The benefits of the UK aligning with the EU’s buildings energy policy framework

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive has a proud legacy in the UK - policymakers would be wise to implement its latest initiatives, argues Andrew Warren, chair of the British Energy Efficiency Federation and a friend of EiD in an article of the Business Green website. Why the UK should remain aligned with … Continue reading The benefits of the UK aligning with the EU’s buildings energy policy framework →

How do we value the benefits from investing in a climate transition that will occur over decades, against the immediate cost-of-living pressures faced by households and businesses today?

This question arises all the time, especially when there are cost of living pressures. In a well-argued article on The Conversation website, Anupama Sen, Head of Policy Engagement, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford and Fellow in Environmental Change, Reuben College, University of Oxford, University of Oxford; and Sam Fankhauser, Professor … Continue reading How do we value the benefits from investing in a climate transition that will occur over decades, against the immediate cost-of-living pressures faced by households and businesses today? →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis signs law that removes most references to climate change in state law, bans offshore wind turbines in state waters and weakens regulations on natural gas pipelines

The state, which just had its hottest year since 1895, has taken steps to rip up its climate change policy foundation. The law also stops programmes designed to encourage renewable energy (prohibiting the construction of offshore wind turbines in state waters) and energy conservation. The legislation also deletes requirements that state agencies use climate-friendly products … Continue reading Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis signs law that removes most references to climate change in state law, bans offshore wind turbines in state waters and weakens regulations on natural gas pipelines →

Does promotion of nuclear energy in Australia make sense?

Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia writes in The Conversation website that he considers the promotion of nuclear energy in Australia as a climate obstruction tactic. Is it? Nuclear power makes no sense for Australia – but it’s a useful diversion from real climate action Opposition leader Peter Dutton argues Australia … Continue reading Does promotion of nuclear energy in Australia make sense? →

Energy in Demand News, May 12, 2024

In the energy transition governments have been losing fuel duties in the shift away from combustion engines. The Financial Times (behind a paywall) writes that, globally, policymakers are imposing new taxes on electric vehicles because last year there was a drop in receipts of $10 billion. The net loss is projected to rise to $110 … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, May 12, 2024 →

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 →