Researchers analysed 18 carbon-cutting measures at home and at work in areas such as food, transport and energy and assessed the impact of each on issues such as health, clean air and water quality. Of the 306 categories they looked at, 79 % were positive for wellbeing. Tom Bawden discusses the study in an article … Continue reading A green lifestyle is very good for us indeed
Category: net zero emissions
Can aviation make the transition to a low-carbon future – and perhaps even reach net-zero emissions?
Emma Rachel Whittlesea and Tim Ryley at Griffith University in Australia address that question by arguing that significant technological and energy disruption on the horizon for the industry suggests such a future is possible. They discuss the issues in an article on The Conversation website. Blue-sky thinking: net-zero aviation is more than a flight … Continue reading Can aviation make the transition to a low-carbon future – and perhaps even reach net-zero emissions?
Blog from Jane Marsh: How Does Low Carbon Housing Benefit the Environment?
The U.S. generates 5.1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, which come from activities like powering appliances or heating your home. In addition, carbon is released when building materials, such as concrete, are manufactured. The overproduction of carbon can lead to air pollution and increase global warming. These emissions also disturb natural habitats … Continue reading Blog from Jane Marsh: How Does Low Carbon Housing Benefit the Environment?
“Climate alarmism, government intervention and related ideas promoted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce are clearly contrary to business interests”
Matthew Lau, from Canada’s Fraser Institute, writes on the National Newswatch website about the Ontario Chamber of Commerce says that its embrace of climate science and economics are misguided and no help to business. The Fraser Institute is an independent conservative and libertarian Canadian public policy think tank. What are your views? What are the … Continue reading “Climate alarmism, government intervention and related ideas promoted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce are clearly contrary to business interests”
“… the Japanese government chose blue hydrogen a decade ago when renewables were expensive, and they are now locked into a plan that no longer makes sense”
In 2010 about one third of Japan's electricity came from nuclear power, and there were plans to build a lot more. But then the 2011 disaster hit, and all Japan's nuclear power plants were shut down. So, the Japanese government decided to build 22 new coal-fired power stations. The plants can be quite easily converted … Continue reading “… the Japanese government chose blue hydrogen a decade ago when renewables were expensive, and they are now locked into a plan that no longer makes sense”
China has a robust set of climate and energy policies and a strong track record when it comes to fulfilling its pledges to the international community: it just needs to do more
When it comes to climate change, no nation is more important than China. A common misconception is that China either lacks climate policies or fails to implement them. When it comes to China’s approach to climate change, the problem is not lack of policy implementation but rather a lack of policy ambition. Phillip Stalley, Endowed … Continue reading China has a robust set of climate and energy policies and a strong track record when it comes to fulfilling its pledges to the international community: it just needs to do more
Recent research shows the energy efficiency of homes built in the past 20 years in England varies considerably depending on where you are
As countries such as England are planning to make the housing stock net zero by 2050, recent research shows significant regional differences. Major cities across England and all local authorities across the south and south-east have below average energy intensity while homes in northern local authorities and less built-up urban areas have above average energy … Continue reading Recent research shows the energy efficiency of homes built in the past 20 years in England varies considerably depending on where you are
Germany’s new coalition government has made bold climate policy the cornerstone of the alliance
A coal phaseout by 2030, more electric vehicles and rapid renewables expansion: Germany's new coalition has promised a climate bonanza. But can the ambitious targets be hit? Stuart Braun discusses in an article posted on the Deutsche Welle website. It would have been good to have read more on their plans to improve energy efficiency. … Continue reading Germany’s new coalition government has made bold climate policy the cornerstone of the alliance
To meet long-term carbon emissions targets, we must stop demolishing buildings should start using the carbon spent in the past to avoid the emission of more in the present
Meeting net zero targets for buildings, an entirely new approach is needed. Charles Gillott, PhD student in Engineering at University of Sheffield, in an article on The Conversation website, says we must stop demolishing buildings and replacing them with new ones. What are your views? We have reusable cups, bags and bottles: so why … Continue reading To meet long-term carbon emissions targets, we must stop demolishing buildings should start using the carbon spent in the past to avoid the emission of more in the present
New IEA energy efficiency report: Global energy efficiency progress is recovering – but not quickly enough
Energy Efficiency 2021 is the IEA’s annual update on global developments in energy efficiency. This year’s edition explores recent trends in energy efficiency markets at the economy-wide and sectoral levels, including developments in policy and investment. The report also focuses on the role of energy efficiency in achieving net zero emissions in the energy sector … Continue reading New IEA energy efficiency report: Global energy efficiency progress is recovering – but not quickly enough
