Energy in Demand, May 19, 2024

It is uncomfortable reading about the new report from the National Bureau of Economic Research and reported in the Guardian this week. The economic damage wrought by climate change is six times worse than previously thought. “A 1C increase in global temperature leads to a 12% decline in world gross domestic product (GDP), the researchers … Continue reading Energy in Demand, May 19, 2024 →

Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis signs law that removes most references to climate change in state law, bans offshore wind turbines in state waters and weakens regulations on natural gas pipelines

The state, which just had its hottest year since 1895, has taken steps to rip up its climate change policy foundation. The law also stops programmes designed to encourage renewable energy (prohibiting the construction of offshore wind turbines in state waters) and energy conservation. The legislation also deletes requirements that state agencies use climate-friendly products … Continue reading Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis signs law that removes most references to climate change in state law, bans offshore wind turbines in state waters and weakens regulations on natural gas pipelines →

South Africa’s energy transition: the steps needed to move away from coal

Ricardo Amansure, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Sustainability Transitions, Stellenbosch University writes on The Conversation about eight steps that the country needs to take to move away from coal. South Africa’s plan to move away from coal: 8 steps to make it succeed The South African government’s Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan was … Continue reading South Africa’s energy transition: the steps needed to move away from coal →

Canada’s energy transition will be accelerated by dwindling demand

Undeniably, Canada is a major oil and gas producer and understandably, many want that to continue. Speaking at Canada's Net-Zero Forum this week, Lord Adair Turner, chair of international think-tank the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) is convinced the transition will accelerate. Darius Snieckus discusses Lord Turner’s views in an article on the National Observer website. … Continue reading Canada’s energy transition will be accelerated by dwindling demand →

Does promotion of nuclear energy in Australia make sense?

Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia writes in The Conversation website that he considers the promotion of nuclear energy in Australia as a climate obstruction tactic. Is it? Nuclear power makes no sense for Australia – but it’s a useful diversion from real climate action Opposition leader Peter Dutton argues Australia … Continue reading Does promotion of nuclear energy in Australia make sense? →

Comment on new report showing global economy is consuming ever more natural resources, while the world is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals

The International Resource Panel (IRP) of UNEP has just published a report Global Resources Outlook 2024. One of the authors Anders Wijkman, a member of the IRP, an honorary president of the Club of Rome and a friend of EiD has written this commentary on the report in an article on the Reuters website. What … Continue reading Comment on new report showing global economy is consuming ever more natural resources, while the world is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals →

Energy in Demand News, May 12, 2024

In the energy transition governments have been losing fuel duties in the shift away from combustion engines. The Financial Times (behind a paywall) writes that, globally, policymakers are imposing new taxes on electric vehicles because last year there was a drop in receipts of $10 billion. The net loss is projected to rise to $110 … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, May 12, 2024 →

The European Commission’s approach to industrial carbon management

In February, the European Commission published its new approach to industrial carbon management. The following is the press release from February 6th (edited by EiD concerning dates). Commission sets out how to sustainably capture, store and use carbon to reach climate neutrality by 2050 The European Union is committed to reaching ‘net zero' CO2 … Continue reading The European Commission’s approach to industrial carbon management →

Countries around the world hit a turning point for renewable energy but the US is falling behind

Justine Calma writes on The Verge website about the energy transition and the US’s continuing reliance on natural gas. Without the US electricity generation from gas would have fallen globally in 2023. The US is propping up gas while the world moves to renewable energy The amount of electricity and greenhouse gas emissions from … Continue reading Countries around the world hit a turning point for renewable energy but the US is falling behind →

Blog by Jane Marsh: Coal transition can only occur through energy diversification

Coal miners feel antiquated in light of the renewable revolution, yet the fossil fuel still accounts for a significant portion of the world’s energy consumption. The only way to ensure coal’s exit is to diversify energy assets. A smooth shift analyzes the modern coal landscape, workers and legislation. Overcoming challenges while introducing varied alternatives is … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh: Coal transition can only occur through energy diversification →