Protecting London a matter of ‘national security’ if extreme weather hits

Protecting London from extreme weather is a matter of “national security”, according to an independent report, which found that flooding, drought and wildfires were putting the UK capital’s economy and citizens at risk. The review says capital needs new reservoir, better flood defences and ‘heat plan’ for vulnerable people. Fiona Harvey discusses the findings of … Continue reading Protecting London a matter of ‘national security’ if extreme weather hits

The energy giant Shell promised to turn 1m tonnes of plastic waste into oil each year, but now says goal is unfeasible

Dharna Noor writes on the Guardian website about Shell’s decision to roll back on the promise to increase “advanced recycling” of plastics. The company said the walk-back was necessary due to changes in the market. Also, slow technology development has indeed been a factor in the advanced recycling market. Many feel Shell made a wise … Continue reading The energy giant Shell promised to turn 1m tonnes of plastic waste into oil each year, but now says goal is unfeasible

Nearly 50 years ago an American oil company warned of climate risks

In an article on the Guardian website, Geoff Dembicki discusses how Marathon Petroleum predecessor warned of  thepotential for ‘social and economic calamities’ in a decades-old publication.   US oil company ran 1977 article predicting climate crisis could cause starvation The corporate predecessor to America’s largest refiner of oil, Marathon Petroleum, explained in a company periodical … Continue reading Nearly 50 years ago an American oil company warned of climate risks

If Europe wants to meet its climate targets and set the standard for sustainable food production then improving the sustainability of greenhouse farming will be a key concern

In an article on the EU’s Horizon research projects website, Bárbara Pinho discusses the results of one EU-funded project designed to develop a new, more energy-efficient  and environment-friendly system for controlling both temperature and humidity in greenhouses. Let EiD know if you have a project you would like to describe.   Greener greenhouses promise more … Continue reading If Europe wants to meet its climate targets and set the standard for sustainable food production then improving the sustainability of greenhouse farming will be a key concern

New report from UK’s Energy Saving Trust on use of loans

The Energy Saving Trust has put together a policy brief on how loan schemes have and are being used in Scotland to encourage action to reduce emissions in homes and businesses. It is valuable to learn how effective they have been in Scotland. What is the experience in your country?   Policy briefing: the use … Continue reading New report from UK’s Energy Saving Trust on use of loans

Is there a future for hydrogen?

Matt Oliver writes on the Telegraph website that hopes of a seamless transition to green hydrogen are crashing into economic reality. What are your views?   How the West’s ‘absurd’ bet on hydrogen imploded Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest has been on something of a journey in recent years. The Australian billionaire, best known for making his … Continue reading Is there a future for hydrogen?

Food’s role in climate change has emerged as one of the defining challenges of our time

In an article on The Conversation website, Hanqin Tian, Director and Institute Professor, Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability, Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society, Boston College; Eric Davidson, Professor, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; Pep Canadell, Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO Environment; Executive Director, Global Carbon Project, CSIRO; and Rona … Continue reading Food’s role in climate change has emerged as one of the defining challenges of our time

Tackling climate change and its consequences needs urgent investment

Moazzam Malik, managing director at the World Resources Institute and honorary professor at the UCL Policy Lab writes on the Climate Home News website, stating that a new global deal on financing is needed. He argues that a more effective framework led by the UN could involve a binding financial target, a role for emerging … Continue reading Tackling climate change and its consequences needs urgent investment

Energy in Demand News, July 14, 2024

Despite growing at an unprecedented rate last year, renewable energy sources are still not being deployed quickly enough to put the world on track to meet an international goal of tripling renewables by 2030, new data shows. According to figures published on Thursday by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewables are the fastest-growing source … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, July 14, 2024

Brazil is no stranger to mass population movements triggered by climate change but the public is unprepared for future extreme climate events

In an article on The Conversation website, Robert Muggah, Lecturer, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro discusses the lack of preparedness and that a new approach is urgently needed.   Brazil needs a new approach to climate mobility Devastating floods led to more than 175 deaths and 423,000 people displaced in the southern Brazilian … Continue reading Brazil is no stranger to mass population movements triggered by climate change but the public is unprepared for future extreme climate events