New EEA data shows that CO2 emissions from new cars dropped by 12% in 2020

Average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of new cars dropped by 12% in 2020 compared to the year before, according to final figures published this week by the European Environment Agency. The main reason for the sharp decrease of emissions was a surge in the share of electric vehicle registrations. Average carbon dioxide emissions from … Continue reading New EEA data shows that CO2 emissions from new cars dropped by 12% in 2020 →

WEF podcast transcript on carbon offsets

As we wonder about the impact of carbon offsets, the World Economic Forum provides a podcast that should give us a wider view of their benefits. Robin Pomeroy, Podcast Editor at the WEF, discusses carbon offsets with Rachel Kyte, co-chair of the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative and with Dharsono Hartono, UpLink Top Innovator, and … Continue reading WEF podcast transcript on carbon offsets →

New study shows benefits of construction using timber rather than concrete and steel

No doubt globally we need new construction. A new study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research shows the benefits of timber construction. Environmentalists, however, say replacing natural forests with wood plantations to realise shift in construction practices is ‘bonkers’ In an article on The Guardian website, Arthur Neslen discusses the study and the … Continue reading New study shows benefits of construction using timber rather than concrete and steel →

New EEA report on increase in GHG emissions from heavy-duty vehicles

GHG emissions from heavy-duty vehicles — trucks, buses and coaches — have increased in the EU almost every year since 2014, mainly due to increasing demand for freight transport. According to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, published this week, efficiency improvements have not been enough to stop growth in total emissions and a shift … Continue reading New EEA report on increase in GHG emissions from heavy-duty vehicles →

Germany’s 9 euro summer rail pass experiment brought many benefits

After three months, the special offer in Germany of the 9-euro ticket for nationwide use on local and regional public transport made tourist highlights accessible at low cost and even achieved some carbon emissions reductions. Some news agencies note that 52 million tickets were purchased during the three month experiment. Kate Connolly discusses in an … Continue reading Germany’s 9 euro summer rail pass experiment brought many benefits →

The German government plans a new digitalisation strategy that could pave the way for greater energy efficiency

Edgar Meza writes on the Clean Energy Wire website about German plan that would help the energy sector “de-bureaucratise” and accelerate the rollout of smart meters. What are your views? Germany aims to push energy efficiency with digitalisation strategy The German government plans a new digitalisation strategy that could pave the way for greater energy efficiency in the … Continue reading The German government plans a new digitalisation strategy that could pave the way for greater energy efficiency →

British company used the Energy Charter Treaty to sue the Italian government for foregone profits and plans to invest the compensation in further drilling

A British oil company has won over €190 million ($190m) in compensation from the Italian government for blocking a planned project off Italy’s Adriatic coast. Arthur Neslen discusses the arbitration results in an article on The Guardian website. Bravo to Yamina Saheb, friend of EiD, for her role as whistleblower to expose the impact of … Continue reading British company used the Energy Charter Treaty to sue the Italian government for foregone profits and plans to invest the compensation in further drilling →

“Google has airbrushed a huge chunk of the aviation industry’s climate impacts from its pages”

With Google hosting nine out of every 10 online searches, Google’s change to reduce airline emissions could have wide repercussions for people's travel decisions. Justin Rowlatt discusses in an article on the BBC News website. Let us know your reaction. Google change reduces airline emissions calculations Your flights now appear to have much less … Continue reading “Google has airbrushed a huge chunk of the aviation industry’s climate impacts from its pages” →

Promoting bicycling can have major impact on mitigating GHG emissions

In the Netherlands, one in four trips is made on a bicycle. If the whole world biked as much as they do in the Netherlands, over 680 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions could be avoided every year. than Freedman discusses the benefits of cycling in an article on The Independent website. And while … Continue reading Promoting bicycling can have major impact on mitigating GHG emissions →

New McKinsey briefing: governments can act now to accelerate the energy transition in Europe to both improve the continent’s long-term energy security and reduce emissions

An executive briefing discusses how climate action can help Europe improve its energy security. The five McKinsey authors are Jesse Noffsinger, Nadia Christakou, Hamid Samandari, Humayun Tai is a senior partner and Dickon Pinner. How climate action can help deliver EU energy security Europe is currently facing two major energy challenges. The first is … Continue reading New McKinsey briefing: governments can act now to accelerate the energy transition in Europe to both improve the continent’s long-term energy security and reduce emissions →