A country’s ability to pursue major energy reforms hinges on the government’s capacity to defuse political opposition

Jared Finnegan, Lecturer in Public Policy at University College London (UCL) writes on The Conversation website about why some have been more successful than others in pursuing energy reform. Energy transitions: why countries respond differently to the same problem Russia’s invasion of Ukraine upended global energy markets. Sanctions on Russian exports and the suspension … Continue reading A country’s ability to pursue major energy reforms hinges on the government’s capacity to defuse political opposition →

Summer reading – the “wood wide web”

Beneath our feet, a vast microbial network dubbed the "wood wide web" allows trees to communicate and share resources with each other. Natalie Muller discusses in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. As you read about the power of trees, notice that "sweeping across 107 acres of Utah’s Fishlake National Forest is one of … Continue reading Summer reading – the “wood wide web” →

New JRC report – Empowering vulnerable consumers in the energy transition

A new JRC paper examines ways to empower the energy poor and vulnerable consumers as active informed citizens and actors in the energy system, looking at exemplary practices from around Europe. Promising initiatives include energy advisors, trusted intermediaries, locally embedded innovative business models (like one-stop shops), trainings of energy actors, energy ombudsmen, energy cafés and … Continue reading New JRC report – Empowering vulnerable consumers in the energy transition →

The G20 on Culture adopts the Rome Declaration

In looking at the link between culture and climate change, the G20 ministerial on culture held in last summer had been overlooked. Now as we get closer to COP26, we see how important it is. It was the first meeting devoted to Culture in the history of the G20 was held on 29-30 July in … Continue reading The G20 on Culture adopts the Rome Declaration →

How can historic buildings become more energy efficient while conserving their heritage values?

Renovating to improve energy efficiency of historic buildings while also preserving them for the future is not easy. Petra Eriksson in a collaboration between the University of Gothenburg and Uppsala University did her doctoral thesis presented a method taking a holistic approach to the assessment of both potential energy savings and management of the buildings' … Continue reading How can historic buildings become more energy efficient while conserving their heritage values? →

New report by the World Meteorological Organisation warns 1.5℃ limit may be exceeded by 2024

We all have to be concerned that global warming is increasing faster than expected. While we are not doing that great a job addressing the Paris Climate Agreement, there is growing evidence that we have to take action even more urgently. Pep Canadell, Chief research scientist, Climate Science Centre, CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere; and Executive … Continue reading New report by the World Meteorological Organisation warns 1.5℃ limit may be exceeded by 2024 →

How GHG emissions can be lowered for shipping

It seems so logical but a recent study shows the significant impact on reducing GHG emissions inshipping simply by sailing slower. Josh Barrie explains in an article on the i news website. Even the Dutch are now having speeds reduced for vehicles on motorways. Making ships go 20% slower could cut greenhouse gases and … Continue reading How GHG emissions can be lowered for shipping →

Hélène Connor Lajambe, we’ll miss you

It is with great sadness that Energy in Demand announces the passing of Hélène Connor Lajambe, recipient of the 2012 Légion d'Honneur (France) in recognition of her four decades of visionary work in promoting environmental protection, sustainable energy and participatory governance. Hélène was returning from a trip to Tibet – a life-long dream – when … Continue reading Hélène Connor Lajambe, we’ll miss you →

Explaining what net-zero emissions means in practice

We constantly hear about net zero carbon emissions. The EU is expected to commit to going carbon neutral. But what will net-zero emissions mean in practice? What are negative emissions, and why do we need them? D Ruby Russell unpicks the jargon in an article on the Deutsche Welle website. Net-zero by 2050: What … Continue reading Explaining what net-zero emissions means in practice →

In Germany the Energy Avant-Garde Anhalt shows its commitment to a sustainable energy future

It is encouraging to see some of the sustainability efforts underway. In Sachsen-Anhalt, one of the former Eastern German Länder, here is one group of very engaged people that deserves more attention. They come from various backgrounds – citizens, research institutes, municipal energy companies – has a goal of pushing “a socially just energy transition … Continue reading In Germany the Energy Avant-Garde Anhalt shows its commitment to a sustainable energy future →