar stayed on top as the fastest growing source of power in the EU in 2024. Wind was the second largest source of power, below nuclear energy and above gas.
The report attributed solar’s growth to a record number of new panels, even though there was less sunshine in the region than in 2023.
“It’s good news that the increase in solar build is actually translating to a reduction in fossil fuel burn,” said Jenny Chase, BloombergNEF solar analyst, who did not participate in the research, as reported by The Guardian.
According to the report, coal use dropped in all but one of the 17 nations that continue to use it, with the fuel becoming “marginal or absent in most systems.”
Germany and Poland are the top two coal users in the EU, with coal making up 17 percent of Germany’s electricity output and eight percent in Poland’s in 2024.
Fossil gas underwent a “structural decline” last year, with its use falling in 14 out of the 26 nations that use it.
“Fossil fuels are losing their grip on EU energy. At the start of the European Green Deal in 2019, few thought the EU’s energy transition could be where it is today; wind and solar are pushing coal to the margins and forcing gas into structural decline,” said Dr. Chris Rosslowe, senior energy analyst at Ember, in the executive summary. “While the EU’s electricity transition has moved faster than anyone expected in the last five years, further progress cannot be taken for granted. Delivery needs to be accelerated particularly in the wind sector, which has faced unique challenges and a widening delivery gap. However, the achievements of the past five years should instill confidence that, with continued drive and commitment, challenges can be overcome and a more secure energy future be achieved.”
The EU experienced a small increase in the demand for electricity following two years of significant decline caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, The Guardian reported. To combat this, an energy-saving plan was introduced in the EU, which also found new suppliers of fossil fuels and increased the pace of its clean energy shift.
“Wind and solar are growing in all large economies, but coal has continued to grow in China and natural gas has grown in the U.S.,” said Gregory Nemet, a University of Wisconsin-Madison energy researcher and co-author of a report for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as reported by The Guardian. “Europe is taking advantage of the full swath of affordability, security, and clean air benefits that renewables provide.”
The report found that the EU was on course to meet its 400 gigawatt (GW) target of installed solar capacity this year. Last year it reached 338 GW, with Ember saying its target of 750 GW by 2030 would be “within reach” if its current growth rate was maintained.
“The significant progress has brought benefits beyond reducing emissions. Structural growth in wind and solar power has reduced the EU’s fossil import bill and the bloc’s vulnerability to imported gas. While the progress made in the first half of this decade is impressive, an acceleration is needed between now and 2030,” Ember said in its executive summary.
The authors of the report called for forms of “clean flexibility” like smart meters and batteries that can help align renewable energy supply — which fluctuates — with demand.
“[S]olar is growing in every EU country, while coal is becoming increasingly marginal. More than half of EU countries either have no coal power or a share below 5% in their power mix. Accelerated clean flexibility and smart electrification are needed to sustain solar growth,” the report said.
Ember pointed out that, while wind power additions were poised to grow, they were not enough to meet EU targets. The thinktank said closing the gap would require continued political support and policy implementation, with the additions rate between now and 2030 needing to be more than twice that of recent years.
Ember added that, by accelerating its electricity transition, the EU would “enhance energy security” while bringing down energy costs for consumers.
“The EU is striding closer towards a clean energy future powered by homegrown wind and solar. This new energy system will reduce the bloc’s vulnerability to fossil price shocks, tackle the climate crisis and deliver affordable energy for its households and companies. Timely policy action that sustains wind and solar growth, accelerates the deployment of clean flexibility and promotes electrification, will help to secure the future of EU competitiveness,” Petrovich said in the executive summary.
The post Solar Energy Surpassed Coal in the EU for the First Time in 2024: Report appeared first on EcoWatch.
https://www.ecowatch.com/solar-energy-eu-coal-2024.html
Take a look at why hemp is heralded as a hero material and discover 14 hemp clothing brands that have tapped into its sustainable potential.
The exploration of fabrics has always been a starting point for sustainable innovation in fashion. After all, fabrics provide tangible proof that change is possible while having a direct impact on the environment in one way or another. Plus fabrics are responsible for an outsized proportion of a fashion brand’s carbon footprint and overall environmental impact, including biodiversity loss and pollution.
So, What is Hemp Fabric?
Hemp is a bast fiber produced from the cannabis sativa plant, where every part of the plant can be utilized for over 25,000 industrial uses including clothing, biofuel, bricks, paper, and textiles.
Contrary to its popular association, hemp is actually the sober sister to marijuana. Unlike its recreational sibling that’s grown for its psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) properties, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, a value that was the driving force behind the legalization of hemp production in the 2018 Farm Bill. So while you can’t really get high from hemp, you can definitely enjoy its material benefits — which are plenty!
What is Hemp Clothing?
The simple answer is that hemp clothes are garments made from hemp fabric! But the important caveat here is that most hemp clothes on the market today are not made from 100% hemp fabric. They are usually blended with other fibers, like cotton.
