Fossil fuels still dominate the German heating market

A new heating report in Germany shows that oil and gas boilers continue to dominate the heating market. Heat pump sales, however, have increased more than 50%. According to the German heat pump association (BWP), the report “clearly shows that the incentives to switch heating systems to renewable technologies are not yet sufficient.” The heat … Continue reading Fossil fuels still dominate the German heating market

New report shows Dutch sustainability criteria for biomass unlawful

A report, published this week by five (inter)national environmental organisations (Biofuelwatch UK, Comite Schone Lucht NL, Leefmilieu, Dogwood Alliance VS and Estonian Fund for Nature ES) shows that the largest certification programme (SBP) used for logging does not meet the Dutch sustainability criteria. Certification appears to be entirely in the hands of the wood pellet … Continue reading New report shows Dutch sustainability criteria for biomass unlawful

Italy is pushing back against EU directive aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings

As the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive slowly winds its way through the approval process from EU institutions, Crispian Balmer and Valentina Za write on the Reuters website that the new Italian government is throwing up some obstacles. How serious are they?   Italy gets cold feet over EU greener buildings plan … Continue reading Italy is pushing back against EU directive aimed at improving the energy efficiency of buildings

We don’t need experimental or risky energy sources to save our planet

Mark Z Jacobson is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University explains in an article on The Guardian website that the combination of wind, water and solar energy will be enough to solve our climate problems. Wind, water and solar energy is cheap, effective and green. He argues that there is no … Continue reading We don’t need experimental or risky energy sources to save our planet

The promise of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies in our long-term climate strategies

Carbon removal technologies promise to help meet the world's emissions targets and keep climate change in check. But there are downsides. Martin Kuebler discusses in an article on the Deutsche Welle website.   Can 'untested' carbon removal technology BECCS deliver? Slashing emissions and transitioning to green energy is no longer enough to meet the world's climate … Continue reading The promise of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies in our long-term climate strategies

New Slovak law enshrines in legislation the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050

Barbara Zmušková writes on the EURACTIV website about the new climate law in the Slovak Republic.   Slovak government presents first-ever climate law The Climate Law, which for the first time officially enshrined in legislation the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, was presented by the Slovakian Environment Ministry on Monday. The law also … Continue reading New Slovak law enshrines in legislation the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050

Fossil fuel companies spent millions of dollars on advertisements containing climate disinformation and greenwashing at COP27

Fossil fuel companies spent $4m on climate disinformation at COP27 in Egypt, with majority of content originating from a US based PR firm. Stuti Mishra discusses the disinformation efforts in an article on The Independent website.   Fossil fuel lobby waged $4m disinformation campaign during climate summit, report finds Fossil fuel companies spent millions of … Continue reading Fossil fuel companies spent millions of dollars on advertisements containing climate disinformation and greenwashing at COP27

New standards should bring greater scrutiny of carbon offsets and give buyers confidence their money is helping protect the environment

Recent investigations have revealed widespread problems with offsetting. Fiona Harvey writes on The Guardian website about new efforts by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market to introduce new standards to reassure consumers of the impact of their carbon offset efforts. What are your views?   New carbon offset standards ‘should bring greater scrutiny’ … Continue reading New standards should bring greater scrutiny of carbon offsets and give buyers confidence their money is helping protect the environment

The demand for electric tuk-tuks is growing in Thailand

Thailand suffers from serious air pollution problems in its big cities like Bangkok. Mobility is dominated by cars and there are efforts to increase the number of electric vehicles. In cities tuk-tuks play a major role and traditional ones are highly polluting. Now, as Rebecca Root explains in an article on The Guardian website, electric … Continue reading The demand for electric tuk-tuks is growing in Thailand

Is carbon removal technology the answer to addressing climate change?

To prevent further global heating, humans need to stop burning fossil fuels. But that's not enough — experts now say we also need to remove billions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. What are our options? Martin Kuebler and Gero Rueter discuss the issues in an article on the Deutsche Welle website.   Can … Continue reading Is carbon removal technology the answer to addressing climate change?