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 But no doubt there is collective shock that the Trump administration has repealed the US government’s power to regulate climate change.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 →

New energy law adopted in France — major shift in strategy

Forrest Crellin and America Hernandez write on the Reuter’s website about the shift in energy policy in France. Renewable energy targets (wind and solar) have been cut or loosened compared with previous ambitions while nuclear power is now central to the government’s decarbonisation strategy. France aims to boost decarbonised power production by 20% over … Continue reading New energy law adopted in France — major shift in strategy →

Electric motors in Europe: a no brainer for accelerating replacement

When one hears that one technology uses about 70% of a factory’s electricity consumption and that about half of those deployed are over 10 years old with a quarter over 20 years, one wonders why the market to replace them is sluggish at best. Yes, it is time for a shake-up. The technology under discussion … Continue reading Electric motors in Europe: a no brainer for accelerating replacement →

Taking stock of energy efficiency measures under Trump

Alexa St. John from Associated Press writes on the Globe and Mail website, taking stock of what the Trump administration has done to energy efficiency measures in the US. The consumer-friendly Energy Star program survived Trump. What about other efficiency efforts? Energy Star, the program that helps guide consumers to more energy-efficient appliances and … Continue reading Taking stock of energy efficiency measures under Trump →

Designed for a different climate: why our cities are now at risk

In an article on The Conversation website, Mohamed Shaheen, Lecturer in Structural Engineering, Loughborough University discusses that design rulebooks were based on decades of historical weather data and that these rulebooks are now becoming obsolete since they were written in an era of cooler climates. City skylines need an upgrade in the face of … Continue reading Designed for a different climate: why our cities are now at risk →

New EEA report on value of rail as a low-emission alternative for moving people and goods in Europe

Transport remains Europe’s most persistent climate challenge. While rail offers a low-emission alternative for moving people and goods, Europe’s continued reliance on road transport is keeping greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions high, according to a report published this week by the European Environment Agency. Rail offers a major opportunity for Europe to cut transport … Continue reading New EEA report on value of rail as a low-emission alternative for moving people and goods in Europe →

Energy in Demand News, February 8-9, 2026

There is mixed news on climate-related philanthropy this week. Michael Bloomberg’s donations on climate action have topped $3 billion over a decade, “including a recent boost to contributions to the UN’s climate body, as broader financial support slides in the Trump era,” reports the Financial Times. “The 83-year-old pledged nearly $270mn to two climate initiatives … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 8-9, 2026 →

Who really shapes Australia’s climate policy debate?

In an article on The Conversation website, Christian Downie, Professor of Political Science, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University discusses those who mobilise to support or oppose climate policies in Australia. Is it the same in your country? These voices are the loudest in Australia’s ‘climate wars’ There’s a reason political … Continue reading Who really shapes Australia’s climate policy debate? →

Renewables continued to grow in 2025 and set records, while fossil fuel consumption for electricity generation stagnated

Manuel Planelles and Ignacio Fariza write on the EL PAÍS website how wind and solar power are expanding across the world’s major economies, as fossil-fuel consumption stagnates. Meanwhile, the US president derides wind turbines as ‘those damn things.’ What Trump can’t stop: Renewable energy is growing and setting world records In his disjointed speech … Continue reading Renewables continued to grow in 2025 and set records, while fossil fuel consumption for electricity generation stagnated →

The current disruption to global order promises profound impacts on the global response to climate change

In an article on The Conversation website, Matthew Hoffmann, Professor of Political Science and Co-Director of Environmental Governance Lab, University of Toronto, wonders whether the current global rules-based disruption is an opportunity to build better foundations for a just and effective global response to climate change. Addressing climate change without the ‘rules-based order’ At … Continue reading The current disruption to global order promises profound impacts on the global response to climate change →