Energy in Demand News, March 10, 2024

The World Trade Organization's Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13) recently took place in Abu Dhabi (February 26-March 2). In its energy update, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) wrote that “fossil fuel subsidy reform conversations have made marked progress at the WTO. Last week, the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform initiative—comprised of 48 members—delivered a new … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, March 10, 2024

Why is it so difficult—and expensive—to take the train across European countries and how can train travel truly take off and compete with low-cost airlines?

There is growing concern whether Europe’s trains will be able to compete with low-cost airlines? Ondrej Gomola discusses many of the issues that are impeding more widespread travel by trains in Europe in an article on The Perspective website. For those with access to the Financial Times (behind a paywall), there is a “big read” … Continue reading Why is it so difficult—and expensive—to take the train across European countries and how can train travel truly take off and compete with low-cost airlines?

Disproportionate focus of manufacturers on large SUVs and premium models means we have too few mass-market cars

New analysis by Transport & Environment shows how the car market is being distorted by large SUVs. The analysis is discussed in an article on the T&E website.   Carmakers are failing to deliver affordable electric cars, holding back EV adoption – analysis Only 17% of electric cars sold are in the more affordable ‘B’ … Continue reading Disproportionate focus of manufacturers on large SUVs and premium models means we have too few mass-market cars

The health benefits of cycling

A study has shown that cycling is a good way to prevent chronic diseases and lower premature mortality, with substantial savings for public health insurance budgets and communities. Sandrine Cabut discusses the study in an article on the Le Monde website.   Cycling, a cheap and effective medicine Ten thousand steps and counting: Could bicycle … Continue reading The health benefits of cycling

E-bikes could transform the way people experience rural areas and reduce the negative environmental effects of tourism

In an article on The Conversation website, Ian Philips, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds discusses the many benefits of switching to e-bikes in tourist regions. What are your views?   E-bikes are freewheeling through rain and over hills, with huge promise for sustainable transport in rural tourist areas I first … Continue reading E-bikes could transform the way people experience rural areas and reduce the negative environmental effects of tourism

Energy in Demand News, February 11, 2024

In all the important climate and energy news this week, two developments stand out. In a case that has lasted 12 years, this week the climate scientist Michael Mann won his defamation lawsuit against two conservative writers who compared his depictions of global heating to the work of a convicted child molester. “I hope this … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 11, 2024

Blog by Jane Marsh: What Infrastructure Does the U.S. Need for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles?

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are necessary for decarbonizing transportation, primarily as lithium-ion-based batteries in conventional EVs receive pushback. The potential for a zero-waste, carbon-neutral fuel cell is possible with more research and development in hydrogen. However, those efforts are moot if the U.S. does not install adequate infrastructure to support them. The State … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh: What Infrastructure Does the U.S. Need for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles?

Energy in Demand News, February 4, 2024

This week the European Commission will propose the new level of ambition for GHG emissions reductions it considers necessary for 2040. The Financial Times (behind a paywall) notes that the EU’s climate chief, Wopke Hoekstra, “has warned the bloc must not be lured into a “false narrative” that action against global warming is undermining the … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 4, 2024

The gap between official and real-world data on CO2 emissions from passenger cars in the EU has developed since introducing a new type-approval test procedure

A new study found that when official and real-world CO2 emission values of passenger cars in Europe are compared, the figures do not align. In an article on the Euractiv website, Sean Goulding Carroll discusses latest findings.   Car emissions 14% higher than advertised by manufacturers, study finds The gap between official and real-world car … Continue reading The gap between official and real-world data on CO2 emissions from passenger cars in the EU has developed since introducing a new type-approval test procedure

Energy in Demand News, January 28, 2024

There is encouraging good news that carbon emissions dropped in the EU in 2023. The Guardian reported on analysis from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (Crea) showing that the EU “pumped out 8% less carbon dioxide from the fossil fuels it burned in 2023 than it did in 2022.”  Crea analyst … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, January 28, 2024