“… the Japanese government chose blue hydrogen a decade ago when renewables were expensive, and they are now locked into a plan that no longer makes sense”

In 2010 about one third of Japan's electricity came from nuclear power, and there were plans to build a lot more. But then the 2011 disaster hit, and all Japan's nuclear power plants were shut down. So, the Japanese government decided to build 22 new coal-fired power stations. The plants can be quite easily converted … Continue reading “… the Japanese government chose blue hydrogen a decade ago when renewables were expensive, and they are now locked into a plan that no longer makes sense” →

China has a robust set of climate and energy policies and a strong track record when it comes to fulfilling its pledges to the international community: it just needs to do more

When it comes to climate change, no nation is more important than China. A common misconception is that China either lacks climate policies or fails to implement them. When it comes to China’s approach to climate change, the problem is not lack of policy implementation but rather a lack of policy ambition. Phillip Stalley, Endowed … Continue reading China has a robust set of climate and energy policies and a strong track record when it comes to fulfilling its pledges to the international community: it just needs to do more →

Seeing the benefits of GFANZ

Many of you may not have heard of GFANZ but it could play a key role in finance climate change measures. F. Haider Alvi, Assistant Professor of Innovation Finance at Athabasca University in Canada discusses GFANZ in an article on The Conversation website. How global business could be the unexpected COP26 solution to climate … Continue reading Seeing the benefits of GFANZ →

Will poorer countries be unfairly disadvantaged by EU climate protection regulations?

The EU is picking up speed with climate protection regulations. For imports from abroad, a carbon tax will soon be introduced. But poorer countries could be unfairly disadvantaged by this. Tim Schauenberg discusses latest developments in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. CO2 tax at Europe's border: Revolution or protectionism? Earlier this year, … Continue reading Will poorer countries be unfairly disadvantaged by EU climate protection regulations? →

The chemicals sector has largely slipped under the radar when it comes to climate

The chemicals sector is quite complicated. Only about half of the fossil fuels that the industry consumes are burned for their energy. The rest is used as feedstock for products such as plastics with the emissions released only when these products reach the end of their lives, for example, when waste plastic packaging or an … Continue reading The chemicals sector has largely slipped under the radar when it comes to climate →

In Sweden, a movement advocating avoiding flying has gained influence since 2016 and has started to change the way travel is portrayed in the Swedish media

Recent research shows that there are shifting ideas and assumptions about holidays by plane in Swedish society. While flying is still widely presented as desirable, changes in some media coverage show the influence of the flight-free movement and illustrate that different perspectives of what constitutes a good life under climate change are gaining some influence. … Continue reading In Sweden, a movement advocating avoiding flying has gained influence since 2016 and has started to change the way travel is portrayed in the Swedish media →

Recent research shows the energy efficiency of homes built in the past 20 years in England varies considerably depending on where you are

As countries such as England are planning to make the housing stock net zero by 2050, recent research shows significant regional differences. Major cities across England and all local authorities across the south and south-east have below average energy intensity while homes in northern local authorities and less built-up urban areas have above average energy … Continue reading Recent research shows the energy efficiency of homes built in the past 20 years in England varies considerably depending on where you are →

Germany’s new coalition government has made bold climate policy the cornerstone of the alliance

A coal phaseout by 2030, more electric vehicles and rapid renewables expansion: Germany's new coalition has promised a climate bonanza. But can the ambitious targets be hit? Stuart Braun discusses in an article posted on the Deutsche Welle website. It would have been good to have read more on their plans to improve energy efficiency. … Continue reading Germany’s new coalition government has made bold climate policy the cornerstone of the alliance →

Climate advisers warn UK is not doing enough to meet net-zero promises

The UK is on track to blow past emissions promises made ahead of COP26 in Glasgow unless tougher policies to cut carbon are introduced this decade, official climate advisers have warned. The CCC said the UK does not need to redraw its targets, but does need to come forward with plans to deliver on what … Continue reading Climate advisers warn UK is not doing enough to meet net-zero promises →

While energy efficiency is the central pillar of France’s low carbon strategy, there is still need to accelerate its clean energy transition according to IEA

The International Energy Agency has published its review of energy policies of France. It is a comprehensive review that examines all aspects of energy policy. The last review of French energy policies was in 2015. France has helped guide international efforts to tackle climate change, but it needs to accelerate key parts of its energy … Continue reading While energy efficiency is the central pillar of France’s low carbon strategy, there is still need to accelerate its clean energy transition according to IEA →