G20 finance ministers included reference to the economic threat of climate change

The inclusion of the term “climate change” in a statement from the Group of 20 finance ministers appeared to be a notable, but subtle, acknowledgment by the United States that the threat from rising temperatures was a valid economic concern. Alan Rappeport and Lisa Friedman write about the G20 joint statement in an article on … Continue reading G20 finance ministers included reference to the economic threat of climate change →

German-listed companies invested 11 times more in low-carbon investments than British companies

A report has revealed that German-listed companies invested 11 times more in low-carbon investments such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and smart energy grids than UK firms. Germany, Spain and Italy topped the company league table for low-carbon investment last year while the UK finished sixth, below France and Denmark. Jillian Ambrose discusses the results … Continue reading German-listed companies invested 11 times more in low-carbon investments than British companies →

Even the best airlines are not doing anywhere near enough to reduce their carbon footprint

In a week when a court decision has halted the expansion of Heathrow Airport in London because climate change had not been factored in, it is useful to review what airlines are doing to reduce their carbon footprint. Susanne Becken, Professor of Sustainable Tourism and Director, Griffith Institute for Tourism at Griffith University gives a … Continue reading Even the best airlines are not doing anywhere near enough to reduce their carbon footprint →

School system needs wholesale reform to help young people deal with climate change

Using Britain as an example, the UK currently has no formal training or support for teachers to carry out “climate education”. According to Amanda Power, Associate Professor in Medieval History at the University of Oxford writing on The Conversation website, “the situation is now so bad that simply telling the truth about the climate crisis … Continue reading School system needs wholesale reform to help young people deal with climate change →

The debate in Australia now turns towards the pros and cons of setting a long-term net zero emissions target for 2050

The summer of climate disasters in Australia has led to people seriously reflecting on how to address the situation. Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia Institute, writes in The Guardian that there are 30 years to solve the hard problems, but no time to avoid the easy solutions. Putting the 'net' into net-zero … Continue reading The debate in Australia now turns towards the pros and cons of setting a long-term net zero emissions target for 2050 →

Ammonia could be powering ships within the decade

Roger Harrabin writes on the BBC website that ocean-going ships could be powered by ammonia within the decade. The industry hopes ammonia will help it tackle climate change, because it burns without CO2 emissions. The creation of the ammonia itself creates substantial CO2, but a report says technology can solve this problem. Fertiliser could … Continue reading Ammonia could be powering ships within the decade →

JP Morgan report on the economic risks of human-caused global heating said climate policy

JP Morgan has financed many fossil fuel projects. Since the 2015 Paris climate agreement it has continued to finance such projects. Now, a leaked internal document warns clients that the climate crisis threatens the survival of humanity and that the planet is on an unsustainable trajectory. Jonathan Watt explains in an article in The Guardian. … Continue reading JP Morgan report on the economic risks of human-caused global heating said climate policy →

Fossil fuels are emitting “vastly” more of the potent GHG methane than previously thought

Harry Cockburn writes on the Independent website that new research shows the impact of fossil fuels has been vastly underestimated. What does this mean for our policy development and implementation? Fossil fuels’ impact on planet ‘vastly underestimated’ The oil, gas and coal industries are emitting “vastly” more of the potent greenhouse gas methane than … Continue reading Fossil fuels are emitting “vastly” more of the potent GHG methane than previously thought →

Decarbonising transport is complicated

Laurie Wright, Senior Lecturer, Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering at Solent University explains the complexity of decarbonisation of transport. While it is about the UK, the issues are relevant in virtually all countries. What are your views? Plane, train, or automobile? The climate impact of transport is surprisingly complicated The 2020s will … Continue reading Decarbonising transport is complicated →

Reviewing progress in addressing climate change since the Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol, which created the first binding targets to limit greenhouse gas emissions, went into effect in February 2005. Some experts say it was a "game changer," but others question its long-term effectiveness. Tim Schauenberg reviews developments in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. Tackling climate change from Kyoto to Paris and … Continue reading Reviewing progress in addressing climate change since the Kyoto Protocol →