A family eats by candlelight during the blackout in Barcelona.

Did renewables cause 60 million people to lose power?

Power had not yet been restored to 60 million people in Spain and Portugal when a culture war over the cause of this week’s blackout began.

  • Nick O'Malley

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Tony Blair attends the COP29 climate confernce in Azerbaijan in November.

A political tide is turning across Europe,and at its centre is a hard truth

A plan to ban hybrid cars has been quietly delayed and a third runway at Heathrow is back on the table as easy green promises crumble under the weight of harsh reality.

  • Rob Harris
Spectators roam inside the Madrid Open tennis tournament venue during a general blackout.

Spain’s power supply almost fully restored after one of Europe’s most severe blackouts

The unprecedented blackout halted trains,cut phone services and shut down traffic lights and ATMs for millions of people across the Iberian Peninsula.

  • Renata Brito andBarry Hatton
Lisbon,Portugal… no end of sights and good things to eat and drink.

Port guide:Lisbon,Portugal

Lisbon is an Atlantic city but,thanks to a sparkling climate,orange trees and penchant for pastel paint and strong coffee,feels Mediterranean in its charms.

  • Brian Johnston
Portugal’s Mateus Palace.

The story behind the beautiful castle on a world-famous wine label

In the 1970s,Mateus Rosé was the epitome of cool;its curvy shape as much a style icon as the flares and shag-pile carpet of the era.

  • Kerry van der Jagt
Vila Real De Santo Antonio is at the end of the line.

Want to beat the crowds in ‘the new Spain’? Try the train

Tourists are flocking to Portugal,but its improving rail network can get you beyond the throng.

  • Catherine Marshall
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Eucalyptus trees are a fire risk around the world.

The Australian species spreading all over the world and exacerbating bushfires

Eucalyptus trees are grown in plantations in nearly 100 countries and planted as city trees on every continent besides Antarctica.

  • Caitlin Fitzsimmons
On the river in the cappuccino-coloured MS Estrela.

The Australian ship cruising one of Europe’s most spectacular waterways

The MS Estrela is a new ship for a new era of cruising,purpose-built to navigate the Douro River.

  • Kerry van der Jagt
Fans celebrate as Saudi Arabia is announced as the host nation for the World Cup in 2034.

FIFA names Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host;three nations to co-host 2030 edition

The decisions complete a mostly opaque 15-month bid process which FIFA president Gianni Infantino helped steer toward Saudi Arabia without a rival candidate.

  • Graham Dunbar
Scenic Azure and the Dom Luís Bridge,Porto.

Port guide:Porto,Portugal

Portugal’s second-largest city,once known only for commerce,has acquired new-found fun in lively arts and nightlife scenes,and has a gloriously scenic setting.

  • Brian Johnston