In an article on the Euractiv website, a Reuters news item discusses this week’s approval by the German cabinet accelerate the integration of hydrogen and carbon capture into the country’s energy and industrial systems. German cabinet approves carbon capture and hydrogen plans Germany’s cabinet approved on Wednesday (29 May) two draft bills to accelerate … Continue reading German government commits to CCS and hydrogen
Author: Rod Janssen
Large language models such as ChatGPT are some of the most energy-guzzling technologies of all
Big tech is playing its part in reaching net zero targets, but its vast new datacentres are run at huge cost to the environment. Mariana Mazzucato, professor in the economics of innovation and public value at University College London, discusses the carbon footprint of ChatGPT in an article on the Guardian website. The ugly … Continue reading Large language models such as ChatGPT are some of the most energy-guzzling technologies of all
Understanding how to make better energy storage devices
In an article on The Conversation website, Ankur Gupta, Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder discusses what it takes to make better energy storage devices. Understanding how ions flow in and out of the tiniest pores promises better energy storage devices Modern life relies on electricity and electrical devices, … Continue reading Understanding how to make better energy storage devices
New way to recycle cement from demolished concrete buildings
In an article on the BBC News website, Justin Rowlatt discusses a new way to recycle cement and massively reduce its carbon footprint. What are your views? UK breakthrough could slash emissions from cement Scientists say they've found a way to recycle cement from demolished concrete buildings. Cement is the modern world's most common … Continue reading New way to recycle cement from demolished concrete buildings
“Misinformation about climate science that has sowed uncertainty”
In an article on The Conversation website, Gordon McBean, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geography and Environment, Western University in Canada writes about the misinformation from the oil and gas industry that is continuing to have a negative impact on effectively addressing climate change. The oil and gas industry has been lying about global warming … Continue reading “Misinformation about climate science that has sowed uncertainty”
Beyond GDP
GDP has long been the main indicator of economic growth used almost everywhere in the world. However, the measurement does not take into account other factors essential to a country’s growth and development, such as social inequalities, the environment and the well-being of citizens. In an article on The Conversation website, these issues are discussed … Continue reading Beyond GDP
New EEA assessment on Europe’s bathing waters
Just as our thoughts turn to summer, we now get an assessment of bathing water sites in Europe. The vast majority of bathing water sites in Europe met the European Union's most stringent ‘excellent’ bathing quality standards in 2023, according to the latest annual bathing water assessment published this week. This represents 85% of Europe’s popular bathing waters. As much … Continue reading New EEA assessment on Europe’s bathing waters
Energy in Demand, May 26, 2024
With elections for the European Parliament approaching on June 6-9, predictions are for a surge of right wing parties and a consequent erosion of the climate and energy agenda. According to The Economist election tracker, “the environment, including terms such as “climate change”, is a hot topic on the continent’s fringes: it’s most often searched … Continue reading Energy in Demand, May 26, 2024
Global climate policy and action plans also largely fail to speak to gender and childhood vulnerabilities
In an article on The Conversation website, Grace M. Jaramillo, Lecturer, School of Global and International Affairs, University of British Columbia discusses gender and childhood issues that are impacted on climate policy. Importantly, Dr. Jaramillo led a team of student researchers to do relevant field research in the Dominican Republic to better understand the issues. … Continue reading Global climate policy and action plans also largely fail to speak to gender and childhood vulnerabilities
Ships are continuing to discharge huge quantities of air pollutants at ports
Ships calling at the UK’s most-polluted ports produce more nitrogen oxides than all the cars registered in the same cities or regions, analysis has shown. In an article on the Guardian website, Gwyn Topham discusses recent developments. Ships in some UK port cities create more air pollution than cars Ships calling at the UK’s … Continue reading Ships are continuing to discharge huge quantities of air pollutants at ports
