With urbanisation exacerbating the risks of non-communicable diseases, new approaches to urban planning can make a difference

Tolullah Oni, Clinical Senior Research Associate, MRC Epidemiology Unit and Rizka Maulida, PhD researcher in behavioural epidemiology and urban health, both from  University of Cambridge write on The Conversation website how better urban planning can help reduce serious health effects.   Heart health: design cities differently and it can help us live longer By 2050, … Continue reading With urbanisation exacerbating the risks of non-communicable diseases, new approaches to urban planning can make a difference →

Are we fit for 55?

We have all been figuring out how to meet our Paris climate commitments. The European Union has been ramping up its level of ambition as well as the means to achieving those targets. This week the European Commission adopted a package of proposals to make the EU's climate, energy, land use, transport and taxation policies … Continue reading Are we fit for 55? →

“There can be no sustainable development, and likely no energy transition, if poverty is not addressed too”

Patrick Trent Greiner, Assistant Professor of Sociology at Vanderbilt University and an environmental social scientist, questions how we can find a way to lift nearly half of the world out of poverty and still reduce fossil fuel use, in an article on The Conversation website.   How colonialism’s legacy makes it harder for countries to … Continue reading “There can be no sustainable development, and likely no energy transition, if poverty is not addressed too” →

UK manufacturers legally required to make spare parts available for all electrical products

Right to repair rules will extend lifespan of products, the UK government says. Products such as washing machines, TVs and fridges should become easier to repair and cheaper to run under new rules coming into force. Lois Mackenzie discusses latest developments in an article on The Manufacturer website.   New right to repair rules for … Continue reading UK manufacturers legally required to make spare parts available for all electrical products →

Vienna Energy Forum 2021 features first-ever Youth Forum

The Vienna Energy Forum (VEF) is a biennial global, multi-stakeholder forum with the objective of exploring developmental challenges within the realm of sustainable energy. The Forum introduces a platform for policy- and decision-makers from all sectors of society to conceive practical solutions to sustainability issues. Since its founding in 2008 by a joint initiative of … Continue reading Vienna Energy Forum 2021 features first-ever Youth Forum →

Impact of climate change on our buildings

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 →

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 →