“… 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 →

Can carbon be offset with integrity?

There will be endless discussions on the role of achieving net zero emission, what role do carbon offsets really have and is so much of this simply greenwashing. Christian Barry and Garrett Cullity of Australian National University provide their views in an article on The Conversation website. Big-business greenwash or a climate saviour? Carbon … Continue reading Can carbon be offset with integrity? →

Not taking embodied emissions in buildings into account could mean overshooting carbon emissions targets by several decades

Ljubomir Jankovic, Professor of Advanced Building Design at the University of Hertfordshire, in an article on The Conversation website, discusses the importance of accounting for embodied carbon in buildings if we are to fully come to grips with net zero emissions. Embodied carbon: why truly net zero buildings could still be decades away Carbon dioxide … Continue reading Not taking embodied emissions in buildings into account could mean overshooting carbon emissions targets by several decades →

Often overlooked as an obstacle to climate action, lobbying has come into the spotlight at COP26

Lobbyists are pushing the climate to dangerous extremes by blocking or diluting policies that would reduce the burning of fossil fuels. Ajit Niranjan provides his views on lobbying in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. COP26: Lobbying threat to global climate action As world leaders meet for a landmark summit to cut carbon … Continue reading Often overlooked as an obstacle to climate action, lobbying has come into the spotlight at COP26 →

The new heat and buildings strategy boosts the UK’s credentials as a global leader yet it has ignored some critical actions

With much fanfare, the UK government announced its heat and buildings strategy last week. Ran Boydell, Visiting Lecturer in Sustainable Development at Heriot-Watt University discusses the strategy to see if it is fit for purpose to help Britain achieve its net-zero objectives in an article on The Conversation website. Heat and buildings strategy: the … Continue reading The new heat and buildings strategy boosts the UK’s credentials as a global leader yet it has ignored some critical actions →