Shift to construction with wood could lead to a cleaner, greener future

Harry Cockburn writes on The Independent website that there are many environmental benefits from using wood as the construction material of choice, according to researchers at Aalto University in Finland, and the Finnish Environment Institute. Cities made of wood 'could store huge amounts of carbon and cut construction emissions' The construction material of choice … Continue reading Shift to construction with wood could lead to a cleaner, greener future →

The European Academies Science Advisory Council Perspective on Transformative Change

This pandemic reminds us how vulnerable this planet, and in particular humanity, really are. Another striking reminder is the latest publication of the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC) available on its website. For more on the report see also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q90lDeis7-o and https://youtu.be/5Gk9prsjmEg. Resistance and Challenges to Green Deals should not be underestimated “Scientific knowledge of climate … Continue reading The European Academies Science Advisory Council Perspective on Transformative Change →

World’s largest investment banks provided financing linked to destruction of ecosystems

Phoebe Weston writes on The Guardian website about the world’s largest investment banks provided more than $2.6tn (£1.9tn) of financing linked to the destruction of ecosystems and wildlife last year, according to a new report. Banks lent $2.6tn linked to ecosystem and wildlife destruction in 2019 – report The world’s largest investment banks provided … Continue reading World’s largest investment banks provided financing linked to destruction of ecosystems →

The importance of designing climate policies that are equitable and improve people’s lives

Simone Abram, Professor in the Dept of Anthropology, Co-Director of Durham Energy Institute, at Durham University and Tom Pegram, Associate Professor in Global Governance and Deputy Director of UCL Global Governance Institute at University College London discuss that any transition to a net-zero society must take into account social conditions in an article on The … Continue reading The importance of designing climate policies that are equitable and improve people’s lives →

Irish president calls for new approach to economics that incorporates the “radicalism” of climate activism

Ireland’s President, Michael D Higgins was speaking at an event in Ireland this week where he called for an entirely new approach to climate activism. James Ward explains in an article up to the event on The Times website leading. Economic plans must include climate radicalism, says Michael D Higgins Michael D Higgins will … Continue reading Irish president calls for new approach to economics that incorporates the “radicalism” of climate activism →

As regions struggle with storms and wildfires, microgrids puts communities on the path to self-reliance

Whether it is Australia or western United States or many other global regions, disasters have meant a struggle in providing needed electricity. Jeanie Chin, Manager, Centre for Grid Innovation at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology writes on The Conversation website about the benefits of microgrids. Storms and wildfires can cut electricity, but microgrids … Continue reading As regions struggle with storms and wildfires, microgrids puts communities on the path to self-reliance →

Sustainable growth is priority for city of Helsinki

Dorn Townsend writes on the New York Times website about developments in Helsinki, Finland. As we give more and more attention to policies and actions at the local level, it is encouraging to see such efforts as are underway in Helsinki. What is the situation where you are? Helsinki Makes Sustainability a Guiding Principle … Continue reading Sustainable growth is priority for city of Helsinki →

Investing in renewable energy and promoting electric vehicles is far from being enough to limit global warming and achieve sustainability

Shifting to electric vehicles while maintaining current travelling habits will not deliver emissions reductions required by European Green Deal and Paris Agreement. Margarita Mediavilla and Khaled Diab discuss the issues in an article on The Ecologist website. The unsustainability of the electric car The European Green Deal sets ambitious targets for decarbonising the European … Continue reading Investing in renewable energy and promoting electric vehicles is far from being enough to limit global warming and achieve sustainability →

Making telecommuting sustainable

Hannah Budnitz, University of Oxford, Emmanouil Tranos, University of Bristol and Lee Chapman, University of Birmingham write on The Conversation website what it will take for the transition of working from home if we are to make it sustainable. A transition to working from home won't slash emissions unless we make car-free lifestyles viable … Continue reading Making telecommuting sustainable →

Whether dealing with Covid-19 or climate change, listen to the science

Jeffrey Frankel, professor at Harvard University’s John F Kennedy School of Government writes on The Guardian website about the importance of three things that are also necessary to tackle both Covid-19 and global warming: science, public policy, and international cooperation. Covid-19 and the climate crisis are part of the same battle From early on … Continue reading Whether dealing with Covid-19 or climate change, listen to the science →