New EEA report shows EU achieved its three 2020 climate and energy targets

While we are focusing on our 2030 and 2050 objectives, it is important to take stock of how well we have done so far. The European Union (EU) achieved its three main climate and energy targets by 2020, according to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) assessment, published this week. The 2030 target of a … Continue reading New EEA report shows EU achieved its three 2020 climate and energy targets →

Highlights of the IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2021

The International Energy Agency has long been accused of undermining climate action. Now, ahead of a global climate summit, it has called on governments to make stronger commitments. Farah Bahgat discusses the main highlights in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. IEA warns world's clean energy transition is 'too slow' Investment in renewable … Continue reading Highlights of the IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2021 →

New EEA report on increased need for knowledge for action in Europe

The European Green Deal has set unprecedented sustainability ambitions for the EU and calls for transformational change across society. To realise such far-reaching changes, Europe needs knowledge for action. This means better uptake and use of existing knowledge, new types of knowledge, new ways of creating knowledge, and, in some policy areas, better data and … Continue reading New EEA report on increased need for knowledge for action in Europe →

China’s energy crisis and what it means for our global long-term climate goals

Jun Du, Professor of Economics, Centre Director of Centre for Business Prosperity (CBP) at Aston University in an article on The Conversation website discusses latest developments in China to expand the use of coal as it copes with recent energy problems. Even with these issues, China is committed to decarbonisation. Professor Jun Du concludes: “The … Continue reading China’s energy crisis and what it means for our global long-term climate goals →

Does nuclear energy have a role to play in addressing climate change?

Ten years since the Fukushima disaster, expensive nuclear energy plants are being shut down across the world as renewable power prices plummet. Stuart Braun discusses nuclear power today in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. What are your views? Nuclear power: Downward trend ahead of climate summit In the face of soaring gas … Continue reading Does nuclear energy have a role to play in addressing climate change? →

European Commission publishes recommendation and guidelines on the ‘Energy Efficiency First’ principle

Energy efficiency first has been a guiding principle in European climate and energy policies for many years. It considers energy efficiency as a source of energy in its own right and as a “first fuel” in planning processes and investment decisions. It has been an essential element of the energy union and the Clean energy for … Continue reading European Commission publishes recommendation and guidelines on the ‘Energy Efficiency First’ principle →

New analysis shows the cost of achieving carbon neutrality in Germany

Germany wants to be carbon neutral by 2045. Restructuring its economy will cost trillions. But not investing the money would cost even more. Tim Schauenberg discusses the costs in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. This is obviously an area that the incoming Chancellor will have to deal with – urgently. What climate … Continue reading New analysis shows the cost of achieving carbon neutrality in Germany →

“No regrets” revisited

Energy conservation through improved efficiency has been seen as an important long-term policy tool since the first oil crises in the 1970s. The International Energy Agency (IEA) realised that improved energy efficiency could not be a short-term solution in a crisis so it ensured that energy efficiency policies took a longer-term perspective. In 1987, the … Continue reading “No regrets” revisited →

MyEnergy2050 Podcast – check out this podcast series

The MyEnergy2050 platform highlights the people building a clean and sustainable energy system. The founder, Michael LaBelle, an associate professor at Central European University, wants to tell the story of their work on their path towards a zero-emissions energy system by 2050. Engaging content in a variety of media formats. MyEnergy2050 website was founded to … Continue reading MyEnergy2050 Podcast – check out this podcast series →

UNECE helps Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and the Republic of Moldova scale up cost-effective climate action by improving buildings’ energy efficiency

Improving energy efficiency is a cost-effective means to support economic development while contributing to climate action. On a national scale, energy efficiency helps strengthen energy security, reduce energy expenditure, slow down energy demand growth, reduce investment needs for new generation capacities, and creates green jobs. Out of all sectors of economic activity, in many countries, the buildings sector has the largest potential for cost-effective improvement in energy efficiency and emissions reductions. To help capitalise … Continue reading UNECE helps Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and the Republic of Moldova scale up cost-effective climate action by improving buildings’ energy efficiency →