Can solar geoengineering help us address climate change?

The last chance to stop global warming — or a delusion of grandeur? Scientists are working on innovative ways to artificially cool the planet. Tim Schauenberg discusses three possible ideas in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. Solar geoengineering: Can we cool the planet? "There is no doubt that humans are able to artificially … Continue reading Can solar geoengineering help us address climate change? →

European Central Bank climate stress tests show the challenges ahead

The stress test published Wednesday compiled data gathered on more than 4 million companies worldwide and 1,600 banks in the 19-country eurozone where the ECB sets monetary policy. The broad takeaway was that an orderly and swift transition “to minimize costs and maximize benefits outweighs short-term cost of transition to zero-carbon economy over the medium … Continue reading European Central Bank climate stress tests show the challenges ahead →

New analysis shows the cost of achieving carbon neutrality in Germany

Germany wants to be carbon neutral by 2045. Restructuring its economy will cost trillions. But not investing the money would cost even more. Tim Schauenberg discusses the costs in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. This is obviously an area that the incoming Chancellor will have to deal with – urgently. What climate … Continue reading New analysis shows the cost of achieving carbon neutrality in Germany →

New World Health Organization Global Air Quality Guidelines aim to save millions of lives from air pollution

New WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) provide clear evidence of the damage air pollution inflicts on human health, at even lower concentrations than previously understood. The guidelines recommend new air quality levels to protect the health of populations, by reducing levels of key air pollutants, some of which also contribute to climate change. Since … Continue reading New World Health Organization Global Air Quality Guidelines aim to save millions of lives from air pollution →

“No regrets” revisited

Energy conservation through improved efficiency has been seen as an important long-term policy tool since the first oil crises in the 1970s. The International Energy Agency (IEA) realised that improved energy efficiency could not be a short-term solution in a crisis so it ensured that energy efficiency policies took a longer-term perspective. In 1987, the … Continue reading “No regrets” revisited →

We need to think about the wide range of ways to cut shipping emissions in the coming decade

One of the sectors doing the most damage is international shipping, the emissions of which are almost equivalent to those of an industrial country like Germany. Simon Bullock, PhD Candidate in Shipping and Climate Change at the University of Manchester provides 10 ways to reduce GHG emissions in an article on The Conversation website. … Continue reading We need to think about the wide range of ways to cut shipping emissions in the coming decade →

What does net-zero emissions actually mean?

Amrou Awaysheh, Assistant Professor of Operations Management and Executive Director, Business Sustainability Lab at Indiana University explains in an article on The Conversation website what “net-zero” actually means and why it matters. More companies pledge ‘net-zero’ emissions to fight climate change, but what does that really mean? You’ll probably hear the term “net-zero emissions” a … Continue reading What does net-zero emissions actually mean? →

New EEA briefing on data of key air pollutants in Europe

Concentrations of key air pollutants remain too high in most European countries. According to the European Environment Agency’s official data, published this week, most European Union (EU) Member States exceed at least one or more of the EU’s legal limits for pollutants in ambient air in 2019. Air pollution still too high in most … Continue reading New EEA briefing on data of key air pollutants in Europe →

World’s first crewless, fully electric cargo ship to set sail

The world’s first fully autonomous and electric cargo ship will launch on its first commercial operation in Norway later this year, which if successful could transform the highly-polluting shipping industry. Lewin Day discusses latest developments in an article on the Hackaday website. The World’s First Autonomous Electric Cargo Ship Is Due To Set Sail … Continue reading World’s first crewless, fully electric cargo ship to set sail →

How solar panels provide new prospects for agriculture

Solar panels generate electricity in the fields, helping both farmers and climate protection. Gero Rueter of Deutsche Welle recently visited a German solar farm and discusses what this means for the agriculture sector. Farmers reap double benefits with solar power in fields Fabian Karthaus grew up with solar energy. "My father built the first … Continue reading How solar panels provide new prospects for agriculture →