Category: environment

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 →

Views on sustainability

The environmentalist Tony Juniper writes an excellent article in the Guardian hoping sustainability will be firmly on the political agenda in 2014 but fearing the philosophy of growth at any cost will continue.   The growth versus environment narrative needs to change in 2014 The last year was not a landmark one for progress on … Continue reading Views on sustainability →

Here and there

There are some good news briefs on sustainable energy topics this week. Industrial Insulation EiD reported on a recent roundtable on industrial insulation organised by the European Industrial Insulation Forum. Videos of the main statements are now available here.   New reports from European Environment Agency • Global megatrends shaping Europe's environment – Surging economic … Continue reading Here and there →

Starting to see the full range of benefits from solar energy in Europe

Diana Powers writes in the New York Times about how solar energy is coming into the mainstream in Europe and that it is bringing many environmental benefits. It is good to see an American news service giving such attention to these developments in Europe. Solar Power Begins to Shine as Environmental Benefits Pay Off Amid … Continue reading Starting to see the full range of benefits from solar energy in Europe →

Putting environmental requirements on any shale gas development

The German Energy Blog writes about the European Parliament pushing for strict environmental regulations if fracking is to go ahead.  No doubt the interest in fracking is such that better policies are certainly required.  The European  Commission is currently assessing the framework for shale gas production in the EU and may well consider appropriate regulation.  … Continue reading Putting environmental requirements on any shale gas development →

Health concerns from air pollution raised

The European Environment Agency has come out with a new study showing that air pollution in Europe is still harming health.  John Vidal provides an excellent article on this in The Guardian.  Curiously, he mentions that countries have downplayed hazards of air pollution despite evidence that it leads to 430,000 shortened lives a year. When … Continue reading Health concerns from air pollution raised →