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
Category: energy transition
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
Blog by Rose Morrison – From reactive to resilient: how European businesses are reimagining energy security in an era of climate volatility
Link: Unsplash Maintaining energy security in Europe is a growing challenge. While uptime is proving difficult with weather uncertainties, disruptions in supply and price have also left many businesses reeling. The best way forward is to shift from reactive, short-term solutions to long-term ones that offer sustainable resilience. The Immediate Challenges of Political and Climate … Continue reading Blog by Rose Morrison – From reactive to resilient: how European businesses are reimagining energy security in an era of climate volatility
New EEA report on how unprepared European citizens are for coping with impact of climate change
Europeans are very concerned about extreme heat and other impacts of climate change like wildfires according to the results of a Europe-wide survey published this week. It found that many citizens were also underprepared to deal with the increasing frequency and magnitude of heatwaves, flooding, or water shortages in their own homes. Overheated and … Continue reading New EEA report on how unprepared European citizens are for coping with impact of climate change
Energy in Demand News, February 1-2, 2026
Prof. Steve Thomas, Emeritus Professor of Energy Policy, University of Greenwich wrote in a letter to the editor published in the Financial Times this week about the impact small modular reactors (SMRs) to be a major source of low-carbon energy. He questions the length of time to build SMRs. Even new ones in Russia have … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 1-2, 2026
Plans for Thames River to be the source for heat pump in central London
A news item on the BBC News website describes the plan to use the Thames River as the source for low-carbon heating in London. Plans to power London landmarks with Thames heat A new £72.7million communal heat network could provide low-carbon heating for the National Theatre and other London landmarks near Waterloo and the … Continue reading Plans for Thames River to be the source for heat pump in central London
