Global standards play key role in addressing climate change

In an article on The Conversation website, Graeme Auld, Professor, Public Policy, Carleton University and Stefan Renckens, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Toronto discuss the important role that standards play overall but particularly, in this case, related to climate change. What are your views? How a small update in global standards can … Continue reading Global standards play key role in addressing climate change →

Energy in Demand News, February 4, 2024

This week the European Commission will propose the new level of ambition for GHG emissions reductions it considers necessary for 2040. The Financial Times (behind a paywall) notes that the EU’s climate chief, Wopke Hoekstra, “has warned the bloc must not be lured into a “false narrative” that action against global warming is undermining the … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 4, 2024 →

The gap between official and real-world data on CO2 emissions from passenger cars in the EU has developed since introducing a new type-approval test procedure

A new study found that when official and real-world CO2 emission values of passenger cars in Europe are compared, the figures do not align. In an article on the Euractiv website, Sean Goulding Carroll discusses latest findings. Car emissions 14% higher than advertised by manufacturers, study finds The gap between official and real-world car … Continue reading The gap between official and real-world data on CO2 emissions from passenger cars in the EU has developed since introducing a new type-approval test procedure →

Blog by Jane Marsh: The Aviation Industry: The Largest Remaining Source of Airborne Lead Emissions

A recent endangerment finding from the EPA confirmed that airborne emissions from lead-based fuels threaten human health and public welfare. How does this long-overdue regulatory action impact flyers and the planet? Lead in Aviation Is an Overlooked Concern The EPA has been researching the public health and environmental impact of lead from aviation for years. … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh: The Aviation Industry: The Largest Remaining Source of Airborne Lead Emissions →

Study shows that the carbon impact of the richest people’s driving habits have damaged the climate more than “those of the poorest”

The UK climate campaign group Possible calls for ‘polluter pays’ tax based on vehicle size as analysis shows that today’s SUVs often emit more carbon emissions than much older cars. Peter Walker discusses the research in an article on the Guardian website. SUVs emit more climate damaging gas than older cars do, study finds … Continue reading Study shows that the carbon impact of the richest people’s driving habits have damaged the climate more than “those of the poorest” →

Paris city hall is to impose higher parking fees on owners of SUVs in its battle to reduce pollution in the capital

The number of SUVs in the city has increased by 60% over the last four years and they now make up 15% of the 1.15m private vehicles parked in Paris every evening. Size, weight and motor will be taken into account city officials plan to increase parking fees as of next January 1st. Kim Willsher … Continue reading Paris city hall is to impose higher parking fees on owners of SUVs in its battle to reduce pollution in the capital →

European Commission presents new ecodesign rules for electrical appliances in “standby” mode

This week the European Commission adopted new EU rules to reduce the energy consumption of electrical appliances when they are in ‘standby’ mode. The revised rules introduce a number of amendments to the 2008 ecodesign regulation on standby, off mode and networked standby, last updated in 2013, following an extensive consultation exercise and scrutiny from … Continue reading European Commission presents new ecodesign rules for electrical appliances in “standby” mode →

“We are not fully in agreement yet” – Germany facing a growing backlash inside the EU over its U-turn on a law to phase out the combustion engine in new cars by 2035

The row is a further signal of tensions over the green deal landmark proposals to tackle climate crisis. In an article on the Guardian website, Jennifer Rankin and Philip Oltermann discuss what happened in this week’s meetings in Brussels. Germany faces EU backlash over U-turn on phasing out combustion engine Germany is facing a … Continue reading “We are not fully in agreement yet” – Germany facing a growing backlash inside the EU over its U-turn on a law to phase out the combustion engine in new cars by 2035 →

Shipping industry under pressure to reduce GHG emissions given that 99% of shipping globally is powered by fossil fuels

Chris Brown writes on the CBC News website about the pressure that the shipping industry is under, given that all sectors of the economy are having to find an appropriate path to net-zero emissions. Importantly, one company, Copenhagen-based Maersk, until recently the world's No. 1 container shipper over the past 25 years, has set one … Continue reading Shipping industry under pressure to reduce GHG emissions given that 99% of shipping globally is powered by fossil fuels →

EU planning major reform of its anti-pollution legislation

As part of a major reform of the EU’s anti-pollution legislation, the European Commission said it planned to tighten air quality standards, including on one of the most dangerous pollutants, fine particulate matter. Jennifer Rankin discusses latest developments in an article on The Guardian website. EU plans tighter controls on pollution as doctors call … Continue reading EU planning major reform of its anti-pollution legislation →