New analysis shows planting trees has limited impact on carbon emissions

Some global GHG mitigation strategies are going to have to be revised. Bob McDonald writes on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation website about a new study that refutes the benefits of planting trees. This seems to imply that sustainable energy is going to have to play an even greater role. Planting trees can't counter carbon … Continue reading New analysis shows planting trees has limited impact on carbon emissions →

What is happening to America’s climate and energy policies?

With the Trump administration’s budget proposals, we are seeing some dramatic cuts in agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Yes, the EU and the G7 are trying to get Trump to reverse his position on climate change but how that gets resolved is hard to know at this point. … Continue reading What is happening to America’s climate and energy policies? →

New OECD publication on climate resilient infrastructure

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has recently “Climate-resilient Infrastructure: Getting the Policies Right”. Climate change will affect all types of infrastructure, including energy, transport and water. Rising temperatures, increased flood risk and other potential hazards will threaten the reliable and efficient operation of these networks, with potentially large economic and social impacts. … Continue reading New OECD publication on climate resilient infrastructure →

We can take some time to reflect, but we must act soon

The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) has recently published a study that shows that we cannot waste any more time on addressing climate change. Our actions must achieve impact now if we are to achieve our Paris climate achievements. This article from IIASA was on the EurekAlert website. Next 10 years critical … Continue reading We can take some time to reflect, but we must act soon →

Addressing global water shortages

We are always looking at innovative ways to address climate change concerns. Chelsea Harvey writes in the Washington Post about a new water-capturing device that works even in some of the world’s driest places. This device pulls drinking water straight out of the air — and it runs entirely on the sun’s energy A … Continue reading Addressing global water shortages →

Norway’s low carbon strategy making progress but unlikely to meet 2020 target

Alister Doyle reports on the Reuter’s news service website that Norway is making progress in lowering its GHG emissions but it will not achieve its pledge under the 2009 Copenhagen Accord. Norway says its greenhouse emissions to fall to 1990 levels by 2020 Norway's greenhouse gas emissions will fall to around 1990 levels by … Continue reading Norway’s low carbon strategy making progress but unlikely to meet 2020 target →

Benefits of emission standards for vehicles

As the Trump Administration in the US argues whether fuel efficiency standards for vehicles should be scrapped or lowered, it is encouraging to read an article in The Conversation about the benefits of such standards in Australia. Scott Ferraro and Claire Painter from ClimateWorks Australia and Monash University give a good account of the benefits … Continue reading Benefits of emission standards for vehicles →

China making good steps forward in the energy transition

Everyone is watching developments in China in promoting sustainable energy. Given the scale of economic growth that few of us can imagine, China knows only too well that it has to get on a more sustainable path. Rowan Callick, the China correspondent for The Australian, writes a good article about some of the important developments … Continue reading China making good steps forward in the energy transition →

Assessing how decarbonisation is supported by the UK’s new industrial strategy

While many EiD readers are increasingly focusing on the clean energy package from the European Commission, there are other important policy developments happening in member states. This week the UK government published its industrial strategy. Paul Noble, a principle consultant in DNV GL’s Sustainable Energy Use Team, has written his views on the strategy in … Continue reading Assessing how decarbonisation is supported by the UK’s new industrial strategy →

The importance of long-term policies for sustainable energy

These are anxious moments in America, when there are concerns that the new Administration may adversely change the policy framework designed to support sustainable energy. Lucas Davis provides an important article on The Conversation website about concerns over policy uncertainty. Policy uncertainty discourages innovation and hurts the environment Large-scale changes are anticipated for U.S. … Continue reading The importance of long-term policies for sustainable energy →