Switzerland’s condemnation by the ECHR is a valuable development in the fight against global warming

Can a state be held liable for failing to protect its citizens from the consequences of climate change? By answering this question in the affirmative on Tuesday, April 9, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) handed down an unprecedented decision. This ruling should set a precedent in the 46 member states of the Council … Continue reading Switzerland’s condemnation by the ECHR is a valuable development in the fight against global warming →

Banks made big climate promises but a new study doubts they work

Using European Central Bank lending data, researchers said there was not evidence that voluntary commitments were effective in reducing emissions. Hundreds of banks, insurers and asset managers vowed to plow $130 trillion in capital into reducing carbon emissions and financing the energy transition as they introduced the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero. But a … Continue reading Banks made big climate promises but a new study doubts they work →

Energy in Demand News, April 7, 2024

The Financial Times (behind a paywall) anticipates that the AI revolution will be a boon for natural gas, according to fossil fuel bosses. “AI’s soaring energy needs will rise well beyond what renewable energy and batteries can deliver, executives argue, making more planet-warming fossil fuel supplies crucial even as governments vow to slash their use.” … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, April 7, 2024 →

New global report on renewables from REN21

The Global Overview of the Renewables 2024 Global Status Report was published this week by REN21. It finds that persistent obstacles are preventing renewables from keeping pace with rising energy demand, leading to increase in GHG emissions. Policy responses to geopolitical developments and global commitments accelerated the deployment and use of renewable energy in 2023, … Continue reading New global report on renewables from REN21 →

Energy in Demand News, March 31, 2024

New oil and gasfields are expected to grow fourfold despite IEA warnings, the Financial Times (behind a paywall) reported this week in their energy newsletter. At least 20 new oil and gasfields reached final investment decisions worldwide last year and “this figure to grow nearly fourfold by the end of the decade, with another 31bn … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, March 31, 2024 →

New publication on updating the energy poverty and energy efficiency framework in rural areas across the EU

Energy poverty is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon caused by various factors. It is defined as a situation in which households are unable to access essential energy services and products. Despite widespread recognition and discussion of the topic, there are still several gaps in knowledge and practice. One aspect of energy poverty that remains largely … Continue reading New publication on updating the energy poverty and energy efficiency framework in rural areas across the EU →

The road to COP29: EU foreign affairs ministers want fossil fuel industry to pay for fighting climate change in poorer countries

EU foreign affairs ministers met earlier this week and argued that the fossil fuel industry needs to play a bigger role in addressing climate change. In an article on the Reuters website, Kate Abnett discusses the views of EU ministers. Fossil fuel sector should pay climate finance, EU ministers say The fossil fuel industry … Continue reading The road to COP29: EU foreign affairs ministers want fossil fuel industry to pay for fighting climate change in poorer countries →

New report shows transport is the “problem child” of Europe’s climate efforts

Transport emissions in Europe have grown 26% since 1990 and greenhouse gases from sector could make up 44% of continent’s total output by 2030, says the campaign group Transport & Environment. Ajit Niranjan discusses the report’s findings in an article on the Guardian website. Campaigners warn over failure to curb Europe’s ‘runaway’ transport emissions … Continue reading New report shows transport is the “problem child” of Europe’s climate efforts →

Energy in Demand News, March 17, 2024

Bain’s annual survey of 600-plus executives in oil and gas, utilities, chemicals, mining, and agribusiness, taken during COP28 and the weeks after is cause for concern. From that corporate perspective, the energy transition looks slower as it becomes even more difficult to ensure adequate investment returns, and progress diverges across a fragmenting world. About 62% … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, March 17, 2024 →

98% of Europeans live in areas with unhealthy levels of PM2.5

While air pollution levels have improved significantly over the past 20 years, so much more to do because it is estimated that 98% of Europeans live in areas that the World Health Organization says have unhealthy levels of PM2.5. Helena Horton discusses the findings in an article on the Guardian website. Air pollution levels … Continue reading 98% of Europeans live in areas with unhealthy levels of PM2.5 →