Coal use still increasing

The spike in fossil fuel use a result of global gas crisis is triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for the most part. Jillian Ambrose writes on the Guardian website about latest developments. Separately, the Guardian also wrote that Australia has just announced the expansion of four new coal mines. The approvals have angered climate … Continue reading Coal use still increasing

Examining the role of AI to tackle climate change

In an article on The Conversation website, Jo Lindsay Walton, Principal Research Fellow in Arts, Climate and Technology, University of Sussex questions the role of AI to ‘save the planet.’ In a report her research team published, they argue that Innovation and the spread of best practices are improving efficiency. Plentiful options exist to make … Continue reading Examining the role of AI to tackle climate change

New EEA briefing benefits from extending product lifespans

Extending product lifespans helps reduce demand for new products and their related environmental impacts. This briefing aims to improve our understanding and provide novel insights on trends in product lifespans in Europe. This assessment is based on seven indicators developed specifically for the EEA’s Circularity Metrics Lab’s thematic module on product lifespans.   Product lifespans — monitoring trends … Continue reading New EEA briefing benefits from extending product lifespans

Energy in Demand News, December 15, 2024

BP and Shell are scaling back electricity ambitions to escape the ‘valley of death,’ according to the Financial Times website (behind a paywall). Over the past five years, the two companies had spent a combined US$18 billion to be major players in electricity. But now Shell has sold its retail electricity business in Germany, the … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, December 15, 2024

There is a definite global crackdown against climate activists

In an article on the Guardian website Nina Lakhani discusses how the global crackdown against climate activists and groups seems to be clearly part of the fossil fuel industry’s strategy to crush dissent and keep burning the planet. This follows an article by Damien Gayle on the Guardian website earlier this week showing that research … Continue reading There is a definite global crackdown against climate activists

Serious challenges ahead in reducing emissions from tourism

In an article on The Conversation website, James Higham, Professor of Tourism, Griffith University and Ya-Yen Sun, Associate Professor, School of Business, The University of Queensland discuss what they call the most rigorous and comprehensive analysis of tourism emissions yet conducted. The concern is that global tourism emissions have been growing at double the rate … Continue reading Serious challenges ahead in reducing emissions from tourism

One major bank in UK will factor in energy performance certificate ratings when deciding how much to lend to borrowers from this week

Emily Braeger writes on the iNews website about a change in lending policy from one of the major lenders in Britain. Those buying the most energy-efficient homes will be able to borrow slightly more than they would if their home had an average rating. Halifax also says those buying the least efficient properties will be … Continue reading One major bank in UK will factor in energy performance certificate ratings when deciding how much to lend to borrowers from this week

US support for backing outstanding mortgages giving only vague guidance on climate-related catastrophe

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which backstop most U.S. mortgages, know floods and fires are a growing problem. But little action has been taken. Lydia DePillis discusses this growing issue in the US. One wonders how the new administration will deal with this issue?   Mortgage Regulators Are Shrugging Off Climate Risk. It Could Cost … Continue reading US support for backing outstanding mortgages giving only vague guidance on climate-related catastrophe

Some ways in which the spread of AI data centres is challenging utilities and grid managers, and how the power industry in the US is responding

Anurag Srivastava, Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, West Virginia University writes on The Conversation about how  utilities in the US are coping with AI data centres. What are your views. Is the experience similar in Europe and other regions?   How utilities are working to meet AI data centers’ voracious appetite for electricity … Continue reading Some ways in which the spread of AI data centres is challenging utilities and grid managers, and how the power industry in the US is responding

What the EU Emissions Trading System can teach the world about a global carbon credit market

In an article on The Conversation website, Emre Tarim, Lecturer in Behavioural Sciences, Lancaster University writes about the lessons from the EU ETS, the world’s current largest scheme.   A new global carbon trading market could be held hostage by speculators Our planet’s future hangs in the balance due to the unabated greenhouse gas emissions … Continue reading What the EU Emissions Trading System can teach the world about a global carbon credit market