Energy in Demand News, March 8-9, 2026

The war in the Middle East could end up having a devastating impact on our global energy system. Daniel Yergin, the well-known energy analyst who is author of the 1991 ‘The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money and Power’ asks in the Financial Times this week whether the nightmare scenario for global energy is … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, March 8-9, 2026

New EEA publication covering the links between air pollution, noise and chemical pollution to mental health issue

Reducing pollution, in line with the EU Zero Pollution action plan, could improve mental health across Europe, according to an EEA briefing published recently. The publication covers the links between air pollution, noise and chemical pollution to mental health issues, as well as opportunities for action – including the positive effects of nature-based solutions on … Continue reading New EEA publication covering the links between air pollution, noise and chemical pollution to mental health issue

Energy in Demand News, February 22-23, 2026

In the rush to expand the use of coal in the US, the Financial Times reports that this week the US Environmental Protection Agency “rolled back strict controls imposed by former president Joe Biden’s administration on the volume of toxins that coal and oil-fired power plants can release into the atmosphere. The Trump administration has … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 22-23, 2026

Air pollution has become one of the deadliest public health threats in North Macedonia, clouding the country’s EU accession path

In an article on the Euractiv website, Bronwyn Jones argues that until North Macedonia can turn EU funds into cleaner air in the country’s towns and cities, environmental reforms will remain not just a public health challenge, but a test of its readiness for membership.   How air pollution tests North Macedonia’s EU accession credibility … Continue reading Air pollution has become one of the deadliest public health threats in North Macedonia, clouding the country’s EU accession path

Energy in Demand News, January 25-26, 2026

The Financial Times reported this week that Norway’s oil fund wants companies to be allowed to water down their climate goals, arguing the alternative was for a major net zero initiative to fall apart. “The $2tn oil fund told the FT it feared companies could back away from the idea of science-backed climate targets unless … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 25-26, 2026

What happens when we stop putting a price on clean air?

In an article on The Conversation website, Jenni Shearston, Assistant Professor of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, discusses the impact of air pollution to our health and well-being. Shearston questions why the US has recently stopped estimating the dollar value of lives saved in the cost-benefit analyses for new pollution rules. The New York … Continue reading What happens when we stop putting a price on clean air?

Energy in Demand News, December 7-8, 2025

A World Meteorological Organization study finds that the Arab region is warming at twice the global average, reports the Financial Times. “The study found extreme events last year affected 3.8mn people and led to more than 300 deaths, mainly from heatwaves and floods. . . . The region covering 22 countries — stretching from the … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, December 7-8, 2025

New EEA briefing on air quality health impact in the EU

Just over 180,000 deaths in the European Union were attributable to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations above World Health Organization WHO guideline levels in 2023, according to the latest European Environment Agency (EEA) air quality health impact assessment published this week.   Air quality improving, but just over 180,000 deaths still attributable to … Continue reading New EEA briefing on air quality health impact in the EU

Energy in Demand News, November 30, 2025

There is a fascinating news item from New York., reported in a Financial Times newsletter this week. “New York City’s top finance official has urged three of the city’s biggest pension funds to drop BlackRock as a manager of more than $42bn, as the metropolis looks to use its weight in markets to tackle climate … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, November 30, 2025

New EEA briefing calling for improved monitoring of air pollution from transport in Europe

Air pollutant emissions from shipping and aviation are rising, posing an increasing risk to human health, especially for those living near ports and airports, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published this week. The briefing calls for improved monitoring of air pollution in and around these key transportation hubs.   Better air quality … Continue reading New EEA briefing calling for improved monitoring of air pollution from transport in Europe