US climate envoy John Kerry is calling on the leaders of global oil and gas companies to bring concrete plans to boost renewable energy and cut GHG emissions by 2030 to COP28. UN conference president Sultan Al Jaber is also head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and many climate experts and activists are worried that COP28 will become an “oil COP”. John Kerry is convinced the oil and gas industry should be involved in the talks and be held accountable for its involvement in global warming. Quoted in the Financial Times (behind a paywall) Kerry said: “We have to get the fossil fuel industry at the table. We have to bring them to this effort, and they have to join in by being responsible,” adding that industry targets set for 2050 were not enough and a commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions was required. Well, like it or not, the oil and gas industry will be there. Let’s ensure they really are held accountable and don’t jeopardise the urgently needed long-term climate objectives.
EiD would like to draw your attention to a new YouTube channel on green tourism. In our efforts to reduce carbon emissions significantly, Dr. Erlijn van Genuchten has set up a very innovative project of green traveling. On her YouTube channel, she takes us on virtual nature explorations all over the world, right from the comfort of our homes. All virtual walks are accompanied by optional guided tours in the subtitles (English, German, and Dutch) to learn fascinating facts about nature and sustainability. One viewer wrote: “There’s nothing like going on a walk with my friend Erlijn! Try it and learn new things!” Below you will see Erlijn’s blog on her new YouTube Channel.
To ensure the zero carbon energy transition gains momentum we need a new generation of experts to continue the good work. EiD encourages all young researchers (born after 1988) in energy efficiency and biomass to submit contributions for next year’s Young Energy Researchers Conference on March 5th as part of World Sustainable Energy Days, March 5-8, 2024 in Wels, Austria. Altogether there are six conferences and a tradeshow packed into the four days. The theme of this year’s energy efficiency conference is “Energy efficiency now – fast, smart, resilient!” Submissions for the young energy researchers conference are invited from any scientific field (e.g. technology, engineering, economics, social sciences, architecture, law, arts) and must be in English only. The deadline for submissions is October 10th. Rod is a member of the scientific committee for the young researchers’ conference.
Paulo Coelho (b. 1947), a Brazilian lyricist and novelist, gives us his views on dreams: “Remember your dreams and fight for them. You must know what you want from life. There is just one thing that makes your dream become impossible: the fear of failure.”
With so many people on the move this summer, here is some useful news to help you along:
- It is encouraging to see the growing demand for train travel. Check out five great one-week rail trip routes in Europe. The Inews website gives us six of Italy’s best new rail journeys, from Cinque Terre villages to wonders of the unsung south.
- The iNews website provides us with seven wonders to visit with Portugal’s €49 unlimited monthly rail pass, from the Minho to the Algarve.
- Trams are a great way to get around cities. The European Best Destinations website suggests the best trams in Europe.
- If you’re interested in a cycling trip this year, have a look at the Epic Road Rides website that describes the 12 best cycling destinations in Europe this year.
- Effective September 1st, Paris became the first European capital to ban self-service electric scooters, following a referendum earlier this year. In Paris, some 400,000 people chose a scooter to get around in 2022, according to operators. Private e-scooters are still allowed.
EiD welcomes your views about this week’s selection of posts on the zero-carbon energy transition:
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Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 