The World Trade Organization’s Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13) recently took place in Abu Dhabi (February 26-March 2). In its energy update, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) wrote that “fossil fuel subsidy reform conversations have made marked progress at the WTO. Last week, the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform initiative—comprised of 48 members—delivered a new joint ministerial statement calling for action on fossil fuel subsidies at the WTO across three main pillars:
- using WTO mechanisms to increase transparency and awareness;
- working to review, reduce, and remove fossil fuel subsidies adopted temporarily in response to the energy crisis; and
- identifying and developing pathways to rationalize, phase out, or eliminate the most harmful fossil fuel subsidies.”
The Financial Times (behind a paywall) reports that staff are in revolt over the board’s approach to climate change after an executive at the European Central Bank said new recruits had to be “reprogrammed” to ensure they supported its green policies. What are your views?
In upcoming weeks there are two upcoming events not to miss. In May there is Australia’s 2024 Energy Efficiency National Conference. In June, eceee holds its bi-annual summer study. Check out details on the two events here.
In planning travel over the upcoming weeks, here is some useful news to help you along:
- The inews website provides Europe’s most exciting new rail routes for 2024.
- For the best hikes in Europe in 2024, there are many good suggestions on the 57 hours website.
- 5 stunning spring cycling destinations in Europe are recommended on the Get Your Guide website.
- There is always the option of virtual tourism at the Xplore Nature Channel that EiD first promoted back in September. There are now 129 videos. Find out more about the channel here.
Luther Burbank (1849-1926), an American botanist, horticulturist and pioneer in agricultural science who developed more than 800 strains and varieties of plants over his 55-year career provides us with a valuable message this week: “Nature’s laws affirm instead of prohibit. If you violate her laws, you are your own prosecuting attorney, judge, jury, and hangman.”
EiD welcomes your views about this week’s selection of posts on the zero-carbon energy transition:
- New EEA briefing on environmental impact of textile consumption in Europe
- The world is off track to meet its climate goals and the public is to blame, claims chief executive of oil giant ExxonMobil
- New rules will force U.S. firms to divulge role in warming the planet
- Why is it so difficult—and expensive—to take the train across European countries and how can train travel truly take off and compete with low-cost airlines?
- Innovative climate protest: UK Climate Choir movement took over St Stephen’s Hall at Palace of Westminster in a peaceful and dramatic singing protest
- Majority of UK businesses unaware of support available to improve energy performance
- China lagging behind goal to reduce energy intensity
- Addressing consumer fatigue: with 70% of the expected benefits of the energy transition to be driven by changes in consumer consumption re-engaging households is key
Please send your comments on any of the posts. Please follow us on X at @EnergyDemand and @rodjanssen. Please recommend EiD to your friends and colleagues.
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Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 