‘Agrivoltaics’ is not new, but is growing in popularity

Using the same piece of land for both solar and agriculture is known as "agrivoltaics." But there are several options as seen in Alberta. Pigs are used to eat the weeds under the solar panels. So are sheep. The other option is to grow crops. In Alberta there are several experiments underway to find the … Continue reading ‘Agrivoltaics’ is not new, but is growing in popularity →

The US government has told campaigners that it will push for a new global treaty on plastic waste to limit the production of plastics rather than just encouraging measures like recycling

In an article on the Climate Home News website, Joe Lo writes about the US government’s shift in its position on plastic pollution. The shift sparked accusations of betrayal from the plastics industry and celebrations from environmental campaigners and a Pacific negotiator. US turns against plastic producers, boosting hopes for ambitious treaty After two … Continue reading The US government has told campaigners that it will push for a new global treaty on plastic waste to limit the production of plastics rather than just encouraging measures like recycling →

Blog by James Ritter: How does reducing our water consumption impact the environment?

Water is an essential part of life on Earth, so it’s crucial that we carefully consider and monitor how we are using it. With the global population expanding and water scarcity being exacerbated by climate change, the need to be mindful of our water consumption is more important than ever. Not only does conserving water … Continue reading Blog by James Ritter: How does reducing our water consumption impact the environment? →

It will be no simple task for farmers and the food sector to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050

In an article on Canada’s National Newswatch website, Alex Binkley discusses the challenges that Canada’s agrifood sector has in achieving net zero. No doubt this will be a similar problem in most countries. Achieving net zero emissions no simple task for agrifood sector It will be no simple task for farmers and the food … Continue reading It will be no simple task for farmers and the food sector to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 →

The impact of Africa’s growth on global carbon targets is likely to be low, especially in the short term

In an article on The Conversation website, Daniel M. Kammen, Professor of Energy, University of California, Berkeley and Oluwagbemisola Deborah Akinsipe, PhD Candidate in the Energy and Resources Group, University of California, Berkeley discuss their research into analysing how Africa’s growth could potentially affect efforts to reduce global warming or mitigate climate change. African … Continue reading The impact of Africa’s growth on global carbon targets is likely to be low, especially in the short term →

Olympic sports and their sustainability strategies

Thomas Cuckston, Professor of Accounting and Ecology, University of Birmingham writes on The Conversation website about the sustainability of the sports that participated in the recent Paris Olympics. The final paragraph sums up the results very well: “While some sports are showing impressive leadership, others are falling behind. Some are not showing any signs of … Continue reading Olympic sports and their sustainability strategies →

Understanding extreme weather

In an article on The Conversation website, Simon H. Lee, Lecturer in Atmospheric Science, University of St Andrews; Hayley J. Fowler, Professor of Climate Change Impacts, Newcastle University; and Paul Davies, Chief Meteorologist, Met Office and Visiting Professor, Newcastle University discuss how traditional thinking about the climate falls short when the climate itself is rapidly … Continue reading Understanding extreme weather →

Nobel winners hit out at removal of fossil fuels from draft UN pact

Nearly 80 Nobel prizewinners and former world leaders have hit out at the removal of a specific mention of fossil fuels from the draft of a UN climate pact at the centre of a summit in New York next month. Nina Bo Wagner discusses the letter in an article on the Research Professional News website. … Continue reading Nobel winners hit out at removal of fossil fuels from draft UN pact →

Energy in Demand News, August 11, 2024

This week Lord Adair Turner, the former chairman of the UK’s Climate Change Committee and the current chair of the Energy Transitions Commission, was interviewed in the Financial Times (behind a paywall). There are two particularly important quotes from him. The first concerns what it will cost to get to net zero: “In 2020, the … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, August 11, 2024 →

Global “backlash” against climate action was being stoked by the fossil fuel industry

In an article on the Guardian website, Fiona Harvey writes that the UN says a global ‘backlash’ against climate action is being stoked by fossil fuel companies. This is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed. But how? ‘Massive disinformation campaign’ is slowing global transition to green energy Fossil fuel companies are running … Continue reading Global “backlash” against climate action was being stoked by the fossil fuel industry →