Lessons from the Cold War to address environmental sustainability

The British academic, Peter Sutoris, whose work bridges anthropology with education, development studies and environmental studies, writes on the National Observer website linking the lessons learned from the Cold War. Peter argues that the Cold War shows that environmental sustainability, like peace, cannot be achieved solely by focusing on technology. Can a net-zero world … Continue reading Lessons from the Cold War to address environmental sustainability →

New assessment from EEA and ECHA of the drivers and impact of chemical pollution

The transition towards safer and more sustainable chemicals is progressing in some areas, while in others, it is just beginning. This is the finding of a first, joint Europe-wide assessment of the drivers and impact of chemical pollution by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published this week. The benchmarking … Continue reading New assessment from EEA and ECHA of the drivers and impact of chemical pollution →

Upcoming Paris Olympics halving the carbon footprint of London 2012 and Rio 2016

Organisers say they are setting a precedent by using existing or temporary venues for most events and focusing on low-carbon building for the rest. Angelique Chrisafis discusses the plans in an article on the Guardian website. 'Greenest ever Games’: how the Paris Olympics hopes to inspire a new era of global sporting events Beneath … Continue reading Upcoming Paris Olympics halving the carbon footprint of London 2012 and Rio 2016 →

Energy in Demand News, April 7, 2024

The Financial Times (behind a paywall) anticipates that the AI revolution will be a boon for natural gas, according to fossil fuel bosses. “AI’s soaring energy needs will rise well beyond what renewable energy and batteries can deliver, executives argue, making more planet-warming fossil fuel supplies crucial even as governments vow to slash their use.” … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, April 7, 2024 →

Paris embraces the ’15-minute city’ concept

Helena Horton writes on the Guardian website about the urbanist Carlos Moreno on how his concept is transforming French life and what is hindering change across the Channel in the UK. Why has the ‘15-minute city’ taken off in Paris but become a toxic idea in UK? The “15-minute city” has become a toxic … Continue reading Paris embraces the ’15-minute city’ concept →

Blog by Jane Marsh: Why are so many American EV chargers broken?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are an important factor in reducing the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. However, EVs need widespread, reliable charging infrastructure to be practical enough to replace gas-powered alternatives. While EV chargers have become more common, many are experiencing frequent issues. Inside America’s EV Charging Problem More than 20% of EV drivers have shown up … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh: Why are so many American EV chargers broken? →

Energy in Demand News, March 31, 2024

New oil and gasfields are expected to grow fourfold despite IEA warnings, the Financial Times (behind a paywall) reported this week in their energy newsletter. At least 20 new oil and gasfields reached final investment decisions worldwide last year and “this figure to grow nearly fourfold by the end of the decade, with another 31bn … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, March 31, 2024 →

New publication on updating the energy poverty and energy efficiency framework in rural areas across the EU

Energy poverty is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon caused by various factors. It is defined as a situation in which households are unable to access essential energy services and products. Despite widespread recognition and discussion of the topic, there are still several gaps in knowledge and practice. One aspect of energy poverty that remains largely … Continue reading New publication on updating the energy poverty and energy efficiency framework in rural areas across the EU →

Reclaiming ancestral farming techniques can be a step toward sustainable food systems

In an article on The Conversation website, Chelsea Fisher, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, University of South Carolina writes about what we can learn from ancient farmers as we adapt to climate change. What ancient farmers can really teach us about adapting to climate change – and how political power influences success or failure In … Continue reading Reclaiming ancestral farming techniques can be a step toward sustainable food systems →

New uncertainties and challenges that stand in the way of Ghana’s latest efforts to develop an integrated aluminium industry

In an article on The Conversation website, Theophilus Acheampong, Associate Lecturer, University of Aberdeen and Matthew Tyce, Lecturer in International Political Economy, King's College London discuss how the clean energy transition is affecting Ghana’s ambitions for industrial development. Ghana’s decades-old ambition to build an integrated aluminium industry faces a new hurdle: the clean energy … Continue reading New uncertainties and challenges that stand in the way of Ghana’s latest efforts to develop an integrated aluminium industry →