Andrew Warren, chair of the British Energy Efficiency Federation and a friend of EiD, looks at what the European Citizens’ panel has to say about the need to invest in energy efficiency measures and wonders how a similar body could help to shape policy initiatives in the UK. This column was originally in the May … Continue reading EU citizens’ panel on energy efficiency will “contribute to shaping EU laws and initiatives in this area”
Author: Rod Janssen
Generative AI is an energy hog
Chris Baraniuk writes on the BBC News website about the impact on electricity grids from the growth in generative AI. Electricity grids creak as AI demands soar There’s a big problem with generative AI, says Sasha Luccioni at Hugging Face, a machine-learning company. Generative AI is an energy hog. “Every time you query the … Continue reading Generative AI is an energy hog
New briefing by EEA on current state of textile waste in Europe
Starting next year, EU Member States must put separate collection systems in place for textiles. The European Environment Agency’s briefing, published this week, shows that most textile waste in Europe currently ends up in mixed waste and that sorting and recycling capacity need to be urgently scaled up to ensure better and more circular use … Continue reading New briefing by EEA on current state of textile waste in Europe
Energy in Demand, May 19, 2024
It is uncomfortable reading about the new report from the National Bureau of Economic Research and reported in the Guardian this week. The economic damage wrought by climate change is six times worse than previously thought. “A 1C increase in global temperature leads to a 12% decline in world gross domestic product (GDP), the researchers … Continue reading Energy in Demand, May 19, 2024
Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis signs law that removes most references to climate change in state law, bans offshore wind turbines in state waters and weakens regulations on natural gas pipelines
The state, which just had its hottest year since 1895, has taken steps to rip up its climate change policy foundation. The law also stops programmes designed to encourage renewable energy (prohibiting the construction of offshore wind turbines in state waters) and energy conservation. The legislation also deletes requirements that state agencies use climate-friendly products … Continue reading Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis signs law that removes most references to climate change in state law, bans offshore wind turbines in state waters and weakens regulations on natural gas pipelines
South Africa’s energy transition: the steps needed to move away from coal
Ricardo Amansure, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Sustainability Transitions, Stellenbosch University writes on The Conversation about eight steps that the country needs to take to move away from coal. South Africa’s plan to move away from coal: 8 steps to make it succeed The South African government’s Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan was … Continue reading South Africa’s energy transition: the steps needed to move away from coal
Canada’s energy transition will be accelerated by dwindling demand
Undeniably, Canada is a major oil and gas producer and understandably, many want that to continue. Speaking at Canada's Net-Zero Forum this week, Lord Adair Turner, chair of international think-tank the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) is convinced the transition will accelerate. Darius Snieckus discusses Lord Turner’s views in an article on the National Observer website. … Continue reading Canada’s energy transition will be accelerated by dwindling demand
Does promotion of nuclear energy in Australia make sense?
Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia writes in The Conversation website that he considers the promotion of nuclear energy in Australia as a climate obstruction tactic. Is it? Nuclear power makes no sense for Australia – but it’s a useful diversion from real climate action Opposition leader Peter Dutton argues Australia … Continue reading Does promotion of nuclear energy in Australia make sense?
Researchers tracking the link between climate change and health say the adverse impacts are far-reaching
A new report in the Lancet has found that warming temperatures in Europe have far reaching impacts on health. Verity Bowman discusses the report in an article on the Telegraph website. ‘Climate change is here and it kills’: Heat-related deaths rise by 30pc in Europe, says Lancet New diseases are spreading, the hayfever season … Continue reading Researchers tracking the link between climate change and health say the adverse impacts are far-reaching
Why the benefits of cycling matter
In an article on The Conversation website, Kévin Jean, Maître de conférences en épidémiologie, Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (CNAM) ; Audrey de Nazelle, Senior lecturer, Imperial College London ; Marion Leroutier, Postdoc Fellow, Institute for Fiscal Studies ; and Philippe Quirion, Directeur de recherche, économie, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) discuss the benefits of … Continue reading Why the benefits of cycling matter
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 