This weekend’s G20 Summit in New Delhi has the theme “One Earth · One Family · One Future” (drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad) which is quite fitting, given the range of topics being covered. There have been discussions regarding strategies to tackle the challenges presented by climate change. Developing nations argue that wealthier countries, considering their significant historical emissions, should bear greater responsibility for reducing emissions. They should also provide the necessary resources, including financial assistance and technology, to aid developing and vulnerable nations in transitioning to clean energy and adapting to climate change. In anticipation of the summit, a ground breaking assessment by the UN has revealed that countries are largely falling short of meeting their emission reduction commitments. Details on the assessment are available in the post below. The final declaration is available here. Encouragingly, the G20 has invited the African Union to be a permanent member. Now let’s ensure that the continent gets the support it desperately needs for climate adaptation and clean energy.
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!” Last week EiD published Erlijn’s blog discussing 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 learning: “You’re always learning. The problem is, sometimes you stop and think you understand the world. This is not correct. The world is always moving. You never reach the point you can stop making an effort.”
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.
- It was welcome news that the Berlin to Paris night train will return later this year after having stopped nine years ago. The Austrian rail operator ÖBB says service will resume partly in December and daily from October 2024.
- The iNews website provides us with seven wonders to visit with Portugal’s €49 unlimited monthly rail pass, from the Minho to the Algarve.
- 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. Private e-scooters are still allowed. There are also lively rental services for bikes. The Paris Tourist Office explains where you can rent a bike in the city.
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 