A regular shop-bought mushroom has been turned into an electricity generator

Maybe these are the new magic mushrooms we have all been in search of. Researchers say creation of 'bio-hybrids' from fungi and bacteria could be used to power devices. Undoubtedly the low-carbon energy transition needs many innovations and possibly mushrooms will now play a role. Josh Gabbatiss explains in an article on the Independent website. … Continue reading A regular shop-bought mushroom has been turned into an electricity generator →

Of over 7,000 public buildings in UK with Display Energy Certificate, only 107 have “A” rating

We are now realising the important role that labelling plays. Greg Pitcher writes on the Architects Journal about the poor state of Britain’s public buildings. Is it better in your country? 98% of new public buildings fail to meet highest energy standard Energy efficiency failings have been exposed at thousands of recently completed public buildings … Continue reading Of over 7,000 public buildings in UK with Display Energy Certificate, only 107 have “A” rating →

Impact of air pollution on child obesity

A new study published by the University of Southern California said the first year of life is vital. Josh Barrie explains in an article on the inews website. How air pollution causes obesity: advice to parents with young children Children who are exposed to air pollution at a young age are more likely to become … Continue reading Impact of air pollution on child obesity →

A campaign has been launched to cut US transportation energy use by 50% by 2050

It is interesting to see the mixed signals in the US. Well, maybe this is true in most countries, but with the foot dragging on climate and energy issues by the federal administration, it is encouraging to see a diverse coalition including manufacturers, consumer groups, utilities, environmental groups, and public officials taking action to cut … Continue reading A campaign has been launched to cut US transportation energy use by 50% by 2050 →

How First Nations in Canada are addressing climate change – “This is power to the people — literally and metaphorically”

Sandeep Pai, an award-winning investigative journalist and researcher and Savannah Carr-Wilson who works in the field of environmental and Aboriginal law in British Columbia, have written an article on TheTyee.ca about the low-carbon actions of T’Sou-ke First Nation. Hopefully this is an inspiration to many others. Towards ‘Total Transition’: How One First Nation ‘Took … Continue reading How First Nations in Canada are addressing climate change – “This is power to the people — literally and metaphorically” →

Climate change: how to collect enough revenue to respond to major catastrophes, while at the same time trying to lift billions of people out of poverty?

Wayne Swan, the former treasurer and deputy prime minister of Australia and a member of the Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation (ICRICT), raises an important question in an article in The Guardian. Less fiscal revenue means less money for vital infrastructure and less money to prepare for the effects of natural … Continue reading Climate change: how to collect enough revenue to respond to major catastrophes, while at the same time trying to lift billions of people out of poverty? →

As pollution from coal continues to warm the climate and kill tens of thousands of Americans per year, delaying the inevitable comes at a heavy cost for us all

The Trump administration wants the US to embrace coal again. You see other countries – some in Europe – quite positive about coal. Daniel Cohan, Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering at Rice University explains in an article on The Conversation website that coal simply is not competitive when the true costs are factored in. Do … Continue reading As pollution from coal continues to warm the climate and kill tens of thousands of Americans per year, delaying the inevitable comes at a heavy cost for us all →

Novel approach to store carbon

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has not been too successful to date for all its promises. Many are sceptical it will ever be a viable approach. Marianne Holmer, Professor of Biology and the University of Southern Denmark discusses in an article on The Conversation website about using seagrass in storage. This is definitely the first … Continue reading Novel approach to store carbon →

Mixing recycled plastic with asphalt to resurface roadways

Now with China refusing to accept recycled plastic, there is a need to find alternatives. While there are probably other countries willing to accept recycled products, increasingly there is a need to find domestic solutions. Ashley Halsey III writes in the Washington Post about mixing recycled plastic into asphalt to resurface roads, using a technology … Continue reading Mixing recycled plastic with asphalt to resurface roadways →

A blockchain-powered renewable energy certificate (REC) marketplace has opened in Singapore

The use of blockchain technology has become more popular recently. How its use will evolve will be interesting to see. Tom Kenning writes on the pv-tech website about how one utility in Singapore has launched a blockchain-powered renewable energy certificate (REC) marketplace, which is amongst the first of its kind worldwide. What are your views? … Continue reading A blockchain-powered renewable energy certificate (REC) marketplace has opened in Singapore →