While AI uses a lot of energy, it can also make systems cleaner and smarter

Nir Kshetri, Professor of Management, University of North Carolina – Greensboro, writes on The Conversation website that the positive benefits from AI almost certainly will be much more important than the negative ones when it comes to improving the environment. Despite its steep environmental costs, AI might also help save the planet The rapid growth … Continue reading While AI uses a lot of energy, it can also make systems cleaner and smarter →

Energy in Demand News, January 18-19, 2025

This week, the Washington Post reported that the US Environmental Protection Agency will no longer consider health costs in pollution regulations. “The EPA can effectively manage the balance between protecting the environment and spurring economic growth without misleading the public and assigning arbitrary dollar amounts to human health,” said West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 18-19, 2025 →

Will the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement really go against the EU’s climate commitments?

The EU is set to sign a long-awaited trade deal with South America's trade bloc, Mercosur. It may offer unexplored opportunities, but critics say the environmental fallout is being sidelined. In an article on the Deutsche Welle website, Martin Kuebler discusses the main issues. What the EU-Mercosur deal might mean for the environment Ursula … Continue reading Will the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement really go against the EU’s climate commitments? →

“It is a stretch to suggest that treating ChatGPT politely comes at significant environmental cost”

In article on The Conversation website, Richard Morris, Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, New Zealand discusses the hidden environmental footprint of AI. The author writes that “the popularity of the “please” myth is therefore less a mistake than a signal. People sense AI has a footprint, even if the language … Continue reading “It is a stretch to suggest that treating ChatGPT politely comes at significant environmental cost” →

The need for smarter energy management

In an article prepared for the World Energy Forum annual meeting, Dave Regnery, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Trane Technologies, writes how we can build a more sustainable and resilient future. How to rethink energy demand to build a sustainable, resilient future Global electricity waste exceeds hundreds of billions annually, demanding smarter energy management … Continue reading The need for smarter energy management →

Europe’s carbon border tax is a wake-up call for the UK

In a column in the January issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry, Andrew Warren, Chair of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, considers the introduction of new ‘green tariff’ rules set to impact on any high-carbon goods entering into the EU and the need for the UK government to deliver on its commitment to secure … Continue reading Europe’s carbon border tax is a wake-up call for the UK →

Energy in Demand News, January 11-12, 2026

The Trump Administration has walked away from any effort to address climate change or clean energy technologies, at the national and international levels. Most recently the US announced its withdrawal from virtually all the relevant international organisations (see the first two posts below). Yet, the impact of climate change is being felt in the US. … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 11-12, 2026 →

The latest Arctic Report Card on the far northern environment is not good news

In an article on The Conversation website, Matthew L. Druckenmiller, Senior Scientist, National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), University of Colorado Boulder; Rick Thoman, Alaska Climate Specialist, University of Alaska Fairbanks; Twila A. Moon, Deputy Lead Scientist, National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), Cooperative Institute … Continue reading The latest Arctic Report Card on the far northern environment is not good news →

America’s climate and energy transition: the role of communication

Josh Axelrod writes on the Deutsche Welle website about communication related to the climate crisis. A strong majority of Americans say they're worried about the climate. So why do they hear so little about it in the news? Climate coverage shrinks amid Trump's clean energy misinfo Some 89% of people worldwide say they want … Continue reading America’s climate and energy transition: the role of communication →

China’s energy transition: what to expect in 2026

In an article on The Conversation website, Chee Meng Tan, Assistant Professor of Business Economics, University of Nottingham discusses the challenges facing China this year. China’s five green economy challenges in 2026 As China heads into the new year it will start rolling out its 15th five‑year plan, this one is for 2026-2030. Beijing … Continue reading China’s energy transition: what to expect in 2026 →