Hemp is being touted as a building material for housing that may avoid some of the environmental, logistic and economic downsides of concrete

Proponents of hemp tout its non-toxic and mould, fire and infestation-resistant properties. Edward Helmore discusses the benefits of hemp in an article on the Guardian website.   ‘It’s almost carbon-negative’: how hemp became a surprise building material Cannabis sativa, the plant of the thousand and one molecules, has a long and expansive reputation – as a folk … Continue reading Hemp is being touted as a building material for housing that may avoid some of the environmental, logistic and economic downsides of concrete

E-bikes could transform the way people experience rural areas and reduce the negative environmental effects of tourism

In an article on The Conversation website, Ian Philips, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds discusses the many benefits of switching to e-bikes in tourist regions. What are your views?   E-bikes are freewheeling through rain and over hills, with huge promise for sustainable transport in rural tourist areas I first … Continue reading E-bikes could transform the way people experience rural areas and reduce the negative environmental effects of tourism

Yes, AI systems consume a lot of energy but they also can be a force for good in addressing climate change

In an article on the Conversation website, Lakshmi Babu Saheer, Director of Computing Informatics and Applications Research Group, Anglia Ruskin University defends the important role that AI is playing in addressing climate change, even given the energy consumption concerns. Dr. Saheer fully admits that more is needed to reduce consumption.   Four ways AI could … Continue reading Yes, AI systems consume a lot of energy but they also can be a force for good in addressing climate change

Britain’s navy is considering introducing compulsory climate change courses for all sailors

Leaked paper suggests all sailors may be forced to attend online training on environmental issues. Tim Sigsworth and Steven Edginton discuss the leaked briefing paper in an article on the Telegraph website. Is there similar training courses for the military in your country?   Navy could make climate change courses compulsory The Royal Navy is … Continue reading Britain’s navy is considering introducing compulsory climate change courses for all sailors

Almost one-in-three renewables professionals already use AI technologies

Stuart Stone writes on the Business Green website about the increasing use of AI technologies in the renewables sector. Are you finding the same results?   Study: Renewable energy industry 'ahead of the curve' on AI adoption Almost one-in-three renewables professionals already use AI technologies, according to eighth instalment of annual Global Energy Talent Index … Continue reading Almost one-in-three renewables professionals already use AI technologies

Plastics producers deceived public about recycling, report reveals

Companies knew for decades recycling was not viable but promoted it regardless, a Center for Climate Integrity study finds. The findings are discussed in an article by Michael Copley on the National Public Radio website.   Reduce, reuse, redirect outrage: How plastic makers used recycling as a fig leaf The plastics industry has worked for … Continue reading Plastics producers deceived public about recycling, report reveals

Energy in Demand News, February 11, 2024

In all the important climate and energy news this week, two developments stand out. In a case that has lasted 12 years, this week the climate scientist Michael Mann won his defamation lawsuit against two conservative writers who compared his depictions of global heating to the work of a convicted child molester. “I hope this … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 11, 2024

Small modular reactors (SMRs) still included in EU’s climate strategy

Nathan Canas and Paul Messad write on the Euractiv website how SMRs are expected to contribute to achieving the energy and climate objectives of the EU’s European Green Deal.   EU aims to deploy Europe’s first small nuclear reactor ‘by 2030’ Small modular reactors (SMRs) will be partly relied upon to meet the EU’s 2040 … Continue reading Small modular reactors (SMRs) still included in EU’s climate strategy

Climate activism – “there is a method to the seeming madness”

In an article on The Conversation website, Shannon Gibson, Associate Professor of International Relations and Environmental Studies, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences writes about the “wild ride” climate activism has been on lately.   From throwing soup to suing governments, there’s strategy to climate activism’s seeming chaos − here’s where it’s headed … Continue reading Climate activism – “there is a method to the seeming madness”

Blog by Jane Marsh: What Infrastructure Does the U.S. Need for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles?

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are necessary for decarbonizing transportation, primarily as lithium-ion-based batteries in conventional EVs receive pushback. The potential for a zero-waste, carbon-neutral fuel cell is possible with more research and development in hydrogen. However, those efforts are moot if the U.S. does not install adequate infrastructure to support them. The State … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh: What Infrastructure Does the U.S. Need for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles?