Discussing the rebound effect from energy efficiency

On January 24th and 25th, there was an excellent roundtable at the IEA discussing the Macroeconomic Benefits of Energy Efficiency. There was an extensive discussion on the rebound effect with no real conclusion other than it must be analysed. How the results are used is up for debate. By coincidence, that very day there were … Continue reading Discussing the rebound effect from energy efficiency →

Impact of diesel fumes on health

John Vidal, environment editor of the Guardian, wrote recently in the Observer about a recent government report in the UK that details the harm that diesel fumes are causing. This is a major concern since governments have been promoting the benefits of switching to diesel. Diesel fumes more damaging to health than petrol engines Ministry … Continue reading Impact of diesel fumes on health →

Cars in Europe cause serious negative impact on environment

Peter Walker writes in the Guardian of recent research that shows the cost of cars to our environment. Car pollution, noise and accidents 'cost every EU citizen £600 (€750) a year' Researchers challenge view that drivers are overtaxed, saying they are subsidised by other taxpayers The perennial complaint from drivers that they are excessively taxed … Continue reading Cars in Europe cause serious negative impact on environment →

Pollution from cars is devastating

John Vidal of the Guardian describes a study that was published by the medical journal, the Lancet, on the deadly effects of pollution from vehicles in China and India. The study says surge in car use in south and east Asia killed 2.1m people prematurely in 2010. Pollution from car emissions killing millions in China … Continue reading Pollution from cars is devastating →

New study on progress to lower carbon emissions in passenger cars in Europe

John Reed, Motor Industry Correspondent of the Financial Times reports on a study by a leading environmental pressure group on the progress being made to lower CO2 emissions in passenger vehicles. Carmakers ‘on track with EU carbon goals’ Carmakers are close to complying with the 2015 carbon dioxide targets set by the European Union, and … Continue reading New study on progress to lower carbon emissions in passenger cars in Europe →

Shipping news

David Black of The National from Abu Dhabi gives a good account of the shipping industry and a recent study that shows the gains that will be made in the upcoming years. Given the importance of global shipping, this is welcome news. Ships 'to become more energy efficient' Merchant ships sliding down the slipways in … Continue reading Shipping news →

Comments in the Independent newspaper on November 12th from newspaper reader to complaints about planned fuel price rise in the UK

These are very good comments by a Mr. Fox in the Independent. "If fuel costs were really too high then you would expect there to have been a change in driver behaviour to reflect that fact. But most drivers still appear to exceed statutory speed limits on motorways or drive close to them; many overtake … Continue reading Comments in the Independent newspaper on November 12th from newspaper reader to complaints about planned fuel price rise in the UK →

Tackling energy use at airports

Carmel Doyle writes for the website SiliconRepublic about the efforts at Dublin Airport to reduce its energy consumption. Dublin Airport on mission to cut energy use by third by 2020 Dublin Airport on mission to cut energy use by third by 2020 Dublin Airport is aiming to cut its energy use by up to … Continue reading Tackling energy use at airports →

Biking in Italy

In Italy we once had to watch out for cars and scooters but now, since the financial crisis has taken hold, bicycles are increasingly being used. In fact, according to Nick Squires of The Telegraph, more bikes were sold than cars last year. More bikes sold than cars in Italy for first time since … Continue reading Biking in Italy →

BMW accused of hypocrisy

This is a thought-provoking article by Adam Vaughan of the Guardian on BMW lobbying against tougher emission proposals while talking up its green credentials as official Olympics. BMW accused of hypocrisy over opposition to European car targets BMW is lobbying to water down European plans to improve the fuel efficiency of cars at the … Continue reading BMW accused of hypocrisy →