The average temperature at the planet’s surface is about 1.2℃ hotter than in the pre-industrial era – are we moving out of the Goldilocks zone?

Andrew King from the University of Melbourne and Steven Sherwood at UNSW Sydney write on The Conversation about their concerns about the impact of GHG emissions.   Two trillion tonnes of greenhouse gases, 25 billion nukes of heat: are we pushing Earth out of the Goldilocks zone? Since the 18th century, humans have been taking … Continue reading The average temperature at the planet’s surface is about 1.2℃ hotter than in the pre-industrial era – are we moving out of the Goldilocks zone?

Satellite technology holds the potential to fast-forward the net-zero transition

In an article on the Energy Monitor website, Oliver Gordon talks to Inmarsat’s Jat Brainch about the company’s recent research suggesting that wider adoption of satellite technology could reduce global GHG emissions by 18% and bring the net-zero transition forward by ten years. What are your views?   Satellites can help the world reach net … Continue reading Satellite technology holds the potential to fast-forward the net-zero transition

Sweden plans road that would allow electric cars to charge themselves as they are driven along its surface

The e-motorway, which is due to be completed in about two years, is part of wider efforts by Sweden to decarbonise the transport sector. James Rothwell discusses latest developments in an article on The Telegraph website.   Sweden plans to build world’s first electrified motorway Sweden has announced plans to build the world’s first electrified … Continue reading Sweden plans road that would allow electric cars to charge themselves as they are driven along its surface

European Green Deal: new law agreed to cut aviation emissions by promoting sustainable aviation fuels

A political agreement on the ReFuelEU Aviation proposal was reached April 25th between the European Parliament and the Council. Once in place, the new rules will help decarbonise the aviation sector by requiring fuel suppliers to blend sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) with kerosene in increasing amounts from 2025. This measure on its own is projected … Continue reading European Green Deal: new law agreed to cut aviation emissions by promoting sustainable aviation fuels

Benefits of agrivoltaic farming

Joshua M. Pearce, John M. Thompson Chair in Information Technology and Innovation and Professor at Western University in Canada writes on The Conversation that crop yields increase when the crops are partially shaded with solar panels.   How shading crops with solar panels can improve farming, lower food costs and reduce emissions If you have … Continue reading Benefits of agrivoltaic farming

Dutch government announces major funding for climate measures

A news item on the Dutch News website details the latest funding for climate measures in The Netherlands. The approach is to ensure climate policy ‘works for everyone, no matter where they live, their age or their income.’ Is it enough?   Cabinet allocates €28bn to slashing CO2 emissions The cabinet is to spend €28 … Continue reading Dutch government announces major funding for climate measures

Are carbon offsets through airlines just ‘greenwashing’?

Spending a few dollars to offset the footprint of your flight may sound too good to be true because it is, climate experts say. JD Shadel explains in an article on the Washington Post website. Do you agree?   Airlines want you to buy carbon offsets. Experts say they’re a ‘scam.’ “Book more sustainably” — … Continue reading Are carbon offsets through airlines just ‘greenwashing’?

New briefing on the revised Energy Efficiency Directive

The Coalition for Energy Savings has recently published a briefing that explains the key EED provisions agreed. The ‘Fit for 55 package’ and the REPowerEU plan proposed to upgrade the current Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) to align it with the higher 2030 climate objective and speed up the phase-out of fossil fuel imports from Russia. … Continue reading New briefing on the revised Energy Efficiency Directive

New EEA official data on 2021 GHG gas emissions published

Official data, published this week by the European Environment Agency (EEA), confirm that the economic recovery in 2021 increased the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions but their level remained lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the EU has reduced its emissions by 30% since 1990.   Economic recovery pushed EU emissions up in 2021 but … Continue reading New EEA official data on 2021 GHG gas emissions published

New IEA analysis on energy efficiency

Using energy more efficiently has proven to be an extremely successful and cost-effective way to reduce energy demand. Highly developed and well proven policy instruments already exist to deliver increased energy efficiency, such as Ecodesign in Europe and Japan’s Top Runner. These policy tools can also support fuel switching and better demand management, helping to … Continue reading New IEA analysis on energy efficiency