Energy in Demand News, January 25-26, 2026

The Financial Times reported this week that Norway’s oil fund wants companies to be allowed to water down their climate goals, arguing the alternative was for a major net zero initiative to fall apart. “The $2tn oil fund told the FT it feared companies could back away from the idea of science-backed climate targets unless … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 25-26, 2026 →

While AI uses a lot of energy, it can also make systems cleaner and smarter

Nir Kshetri, Professor of Management, University of North Carolina – Greensboro, writes on The Conversation website that the positive benefits from AI almost certainly will be much more important than the negative ones when it comes to improving the environment. Despite its steep environmental costs, AI might also help save the planet The rapid growth … Continue reading While AI uses a lot of energy, it can also make systems cleaner and smarter →

Energy in Demand News, January 18-19, 2025

This week, the Washington Post reported that the US Environmental Protection Agency will no longer consider health costs in pollution regulations. “The EPA can effectively manage the balance between protecting the environment and spurring economic growth without misleading the public and assigning arbitrary dollar amounts to human health,” said West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (R) … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 18-19, 2025 →

Will the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement really go against the EU’s climate commitments?

The EU is set to sign a long-awaited trade deal with South America's trade bloc, Mercosur. It may offer unexplored opportunities, but critics say the environmental fallout is being sidelined. In an article on the Deutsche Welle website, Martin Kuebler discusses the main issues. What the EU-Mercosur deal might mean for the environment Ursula … Continue reading Will the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement really go against the EU’s climate commitments? →

Trump’s UN climate treaty exit marks a major US retreat from climate action

In an article on The Conversation website, Gary W. Yohe, Professor of Economics and Environmental Studies, Wesleyan University, discusses the efforts of the US government to dismantle efforts to combat climate change, despite the risks. Damn the torpedoes! Trump ditches a crucial climate treaty in latest move to dismantle America’s climate protections On Jan. … Continue reading Trump’s UN climate treaty exit marks a major US retreat from climate action →

Energy in Demand News, January 11-12, 2026

The Trump Administration has walked away from any effort to address climate change or clean energy technologies, at the national and international levels. Most recently the US announced its withdrawal from virtually all the relevant international organisations (see the first two posts below). Yet, the impact of climate change is being felt in the US. … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 11-12, 2026 →

America’s climate and energy transition: the role of communication

Josh Axelrod writes on the Deutsche Welle website about communication related to the climate crisis. A strong majority of Americans say they're worried about the climate. So why do they hear so little about it in the news? Climate coverage shrinks amid Trump's clean energy misinfo Some 89% of people worldwide say they want … Continue reading America’s climate and energy transition: the role of communication →

China’s energy transition: what to expect in 2026

In an article on The Conversation website, Chee Meng Tan, Assistant Professor of Business Economics, University of Nottingham discusses the challenges facing China this year. China’s five green economy challenges in 2026 As China heads into the new year it will start rolling out its 15th five‑year plan, this one is for 2026-2030. Beijing … Continue reading China’s energy transition: what to expect in 2026 →

Greenlash, a social and political backlash against efforts to rein in emissions

Kate Yoder writes on the National Observer website about the growing greenlash to addressing carbon emissions. This was written before the US announced it was leaving 66 international organisations. Well, we definitely have our challenges to keep on the path to reducing emissions and develop a more sustainable and resilient world. One word sums … Continue reading Greenlash, a social and political backlash against efforts to rein in emissions →

France has once again become a major exporter of electricity

Alicia Aloisi, Futura website writes on the Futura website that France has hit a milestone. For the first time in years, the country is generating more electricity than it uses. In 2024, production soared, exports reached record highs, and nearly all of France’s power supply became decarbonised. It’s a remarkable turnaround — but one that … Continue reading France has once again become a major exporter of electricity →