Developing a strategy to avoid a climate catastrophe

Suzanne Goldenberg writes in The Guardian about a new report to the UN that to prescribes concrete actions that the biggest 15 economies must take to keep warming below 2C. Unfortunately, the report did not provide a cost-benefit analysis of the sweeping transformation that would be needed in all 15 countries to keep warming within … Continue reading Developing a strategy to avoid a climate catastrophe →

For China, the existential question remains whether it can simultaneously decarbonise and grow

EiD has had several posts on China and understandably it is necessary to follow what they are doing because of the global impact of their emissions. Eduardo Porter writes in the New York Times about the efforts underway, yet the balancing of growth versus climate action remains a concern. China’s Hurdle to Fast Action … Continue reading For China, the existential question remains whether it can simultaneously decarbonise and grow →

Global economic summit later this year will not be discussing climate change

The upcoming G20 summit in Australia November will not be discussing climate change according to Radio Australia. This obviously reflects the Abbott government that has totally downplayed climate change issues. This is unfortunate, given the important climate conference in Paris in 2015 that is to set a global commitment. No priority for climate change at … Continue reading Global economic summit later this year will not be discussing climate change →

Assessing how to decarbonise our energy systems

Jeff McMahon provides an important article on the effort required to decarbonise the US energy system. While it includes efforts on the demand side, it mainly relates to decarbonised energy supply. Hopefully this is leading to a better dialogue to gain some consensus on the way forward. What Would It Take To Decarbonize The Energy … Continue reading Assessing how to decarbonise our energy systems →

Reviewing the new report – Climate Change: Implications for Buildings

Those working globally, regionally or nationally to improve the energy performance of buildings have recognised and tried to explain to a wider audience the importance of having an ambitious approach to such improvements for both new and existing buildings. While one can go on and on about one energy supply source after another, what it … Continue reading Reviewing the new report – Climate Change: Implications for Buildings →

Quote of the week

A week ago, Henry Paulson, a Republican, and former US Secretary of the Treasury wrote in the New York Times about his concerns about climate change. He said there were lessons to learn from the financial crisis of 2008, when he was secretary. There is one important part for you to reflect on: The nature … Continue reading Quote of the week →

Lord Stern issues stark warning on the financial damage from climate change

Tom Bawden writes in The Independent that Lord Stern says current models do not adequately reflect the science and the impact on global economies Climate change will ‘cost world far more than estimated’ Lord Stern, the world’s most authoritative climate economist, has issued a stark warning that the financial damage caused by global warming … Continue reading Lord Stern issues stark warning on the financial damage from climate change →

Road to low carbon economy never was going to be easy

We have seen many good efforts for our economies to reduce carbon emissions but there are undoubted blips along the path. Terry Macalister writes in The Guardian about how the use of coal grew by 3% in 2013, faster than any other fossil fuel. Coal's share of energy market at highest level since 1970 … Continue reading Road to low carbon economy never was going to be easy →

Two climate sceptic prime ministers meet

With UNFCCC discussions currently underway in Bonn, it is hard not to turn to the two countries who should be more active but who have turned their backs on seriously addressing climate change – Australia and Canada. Colin Horgan writes in The Guardian about the Australian PM visiting Canada. Tony Abbott in Canada: the climate … Continue reading Two climate sceptic prime ministers meet →

Some US states show that emission cuts are possible

Recently, the Obama administration announced plans to cut GHG emissions by 30% from power plants by 2030. Justin Gillis and Michael Wines write in the New York Times about the states that have already achieved such savings. In Some States, Emissions Cuts Defy Skeptics The cries of protest have been fierce, warning that President Obama’s … Continue reading Some US states show that emission cuts are possible →