Energy in Demand News, July 21, 2024

The energy transition is proving to be quite a challenge. This week, the New York Times (behind a paywall) wondered why the oil industry is booming. High prices and growing demand have helped US oil producers take in record profits despite global efforts to spur greater use of renewable energy and electric cars. The article … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, July 21, 2024 →

The energy giant Shell promised to turn 1m tonnes of plastic waste into oil each year, but now says goal is unfeasible

Dharna Noor writes on the Guardian website about Shell’s decision to roll back on the promise to increase “advanced recycling” of plastics. The company said the walk-back was necessary due to changes in the market. Also, slow technology development has indeed been a factor in the advanced recycling market. Many feel Shell made a wise … Continue reading The energy giant Shell promised to turn 1m tonnes of plastic waste into oil each year, but now says goal is unfeasible →

Nearly 50 years ago an American oil company warned of climate risks

In an article on the Guardian website, Geoff Dembicki discusses how Marathon Petroleum predecessor warned of thepotential for ‘social and economic calamities’ in a decades-old publication. US oil company ran 1977 article predicting climate crisis could cause starvation The corporate predecessor to America’s largest refiner of oil, Marathon Petroleum, explained in a company periodical … Continue reading Nearly 50 years ago an American oil company warned of climate risks →

The emotional side of energy and climate policy

In an article on The Conversation website, Parker Muzzerall, PhD Candidate, Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia; Audrey-Ann Deneault, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal; and Steve Lorteau, SJD Candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto write about the important role of emotions in energy policy. What are your views? Emotions … Continue reading The emotional side of energy and climate policy →

Canada’s push against greenwashing is working

Efforts to stop companies from spreading misinformation in Canada about their impact on the climate and environment appear to be taking hold. An alliance of tar sands producers (often called oil sands) have removed online content citing "significant uncertainty" over the federal government's anti-greenwashing legislation. Nia Williams and Ismail Shakil discuss latest developments in an … Continue reading Canada’s push against greenwashing is working →

Explaining the concept of ‘net zero’

In an article on The Conversation website, Ruth Morgan, Associate Professor of History, Australian National University discusses the concept of ‘net zero.’ What are your views? What is ‘Net Zero’, anyway? A short history of a monumental concept Last month, the leaders of the G7 declared their commitment to achieving net zero emissions by … Continue reading Explaining the concept of ‘net zero’ →

“Misinformation about climate science that has sowed uncertainty”

In an article on The Conversation website, Gordon McBean, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geography and Environment, Western University in Canada writes about the misinformation from the oil and gas industry that is continuing to have a negative impact on effectively addressing climate change. The oil and gas industry has been lying about global warming … Continue reading “Misinformation about climate science that has sowed uncertainty” →

Energy in Demand, May 19, 2024

It is uncomfortable reading about the new report from the National Bureau of Economic Research and reported in the Guardian this week. The economic damage wrought by climate change is six times worse than previously thought. “A 1C increase in global temperature leads to a 12% decline in world gross domestic product (GDP), the researchers … Continue reading Energy in Demand, May 19, 2024 →

Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis signs law that removes most references to climate change in state law, bans offshore wind turbines in state waters and weakens regulations on natural gas pipelines

The state, which just had its hottest year since 1895, has taken steps to rip up its climate change policy foundation. The law also stops programmes designed to encourage renewable energy (prohibiting the construction of offshore wind turbines in state waters) and energy conservation. The legislation also deletes requirements that state agencies use climate-friendly products … Continue reading Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis signs law that removes most references to climate change in state law, bans offshore wind turbines in state waters and weakens regulations on natural gas pipelines →

Canada’s energy transition will be accelerated by dwindling demand

Undeniably, Canada is a major oil and gas producer and understandably, many want that to continue. Speaking at Canada's Net-Zero Forum this week, Lord Adair Turner, chair of international think-tank the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) is convinced the transition will accelerate. Darius Snieckus discusses Lord Turner’s views in an article on the National Observer website. … Continue reading Canada’s energy transition will be accelerated by dwindling demand →