The challenges of financing the climate crisis that the upcoming Paris summit is trying to address

Foreign debt cripples countries vulnerable to extreme weather events, hindering climate change resilience. Reforming financial systems could help them combat climate change. Tim Schauenberg, in an article on the Deutsche Welle website, looks into many of the issues that need to be addressed at the upcoming Paris summit.   Climate crisis and debt trap: Paris … Continue reading The challenges of financing the climate crisis that the upcoming Paris summit is trying to address

New EEA provisional data published on CO2 emissions for new cars and vans

Average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of new cars and vans in Europe dropped in 2022 for the third year in a row, according to provisional data published this week by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Almost one out of four new cars registered in Europe in 2022 was electric.   Average emissions from new cars … Continue reading New EEA provisional data published on CO2 emissions for new cars and vans

New EEA briefings on developments in the circular economy in Europe

Unsustainable consumption in Europe and beyond is one of the main drivers of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. According to two European Environment Agency (EEA) briefings, published this week, efficiency gains in production have reduced some environmental impacts but alone they are unlikely to bring Europe’s consumption to a sustainable level. Deeper transformation of … Continue reading New EEA briefings on developments in the circular economy in Europe

Amsterdam and the circular economy

Suzanne Bearne writes on the BBC News website about some of the effort being made to be a circular economy. Is this happening in your city or region?   Can Amsterdam make the circular economy work? At United Repair Centre (URC), located next to the popular indoor food market Foodhallen in Amsterdam, Bakri Zaitoun is … Continue reading Amsterdam and the circular economy

Landmark youth climate trial begins in Montana

The plaintiffs, aged 5 to 22, accuse Montana of violating the constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment through fossil fuel-friendly policies.  The country’s first youth climate trial is expected to set an important legal precedent. Martina Igini discusses the trial in an article on the Earth.org website.   First US Youth Climate Trial … Continue reading Landmark youth climate trial begins in Montana

Harnessing AI for Enhanced Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Operations

Terence West writes on the EnergyPortal website about the use of artificial intelligence now starting to revolutionise manufacturing. What is your experience?   AI for Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making waves in various industries, from healthcare to finance, and now it is revolutionizing the manufacturing sector. As energy consumption and … Continue reading Harnessing AI for Enhanced Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing Operations

France will reach the level of electricity consumption expected in 2050 as early as 2030-2035

Assuming France achieves its decarbonisation and reindustrialisation targets, electricity consumption could rise to 580-640 TWh by 2035, equivalent to what the grid operator had forecasted for 2050 in its “Future Energy 2050” report published at the end of 2021. In an article on the EURACTIV website, Paul Messad discusses the recent report from France’s electricity … Continue reading France will reach the level of electricity consumption expected in 2050 as early as 2030-2035

Germany’s three-party coalition government agrees on changes in transition to phase out oil and gas in its heating strategy

The latest policy rift within Germany's three-party coalition government appears to have been resolved with a compromise deal. This time it was over planned changes to laws on heating. The coalition hopes to put the law before the Bundestag this week and to secure its passage before the summer break begins in July. An article on the Deutsche … Continue reading Germany’s three-party coalition government agrees on changes in transition to phase out oil and gas in its heating strategy

Europe’s energy and climate transition – how 2040 targets should be met

The EU’s climate advisory board has recommended the bloc adopt ambitious targets for 2040. Researchers say there are multiple options to slash emissions, with plenty of political wiggle room. An article on the Deutsche Welle website describes how the targets for 2040 will be met.   How will the EU reach its 2040 climate targets? … Continue reading Europe’s energy and climate transition – how 2040 targets should be met

New EEA web product on extreme weather outlook this summer in Europe

Under our changing climate, the weather in Europe is getting more extreme. What could this summer bring in terms of heatwaves, droughts, floods, and forest fires? The overall outlook is pessimistic as we have already seen this past winter and spring. This makes adaptation to climate change and better preparedness crucial, according to a European … Continue reading New EEA web product on extreme weather outlook this summer in Europe