Discarded textiles in Europe, including used clothing and footwear, are an increasing waste and export problem. Rapidly increasing EU exports of used textiles — some of which is reused and some of which ends up in landfills — show that Europe faces a challenge in how to handle its own used textiles, according to a … Continue reading New EEA briefing on how to handle discarded textiles in Europe
Recent study found that chess experts perform worse when there is more particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air
A recent study conducted by researchers from Maastricht University (Netherlands) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) analysed the quality of chess moves across multiple German chess tournaments. They found that chess experts perform worse when there is more particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air. In an article on the Conversation website, Francis Pope, Professor … Continue reading Recent study found that chess experts perform worse when there is more particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air
Heat pumps gaining market share in Europe
Heat pump sales, an integral part of the EU’s plan to kick Russian gas to the curb, saw record growth in 2022, with France, Poland and Finland standing out most, however, Germany is not among them. Nikolaus J. Kurmayer discusses developments in an article on the EURACTIV website. Three countries became heat pump forerunners … Continue reading Heat pumps gaining market share in Europe
Report finds that supply chains for major industries in Australia, including iron and steel, could cut annual CO2 to 17m tonnes by 2050
Adam Morton writes on the Guardian website about a new report from the Australian Industry Energy Transition Initiative that found they could cut annual CO2 from 221m tonnes in 2020 to 17m tonnes by mid-century while steel and iron production rose by nearly 20% and aluminium production by more than 30%. Australia’s big emitters … Continue reading Report finds that supply chains for major industries in Australia, including iron and steel, could cut annual CO2 to 17m tonnes by 2050
Top skiers demanding action over the climate emergency
This season, there has been a notable lack of snow across Alpine resorts, leaving holidaymakers disappointed and causing some ski tournaments to be called off. Global heating has meant that there is no longer guaranteed snow at some of the top ski areas, with the situation predicted to get worse as the planet heats and … Continue reading Top skiers demanding action over the climate emergency
France has not yet put in place the overall strategy needed to achieve a “leap forward” in its climate action
In an interview with Audrey Garric on the Le Monde website, the president of the High Council on Climate, Corinne Le Quéré , observes that while the French response to global warming isn't bad, there is no guarantee that the country will be able to meet its climate targets. Corinne Le Quéré is the president of the … Continue reading France has not yet put in place the overall strategy needed to achieve a “leap forward” in its climate action
California’s new climate plan shows the way forward to achieving greater impact
Professor Daniel Sperling at the University of California, Davis writes on The Conversation website about how the experience and lessons learned in California will help show the way forward for the rest of the world to address the climate and energy challenges. How California’s ambitious new climate plan could help speed energy transformation around … Continue reading California’s new climate plan shows the way forward to achieving greater impact
The growing importance of the EU Emissions Trading System
Derided for a decade for its ineffectiveness, this European emissions trading mechanism is now taking on a new significance writes Philippe Escande in an article on Le Monde website. Climate: 'The EU emissions trading system is now proving relevant' It can take a lot of patience, experimentation and tenacity to see a good idea … Continue reading The growing importance of the EU Emissions Trading System
New EEA briefing on urgency to decarbonise heating
About half of the EU’s final energy consumption goes to heating, making it a key focus area in Europe’s efforts to improve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing, published this week, analyses this energy segment, urging investment in building renovations and modern renewable energy solutions. Renovations and … Continue reading New EEA briefing on urgency to decarbonise heating
The “net zero” climate targets of 24 of the world’s largest companies fall far behind their promises
The “net zero” climate plans of 24 of the world’s largest companies add up to emissions reductions of only 36 percent, according to a report by the NewClimate institute and non-profit Carbon Market Watch. The strategies of the self-declared climate leaders, which include household names such as Amazon, Apple, Google, H&M, Nestle, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Walmart, are … Continue reading The “net zero” climate targets of 24 of the world’s largest companies fall far behind their promises
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 