The catalytic converter: the environmental technology that changed everything

In an article on The Conversation website, Ann E. Carlson, Professor of Environmental Law, University of California, Los Angeles writes about how California's strict vehicle emissions standards drove the development and adoption of catalytic converters, transforming air quality in the United States and beyond. California’s willingness to maintain strict vehicle emissions standards accelerated the adoption … Continue reading The catalytic converter: the environmental technology that changed everything

New EEA report on treating protein diversification as a deliberate, long-term strategy in Europe

Broadening the range of proteins that Europe produces and consumes could strengthen food security, improve resilience, enhance competitiveness and reduce environmental pressures, according to a new European Environment Agency (EEA) report. The benefits depend on treating protein diversification as a deliberate, long-term strategy.   New EEA report: 'Protein diversification — strategic risks and opportunities for … Continue reading New EEA report on treating protein diversification as a deliberate, long-term strategy in Europe

Climate cost of expanded World Cup under scrutiny as emissions set to soar

Loughborough University has published a new report that throws a ​harsh spotlight on the environmental price of football's expanding showpiece that is just getting underway in Canada, Mexico and the USA.   FIFA Men’s World Cup expansion risks making 2026 tournament “most polluting ever”, report warns A new report examining football’s relationship with climate change … Continue reading Climate cost of expanded World Cup under scrutiny as emissions set to soar

The toxic legacy of the global plastic waste trade

Ellen M. Considine, Assistant Professor of Geography and Fellow of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), University of Colorado Boulder in an article on The Conversation website connects plastic waste exports, open burning, air pollution and public health, showing how wealthy countries often shift the environmental burden of plastic waste onto developing … Continue reading The toxic legacy of the global plastic waste trade

Energy in Demand News, May 31-June 1, 2026

Sabine Mauderer, first deputy government of the Deutsche Bundesbank, argues in the Financial Times, that more clarity is needed on the energy transition. The recent disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, she says, highlights how dependence on fossil fuels remains a major economic and geopolitical vulnerability, reinforcing the need to accelerate the global energy transition. … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, May 31-June 1, 2026

Blog by Jane Marsh – thermostat replacement as a gateway efficiency upgrade: why small changes matter for home decarbonisation

The transition towards a low-carbon future is often associated with large-scale infrastructure projects, the adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. These measures are vital, but meaningful progress in decarbonisation also depends on smaller, practical changes made in homes and businesses every day. Why Small Efficiency Changes Matter Decarbonisation requires a combination of systemic … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh – thermostat replacement as a gateway efficiency upgrade: why small changes matter for home decarbonisation

The public has connected the dots: fossil fuels mean vulnerability

Mallika Singhal writes on the 350.org website that new surveys confirm that the public across 13 countries know fossil fuels lead to conflict, and renewable energy is key to stability and security.   People are ready for the energy transition. Governments need to catch up. What happens when a geopolitical crisis strikes? When wars start … Continue reading The public has connected the dots: fossil fuels mean vulnerability

World Urban Forum backs ‘Baku Call to Action’ on global housing

A landmark gathering of more than 57,000 participants – the largest in the history of the World Urban Forum – closed on May 22nd in Baku, Azerbaijan with an urgent call to rethink how the world houses its people, as a new roadmap urges governments, cities and communities to act collectively on a crisis affecting … Continue reading World Urban Forum backs ‘Baku Call to Action’ on global housing

Energy in Demand News, May 17-18, 2026

The Financial Times reports that one of the largest US pension funds “is re-evaluating its stake in TotalEnergies following the French oil major’s decision to accept $1bn from Donald Trump’s administration to exit offshore wind power in the US. . . . The New York State Common Retirement Fund, which owns a $1.6mn stake in … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, May 17-18, 2026

EEA’s latest official reported data on levels of key air pollutants in Europe

Most air quality monitoring stations in Europe achieve current EU legal standards for key air pollutants. However, the levels of key pollutants — like particulate matter, benzo(a)pyrene and especially ground-level ozone — remain a significant problem, according to the latest air quality assessments published this week by the European Environment Agency (EEA).   Progress in … Continue reading EEA’s latest official reported data on levels of key air pollutants in Europe