Carbon News Today — September 16, 2026

As countries and regions strive to meet their climate targets, existing policies and infrastructure are being reevaluated for their effectiveness in reducing emissions. In the Northeast, the cap-and-trade system is under scrutiny, with some questioning whether it's time for a rethink. Meanwhile, in the UK, plans to expand Heathrow airport have raised concerns that flights could account for as much as 80% of the country's emissions by 2050, highlighting the need for more sustainable transportation solutions.

In other parts of the world, innovators are exploring new technologies and strategies to cut emissions. A cement giant is turning to thermal batteries for cleaner heat, marking a significant step towards decarbonizing a hard-to-abate industry. And in a more traditional approach, farmers are rediscovering ancient tools like hedges, which can help sequester carbon while also promoting biodiversity. As the climate crisis deepens, stories like these offer glimmers of hope that with creativity, determination, and a willingness to adapt, it's still possible to build a more sustainable future.

Today's signal:
• Is it time to rethink the Northeast's cap-and-trade system? (canarymedia.com)
• CCC: Heathrow expansion could push flights to ‘80% of UK emissions by 2050’ (carbonbrief.org)
• In a first, cement giant to tap thermal batteries for cleaner heat (canarymedia.com)
• ‘It’s really taking off’: hedge revival as farmers rediscover ancient tools (theguardian.com)