German government commits to CCS and hydrogen

In an article on the Euractiv website, a Reuters news item discusses this week’s approval by the German cabinet accelerate the integration of hydrogen and carbon capture into the country’s energy and industrial systems. German cabinet approves carbon capture and hydrogen plans Germany’s cabinet approved on Wednesday (29 May) two draft bills to accelerate … Continue reading German government commits to CCS and hydrogen →

Large language models such as ChatGPT are some of the most energy-guzzling technologies of all

Big tech is playing its part in reaching net zero targets, but its vast new datacentres are run at huge cost to the environment. Mariana Mazzucato, professor in the economics of innovation and public value at University College London, discusses the carbon footprint of ChatGPT in an article on the Guardian website. The ugly … Continue reading Large language models such as ChatGPT are some of the most energy-guzzling technologies of all →

Understanding how to make better energy storage devices

In an article on The Conversation website, Ankur Gupta, Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder discusses what it takes to make better energy storage devices. Understanding how ions flow in and out of the tiniest pores promises better energy storage devices Modern life relies on electricity and electrical devices, … Continue reading Understanding how to make better energy storage devices →

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 →

“Misinformation about climate science that has sowed uncertainty”

In an article on The Conversation website, Gordon McBean, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geography and Environment, Western University in Canada writes about the misinformation from the oil and gas industry that is continuing to have a negative impact on effectively addressing climate change. The oil and gas industry has been lying about global warming … Continue reading “Misinformation about climate science that has sowed uncertainty” →

Energy in Demand, May 26, 2024

With elections for the European Parliament approaching on June 6-9, predictions are for a surge of right wing parties and a consequent erosion of the climate and energy agenda. According to The Economist election tracker, “the environment, including terms such as “climate change”, is a hot topic on the continent’s fringes: it’s most often searched … Continue reading Energy in Demand, May 26, 2024 →

Global climate policy and action plans also largely fail to speak to gender and childhood vulnerabilities

In an article on The Conversation website, Grace M. Jaramillo, Lecturer, School of Global and International Affairs, University of British Columbia discusses gender and childhood issues that are impacted on climate policy. Importantly, Dr. Jaramillo led a team of student researchers to do relevant field research in the Dominican Republic to better understand the issues. … Continue reading Global climate policy and action plans also largely fail to speak to gender and childhood vulnerabilities →

Is London ready to be a “sponge city”?

A sponge city, according to Wikipedia, is a new urban planning model in China that emphasizes flood management via strengthening green infrastructures instead of purely relying on drainage systems. Jacob Evans writes on the BBC News website whether London should become one. What are your views? What about other cities? Would yours be a candidate? … Continue reading Is London ready to be a “sponge city”? →

New reports paint a troubling picture of Europe’s readiness to handle the effects of climate change over the coming years

Climate-related disasters cost Europe more than €77 billion last year, according to a new report. But costs can be lowered with better data and financing strategies. David Keating discusses warnings from the World Bank about Europe’s preparedness in an article on the Euractiv website. Europe unprepared for climate disaster, warns World Bank A series … Continue reading New reports paint a troubling picture of Europe’s readiness to handle the effects of climate change over the coming years →

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 →