Thailand to go full EV by 2035, a ‘radical’ deal to cut plastic waste, Sydney ramps up its net zero goal and the IEA hones in on a global pathway to net zero. All this and more in the latest good news in climate solutions.

The International Energy Agency says the pathway to net zero is narrow but still achievable, outlining how the globe can limit warming to 1.5 degrees in its latest report, putting pressure on wealthy countries to raise ambition ahead of COP26 in November. Via ABC News.

Thailand is aiming to sell only zero emission vehicles from 2035 with the aim of becoming a Southeast Asian hub for EV production. Thailand aims to transition the sector, which contributes 10% of the economy, by increasing tax incentives, building more EV infrastructure and developing regulations to promote the production of EVs and batteries. Randy Thanthong-Knight for Bloomberg.

Coal hit a new low in the first three months of 2021 and gas fell to the lowest level in 15 years as renewable energy soared. The development of big wind and solar farms contributed to a significant drop in prices across the National Electricity Market. Nick Toscano and Mike Foley for the Sydney Morning Herald.

Sydney ramped up its net zero goal by five years, committing an additional $24 million to get there as part of its 2021-2025 Environmental Strategy. Peter Hannam for the Sydney Morning Herald.

Big brands including Coles, Woolworths, Nestle and Coca-Cola have pledged to drastically reduce plastic waste across Australia and the region. The ANZPAC plastics pact sets out four targets by 2025, including making all plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable. Margaret Paul and Sian Johnson for ABC News.

The federal government is developing an agricultural climate change plan to allow farmers and business to trade carbon offsets in a push towards net zero emissions for the sector. Mike Foley for the Sydney Morning Herald.

More than half of Vicorian councils have signed up to the Victorian Energy Collaboration, the largest emissions reduction project by local government in Australia. The partnering councils will pool their energy contracts, with the majority making the switch to wind energy by July 1, which will see 45% of Victorian council electricity sourced from wind energy, provided by two Victorian wind farms. The reduction in emissions is the equivalent for taking 90,000 cars off the road each year. Rachel Clayton via ABC News.

More than 20,000 new car owners in Victoria will get a $3000 government subsidy if they buy a zero-emissions vehicle, part of a new $100 million Victorian government emissions package. Ashleigh McMillan and Paul Sakkal for The Age.

Uber set to halve service rates for electric vehicles: ‘we believe in doing this we can encourage more Australians with electric vehicles to share sustainable rides with Uber’. Bianca Healey for Business Insider.

A trial will begin for electric trucks with swappable batteries, allowing almost non-stop travel for heavy vehicles between Sydney and Brisbane. Developed by Janus Electric, the batteries can be swapped in three minutes. Mostafa Rachwani for The Guardian.

Six new models of electric cars are coming to Australia this year, with some car companies already taking orders as interest and demand builds. Carsales.com.

Companies and their directors could be sued for “greenwashing” their commitments to achieve their net zero carbon pledges or emissions reductions targets, according to a legal opinion backed by some of Australia’s top business leaders. Michael Rodden for the Australian Financial Review.