Eric Ng writes on the South China Morning Post that higher energy efficiency bars have been set in China for companies in sectors ranging from oil refining to non-ferrous metals smelting. The new policies will ‘amplify the trend of the strong getting stronger’, analyst says Climate Change: China’s new five-year energy efficiency targets to … Continue reading China raises efficiency targets for energy-intensive industries
Category: carbon emissions
Discouragingly, the door is open in the EU for more “blue hydrogen” projects
The oil and gas industry is promoting the use of “low-carbon” hydrogen derived from methane that is potentially dirtier than burning fossil gas for energy, scientists and analysts. EU green investment rules facilitate the rollout of blue hydrogen, a fuel that could be more polluting than the fossil gas it is set to replace. Not surprisingly, … Continue reading Discouragingly, the door is open in the EU for more “blue hydrogen” projects
This year’s assessment of the transparency and integrity of companies’ climate pledges
Companies around the world are increasingly alert to the climate emergency, facing calls from a growing range of stakeholders to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their activities. Most large companies now have public climate strategies and targets, many of which include pledges that, on the face of it, appear to significantly reduce, or … Continue reading This year’s assessment of the transparency and integrity of companies’ climate pledges
The price of European carbon allowances (EUAs) is not yet high enough to drive structural decarbonisation
With high energy prices dominating the political agenda and politicians in certain EU member states training their sights on the bloc's carbon market, there is one salient fact being missed in all the hubbub: ETS emissions likely increased by 6% in 2021, and are set to rise further again this year. Self-evidently, this means that … Continue reading The price of European carbon allowances (EUAs) is not yet high enough to drive structural decarbonisation
New study highlighting “vast energy inequality” between rich and poor countries points to “climate hypocrisy”
A recent study found that each Briton produces 200 times the climate emissions of the average Congolese person, with people in the US producing 585 times as much. Yet, as recently as COP26, there was lots of hand-wringing by rich countries about the extent to which aid and other development finance should finance fossil fuels … Continue reading New study highlighting “vast energy inequality” between rich and poor countries points to “climate hypocrisy”
How to stay cool – sustainably
Rising temperatures are leading to a surge in demand for cooling. But, ironically, the more we rely on energy-intensive air conditioners, the more the planet warms. Natalie Muller and Neil King discuss the options in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. Climate emergency: Keeping homes cool on a warming planet In many places, … Continue reading How to stay cool – sustainably
The construction sector is a major GHG emitter, so what can the industry do to cut CO2?
Millions of homes will need to be built for booming city populations in the coming decades. There are major challenges to minimise environmental damage and meet long-term energy and climate objectives. Some argue that tackling the climate crisis and meeting housing demands in cities will require a rethink of how space is used. Natalie Muller … Continue reading The construction sector is a major GHG emitter, so what can the industry do to cut CO2?
US has monumental task to update energy efficiency standards
Nearly three dozen efficiency standards are overdue for an update, and further delays could undercut Biden’s climate goals. Anna Phillips discusses latest developments in an article on The Washington Post website. Biden faces delays in undoing Trump’s war on efficient dishwashers, dryers and lightbulbs that made him ‘look orange’ Before Donald Trump launched his … Continue reading US has monumental task to update energy efficiency standards
How much does anything we do for the climate actually matter?
Can new year's resolutions to go vegan and fly less help stop climate change — or are individual lifestyle changes a distraction from real solutions? Ajit Niranjan tries to give us some answers in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. What are your views? Should I feel guilty about my carbon footprint? Turn … Continue reading How much does anything we do for the climate actually matter?
Offset schemes do little to reduce climate impact of aviation
Almost all airlines now run offset schemes offering customers the chance to invest in green projects to negate the carbon impact of their flight. However, as Madeleine Cuff writes on the inews website, some offset prices fall are below the true cost of removing CO2. So, what would you suggest? Carbon offsetting fees offered … Continue reading Offset schemes do little to reduce climate impact of aviation
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 