The benefits of cement co-processing in the carbon neutrality pathway

The European industry associations are working closely with their members. It is encouraging to see what is happening in the cement sector. From de-commissioned wind blades to end-of-life tyres and agricultural waste, co-processing offers a circular solution to Europe’s waste problem – whilst reducing the cement sector’s CO2 emissions. Its potential should be fully recognised … Continue reading The benefits of cement co-processing in the carbon neutrality pathway →

Motorists are increasingly opting for large electric SUVs but the environmental impact of these vehicles should not be underestimated

Laura Lander, Lecturer in Engineering, King's College London and Grazia Todeschini, Reader in Engineering also at King's College London, write on The Conversation website about the environmental impact of large electric vehicles. Why surging sales of large electric vehicles raises environmental red flags Electric cars are getting bigger and heavier. In 2019, 30% of … Continue reading Motorists are increasingly opting for large electric SUVs but the environmental impact of these vehicles should not be underestimated →

Energy in Demand News, October 22nd, 2023

We are now about two months away from COP28 in Dubai. All of us are anxious that real progress is made because the signs of climate crisis are growing and there definitely is a need to ramp up ambition and action. We were discouraged this week when EU member states this week adopted a common … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, October 22nd, 2023 →

Study shows that the carbon impact of the richest people’s driving habits have damaged the climate more than “those of the poorest”

The UK climate campaign group Possible calls for ‘polluter pays’ tax based on vehicle size as analysis shows that today’s SUVs often emit more carbon emissions than much older cars. Peter Walker discusses the research in an article on the Guardian website. SUVs emit more climate damaging gas than older cars do, study finds … Continue reading Study shows that the carbon impact of the richest people’s driving habits have damaged the climate more than “those of the poorest” →

Governments around the world will need to impose tighter regulations if the problems caused by air pollution are to be tackled

Although almost everyone in the world now breathes air that is polluted in some way, the unfolding story of air pollution is one of environmental inequality. In an article on the BBC News website, Kamala Thiagarajan discusses the issues and the possible solutions to the growing problem of air pollution globally. Why clean air … Continue reading Governments around the world will need to impose tighter regulations if the problems caused by air pollution are to be tackled →

Energy in Demand News, October 8, 2023

As we get closer to COP28 in Dubai, there are some disturbing signs. For example: the US and China failed to pledge to the UN Green Climate Fund (most countries, including Germany, Austria and France, increased their pledges, while Denmark, Ireland and Liechtenstein doubled theirs but total pledges still did not reach target); Russia says … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, October 8, 2023 →

New EEA briefing on why a thoughtful approach to participation is needed for sustainability transitions

What is the role of citizens in Europe’s shift to a sustainable future and how do we make it inclusive? Transitioning into sustainability will be challenging and calls for creativity and the full involvement of all sectors of society, including citizens, to make it a success, according to a European Environment Agency briefing published this … Continue reading New EEA briefing on why a thoughtful approach to participation is needed for sustainability transitions →

The new EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive: “We do not want to be crushed and knocked out” by burdensome regulations, say French SMEs

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive would extend the scope of companies’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting obligations to inform investors, banks and insurance companies better. The new rules would also apply to SMEs. In an article on the EURACTIV website, Théo Bourgery-Gons discusses how French SMEs argue that new regulations are so onerous that … Continue reading The new EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive: “We do not want to be crushed and knocked out” by burdensome regulations, say French SMEs →

Summary of UN Summits Week 2023

Last week, the UN Headquarters was busy with the General Debate of the 78th session of the General Assembly together with summits on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and on climate change. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) does an incredible job … Continue reading Summary of UN Summits Week 2023 →

At midpoint of SDG implementation, the SDGs are in peril

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the UN summit this week: “Yet today, only 15 per cent of the targets are on track. Many are going in reverse. Instead of leaving no one behind, we risk leaving the SDGs behind.” Cameron Allen, Research Fellow, Monash University and Shirin Malekpour, Associate Professor in Sustainable Development Governance … Continue reading At midpoint of SDG implementation, the SDGs are in peril →