Ian Thomson, Director of the Centre for Responsible Business, University of Birmingham writes on The Conversation website about how investments can be directed to have the most decisive impacts. What are your views? Financing the transition to net-zero – here’s how the EU will advise investors where to put their money Ahead of next … Continue reading Scaling up private and public investment is crucial in financing the zero-carbon transition
Category: EU policies
Germany concedes move to cap gas prices as EU wrestles with energy crisis
European Council President Charles Michel said EU leaders agreed to cooperate on energy after a long day of talks. However, a consensus was not reached on capping gas prices. A news item on the Deutsche Welle website presents latest developments. EU leaders agree to combat rising energy prices European Council President Charles Michel said early … Continue reading Germany concedes move to cap gas prices as EU wrestles with energy crisis
New EEA study on urban sustainability
There is a unique opportunity for European cities to better align their the post-COVID-19 recoveries with efforts to make them more sustainable and tackle the impacts of climate change all at the same time. A key legacy of the pandemic is that our cities are a lot more flexible and open to change when it … Continue reading New EEA study on urban sustainability
New EEA briefings on sustainability of agriculture and food systems
A profound rethink of how we produce food and operate global food chains and related industrial processing sectors is needed to make them resilient and sustainable. Much more must be done to reduce their GHG emissions as well as their pressures on water resources and biodiversity — efforts which are currently almost stagnant — according … Continue reading New EEA briefings on sustainability of agriculture and food systems
New EEA report on the feasibility of Europe achieving the zero pollution action plan’s noise reduction target
About 18 million people suffer long-term annoyance from transport noise in the EU. The European Commission’s zero pollution action plan aims to reduce the number of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 30% by 2030, compared to 2017 levels. According to the European Environment Agency’s assessment, published this week, reaching this target is unlikely … Continue reading New EEA report on the feasibility of Europe achieving the zero pollution action plan’s noise reduction target
New EEA report on need to ensure soils are no longer a net source of GHG emissions in Europe
Soils can both remove carbon from the atmosphere or emit greenhouse gas emissions. According to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, published recently, European soils are currently a net source of greenhouse gas emissions and, if not addressed, this could pose a risk to the EU climate targets. Mitigation actions can reduce the loss of … Continue reading New EEA report on need to ensure soils are no longer a net source of GHG emissions in Europe
New EEA report on energy prosumers
Citizens, institutions and businesses can help deploy renewable energy and reduce fuel imports by becoming prosumers who both produce and consume energy. A European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published recently, shows that prosumption already exists in many forms and it is expected to grow with enabling policies and better and cheaper technology. Citizens can … Continue reading New EEA report on energy prosumers
New McKinsey briefing: governments can act now to accelerate the energy transition in Europe to both improve the continent’s long-term energy security and reduce emissions
An executive briefing discusses how climate action can help Europe improve its energy security. The five McKinsey authors are Jesse Noffsinger, Nadia Christakou, Hamid Samandari, Humayun Tai is a senior partner and Dickon Pinner. How climate action can help deliver EU energy security Europe is currently facing two major energy challenges. The first is … Continue reading New McKinsey briefing: governments can act now to accelerate the energy transition in Europe to both improve the continent’s long-term energy security and reduce emissions
We have a lot of work cut out for us to get the energy efficiency improvements we need
Minimum energy performance standards for buildings coupled with generous tax rebates for renovations – 110% in Italy – could unlock the energy service company market in Europe. Sonja van Renssen discusses the main issues with Jessica Stromback in an article on the Energy Monitor website. Expect a “seismic shift” on energy efficiency – Jessica … Continue reading We have a lot of work cut out for us to get the energy efficiency improvements we need
European Commission urges member states to slash gas use by 15% to counter ‘Russian blackmail’
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, thinks that a total cut-off of Gazprom shipments to the EU-27 is 'probable.' To counter this, Brussels has come up with a plan based on voluntary action, asking each of its member countries to curb their consumption. Virginie Malingre discusses the announcement in an article on … Continue reading European Commission urges member states to slash gas use by 15% to counter ‘Russian blackmail’
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 