Fossil fuels built much of the world in the 20th century but in this century we have better alternatives

In an article on the Ember website, its chair, Baroness Bryony Worthington, reflects on the recent International Energy Agency ministerial and argues that in the interests of achieving global energy independence, access and affordability, the IEA should stay the course on clean energy and climate – not bow to recent US pressure.   All energy … Continue reading Fossil fuels built much of the world in the 20th century but in this century we have better alternatives

China’s shift: “Climate action not a burden, but economic chance”

Sarah Steffen writes on the Deutsche Welle website about the different paths the US and China are taking in this climate and energy transition. The Trump administration has rolled back environmental protections and blocked green energy development, China is forging ahead.   China cashes in on clean energy as Trump clings to coal During a speech … Continue reading China’s shift: “Climate action not a burden, but economic chance”

Concrete without the carbon: how new materials could cut construction emissions

Alcina Johnson Sudagar, Research Scientist in Chemistry, Washington University in St. Louis, writes on The Conversation website about latest developments to reduce cement’s carbon footprint.   Cement has a climate problem — here’s how geopolymers with add‑ins like cork could help fix it Concrete is all around you – in the foundation of your home, … Continue reading Concrete without the carbon: how new materials could cut construction emissions

Applying Islamic finance can be a practical and ethical framework for financing the green transition

In an article on The Conversation website, Abdul Wase Samim, PhD Candidate, Aston University in the UK shows the benefits of using the Islamic finance model for the green transition. What are your views?   Why Islamic finance could provide an ethical model for funding the green transition In recent years, green finance has become … Continue reading Applying Islamic finance can be a practical and ethical framework for financing the green transition

Europe’s carbon market under fire: industry pushes to weaken the EU ETS

The EU's Emissions Trading Scheme is the cornerstone of its decarbonisation policy, but it is currently under fierce pressure for reform from industry groups and some member countries, writes Andrew Warren on the Business Green website.   Why Europe's flagship climate policy - the ETS - is under threat The European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme … Continue reading Europe’s carbon market under fire: industry pushes to weaken the EU ETS

New EEA briefing on modernising Europe’s energy-intensive industries

Emissions from energy-intensive industries in Europe have fallen sharply over the past two decades, but progress has stalled and the health-related costs of pollution remain high, according to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing. Further reductions will require deeper industrial transformation, alongside full implementation of existing EU environmental legislation.   Industrial transformation key to … Continue reading New EEA briefing on modernising Europe’s energy-intensive industries

Energy in Demand News, February 22-23, 2026

In the rush to expand the use of coal in the US, the Financial Times reports that this week the US Environmental Protection Agency “rolled back strict controls imposed by former president Joe Biden’s administration on the volume of toxins that coal and oil-fired power plants can release into the atmosphere. The Trump administration has … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 22-23, 2026

New EEA briefing on interlinkages between circular economy and climate change mitigation

This briefing by the European Environment Agency provides information about the interlinkages between circular economy and climate change mitigation. It is based on a literature review of recent modelling results and supports the 2025 Clean Industrial Deal and 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan.   Assessing the climate mitigation potential of circular economy Key messages Over … Continue reading New EEA briefing on interlinkages between circular economy and climate change mitigation

Reflections on the IEA Ministerial

This past week on February 18 and 19, the 32 members of the International Energy Agency met for its bi-annual ministerial. Altogether 58 countries participated and there were over 40 at the ministerial level. There were also executives from more than 50 major energy companies including at least five that focus on energy efficiency technologies. … Continue reading Reflections on the IEA Ministerial

Energy in Demand News, February 15-16, 2026

When it comes to climate and energy policies, we shouldn’t be shocked by any news coming out of Washington these days. But no doubt there is collective shock that the Trump administration has repealed the US government’s power to regulate climate change. Nearly 17 years after the Environmental Protection Agency declared that carbon dioxide and … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 15-16, 2026