A three year US congressional investigation finds that the world’s largest oil groups had privately acknowledged for decades that burning fossil fuels causes climate change. The findings followed a three-year probe that unearthed internal documents from the major energy companies with evidence of concerted campaigns “to confuse and mislead the public while working unceasingly to lock down a fossil fuel future”, said Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Oversight committee in the report, quoted in the Financial Times (behind a paywall). The probe was conducted by Democrats on the House Oversight and Senate Budget committees. None of us should be surprised but what confidence can we have in the commitment of these same companies to correct course now – for example at the next COP meeting?
As we prepare for COP29 in Azerbaijan in November, remember there is a global call to the UNFCCC to include cultural heritage, the arts and creative sectors in climate policy. To better understand the role of music psychology and climate action, read this article by Lindsay A. Fleming and Daniel J. Levitin of McGill University.
In upcoming weeks there are two events not to miss. In May there is Australia’s 2024 Energy Efficiency National Conference. In June, eceee holds its bi-annual summer study. It’s theme is “Sustainable, Safe and Secure Through Demand Reduction.” 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. For those who want to combine hiking with food and wine, check out the Hedonistic Hiking 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. There are now 130 videos. Find out more about the channel here. Why not start with a virtual guided nature tour in Sweden over Svinö Island.
Duke Ellington (1899-1974), the American jazz pianist, composer, and conductor, gives us a lesson on the creative process: “I don’t need time. What I need is a deadline.”
EiD welcomes your views about this week’s selection of posts on the zero-carbon energy transition:
- New EEA report takes stock of urban adaptation in Europe
- Too little, too late: G7 climate commitments fall short
- China struggling to sell electric vehicles in Europe
- For shipping to keep within its carbon budget, all available levers will need to be actioned at different points in time over the next three decades
- Expected impact of the EU Net-Zero Industry Act
- 2024 Goldman Environmental Prize winners announced
- Megacities in Africa face adaptation challenge
- Factors outside our control have huge influence on our health
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 