New way to recycle cement from demolished concrete buildings

In an article on the BBC News website, Justin Rowlatt discusses a new way to recycle cement and massively reduce its carbon footprint. What are your views?   UK breakthrough could slash emissions from cement Scientists say they've found a way to recycle cement from demolished concrete buildings. Cement is the modern world's most common … Continue reading New way to recycle cement from demolished concrete buildings

The latest victims of the culture wars in America: woke white goods

Emma Beddington writes on the Guardian website about the latest victim of cultural wars in America.  Apparently, energy efficiency and lower electricity bills are unAmerican. What are your views?   Free the fridges! Make dishwashers great again! US conservatives have odd priorities If you’ve ever wished your dishwasher used more water, or found your fridge … Continue reading The latest victims of the culture wars in America: woke white goods

Generative AI is an energy hog

Chris Baraniuk writes on the BBC News website about the impact on electricity grids from the growth in generative AI.   Electricity grids creak as AI demands soar There’s a big problem with generative AI, says Sasha Luccioni at Hugging Face, a machine-learning company. Generative AI is an energy hog. “Every time you query the … Continue reading Generative AI is an energy hog

Energy in Demand, May 19, 2024

It is uncomfortable reading about the new report from the National Bureau of Economic Research and reported in the Guardian this week. The economic damage wrought by climate change is six times worse than previously thought. “A 1C increase in global temperature leads to a 12% decline in world gross domestic product (GDP), the researchers … Continue reading Energy in Demand, May 19, 2024

Comment on new report showing global economy is consuming ever more natural resources, while the world is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals

The International Resource Panel (IRP) of UNEP has just published a report Global Resources Outlook 2024. One of the authors Anders Wijkman, a member of the IRP,  an honorary president of the Club of Rome and a friend of EiD has written this commentary on the report in an article on the Reuters website. What … Continue reading Comment on new report showing global economy is consuming ever more natural resources, while the world is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals

The European Commission’s approach to industrial carbon management

In February, the European Commission published its new approach to industrial carbon management. The following is the press release from February 6th (edited by EiD concerning dates).   Commission sets out how to sustainably capture, store and use carbon to reach climate neutrality by 2050 The European Union is committed to reaching ‘net zero' CO2 … Continue reading The European Commission’s approach to industrial carbon management

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

Paris Olympic Games have target to produce half the emissions of the Rio and London games

Paul Messad writes on the Euractiv website about what Paris Olympic Games organisers have done to reduce its carbon footprint.   Climate friendly Paris Olympic Games focused on low carbon, repurposed construction The Paris Olympic Games have opted for low-carbon construction and the repurposing of existing facilities for its sports infrastructure. The target is to … Continue reading Paris Olympic Games have target to produce half the emissions of the Rio and London games