Climate change is affecting wine producers everywhere but farmers producing prosecco in Italy have been plunged into crisis mode

In an article by Ajit Niranjan on the Guardian website, farmers and researchers tell of the impact of a rapidly changing climate, and the measures being taken to adapt. From parched earth to landslides: crisis in the prosecco hills of Italy Paola Ferraro marches through the neat grids of vines that chequer the slopes … Continue reading Climate change is affecting wine producers everywhere but farmers producing prosecco in Italy have been plunged into crisis mode →

Energy in Demand, May 26, 2024

With elections for the European Parliament approaching on June 6-9, predictions are for a surge of right wing parties and a consequent erosion of the climate and energy agenda. According to The Economist election tracker, “the environment, including terms such as “climate change”, is a hot topic on the continent’s fringes: it’s most often searched … Continue reading Energy in Demand, May 26, 2024 →

Is London ready to be a “sponge city”?

A sponge city, according to Wikipedia, is a new urban planning model in China that emphasizes flood management via strengthening green infrastructures instead of purely relying on drainage systems. Jacob Evans writes on the BBC News website whether London should become one. What are your views? What about other cities? Would yours be a candidate? … Continue reading Is London ready to be a “sponge city”? →

New reports paint a troubling picture of Europe’s readiness to handle the effects of climate change over the coming years

Climate-related disasters cost Europe more than €77 billion last year, according to a new report. But costs can be lowered with better data and financing strategies. David Keating discusses warnings from the World Bank about Europe’s preparedness in an article on the Euractiv website. Europe unprepared for climate disaster, warns World Bank A series … Continue reading New reports paint a troubling picture of Europe’s readiness to handle the effects of climate change over the coming years →

New report by EEA on water-related impacts of climate change on health and well-being that are already felt across Europe

Climate change is worsening floods, droughts and is reducing water quality, posing an increasing threat to our health, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report published this week. Fast-tracking implementation and better coordination of efforts by governments, water authorities and healthcare providers are urgently needed to prevent and reduce health impacts. Climate health … Continue reading New report by EEA on water-related impacts of climate change on health and well-being that are already felt across Europe →

Energy in Demand News, May 5, 2024

A three year US congressional investigation finds that the world’s largest oil groups had privately acknowledged for decades that burning fossil fuels causes climate change. The findings followed a three-year probe that unearthed internal documents from the major energy companies with evidence of concerted campaigns “to confuse and mislead the public while working unceasingly to … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, May 5, 2024 →

Megacities in Africa face adaptation challenge

Cities cover just 3% of the planet. But they emit 78% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, absorb 80% of final global energy (what consumers use) and consume 60% of clean drinking water. African megacities like Lagos, Nigeria (with 21 million residents) and Cairo, Egypt (with 10 million residents) are experiencing significant temperature increases due … Continue reading Megacities in Africa face adaptation challenge →

New EEA report takes stock of urban adaptation in Europe

Most Europeans live in urban areas and cities play a key role in protecting citizens and improving the resilience of European societies against the increasing impacts of climate change. The European Environment Agency’s report, published this week, takes stock of urban adaptation in Europe, showcasing what actions cities are taking in response to increasing climate … Continue reading New EEA report takes stock of urban adaptation in Europe →

Energy in Demand News, April 28, 2024

Economic damage from natural catastrophes is raising concern that some areas could be rendered uninsurable, according to Petra Hielkema, head of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (Eiopa), quoted in the Financial Times (behind a paywall). “The EU suffered more than €50bn in economic losses from natural catastrophes in both 2021 and 2022, according … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, April 28, 2024 →

Energy in Demand News, April 7, 2024

The Financial Times (behind a paywall) anticipates that the AI revolution will be a boon for natural gas, according to fossil fuel bosses. “AI’s soaring energy needs will rise well beyond what renewable energy and batteries can deliver, executives argue, making more planet-warming fossil fuel supplies crucial even as governments vow to slash their use.” … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, April 7, 2024 →