At this point, hemp fabric manufacturing is not at the scale or technological level that the manufacturing of cotton (the most popular natural material) is, making 100% hemp clothing more expensive to produce. Also, pure hemp fabric is also known to be quite stiff until a couple dozen washes later, so blending it with a fiber like cotton can make it softer and easier to wear on the offset.
100% hemp fiber content clothing does exist, it’s just rare at this point. Though we do think this will change with more sustainable material investment happening in the textiles industry.
Is Hemp Clothing Comfortable?
It depends! The softness of hemp clothing will vary based on how the fabric was produced and if it is blended with other fibers like cotton or lyocell. Pure hemp clothing can be rougher than cotton, but hemp is known to get softer with every wash.
Also, since hemp is a natural bast fiber that comes from the softer parts of the plant’s stalk or stem, it is softer than the coarser leaf fibers.
Can Hemp Clothing Protect From The Sun?
A lesser known benefit of hemp clothing is that it can reportedly even help shield you from harmful UV rays. According to skin cancer research, a fabric’s UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) value is a number that coincides with the fraction of UV rays it allows to pass through and hit your skin — the higher the UPF number, the better the protection.
Research claims that hemp has a UPF of >50 (according to European standards) due to natural pigments and lignin within the fibers, which act as UV absorbers.
Is Hemp Clothing Sustainable?
There are a lot of benefits to hemp clothing. But don’t just take our word for it, we’ve listed some of hemp’s most impressive sustainable qualities below:
1. Hemp is not resource-intensive
Hemp can be grown under a variety of agricultural and ecological conditions and has a capacity to grow rapidly.
Hemp clothing vs. cotton: With a high yield of 250% more fiber than cotton, hemp requires less land to grow, has no need for harmful pesticides or chemicals, and needs as little as 1/3rd of the water compared to conventional cotton. (Though individual use cases may vary based on the region that each of the crops are grown.)
2. Hemp is a restorative plant
Growing hemp can also help contribute to the maintenance of soil quality, courtesy of its anchored roots which prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss.
In fact, research shows that hemp can be used to restore contaminated soils through ‘phytoremediation’ — a process that has proven successful in the early 90s when industrial hemp was planted in some of the polluted Ukrainian regions near the Chernobyl disaster where much of the land was rendered useless. The experiments showed that hemp helped remove radioactive elements from the soil.
3. Hemp can absorb carbon more than other plants
Hem can act as a carbon sink. According to a Cambridge University researcher, a hectare of hemp can absorb between 8-15 tonnes of CO2, giving hemp plants a vital role in reversing carbon emissions.
Impressed yet? Ahead, discover 14 brands that have some of the best takes on this sustainably versatile fiber.
Note that this guide includes affiliates. As always, all brands meet very high standards for sustainability and are brands we love that we think you’ll love too.
Where to Find Sustainable Hemp Clothing
1. Patagonia
Have an outdoor adventure coming up? Run for the hills in some of Patagonia’s functional hemp styles that’ll have you covered no matter what path you set foot on. Whether it’s a jacket, sweatshirt, pair of overalls, or technical pants, these styles are hard-wearing and made to last.
Patagonia stands by hemp as one of its hero fabrics and claims to consciously partner with suppliers that use unique processing techniques to minimize waste. The brand has also created unique performance materials by blending hemp with organic cotton, recycled polyester, and TENCEL
lyocell.
Many of Patagonia’s clothes and gear are sewn at Fair Trade Certified factories that ensure all workers earn a living wage.
Size range: US 0–18
Price: $$-$$$
2. tentree
If you’re on the lookout for easy hemp styles that make you want to lounge around in them all day long but still look cool enough for a coffee run, tentree has you covered. Taking an earth-first approach with everything they do, this Canadian brand has been sowing the seeds of sustainability throughout its operations and supply chain. Their clothes are ethically manufactured and workers are provided with living wages.
P.S. Did you know that the brand derives its name from its carbon offsetting initiative that plants ten trees (ten-tree) for each item purchased?
Size range: XS–XL
Price: $$-$$$
3. ALIYA WANEK
ALIYA WANEK is a Black-owned eponymous label offering styles in extended sizes made from hemp and organic cotton blends. With relaxed styles that have nailed the pared-down look to perfection through its clean lines and streamlined silhouettes, these hemp-blended looks will be a solid addition to any wardrobe.
In order to lower its environmental impact, the brand works with two small factories and local contractors in the Bay Area to produce and dye its garments.
Size range: XS–3X
Price: $$$
4. Rawganique
If you have sensitive skin that has been prone to reactions from synthetic fabrics or the chemicals they are treated with, then Rawganique is the answer to your clothing woes.
From seed to seam, this brand oversees everything that goes into their organic hemp products and eliminates the use of harmful chemicals at every stage. From long tunics and t-shirts to pullovers and cardigans, you’ll be sure to find a cozy hemp item for all your loungewear needs.
