Greening from the bottom up

High-level solutions and grand designs will not fix climate change. Christof Brandtner, Assistant professor in organisational and economic sociology at EM Lyon Business School argues in an article on The Conversation website that the bulk of the action will have to take place at the interfaces between local governments and the organised citizenry. What are … Continue reading Greening from the bottom up →

Britain’s winter fuel support failing to tack high levels of fuel poverty

The billions paid out to pensioner households each winter in Britain are failing to tackle rising levels of fuel poverty, writes Andrew Warren, chair of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, on the BUSINESS GREEN website. This is an important message for all countries addressing fuel poverty. More quantitative easing than fuel poverty alleviation: The … Continue reading Britain’s winter fuel support failing to tack high levels of fuel poverty →

New Eurobarometer survey shows large majority are positive about recent EU actions addressing energy crisis

A new Eurobarometer survey released in December shows that the large majority of EU citizens are positive about recent EU actions to tackle the energy crisis. In particular, More than 8 in ten EU citizens (82%) agree that the EU should continue to take actions to reduce its dependency on Russian fossil fuels. An overwhelming … Continue reading New Eurobarometer survey shows large majority are positive about recent EU actions addressing energy crisis →

The climate priorities for the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council

With European economies severely affected by the war, the green and energy transitions take centre stage, with the ‘Fit for 55’ package setting the framework for climate action. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recognises the EU’s climate leadership and declared Sweden’s intention to strengthen this position during the Presidency. The Bellona Foundation, an independent non-profit … Continue reading The climate priorities for the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council →

A country’s ability to pursue major energy reforms hinges on the government’s capacity to defuse political opposition

Jared Finnegan, Lecturer in Public Policy at University College London (UCL) writes on The Conversation website about why some have been more successful than others in pursuing energy reform. Energy transitions: why countries respond differently to the same problem Russia’s invasion of Ukraine upended global energy markets. Sanctions on Russian exports and the suspension … Continue reading A country’s ability to pursue major energy reforms hinges on the government’s capacity to defuse political opposition →

Comprehensive action is needed to make up for Australia’s woeful performance on energy efficiency over recent decades

Hugh Saddler, Honorary Associate Professor, Centre for Climate Economics and Policy, Australian National University writes on The Conversation website about a new governmental consultation paper on what it calls its National Energy Performance Strategy. Let’s hope Australia’s new government gets policies and programmes on the right track. What are your views? Australia’s record on … Continue reading Comprehensive action is needed to make up for Australia’s woeful performance on energy efficiency over recent decades →

The “perfect solution” to climate change and energy security?

The presidency of upcoming climate talks is embracing fossil gas as a “transition” fuel, despite its polluting impact. Joe Lo discusses latest developments in an article on the Climate Change News website. Cop27 host Egypt plans to push gas as ‘the perfect solution’ Cop27 host Egypt and 16 other gas-exporting governments have pledged to … Continue reading The “perfect solution” to climate change and energy security? →

Germany concedes move to cap gas prices as EU wrestles with energy crisis

European Council President Charles Michel said EU leaders agreed to cooperate on energy after a long day of talks. However, a consensus was not reached on capping gas prices. A news item on the Deutsche Welle website presents latest developments. EU leaders agree to combat rising energy prices European Council President Charles Michel said early … Continue reading Germany concedes move to cap gas prices as EU wrestles with energy crisis →

A net-zero pathway for Canada’s oil and gas sector is key for Canada’s climate goals

A cap on the oil and sector’s emissions can deliver that pathway is an important way forward for Canada to meet its climate goals. The Canadian Climate Institute and Net-Zero Advisory Body discuss the need for a cap on oil and gas emissions in an article on the Climate Institute’s website. Canada needs a … Continue reading A net-zero pathway for Canada’s oil and gas sector is key for Canada’s climate goals →

A social tariff has shielded eligible households in Belgium from price fluctuations since 2002

While governments focus on how to protect consumers from escalating energy prices, Belgium shows an important way forward. Since 2002, eligible households have been shielded from price fluctuations in the energy market. People don’t have to struggle. Carl Packman discusses the approach taken by Belgium in an article on The Guardian website. There is … Continue reading A social tariff has shielded eligible households in Belgium from price fluctuations since 2002 →