With climate change hitting vineyards around the world with more extreme weather, a growing number of quality-conscious wineries are releasing non-vintage bottles so they can make a more consistent wine

Will Smale writes on the BBC news website about the latest trend in the wine industry as it deals with the impact of climate change.   Climate change pushing winemakers to blend wines from different years In the world of wine vintage is king. If you are buying a bottle of red, white or rosé … Continue reading With climate change hitting vineyards around the world with more extreme weather, a growing number of quality-conscious wineries are releasing non-vintage bottles so they can make a more consistent wine

Energy in Demand News, August 3-4, 2025

The EU and US agreed to a new trade deal in recent days, to a distinctly mixed reaction. The European Environmental Bureau (EEB), Europe’s largest network of environmental NGOs, warns that the centrepiece of the deal, a €700 billion pledge to buy U.S. fossil fuels and nuclear energy over the next three years, is fundamentally … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, August 3-4, 2025

Adapting Germany’s trains to a changing climate

Even though trains are the safest and most sustainable mode of transportation, they are vulnerable to extreme weather. David Ehl questions on the Deutsche Welle what lessons can be learned from the recent train derailment in southern Germany.   How can Germany's railways become more climate resilient? Emergency services were met with a scene of destruction. … Continue reading Adapting Germany’s trains to a changing climate

Energy in Demand News, July 27-28, 2025

It is summer time in Europe but the news has not slowed down. The post below on the IEA is disturbing and we can all hope that the US remains a member of the IEA in order to make a valuable contribution to our sustainable energy future. There is a good report from SciencesPo on … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, July 27-28, 2025

Germany’s energy transition: “We need effective climate protection. Otherwise, summer will turn from a wonderful season to a very dangerous season for very many people.”

Jens Thurau writes on the Deutsche Welle website about how Germany, a country known for its lack of air conditioning, is preparing for the next heatwave.   How Germany manages extreme heat and climate change This summer has seen some hot days in Germany. Very hot. In early July, temperatures in Hamburg and Cologne soared … Continue reading Germany’s energy transition: “We need effective climate protection. Otherwise, summer will turn from a wonderful season to a very dangerous season for very many people.”

Energy in Demand News, July 6-7, 2025

The Guardian reports that Europe’s heatwaves have failed to stimulate support for climate action.  “As heatwaves engulfed large swathes of Europe and North America last week – the latest in a stream of deadly extremes made worse by fossil fuel pollution – green groups are frustrated that increasingly violent weather has not spurred the urgent … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, July 6-7, 2025

New EEA assessment looks at how prepared Europe is to handle extreme weather

With European countries facing another year of damaging heatwaves, drought and other extreme weather events, how prepared and resilient are they to handle these events? A new interactive European Environment Agency (EEA) product published this week looks at key climate change impacts and adaptation and preparedness actions.    Extreme weather in a changing climate: Is … Continue reading New EEA assessment looks at how prepared Europe is to handle extreme weather

Energy in Demand News, June 15-16, 2025

The International Energy Agency (IEA) held its 10th annual Global Energy Efficiency Conference in Brussels this past week. The invitation-only two-day conference was co-chaired by the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen and IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, and was organised with the support of the Energy Efficiency Movement. There were many excellent panels and 700 attendees … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, June 15-16, 2025

Blog by Ellie Gabel: The Feedback Loop: How Increased Air Conditioning Use Is Accelerating Climate Change

Air conditioning units are deceptive contributors to the climate crisis. Temperatures are changing worldwide, altering household behaviors. Many have increased the amount they use these devices multifold as thermostat numbers creep to extremes. How and why is this happening, and what can you do? Increased Electricity Demand and Generation Air conditioning is responsible for 3% … Continue reading Blog by Ellie Gabel: The Feedback Loop: How Increased Air Conditioning Use Is Accelerating Climate Change

New EEA report on impact on the most vulnerable groups in Europe

Europe is warming up faster than any other continent and the most vulnerable people are bearing the brunt of climate impacts. A new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), published this week shows that although the most vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected, they are often overlooked in climate adaptation planning and especially implementation.   … Continue reading New EEA report on impact on the most vulnerable groups in Europe