Important question raised about whether we can heat our buildings without fossil fuels

The world is on average getting warmer, but we still need to keep buildings at liveable temperatures year-round. Laura Cole writes on the BBC website whether it is possible to cut emissions while keeping warm in winter. The author finds some inspiration in Brussels. Can we heat buildings without burning fossil fuels? To look at, … Continue reading Important question raised about whether we can heat our buildings without fossil fuels →

New EEA report on how we move sustainably in urban centres

The growing use of electric scooters and ride-hailing services is transforming how we move in urban centres — but walking, cycling and public transport remain the best way to improve sustainable mobility in cities, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report published today. A separate EEA briefing on the environmental and climate impacts of … Continue reading New EEA report on how we move sustainably in urban centres →

Central bankers lack the tools to address climate change

Like other central banks, the European Central Bank, which met last week, is scrambling to prepare for what a report warns could be a coming economic upheaval. Jack Ewing discuss the issue in an article on the New York Times website. Climate Change Could Blow Up the Economy. Banks Aren’t Ready. Climate change has … Continue reading Central bankers lack the tools to address climate change →

The worst-case scenario for emissions of CO2 this century is no longer plausible, say researchers

Matt McGrath writes on the BBC website about some of the concerns about the worst-case scenario for CO2 emissions. What are your views? Worst CO2 emissions scenario 'exceedingly unlikely' The worst-case scenario for emissions of CO2 this century is no longer plausible, say researchers. Referred to as "business as usual", the scenario assumes a … Continue reading The worst-case scenario for emissions of CO2 this century is no longer plausible, say researchers →

Airtight homes could be trapping toxic air pollutants indoors

Present building regulations place more emphasis on energy efficiency than on air quality and house builders are failing to comply with minimum standards on ventilation, the report says. Only three out of 80 new homes studied in seven developments in England met ventilation guidelines. Ben Webster explains in an article on the New York Times … Continue reading Airtight homes could be trapping toxic air pollutants indoors →

While many English councils state they will be carbon neutral by 2050, few even know their current carbon footprint

It is fairly easy to make a decarbonisation commitment, it is less easy to achieve it. Jane Dudman writes in The Guardian about the challenges ahead for English councils. English councils set to miss carbon emission targets Many councils in England don’t know how much energy they use, a new survey reveals. The findings … Continue reading While many English councils state they will be carbon neutral by 2050, few even know their current carbon footprint →

New Jersey will become the first state to require that builders take into account the impact of climate change

Builders will be forced to take climate change, including rising sea levels, into account to win government approval for projects. Tracey Tully explains in an article on the New York Times website. With 130-Mile Coast, New Jersey Marks a First in Climate Change Fight New Jersey will become the first state to require that … Continue reading New Jersey will become the first state to require that builders take into account the impact of climate change →

How to protect the public against disinformation climate denier campaigns

This article from Stephan Lewandowsky, Chair of Cognitive Psychology at the University of Bristol and John Hunter, University Associate, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania reflect on how to protect the public against disinformation campaigns in future fire seasons in Australia. There are lessons for all of us. We … Continue reading How to protect the public against disinformation climate denier campaigns →

North America needs to give priority to net zero passive houses

Natalie Leonard gives a good argument on the Bloomberg Environment website why North America needs to move towards net zero passive houses. This is a good read for everyone. INSIGHT: Net Zero Passive Houses Are Answer to Housing Energy Efficiency The building sector accounts for 50% of all energy used in North America but … Continue reading North America needs to give priority to net zero passive houses →

What it would take to motivate people to take practical steps to reduce GHG emissions is where behavioural science comes in

We know we all need to increase our actions to reduce GHG emissions but we simply are not doing enough. David Comerford, Program Director, MSc Behavioural Science at the University of Stirling provides his views on the use of behavioural science in an article on The Conversation website. What are your views? How behavioural … Continue reading What it would take to motivate people to take practical steps to reduce GHG emissions is where behavioural science comes in →