For the EU to meet its climate goals, a strong policy push is needed to redirect financial flows towards transition financing

In a news item on the Euractiv website, a new report by the European Climate Neutrality Observatory provides the state of EU progress to climate neutrality, emphasising investment really needs to ramp up. EU needs to double investment to meet climate goals: report The European Union needs to double targeted investment to meet its … Continue reading For the EU to meet its climate goals, a strong policy push is needed to redirect financial flows towards transition financing →

Energy in Demand News, June 23, 2024

There is more evidence that the corporate world is dropping or missing goals to cut GHG emissions. In an article in the Financial Times (behind a paywall), it is mentioned that large corporations such as Unilever, the Bank of America and Shell have “in the past year dropped or missed goals to cut emissions or … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, June 23, 2024 →

Energy in Demand News, June 16, 2024

No one said the zero-carbon energy transition would be easy. The world faces a “staggering” surplus of oil equating to millions of barrels a day by the end of the decade, according to the IEA. Growth in the world’s demand for oil is expected to slow in the coming years as energy transitions advance. At … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, June 16, 2024 →

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 →

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 →

South Africa’s energy transition: the steps needed to move away from coal

Ricardo Amansure, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Sustainability Transitions, Stellenbosch University writes on The Conversation about eight steps that the country needs to take to move away from coal. South Africa’s plan to move away from coal: 8 steps to make it succeed The South African government’s Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan was … Continue reading South Africa’s energy transition: the steps needed to move away from coal →

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 →

Blog by Jane Marsh: Coal transition can only occur through energy diversification

Coal miners feel antiquated in light of the renewable revolution, yet the fossil fuel still accounts for a significant portion of the world’s energy consumption. The only way to ensure coal’s exit is to diversify energy assets. A smooth shift analyzes the modern coal landscape, workers and legislation. Overcoming challenges while introducing varied alternatives is … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh: Coal transition can only occur through energy diversification →