Will the IEA’s models reflect meeting the Paris climate objectives?

In September, EiD had a post on concerns about modelling at the International Energy Agency and whether it truly meets the objectives of the Paris climate agreement. Now the Oil Change International team write on the Price of Oil website about similar concerns. They worry that there is now an over reliance on natural gas … Continue reading Will the IEA’s models reflect meeting the Paris climate objectives?

New analysis from the European Environment Agency on air quality

Europe’s air is getting cleaner but persistent pollution, especially in cities, still damages people’s health and the economy. The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) new analysis on air quality shows that exposure to air pollution caused about 400,000 premature deaths in the EU in 2016.   Cutting air pollution in Europe would prevent early deaths, improve … Continue reading New analysis from the European Environment Agency on air quality

IEA in new drive to increase rate of energy intensity improvements

Undoubtedly, if we are to accelerate the low carbon energy transition, we need organisations such as the International Energy Agency to play a lead role.  Last week, EiD had a post raising concerns about its modelling and we are looking forward to what it next presents in the upcoming World Energy Outlook. Recently, the IEA … Continue reading IEA in new drive to increase rate of energy intensity improvements

New report from OECD linking climate action and well-being

In energy efficiency we are often discussing the so-called multiple benefits that include health, jobs and other social benefits.  Now the OECD Secretariat has released a report that tries to look at climate action with a social focus. The OECD publication Accelerating Climate Action: Refocusing Policies through a Well-being Lens builds on the OECD Well-being … Continue reading New report from OECD linking climate action and well-being

New report from UN Economic Commission for Europe to accelerate energy transition

Recently, the UNECE has published a report to accelerate the shift to improved energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment in selected countries of South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and in the Russian Federation.   UNECE issues recommendations to accelerate energy efficiency and renewable energy shift in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Russian … Continue reading New report from UN Economic Commission for Europe to accelerate energy transition

Will IEA’s models truly reflect meeting the Paris climate objectives?

In April this year a group of investors and scientists wrote to the Executive Director of the IEA calling for a more realistic approach to modelling in its World Energy Outlook. They closed the letter this way: “As a group of individuals representing the investor, business, academic and non-profit sectors,  we are key end users … Continue reading Will IEA’s models truly reflect meeting the Paris climate objectives?

Sometimes an organisation has outlasted its usefulness

We have been very good at creating new international organisations when needed but we have a hard time removing them when they have either achieved their expected results or simply do not have a positive role to play in our current global context. Can it be reformed to meet today’s challenges?   Such is the concern … Continue reading Sometimes an organisation has outlasted its usefulness

International Energy Charter needs to focus on low-carbon energy transition

In a previous article Sarah Keay-Bright said the outdated Energy Charter Treaty protects old world fossil fuel investments over the wide range of new green investments now being made. The treaty is being reviewed by its signatories this year. In a concluding article on the energypost.eu website, she and Steivan Defilla warn that the terms … Continue reading International Energy Charter needs to focus on low-carbon energy transition

Could the world be sustainable with less efficiency and more GHG emissions?

One week after the publication of the IPCC report on the 1.5°C target, the International Energy Agency released its flagship energy efficiency publication entitled “Energy Efficiency 2018 - Analysis and Outlook to 2040”. In the foreword of the publication, Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol claims, rightly, that “this year’s report is the most comprehensive analysis … Continue reading Could the world be sustainable with less efficiency and more GHG emissions?

Financing sustainable energy high priority for EBRD

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was established to help build a new, post-Cold War era in Central and Eastern Europe. It has since played a historic role and gained unique expertise in fostering change in the region - and beyond. Now it is active in more than 30 countries, from the Southern … Continue reading Financing sustainable energy high priority for EBRD