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”?
Category: climate policy
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
An important threat to the EU’s ecological and energy transition comes from the alarming number of Chinese and US companies moving into the EU power sector
In an article on The Conversation website, Carine Sebi, Professeure associée et coordinatrice de la chaire « Energy for Society », Grenoble École de Management (GEM) and Patrick Criqui, Directeur de recherche émérite au CNRS, économiste de l’énergie, Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) write about the influence American and Chinese companies are having in the EU. … Continue reading An important threat to the EU’s ecological and energy transition comes from the alarming number of Chinese and US companies moving into the EU power sector
Expected impact of the EU Net-Zero Industry Act
The EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) will have little impact on Europe’s target to produce more technologies needed for the energy transition, experts argue that a new large-scale initiative was necessary after the EU elections. Jonathan Packroff discusses what the experts said in an article on the Euractiv website. Europe’s net-zero industry law will … Continue reading Expected impact of the EU Net-Zero Industry Act
Too little, too late: G7 climate commitments fall short
Climate and energy ministers from G7 nations agreed a coal exit deadline – with a caveat, but made little progress on other fossil fuels and finance. Matteo Civillini discusses the results of the meeting in an article on the Climate Home News website. G7 offers tepid response to appeal for “bolder” climate action When … Continue reading Too little, too late: G7 climate commitments fall short
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 