It has been quite a first week at COP29. Azerbaijani president, Ilham Aliyev, defended Azerbaijan’s current exports of gas and plans to expand production told world leaders gathered in his country for COP29 that natural gas was a “gift from God” and he shouldn’t be blamed for bringing it to market. Kicking off the leaders’ speeches segment of the COP29 climate summit in Baku on Tuesday, Aliyev lashed out fiercely at his critics, doubled down on fossil fuels and failed to announce an expected new national climate plan (NDC). Eminent climate change figures involved in climate change wrote in a letter to the UN that countries should not be allowed to host the talks if they don’t support the phase-out of fossil energy. While the authors of this letter recognise the achievements of the COP process, they feel that is too slow-moving and “no longer fit for purpose” in dealing with a fast-moving climate crisis. For good coverage of COP29, go to the Earth Negotiations Bulletin of the International Institute for Sustainable Development.
In keeping with the spirit of culture while COP29 is underway in Azerbaijan, on Wednesday, November 20th, there will be a workshop/side event that explores how music can impact COPs. Climate Live invites their partners, artists and policy makers to attend to delve into current initiatives working on this, and explore ideas for new, collaborative initiatives bringing together the whole community. If you are attending COP29, please attend.
Overheard at COP29: At a side event for the refrigeration and cooling sector, Marco Durán from the International Institute of Refrigeration said: “Energy efficiency is a low-hanging fruit, but if we wait too long to pick up low-hanging fruit, it may rot.”
In planning travel over the upcoming weeks, here is some useful ideas to help you along:
- Lonely Planet’s train expert provides his top 5 rail journeys in Europe for 2024.
- Forbes website describes 5 New European Trains: A Revolution In High-Speed & Night Trains. The European rail revolution continues, with new high-speed trains and new night train service between major cities [note, you are allowed 4 free viewings].
- National Geographic provides 6 of the best autumn hikes in Europe.
- For those who want to combine hiking with food and wine, check out the Hedonistic Hiking website.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule. He provides an inspiring message this week: “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
Now on the EiD Favourite Links page is the link to the Worldwide internet carbon footprint. This guide delves into the digital landscape, uncovering the extensive environmental impact of internet usage (and more) across the globe. From vast data centres to individual users’ digital habits, they examine the environmental implications of our interconnected world and highlight the challenges and opportunities in reducing the internet’s carbon footprint. And it explore what steps can be taken to foster a more sustainable digital future.
EiD welcomes your views about this week’s selection of posts on the zero-carbon energy transition:
- Although many countries have explicitly promised to reduce fossil fuel subsidies to combat climate change, this has proven difficult to accomplish
- Corporate lobbying at COP29
- New EEA briefing on placement of offshore wind turbines with consideration of impacts on marine ecosystems
- Latest report from the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative on the status of the world’s ice stores: at a tipping point for irreversible loss and damage
- Message to new Trump administration: improving energy efficiency is a cornerstone of a stable, competitive, affordable American economy
- Climate-tied events cost world $2 trillion in 10 years
- New report: demands for renewable hydrogen and electricity to drive the EU’s green iron and steel transition
- In search of climate financing
Please send your comments on any of the posts. Please recommend EiD to your friends and colleagues.
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Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 