Ran Boydell, Visiting Lecturer in Sustainable Development at Heriot-Watt University discusses in an article on The Conversation website about the fragility of our existing buildings as we cope with significant climate changes. Most buildings were designed for an earlier climate – here’s what will happen as global warming accelerates Climate change will affect every aspect … Continue reading Impact of climate change on our buildings
Category: Sustainable development
More than 1,500 legal actions have already been brought against fossil fuel companies
More legal actions are likely to be successful, as new science was making it possible to attribute the damages of climate breakdown more directly to companies’ activities. Fiona Harvey discusses this new research in an article on The Guardian website. New climate science could cause wave of litigation against businesses – study Businesses could … Continue reading More than 1,500 legal actions have already been brought against fossil fuel companies
From the EEA: waste generation and decoupling in Europe
Between 2010 and 2018, total waste generation increased by 5% (114 million tonnes) in the EU-27 according to the European Environment Agency (EEA). When major mineral wastes are excluded from the total, it increased by 7% (50.3 million tonnes). This means that the EU-27 is not on track to meet its policy goal of reducing … Continue reading From the EEA: waste generation and decoupling in Europe
The recent re-emergence of working horses in viticulture
At least 300 wine growers across mainland France and Corsica are using draught horses. Sheep are also used to graze in vineyards. Sheep are used as an alternative to chemical herbicides, soil and water quality improves, and the practice encourages the growth of nitrogen-fixing plants, such as clover. Ginger Clark writes on The Guardian website … Continue reading The recent re-emergence of working horses in viticulture
Smart traffic lights could cut emissions by a quarter
Is this the future for better traffic flow in urban areas? Smart traffic lights are now being tested in Britain. Graeme Paton discusses latest developments in an article on The Times website. Smart traffic lights get green light for cutting emissions by a quarter A new generation of smart traffic lights could be introduced … Continue reading Smart traffic lights could cut emissions by a quarter
Leaded fuels, banned 20 years ago, still have impact on our environment
A study shows that 32-43% of the lead in the London air was originally from leaded fuels, banned 20 years ago. The concern is that most cities likely to be affected by the pollutant, which is particularly harmful to children’s brains. Damian Carrington discusses the issue in an article on The Guardian website. Legacy … Continue reading Leaded fuels, banned 20 years ago, still have impact on our environment
Urban sustainability – preparing for post-COVID tourism
Johannes Novy, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, School of Architecture and Cities at the University of Westminster discusses in an article on the Conversation website what urban tourism should look like after COVID, using Amsterdam as an important model. Amsterdam is laying down a model for what tourism should look like after COVID When … Continue reading Urban sustainability – preparing for post-COVID tourism
Market forces will see oil majors forced to adopt more climate-friendly investment strategies
While lawsuits may add public pressure, the courts aren’t the major forces of change right now. Paul Griffin, Distinguished Professor of Management at the University of California, Davis writes on The Conversation website that investors and the markets now hold more power that will lead to significant change. A court ruling on Shell’s climate … Continue reading Market forces will see oil majors forced to adopt more climate-friendly investment strategies
G7 summit in Cornwall ended with little cause for celebration from anyone worried about climate change
This year’s G7 was considered an important step before the COP26 climate conference in November. Both are hosted in Britain. Myles Allen, Professor of Geosystem Science, Director of Oxford Net Zero at the University of Oxford reflects on the pledges, non-pledges and things that weren’t mentioned at all in an article on The Conversation website. … Continue reading G7 summit in Cornwall ended with little cause for celebration from anyone worried about climate change
Gathering better data to address energy justice
Jeff Brady writes on the NPR website about recent research that focus on energy justice in the US. The researchers reflect on the importance of more and better data. What are your views? Tackling 'Energy Justice' Requires Better Data. These Researchers Are On It Poor people and people of color use much more electricity … Continue reading Gathering better data to address energy justice
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 