Average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of new cars dropped by 12% in 2020 compared to the year before, according to final figures published this week by the European Environment Agency. The main reason for the sharp decrease of emissions was a surge in the share of electric vehicle registrations. Average carbon dioxide emissions from … Continue reading New EEA data shows that CO2 emissions from new cars dropped by 12% in 2020
Where is the help? Damages to poor countries are expected to increase as the world heats up further
The world’s most vulnerable countries are preparing to take on the richest economies with a demand for urgent finance. This “loss and damage” issue gained momentum since COP26 in Glasgow last year. Fiona Harvey writes on The Guardian website howe vulnerable many countries are. Vulnerable countries demand global tax to pay for climate-led loss … Continue reading Where is the help? Damages to poor countries are expected to increase as the world heats up further
Richest countries not meeting renewable energy targets
Eleven of the 20 largest economies got a C or worse on a renewable energy report card, which assessed their plans to reach net zero and their targets for producing and using renewable energy. James Dinneen discusses the new results in an article on the new scientist website. World’s richest countries fall short on … Continue reading Richest countries not meeting renewable energy targets
A Harvard report published Tuesday highlights rampant greenwashing by leading companies on social media
An AFP news item on the France 24 website discusses a report commissioned by Greenpeace Netherlands that analysed the text and images of 2,300 posts by 22 of Europe's largest carmakers, fossil fuel producers and airlines this June and July. Two-thirds of companies' social media posts painted a "green innovation" sheen on their operations, the … Continue reading A Harvard report published Tuesday highlights rampant greenwashing by leading companies on social media
Project to power 300 Scottish homes with ‘green hydrogen’ hit by delays, leaving some to question whether it is still worthwhile
Alex Lawson writes on The Guardian website about a Scottish project that openly question swhether it is a worthwhile undertaking and whether hydrogen will play a significant part in fuelling the homes of the future. What are your views? ‘World-first’ hydrogen project raises questions about its role in fuelling future homes On the northern … Continue reading Project to power 300 Scottish homes with ‘green hydrogen’ hit by delays, leaving some to question whether it is still worthwhile
UK takes different approach to Europeans to addressing the current energy crisis
While the UK government on Friday announced an additional £1bn for energy efficiency obligations under new legislation, to begin from April 2023, undoubtedly the main focus of the new government is to increase energy supplies (yes, with a cap on consumer prices), largely of fossil fuels including fracking. The energy crisis is currently with us … Continue reading UK takes different approach to Europeans to addressing the current energy crisis
A dozen environmental NGOs on Monday launched a legal challenge to the EU’s decision to label gas and nuclear investments as green
It was definitely controversial for gas and nuclear to be considered green in the EU’s new taxonomy regulation. A dozen European NGOs are concerned enough that they have launched a legal challenge. Alice Tidey discusses the challenge in an article on the Euronews website. Taxonomy: 12 NGOs launch legal challenge against EU's bid to … Continue reading A dozen environmental NGOs on Monday launched a legal challenge to the EU’s decision to label gas and nuclear investments as green
WEF podcast transcript on carbon offsets
As we wonder about the impact of carbon offsets, the World Economic Forum provides a podcast that should give us a wider view of their benefits. Robin Pomeroy, Podcast Editor at the WEF, discusses carbon offsets with Rachel Kyte, co-chair of the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative and with Dharsono Hartono, UpLink Top Innovator, and … Continue reading WEF podcast transcript on carbon offsets
New EEA report on the feasibility of Europe achieving the zero pollution action plan’s noise reduction target
About 18 million people suffer long-term annoyance from transport noise in the EU. The European Commission’s zero pollution action plan aims to reduce the number of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 30% by 2030, compared to 2017 levels. According to the European Environment Agency’s assessment, published this week, reaching this target is unlikely … Continue reading New EEA report on the feasibility of Europe achieving the zero pollution action plan’s noise reduction target
Crisis in Spain over threat to olive oil industry
Spain’s Jaén Province, home to one fifth of the world’s supply of “green gold,” is having to cope with climate change and threats to its way of life. David Segal and José Bautista discuss in an article on the New York Times website. The Olive Oil Capital of the World, Parched The branch, plucked … Continue reading Crisis in Spain over threat to olive oil industry
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 