The increased use of biofuel for aviation could create new problems

Growing demand for animal fats biofuels to power Europe’s transport system raises concerns over climate impacts and potential fraud. Andrew Jeong writes on the Washington Post website about a new report from the Brussels-based NGO Transport & Environment.   Plan to use pig fat as plane fuel doesn’t fly, study says How many pigs does … Continue reading The increased use of biofuel for aviation could create new problems

Half of EU countries have no mandatory energy-saving measures in place for next winter, new analysis by European Environmental Bureau shows

Most measures adopted by EU member states to save gas and electricity are voluntary and only targeted at public buildings, new analysis published this week reveals. Governments refraining from mandatory reductions for business and industry are shifting the burden of the energy crisis onto the most vulnerable citizens, warns the European Environmental Bureau (EEB). The … Continue reading Half of EU countries have no mandatory energy-saving measures in place for next winter, new analysis by European Environmental Bureau shows

New research shows promise in reducing the carbon emissions of fertilisers

Nitrogen fertiliser is considered one of the most important inventions of the 20th century. But production is dirty, and expensive. A group of scientists think they can change that. Tom Bawden discusses in an article on the inews website.   Carbon footprint of gardening slashed after breakthrough in fertiliser emissions Fruit and vegetables could become … Continue reading New research shows promise in reducing the carbon emissions of fertilisers

Sweden plans road that would allow electric cars to charge themselves as they are driven along its surface

The e-motorway, which is due to be completed in about two years, is part of wider efforts by Sweden to decarbonise the transport sector. James Rothwell discusses latest developments in an article on The Telegraph website.   Sweden plans to build world’s first electrified motorway Sweden has announced plans to build the world’s first electrified … Continue reading Sweden plans road that would allow electric cars to charge themselves as they are driven along its surface

Are carbon offsets through airlines just ‘greenwashing’?

Spending a few dollars to offset the footprint of your flight may sound too good to be true because it is, climate experts say. JD Shadel explains in an article on the Washington Post website. Do you agree?   Airlines want you to buy carbon offsets. Experts say they’re a ‘scam.’ “Book more sustainably” — … Continue reading Are carbon offsets through airlines just ‘greenwashing’?

Britain’s energy transition: can the UK meet its 2030 energy consumption commitment?

As the European Union slashes its gas use by almost 20 per cent, the UK stubbornly refuses to follow suit. Could a lack of Government commitment be hampering progress asks Andrew Warren, Chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, in a column in the April issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry magazine?   The … Continue reading Britain’s energy transition: can the UK meet its 2030 energy consumption commitment?

Report details mistakes and lessons to be learned from the past 30 years of France’s energy system

A recent Parliamentary report in France highlighted “the reasons for the loss of sovereignty and energy independence of France”. Le Monde introduced it as “the damning report on France's energy choices, and its loss of sovereignty: "A political rambling that has taken us away from the ecological transition."” Paul Messad discusses the report in an … Continue reading Report details mistakes and lessons to be learned from the past 30 years of France’s energy system

European aviation industry claims bill of €‎800bn to reach net zero emissions

European aviation faces more than €‎800bn in extra costs to reach net zero emissions by 2050 to limit climate change, according to industry estimates that highlight the challenge facing the sector as it decarbonises. In this new study, SEO Amsterdam Economics (SEO) and Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) calculate the expenditures necessary to achieve net … Continue reading European aviation industry claims bill of €‎800bn to reach net zero emissions

The world’s existing fleet of coal-fired plants grew by 19.5GW last year, of which more than half was commissioned in China

The world needs to stop building new plants and close existing ones at almost five times the current rate to meet Paris agreement goals. In order to meet the Paris climate agreement, all coal-fired plants need to be closed by 2040 and no new ones can come online but such is not the case at … Continue reading The world’s existing fleet of coal-fired plants grew by 19.5GW last year, of which more than half was commissioned in China

A pact to phase out fossil fuels in November’s UN climate talks is the only credible response to the warnings of scientists

Simon Lewis, professor of global change science at University College London and University of Leeds provides an opinion piece in the Guardian giving two reasons why the just published IPCC synthesis report is crucial for the upcoming COP28 in November-December. What are your views?   The IPCC’s climate report has drawn the battle lines for … Continue reading A pact to phase out fossil fuels in November’s UN climate talks is the only credible response to the warnings of scientists