New McKinsey report says reaching net zero is vital to avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of global heating and the transformation becomes more expensive the longer action is delayed

In a new report by McKinsey, the global management consulting company, they look at the economic transformation that a transition to net-zero emissions would entail—a transformation that would affect all countries and all sectors of the economy, either directly or indirectly. Damian Carrington discusses the report in an article on The Guardian website.   McKinsey: … Continue reading New McKinsey report says reaching net zero is vital to avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of global heating and the transformation becomes more expensive the longer action is delayed

The latest IRENA assessment suggests an emerging hydrogen industry could reshape global political and economic relationships

Michael Mazengarb writes on the RenewEconomy website about the findings of a new IRENA report that shows the possible transition of the global energy system away from fossil fuels and towards renewable hydrogen.   How renewable hydrogen could shake up the geopolitics of energy The transition of the global energy system away from fossil fuels … Continue reading The latest IRENA assessment suggests an emerging hydrogen industry could reshape global political and economic relationships

Reaction to IEA’s review of Canada’s energy policies

Bruce Campbell, Adjunct professor, faculty of environmental and urban change, at York University in Canada writes on The Conversation website about the praise the IEA gave Canada’s policies only weeks after the government’s Environment and Sustainable Development Commissioner released a scathing report on Canada’s climate record. Well, no one said the carbon-neutral energy transition would … Continue reading Reaction to IEA’s review of Canada’s energy policies

New EEA briefing on lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic for sustainability

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted swift and forceful actions by governments and societies around the world. A European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing reflects on these responses and the link between the pandemic and the environment to draw lessons that could be used in making societies more sustainable.   What lessons does COVID-19 offer for sustainability? … Continue reading New EEA briefing on lessons learned from COVID-19 pandemic for sustainability

New EEA reports show there are clear opportunities to decouple Europe’s waste generation from economic growth

In most European countries and in the EU as a whole, waste generation is growing but at a slower pace than the economy. However, there are no signs that the overall objective of reducing the total generation of waste is close to being achieved, according to a European Environment Agency report published recently. The report’s … Continue reading New EEA reports show there are clear opportunities to decouple Europe’s waste generation from economic growth

New EEA reports on key role of cities in Europe’s transition to sustainability

Most Europeans live in cities and cities are Europe’s economic, cultural, and political hubs. Cities face environmental and climate challenges but also hold keys to realise Europe’s sustainability ambitions. Two new assessments on urban sustainability, published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) today, combine several environment and climate themes, calling for better integration of policies … Continue reading New EEA reports on key role of cities in Europe’s transition to sustainability

New EEA report on analysis of air quality in Europe

The vast majority of Europe’s urban population is exposed to levels of air pollutants above new World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, according to an updated European Environment Agency (EEA) analysis on air quality in Europe released this week.   Europe’s urban population remains at risk due to levels of air pollution known to damage health … Continue reading New EEA report on analysis of air quality in Europe

While energy efficiency is the central pillar of France’s low carbon strategy, there is still need to accelerate its clean energy transition according to IEA

The International Energy Agency has published its review of energy policies of France. It is a comprehensive review that examines all aspects of energy policy. The last review of French energy policies was in 2015. France has helped guide international efforts to tackle climate change, but it needs to accelerate key parts of its energy … Continue reading While energy efficiency is the central pillar of France’s low carbon strategy, there is still need to accelerate its clean energy transition according to IEA

New EEA report on creating an economy that can deliver prosperity and sustainability

Creating a more resilient and sustainable future will require Europe to reimagine its economic model, according to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) report published this week. The report highlights opportunities for Europe to go further in creating an economy that can deliver prosperity and sustainability.   Creating a resilient economy within environmental limits Reducing … Continue reading New EEA report on creating an economy that can deliver prosperity and sustainability

Heat pumps will be the cheapest green heating option for consumers

The urgency of the challenge to mitigate the climate crisis will force all of us to change how we heat our homes: away from polluting sources like gas to greener and more efficient alternatives. According to a new study released by BEUC (The European Consumer Organisation) this week, heat pumps will be the cheapest green … Continue reading Heat pumps will be the cheapest green heating option for consumers