The chemicals sector is quite complicated. Only about half of the fossil fuels that the industry consumes are burned for their energy. The rest is used as feedstock for products such as plastics with the emissions released only when these products reach the end of their lives, for example, when waste plastic packaging or an … Continue reading The chemicals sector has largely slipped under the radar when it comes to climate
Author: Rod Janssen
There is an opportunity to design emerging technologies with the circular economy in mind from the start
Matthew Davies, Associate Professor at Swansea University writes on The Conversation website about the need to recycle parts from solar panels and other emerging technologies in order to avoid unnecessary waste. Solar panels: we need to recycle parts of them to use again and avoid a mountain of waste Billions of solar panels globally will … Continue reading There is an opportunity to design emerging technologies with the circular economy in mind from the start
In Sweden, a movement advocating avoiding flying has gained influence since 2016 and has started to change the way travel is portrayed in the Swedish media
Recent research shows that there are shifting ideas and assumptions about holidays by plane in Swedish society. While flying is still widely presented as desirable, changes in some media coverage show the influence of the flight-free movement and illustrate that different perspectives of what constitutes a good life under climate change are gaining some influence. … Continue reading In Sweden, a movement advocating avoiding flying has gained influence since 2016 and has started to change the way travel is portrayed in the Swedish media
Recent research shows the energy efficiency of homes built in the past 20 years in England varies considerably depending on where you are
As countries such as England are planning to make the housing stock net zero by 2050, recent research shows significant regional differences. Major cities across England and all local authorities across the south and south-east have below average energy intensity while homes in northern local authorities and less built-up urban areas have above average energy … Continue reading Recent research shows the energy efficiency of homes built in the past 20 years in England varies considerably depending on where you are
Germany’s new coalition government has made bold climate policy the cornerstone of the alliance
A coal phaseout by 2030, more electric vehicles and rapid renewables expansion: Germany's new coalition has promised a climate bonanza. But can the ambitious targets be hit? Stuart Braun discusses in an article posted on the Deutsche Welle website. It would have been good to have read more on their plans to improve energy efficiency. … Continue reading Germany’s new coalition government has made bold climate policy the cornerstone of the alliance
Climate advisers warn UK is not doing enough to meet net-zero promises
The UK is on track to blow past emissions promises made ahead of COP26 in Glasgow unless tougher policies to cut carbon are introduced this decade, official climate advisers have warned. The CCC said the UK does not need to redraw its targets, but does need to come forward with plans to deliver on what … Continue reading Climate advisers warn UK is not doing enough to meet net-zero promises
While energy efficiency is the central pillar of France’s low carbon strategy, there is still need to accelerate its clean energy transition according to IEA
The International Energy Agency has published its review of energy policies of France. It is a comprehensive review that examines all aspects of energy policy. The last review of French energy policies was in 2015. France has helped guide international efforts to tackle climate change, but it needs to accelerate key parts of its energy … Continue reading While energy efficiency is the central pillar of France’s low carbon strategy, there is still need to accelerate its clean energy transition according to IEA
New EEA report on creating an economy that can deliver prosperity and sustainability
Creating a more resilient and sustainable future will require Europe to reimagine its economic model, according to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) report published this week. The report highlights opportunities for Europe to go further in creating an economy that can deliver prosperity and sustainability. Creating a resilient economy within environmental limits Reducing … Continue reading New EEA report on creating an economy that can deliver prosperity and sustainability
The UN’s intergovernmental panel on climate change advocates for an approach to passenger transport planning called “Avoid, Shift, Improve”
Although EVs certainly help address increasing transport emissions, simply focusing on replacing conventional cars with EVs is a missed opportunity for countries to develop alternative means of transport beyond car dependency. Vera O'Riordan, PhD Researcher in Marine and Renewable Energy at the University College Cork writes on The Conversation website about the need to develop … Continue reading The UN’s intergovernmental panel on climate change advocates for an approach to passenger transport planning called “Avoid, Shift, Improve”
Total annual investment in efficient energy worldwide needs to triple by 2030 to be consistent with a path towards reaching net zero emissions by 2050
Global energy efficiency improvements are returning to pre-pandemic levels; however, they remain well below the pace needed in a net zero pathway to meet international climate goals. Zeenat Ganie discusses the recently published report by the IEA on energy efficiency on the ESI Africa website. Energy efficiency improvements are too slow to reach net … Continue reading Total annual investment in efficient energy worldwide needs to triple by 2030 to be consistent with a path towards reaching net zero emissions by 2050
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 