Author: Rod Janssen

Adapting to climate change is not always straightforward

There are stark differences between OECD countries and non-OECD countries in the appliances that are used. One appliance, air conditioners, can cause a problem, not only for the electricity consumption but also for the materials used in them. Michael Greenstone, the Milton Friedman professor of economics at the University of Chicago, writes an excellent article … Continue reading Adapting to climate change is not always straightforward →

The rapid expansion of renewable energy technology is not necessarily sustainable

While we can get excited about the developments in sustainable energy, we have to also keep an eye on the bigger picture of resource efficiency. Börje Dahrén provides a good article on the Phys.org website about some academic research that shows that some of these developments are not necessarily sustainable. What do you think?   … Continue reading The rapid expansion of renewable energy technology is not necessarily sustainable →

“No one can use China as an excuse of not taking action anymore”

With the climate conference starting in Morocco, there is increased interest in better understanding what is happening around the world. By Saša Petricic writes a very good article on Canada’s CBC News website about whether China, the world’s biggest polluter, can bring real change to its smoggy skies.   China goes from red-alert pollution to … Continue reading “No one can use China as an excuse of not taking action anymore” →

Impact of big data on the energy transition

The energy transition is definitely underway and everyone is trying to figure out how to accelerate efforts. Dave Keating writes a good article on the DW website about the important role of big data. Deutsche Welle (DW) is Germany’s international broadcaster .   Big data is about to transform renewable energy This week, the International … Continue reading Impact of big data on the energy transition →

Tackling fuel poverty in Scotland not that easy

Addressing fuel poverty has never been simple and straightforward. Keith Baker, Research Associate in Sustainable Urban Environments, Glasgow Caledonian University, writes an excellent article on The Conversation website about the current situation in Scotland and the difficulties in overcoming fuel poverty.   Scotland’s not even close to getting on top of fuel poverty – here’s … Continue reading Tackling fuel poverty in Scotland not that easy →

How energy management is evolving in America’s industry

Liz Delaney provides a good review on the Environmental Defense Fund website of the gains made from good energy management. These are findings coming from the EDF Climate Corps. It is a summer fellowship program that embeds trained, custom-matched graduate students inside leading organizations to accelerate clean energy projects and strategy. Since 2008 over 350 … Continue reading How energy management is evolving in America’s industry →

Having a bad “air” day can affect financial markets

EiD regularly provides posts concerning the impact of air pollution. Chris Mooney provides an interesting article in the Washington Post on an impact we were not expecting but that should not surprise us. The article reviews a recent study that shows that poor air quality can even affect stock market returns. What do you think? … Continue reading Having a bad “air” day can affect financial markets →

Prototype battery mimics the structure of human intestine

The energy transition is bringing forth much innovation. The Science & Environment section of the BBC News website reports on some interesting developments in a lithium-sulphur battery. It takes inspiration from the human gut.   Gut instinct drives battery boost Scientists have designed a new prototype battery that mimics the structure of the human intestines. … Continue reading Prototype battery mimics the structure of human intestine →