New RAP report: The clean energy transition must be socially fair for everyone

The Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) has recently published a report that the energy transition must be socially fair for everyone. If directed effectively, the transition to a clean energy system in Europe through the European Green Deal will not only limit the worst impacts of the climate crisis but will deliver Europe’s energy services at … Continue reading New RAP report: The clean energy transition must be socially fair for everyone

Focusing on energy demand reduction clearly presents the lowest mitigation challenges and provides huge potential mitigation impacts

A team of international researchers, including scientists at the University of Leeds, have used 7,000 studies from across the globe to develop a list of the most effective changes to household consumption to cut our carbon footprints. Harry Cockburn explains in an article on The Independent website.   Two years of vegan living cancelled out … Continue reading Focusing on energy demand reduction clearly presents the lowest mitigation challenges and provides huge potential mitigation impacts

New report identifies 10 key pillars that are considered essential to the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) recently published a news item about a new report related to monitoring implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.   Progressing National SDGs Implementation: An Independent Assessment of the Voluntary National Review Reports Submitted to the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in 2019 Key Messages Countries … Continue reading New report identifies 10 key pillars that are considered essential to the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

New EEA report analyses ‘drivers of change’ providing insights on their impacts on EU sustainability ambitions

A wide variety of rapid and long-term societal developments in Europe and globally have important effects on the environment in Europe. A European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published this week, analyses these ‘drivers of change’, providing insights on their impacts on EU sustainability ambitions.   Complex network of European and global developments impacts sustainability The … Continue reading New EEA report analyses ‘drivers of change’ providing insights on their impacts on EU sustainability ambitions

Clear-cutting old-growth forests to produce wood pellets to replace fossil fuels in electricity generation would release more carbon into the atmosphere than it would save

A new scientific study argues that wood pellets, considered a “carbon neutral” product may not be so neutral. Carl Meyer explains in an article on the National Observer website.   Wood pellets from clear-cut, old-growth forests may not be carbon neutral Clear-cutting old-growth forests to produce wood pellets to replace fossil fuels in electricity generation … Continue reading Clear-cutting old-growth forests to produce wood pellets to replace fossil fuels in electricity generation would release more carbon into the atmosphere than it would save

Canada faces many challenges in its energy transition

Canada’s economy has been highly dependent on fossil fuels. It knows it has to address climate change but the way forward is very complex, and even more complicated as it addresses the coronavirus crisis. Aaron Wherry provides a good account of the issues in an article on the CBC website. This is important reading for … Continue reading Canada faces many challenges in its energy transition

A company aiming to use old mine shafts as batteries to store renewable energy is to build a demonstration project showcasing its technology in Scotland

Greig Cameron writes on the Times website about a demonstration project in Scotland that will use gravity-powered batteries. What are your views on this technology?   Gravity-powered batteries generate electricity when the wind dies down A company aiming to use old mine shafts as batteries to store renewable energy is to build a demonstration project … Continue reading A company aiming to use old mine shafts as batteries to store renewable energy is to build a demonstration project showcasing its technology in Scotland

Efforts to preserve historic buildings have greatly hampered their ability to be retrofitted with energy-efficient solutions

Academics find that preservation policies preventing historic buildings from being fitted with energy-efficient measures added £5.6 billion to energy bills across an eight-year period in England. These costs ought to be weighed against any benefits of preservation. Chris Lines explains in an article on the City, University of London website.   The energy costs of … Continue reading Efforts to preserve historic buildings have greatly hampered their ability to be retrofitted with energy-efficient solutions

Understanding how people decide to use less energy at home or at work is crucial to boost virtuous behaviours

Understanding how people decide to use less energy at home or at work is crucial to boost virtuous behaviours. Our reaction to any novelty is so complex that a lot of socio-psychological research has been done to try to make it more predictable. Gianluca Dotti discusses much of this research in an article on the … Continue reading Understanding how people decide to use less energy at home or at work is crucial to boost virtuous behaviours

Cities ushering in environmentally friendly mobility changes

There has been an on-going shift in mobility in cities but that has accelerated as cities cope with the coronavirus crisis. Martin Kuebler discusses latest developments in an article on the Deutsche Welle website.   Coronavirus inspires cities to push climate-friendly mobility Cities around the world have been at a standstill, trying to stop the … Continue reading Cities ushering in environmentally friendly mobility changes