The Arctic is a fragile eco-system at any time and possible even more so now as we are better understanding the effects of climate change. Yet, even now, there are promoters of fossil fuel development that could have a serious impact. Edward Struzik, from the Queen's Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy, School of Policy … Continue reading Fossil fuel development is not the sustainable way to move forward in the Arctic
Category: Sustainable development
The contribution of indigenous peoples for the development of many technologies
Too often we simply think that our modern societies are responsible for all developments. Jesse Popp, Adjunct professor, Biology at Laurentian University in Canada explains the substantial contribution made by indigenous peoples. This is an important post for all EiD readers. How Indigenous knowledge advances modern science and technology Throughout history, Indigenous peoples have … Continue reading The contribution of indigenous peoples for the development of many technologies
How climate priorities are having an effect on farming
There are probably many ways we could discuss agriculture issues, but an article by Daniel Boffey in The Guardian explains about a recent effort for carbon-neutral eggs. Boffey states that organic and free-range varieties reflect farmers’ priority for the welfare of the chickens, at a cost to the wider environment. However, carbon-neutral eggs take a … Continue reading How climate priorities are having an effect on farming
What is the impact of our “sharing economy?”
It is fascinating how our sharing economy has evolved globally in recent years. Sophie Yeo writes in The Washington Post about its impact in addressing climate change. Do you have any evidence on this trend? The sharing economy helps fight climate change (but not as much as you think) The rise of the sharing … Continue reading What is the impact of our “sharing economy?”
The environmental impact of mining the materials for electric vehicle batteries
We have given much attention to the developments in batteries for electric vehicles as we try to increase their range. Max Opray provides an important article in The Guardian about the environmental impact from nickel, one of the major materials used in lithium ion batteries. Having grown up in a mining community and having seen … Continue reading The environmental impact of mining the materials for electric vehicle batteries
Sustainability and our digital carbon footprint
What is the environmental cost of producing media? Pietari Kaapa, Associate Professor in Media and Communications at the University of Warwick discusses this question in an important article on The Conversation website. It's time to start thinking about our digital carbon footprint The media is at the forefront of generating awareness over environmental issues. … Continue reading Sustainability and our digital carbon footprint
The public speaks out to support US Environmental Protection Agency regulations
Those of us watching what is currently going on in the US worry about the possible elimination of energy and environmental regulations to support sustainable development. Brady Dennis provides a good account in the Washington Post about comments that the EPA has received from the general public. Now, we wait to see the reaction. … Continue reading The public speaks out to support US Environmental Protection Agency regulations
How sustainable is the paper industry?
To mark Arbor Day in the US, Gary M. Scott, chair of the Paper and Bioprocess Engineering Department at State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry, answered five questions about the pulp and paper industry – a major consumer of trees. This was published on The Conversation website. Is the … Continue reading How sustainable is the paper industry?
House size can have important impact on resource use as well as environment
In many countries, new houses are getting increasingly bigger. The phys.org website reports on the a graduate student’s research that documents the impact of house size on resource use and impact on the environment. Is building bigger houses a waste of energy? Research by Iman Khajehzadeh, who graduates with a PhD in Architecture next … Continue reading House size can have important impact on resource use as well as environment
Re-thinking the design of buildings
We are well aware that the built environment is a key area that has to be addressed in our climate change strategies. Matt Mace explains in an article on the Edie website about some important new design innovations that could have an important impact. Lego block' buildings: Adaptability essential for building stock to combat … Continue reading Re-thinking the design of buildings
