New EEA report on impact of land use changes on Europe’s urban areas

Land take and the sealing of soil with asphalt, concrete or buildings increased in Europe’s urban areas from 2012 to 2018, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) assessment, published recently. Increasing land take and soil sealing make Europe’s ecosystems less resilient, with negative impacts on biodiversity and weaker potential for climate change adaptation. … Continue reading New EEA report on impact of land use changes on Europe’s urban areas →

Public inaction is driving some climate scientists to engage in civil disobedience

Frustration, rage, terror, desperation: After decades of being ignored, scientists are resorting to more radical action to communicate the dire urgency of the climate crisis. Casey Quackenbush discusses the frustration in an article on the Washington Post website. What are your views? The climate scientists are not alright As Rose Abramoff chained herself to … Continue reading Public inaction is driving some climate scientists to engage in civil disobedience →

Concerns about EU Innovation Fund not advancing European renewable energy technology

Several European renewable energy associations have united to call for changes to the EU’s Innovation Fund as its award criteria ‘puts renewable energy projects at a structural disadvantage’. Amir Garanovic discusses in an article on the offshore energy website. Renewable energy industry losing confidence in EU’s Innovation Fund Associations – including Ocean Energy Europe, … Continue reading Concerns about EU Innovation Fund not advancing European renewable energy technology →

New survey reveals global industry is accelerating investment in energy efficiency

A global survey commissioned by ABB highlights current and future plans of companies to invest in energy efficiency to achieve Net Zero. Key findings: 90 percent will increase spending over the next five years while 52 percent plan to achieve Net Zero within the same period Growing impact of energy costs on profitability means that … Continue reading New survey reveals global industry is accelerating investment in energy efficiency →

Germany “pulling out all the stops to become less dependent on Russian energy” by giving greater focus to energy efficiency

The German government wants to fast-track energy efficiency measures and the move away from fossil fuels in industry. It has recently published its new work plan. Nikolaus J. Kurmayer discusses recent developments in an article on the EURACTIV website. What are your views? Germany presents energy efficiency ‘work plan’ to reduce fossil fuel demand … Continue reading Germany “pulling out all the stops to become less dependent on Russian energy” by giving greater focus to energy efficiency →

How will ultra long-haul flights from Australia be compatible with the goal of net-zero emissions?

Susanne Becken, Professor of Sustainable Tourism and Director, Griffith Institute for Tourism at Griffith University in Australia and Paresh Pant, PhD Candidate and Sessional Academic also at Griffith University write on The Conversation website about the dilemma airlines face as they plan for ultra long-haul flights from Australia to deal with the country’s tyranny of … Continue reading How will ultra long-haul flights from Australia be compatible with the goal of net-zero emissions? →

We know how to mobilise consumers to take action to deliver energy efficiency, now let’s do it

Minimum energy consumption standards for products and rented homes have galvanised improvements in energy efficiency in recent years, argues Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation in an article on the Business Green website. Why the government should stick with sticks to deliver energy efficiency Effective energy saving programmes need three mutually … Continue reading We know how to mobilise consumers to take action to deliver energy efficiency, now let’s do it →

New EEA report on role consumers can play to raise demand for goods and services that have adopted circular economy principles

While companies have huge influence in framing and shaping demand for products, consumers play a key role in raising demand for goods and services that have adopted circular economy principles, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published this week. Consumers can play key role in creating demand for ‘circular’ goods and services … Continue reading New EEA report on role consumers can play to raise demand for goods and services that have adopted circular economy principles →

Blog from Catrin Maby: How can we regulate for energy efficiency in owner occupied homes? Scotland steps forward

The sharp rise in energy prices this winter has added to the cost of living struggle that many households were already facing across the UK. Our housing is particularly old and thermally inefficient, and the levels of fuel poverty are on the rise again. At the same time, we are painfully aware of the impact … Continue reading Blog from Catrin Maby: How can we regulate for energy efficiency in owner occupied homes? Scotland steps forward →

Science-Based Targets Initiative sees big polluters committing to cutting CO2 emissions

Roger Harrabin writes on the BBC News website about a record number of big polluters are committing to cutting CO2 emissions to the UN-backed the Science-Based Targets Initiative. What are your views? Record number of polluters set CO2 emissions targets A record number of big polluters are committing to cutting CO2 emissions, a UN-backed … Continue reading Science-Based Targets Initiative sees big polluters committing to cutting CO2 emissions →