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

“The fossil fuel lobby is holding us back from negotiating a treaty that will end the plastics crisis”

The fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, is taking place in Ottawa, Canada. This meeting is being held pursuant to the resolution adopted by the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), which requests the UN Environment … Continue reading “The fossil fuel lobby is holding us back from negotiating a treaty that will end the plastics crisis”

With the right incentives in place by governments and the construction sector, almost all cement produced around the world could be low-carbon

In an article on The Conversation website, Jamie Goggins, Professor of Civil Engineering, College of Science and Engineering at the University of Galway discusses how green cement production is showing real promise. What are your views?   Green cement production is scaling up – and it could cut the carbon footprint of construction Aside from … Continue reading With the right incentives in place by governments and the construction sector, almost all cement produced around the world could be low-carbon

Infrared fabric heat-emitting “wallpaper” avoids the disruption and expense of heat pumps

Hundreds of millions of buildings across the world need clean heating. But retrofitting them all for heat pump installation is going to be expensive, disruptive, and take a long time. In an article on the Conversation website, Michael Siebert at Nottingham Trent University describes a completely different approach, using new high-tech infrared fabrics that emit … Continue reading Infrared fabric heat-emitting “wallpaper” avoids the disruption and expense of heat pumps

Energy in Demand News, April 21, 2024

Is it two steps forward and one step back or the reverse. The climate and energy transition is underway. The question is what way? This week in an article on the Financial Times (behind a paywall), the global financial services company J P Morgan said that the world needs a “reality check” on its move … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, April 21, 2024

Blog by Stephen Davies: Should more UK property owners follow Norway in adopting heat pumps?

Low heat pump adoption in the UK compared to other European countries remains a pressing issue. However, there is a wealth of potential benefits if UK property owners were to emulate Norway's successful heat pump adoption strategy. This article discusses the advantages of following Norway's lead on the use of heat pumps. It reflects how … Continue reading Blog by Stephen Davies: Should more UK property owners follow Norway in adopting heat pumps?

Energy in Demand News, April 14, 2024

This week Politico reported about a leaked draft report outlining the EU’s priorities for the next five years. It hardly mentions climate and shockingly only mentions “environment” as a promise to create a “business-friendly environment.” The report says that green groups are incensed. “This plan expects 20th-century military strategy to protect people from 21st-century security … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, April 14, 2024

AI can make a significant contribution to tackling climate change

In an article on The Conversation website, Kirk Chang, Professor of Management and Technology, University of East London and Alina Vaduva, Director of the Business Advice Centre for Post Graduate Students at UEL, Ambassador of the Centre for Innovation, Management and Enterprise, University of East London, discuss the potential of AI to help address climate … Continue reading AI can make a significant contribution to tackling climate change

Upcoming Paris Olympics halving the carbon footprint of London 2012 and Rio 2016

Organisers say they are setting a precedent by using existing or temporary venues for most events and focusing on low-carbon building for the rest. Angelique Chrisafis discusses the plans in an article on the Guardian website.   'Greenest ever Games’: how the Paris Olympics hopes to inspire a new era of global sporting events Beneath … Continue reading Upcoming Paris Olympics halving the carbon footprint of London 2012 and Rio 2016

An international agreement on limiting the supply of fossil fuels is needed

The latest science on climate change is unequivocal: the world must eliminate fossil fuel-based energy systems – and fast. Such a phase-out requires international cooperation to restrict the supply of fossil fuels, including coal, oil and gas. This won’t be easy, but it is possible. In an article on The Conversation website, Harro van Asselt, … Continue reading An international agreement on limiting the supply of fossil fuels is needed