Size range: XS–XL
Price: $$-$$$
5. Toad&Co
In search of everyday hemp clothing that’ll work with just about anything in your existing wardrobe? Then look no further. Toad&Co’s hemp styles are nothing short of stylish. From relaxed dresses to jumpsuits, t-shirts, shorts, and a lot more, these styles are made using hemp that has been blended with TENCEL Lyocell or organic cotton for added comfort.
The brand has partnered with Hemp Fortex (a member of the Fair Wear Foundation) to produce its hemp clothing. According to Toad & Co, their facilities run on 100% solar power, and the company actively helps those with physical disabilities be able to afford their medical bills and day-to-day living expenses.
Size range: XS–XL
Price: $$-$$$
6. Eileen Fisher
For the minimalist aesthete who appreciates some simple and refined clothing in her closet, Eileen Fisher is the brand for you. Whether you’re seeking a monochrome palette of smart separates or something chic for casual Fridays at work, these hemp-cotton blends will have you looking your best.
The brand works with organic growers who use farming methods that help support clean water and healthy soil, all while using fewer chemicals.
Size range: XXS–3X
Price: $$$
7. Vege Threads
Vege Threads is an Australian fashion label creating ethically made everyday basics using hemp and organic cotton blends. All of their clothes are treated using low-impact, non-toxic dyes and are available in an extended size range with relaxed fits that are perfect for lazying around in style.
Expect to find a range of colorful hemp shorts that can be paired with matching t-shirts, tops, t-shirt dresses, and wide-leg pants.
Size range: US 0–14
Price: $$-$$$
8. AFENDS
With hemp styles that have a distinctive Y2K vibe, AFENDS is the place the find your next pair of overalls or bucket hats. Based out of Australia, the co-founders of AFENDS share a huge passion for hemp and have even purchased 100 acres of farmland called Sleepy Hollow to grow, harvest, and build a hemp processing facility for research and development.
We love the fact that they use hemp fleece in their range of cozy knitwear, making it the sustainable alternative to conventionally available polyester fleece.
Size range: US 2–10
Price: $$-$$$
9. Opera Campi
Channel some La Dolce Vita vibes with a little help from Opera Campi’s fine Italian hemp pieces. With knitted hemp styles that have been blended with the most sumptuous cashmere among a range of other hemp performance materials, all of their pieces are crafted on a made-to-order basis.
The brand was born out of a passion for hemp and exploring its many compositions and blends through innovative yarn-twisting technology. Some of their pieces even include undyed hemp styles that haven’t been treated with chemicals of any kind.
Size range: XXS–3XL
Price: $$-$$$
10. LANIUS
LANIUS is a woman-owned German slow fashion brand creating well-made everyday pieces from hemp that are bound to last a long time. Most of these styles are made from a hemp and organic cotton blend, featuring a range of comfortable t-shirts, sweaters, and dresses in varying sleeve lengths and a myriad of hues.
The brand believes in circularity and empowers its local customers to repair, rent, and resell their old LANIUS pieces to keep them in use for longer.
Size range: 34–44 (German sizing)
Price: $$-$$$
About The Author:
Jharna Pariani is a fashion writer and creative strategist whose work is rooted in honesty and deep observation of the world around her.
When she isn’t busy penning down her thoughts, she moonlights as a video editor creating fashion and food reels on Instagram for several brands and influencers.
More Guides Like This:
Organic Cotton Clothing Brands For A Natural Wardrobe
What is Tencel? Plus Tencel Clothing Brands to Know
Organic Underwear Brands That Are Comfortable and Confidence-Boosting
The post 10 Hemp Clothing Brands That Are Fashionable and Eco-Friendly appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
10 Hemp Clothing Brands That Are Fashionable and Eco-Friendly
Most sustainable lingerie is actually just basic undies and bralettes, but we’ve researched high and low to find you a curation of genuinely beautiful, sexy lingerie that’s made from lower impact materials with more responsible practices from small brands.
Why Do We Need Sustainable Lingerie?
It’s no secret that the brand that has dominated the lingerie market is problematic. Between a 2020 Times investigation uncovering Victoria’s Secret “entrenched culture of misogyny, bullying and harassment” to Hulu’s exposing Angels and Demons docuseries to their lack of supply chain environmental impact accountability.
But Victoria’s Secret isn’t alone. Many lingerie brands have their issues when it comes to perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards, relying on synthetic fossil fuel-derived materials like polyester, and lacking supply chain accountability.
While some relatively big name lingerie brands are centering inclusive marketing, we still have to ask questions like: what are their products made from and how are they made? who is making those bras and are they being paid fairly and working in safe conditions?
Because if a lingerie brand is claiming to empower women, they must also consider the women sewing their undergarments.
What Is Sustainable Lingerie?
So enough of the doom and gloom here! Let’s talk about what sustainable lingerie entails and what an ethical alternative to Victoria’s Secret might look like.
Because the fact is that there are a number of incredible eco-minded and ethical lingerie brands out there doing things