What is the driver behind our environmental values?

Have you thought about why you have a certain attitude towards environmental issues? Chris Mooney writes in the Washington Post about new that it helps us better understand why different people respond differently to the environment. This is a must read for EiD followers. The surprising psychology behind why some people become environmentalists The … Continue reading What is the driver behind our environmental values? →

VAT issues arise again in Britain

In February 2013, EiD had a post by Andrew Warren of the Association for the Conservation of Energy on the European Commission’s demand that VAT rise (again) to the rate of 20%. He and many others had argued for years about the importance of the lower rate of 5% but the Commission argued that the … Continue reading VAT issues arise again in Britain →

A greener form of refrigeration?

Terry Slavin writes an interesting article in The Guardian about a new waste product derived from sugar beet could help cut supermarket energy consumption from refrigeration. Could this be a game changer? The natural refrigerant set to reduce supermarket energy use Could the sugar you have in your morning coffee help prevent global warming? … Continue reading A greener form of refrigeration? →

The moral maze of the environment

How can it be that the majority of Republicans in the US support action to address climate change yet their representatives in Washington are clearly against such action. There is definitely a disconnect for non-Americans, a recent study in Canada (yes, not in the US) shows that for Republicans there remains a very large gap … Continue reading The moral maze of the environment →

The urban environmental paradox

This blog by Emily Badger in the Washington Post discusses compact metro areas and the environmental benefits that are achieved. It is well worth the read. The impressive environmental bonus of crowded city living Cities present a kind of environmental paradox. The construction of all our roads, housing and office towers requires a lot … Continue reading The urban environmental paradox →

China’s environment is a disaster but the crises of the past year have stirred a greater environmental consciousness

EiD writes frequently and understandably about the situation in China. Given its size and level of environmental concerns, the impact is global. Daniel Gardner, who teaches Chinese history and environment at Smith College and is writing a book on environmental pollution in China, provides an excellent article in the New York Times that gives one … Continue reading China’s environment is a disaster but the crises of the past year have stirred a greater environmental consciousness →

More concerns about fracking

Pilita Clark and Ed Crooks write in the Financial Times about the increased threat of water shortages resulting from the development of shale gas. Water shortages pose larger than expected threat to shale gas Water shortages pose a bigger threat to the global shale oil and gas industry than is widely realised, according to … Continue reading More concerns about fracking →

Many in the American religious community supporting Obama’s environment programme

It is always fascinating to who is an environmentalist and who is a “denier.” While this is true globally, it is particularly true in the US where many conservatives are opposed to any effort to address climate change. Theodore Schleifer writes in the New York Times about a group of conservative faith leaders who have … Continue reading Many in the American religious community supporting Obama’s environment programme →

Canadians in quandary over views on their tar sands

Konrad Yakabuski writes in Canada’s Globe and Mail about the conflicting feelings that Canadians have over their tar sands. While they have a significant impact on overall national income, Canadians also want to be seen as conscientious global citizens. While many countries have conflicting priorities, it is acute in Canada and this article is important … Continue reading Canadians in quandary over views on their tar sands →

New publication from the European Environment Agency

The EEA has published an important new publication that looks at the environmental effects of our current consumption and production system. Signals 2014: Our well-being depends on a resource-efficient, circular economy How do we create a performing economy that creates jobs and ensures our well-being, yet respects the limits of our planet? This question is … Continue reading New publication from the European Environment Agency →