Author: Rod Janssen

Action on climate change is self-defence not altruism

Increasingly there is a need to see the challenges associated with climate change as issues not just of energy policy and environmental protection but also as major defence and security challenges. Nick Butler, visiting professor at the Policy Institute, Kings College London, explores these issues in a recent column in the Financial Times.   Climate … Continue reading Action on climate change is self-defence not altruism →

New report from eceee assesses how setting interest rates affects the Commission’s energy modelling

Increasingly, the European Commission is being challenged that its energy modelling is undervaluing the full set of benefits of energy efficiency. The modelling, many are saying, has faulty assumptions, particularly on discount rates. There have been concerns for years but as the review of current energy efficiency policies is set to take place to see … Continue reading New report from eceee assesses how setting interest rates affects the Commission’s energy modelling →

Examining all energy performance ratings

It was inevitable after the revelations about Volkswagen tampering with fuel economy tests for its diesel vehicles, that we would be examining other technologies. Only this week the vacuum cleaner manufacturer Dyson has accused some of its competitors of similar practices.   Jonathan Leake, Environment Editor of Britain’s Sunday Times writes a good account of the … Continue reading Examining all energy performance ratings →

Why the G20 countries need to take the lead in energy efficiency

Last year in Australia, the G20 gave considerable attention to energy efficiency when it adopted the energy efficiency action plan. Under Turkey’s chairmanship this year, energy efficiency has remained a priority in the G20. Blue & Green Tomorrow recently wrote about the leadership that we need from the G20 in energy efficiency. EiD would like … Continue reading Why the G20 countries need to take the lead in energy efficiency →

Vying to be the most efficient solar panel

There are many efforts to reduce the costs of renewable energy technologies. One important way is to improve efficiency and Anna Nicolaou writes in the Financial Times about a new panel by SolarCity that is said to be the global leader.   Musk’s SolarCity vows super solar panel A company backed by billionaire Elon Musk … Continue reading Vying to be the most efficient solar panel →

Politics and climate change in America

Many people I’ve talked with recently have raised concerns about the climate negotiations in Paris. The concern is that the Obama Administration may agree to an ambitious target but will Congress endorse it.   Eduardo Porter writes a thoughtful article in the New York Times about the political party that we all worry about – the … Continue reading Politics and climate change in America →

New report on the circular economy from the Club of Rome

The Club of Rome released its latest study on the “Circular Economy & Benefits for Society” at the European Parliament on October 20th, Brussels ahead of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference, (COP 21) in Paris at the end of November. The event at the European Parliament was chaired by Claude Turmes, MEP and … Continue reading New report on the circular economy from the Club of Rome →

Communicating the science of climate change has never been more important

EiD is often writing about the importance of good communication. Chelsea Harvey writes a good article in the Washington Post about new research showing that the reports from the IPCC showing that its reports have not necessarily become easier for the layperson to understand. This is a good article because it is important for all … Continue reading Communicating the science of climate change has never been more important →