Recent EU Directives placing stronger obligations on Member States to tackle energy poverty while also acknowledging a growing role for energy communities (ECs). The Community Energy for Energy Solidarity (CEES) project, funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, is pleased to announce the launch of its Toolkit, a practical guide to help ECs … Continue reading Community Energy for Energy Solidarity project launches energy solidarity toolkit
Category: urban policies
Protecting London a matter of ‘national security’ if extreme weather hits
Protecting London from extreme weather is a matter of “national security”, according to an independent report, which found that flooding, drought and wildfires were putting the UK capital’s economy and citizens at risk. The review says capital needs new reservoir, better flood defences and ‘heat plan’ for vulnerable people. Fiona Harvey discusses the findings of … Continue reading Protecting London a matter of ‘national security’ if extreme weather hits
Edinburgh just made it illegal to advertise SUVs
Maxine Perella writes on the Sustainable Brands website about Edinburgh’s recent ban on ads for fossil fuels and other high-carbon products. This ban exemplifies a desire to shift those ad spaces toward cleaner, more viable alternatives and ads that promote low-carbon behaviours. Latest Ban on ‘High-Carbon’ Ads Shows Appetite for Clean-Energy Transition UN Secretary … Continue reading Edinburgh just made it illegal to advertise SUVs
Is London ready to be a “sponge city”?
A sponge city, according to Wikipedia, is a new urban planning model in China that emphasizes flood management via strengthening green infrastructures instead of purely relying on drainage systems. Jacob Evans writes on the BBC News website whether London should become one. What are your views? What about other cities? Would yours be a candidate? … Continue reading Is London ready to be a “sponge city”?
Megacities in Africa face adaptation challenge
Cities cover just 3% of the planet. But they emit 78% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, absorb 80% of final global energy (what consumers use) and consume 60% of clean drinking water. African megacities like Lagos, Nigeria (with 21 million residents) and Cairo, Egypt (with 10 million residents) are experiencing significant temperature increases due … Continue reading Megacities in Africa face adaptation challenge
New EEA report takes stock of urban adaptation in Europe
Most Europeans live in urban areas and cities play a key role in protecting citizens and improving the resilience of European societies against the increasing impacts of climate change. The European Environment Agency’s report, published this week, takes stock of urban adaptation in Europe, showcasing what actions cities are taking in response to increasing climate … Continue reading New EEA report takes stock of urban adaptation in Europe
Paris embraces the ’15-minute city’ concept
Helena Horton writes on the Guardian website about the urbanist Carlos Moreno on how his concept is transforming French life and what is hindering change across the Channel in the UK. Why has the ‘15-minute city’ taken off in Paris but become a toxic idea in UK? The “15-minute city” has become a toxic … Continue reading Paris embraces the ’15-minute city’ concept
Paris to hold vote on whether SUVs should pay more for parking
The vote, to be held next February 4th, will be the second city-wide referendum on urban matters, after residents in April voted to ban rental e-scooters from the capital. An AFP news item on the Le Monde website discusses the upcoming referendum. Paris will have residents vote on increasing parking fees for heavy SUVs … Continue reading Paris to hold vote on whether SUVs should pay more for parking
Energy in Demand News, October 22nd, 2023
We are now about two months away from COP28 in Dubai. All of us are anxious that real progress is made because the signs of climate crisis are growing and there definitely is a need to ramp up ambition and action. We were discouraged this week when EU member states this week adopted a common … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, October 22nd, 2023
Germany is famed as a world leader in recycling – and Kiel “has some of the most weird and workable plans in the country to deal with its trash”
When it comes to recycling, Kiel has pulled ahead of the crowd, with its ban on single-use items, plans for leftover meals and innovative ideas for discarded human hair. In an article on the Guardian website, Ajit Niranjan discusses the lessons we can all learn from what is happening in Kiel. The zero-waste city: … Continue reading Germany is famed as a world leader in recycling – and Kiel “has some of the most weird and workable plans in the country to deal with its trash”
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 