Big tech is playing its part in reaching net zero targets, but its vast new datacentres are run at huge cost to the environment. Mariana Mazzucato, professor in the economics of innovation and public value at University College London, discusses the carbon footprint of ChatGPT in an article on the Guardian website. The ugly … Continue reading Large language models such as ChatGPT are some of the most energy-guzzling technologies of all
Category: energy transition
Understanding how to make better energy storage devices
In an article on The Conversation website, Ankur Gupta, Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder discusses what it takes to make better energy storage devices. Understanding how ions flow in and out of the tiniest pores promises better energy storage devices Modern life relies on electricity and electrical devices, … Continue reading Understanding how to make better energy storage devices
Energy in Demand, May 26, 2024
With elections for the European Parliament approaching on June 6-9, predictions are for a surge of right wing parties and a consequent erosion of the climate and energy agenda. According to The Economist election tracker, “the environment, including terms such as “climate change”, is a hot topic on the continent’s fringes: it’s most often searched … Continue reading Energy in Demand, May 26, 2024
New reports paint a troubling picture of Europe’s readiness to handle the effects of climate change over the coming years
Climate-related disasters cost Europe more than €77 billion last year, according to a new report. But costs can be lowered with better data and financing strategies. David Keating discusses warnings from the World Bank about Europe’s preparedness in an article on the Euractiv website. Europe unprepared for climate disaster, warns World Bank A series … Continue reading New reports paint a troubling picture of Europe’s readiness to handle the effects of climate change over the coming years
The latest victims of the culture wars in America: woke white goods
Emma Beddington writes on the Guardian website about the latest victim of cultural wars in America. Apparently, energy efficiency and lower electricity bills are unAmerican. What are your views? Free the fridges! Make dishwashers great again! US conservatives have odd priorities If you’ve ever wished your dishwasher used more water, or found your fridge … Continue reading The latest victims of the culture wars in America: woke white goods
EU citizens’ panel on energy efficiency will “contribute to shaping EU laws and initiatives in this area”
Andrew Warren, chair of the British Energy Efficiency Federation and a friend of EiD, looks at what the European Citizens’ panel has to say about the need to invest in energy efficiency measures and wonders how a similar body could help to shape policy initiatives in the UK. This column was originally in the May … Continue reading EU citizens’ panel on energy efficiency will “contribute to shaping EU laws and initiatives in this area”
Generative AI is an energy hog
Chris Baraniuk writes on the BBC News website about the impact on electricity grids from the growth in generative AI. Electricity grids creak as AI demands soar There’s a big problem with generative AI, says Sasha Luccioni at Hugging Face, a machine-learning company. Generative AI is an energy hog. “Every time you query the … Continue reading Generative AI is an energy hog
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
