GDP has long been the main indicator of economic growth used almost everywhere in the world. However, the measurement does not take into account other factors essential to a country’s growth and development, such as social inequalities, the environment and the well-being of citizens. In an article on The Conversation website, these issues are discussed … Continue reading Beyond GDP
New EEA assessment on Europe’s bathing waters
Just as our thoughts turn to summer, we now get an assessment of bathing water sites in Europe. The vast majority of bathing water sites in Europe met the European Union's most stringent ‘excellent’ bathing quality standards in 2023, according to the latest annual bathing water assessment published this week. This represents 85% of Europe’s popular bathing waters. As much … Continue reading New EEA assessment on Europe’s bathing waters
Energy in Demand, May 26, 2024
With elections for the European Parliament approaching on June 6-9, predictions are for a surge of right wing parties and a consequent erosion of the climate and energy agenda. According to The Economist election tracker, “the environment, including terms such as “climate change”, is a hot topic on the continent’s fringes: it’s most often searched … Continue reading Energy in Demand, May 26, 2024
Global climate policy and action plans also largely fail to speak to gender and childhood vulnerabilities
In an article on The Conversation website, Grace M. Jaramillo, Lecturer, School of Global and International Affairs, University of British Columbia discusses gender and childhood issues that are impacted on climate policy. Importantly, Dr. Jaramillo led a team of student researchers to do relevant field research in the Dominican Republic to better understand the issues. … Continue reading Global climate policy and action plans also largely fail to speak to gender and childhood vulnerabilities
Ships are continuing to discharge huge quantities of air pollutants at ports
Ships calling at the UK’s most-polluted ports produce more nitrogen oxides than all the cars registered in the same cities or regions, analysis has shown. In an article on the Guardian website, Gwyn Topham discusses recent developments. Ships in some UK port cities create more air pollution than cars Ships calling at the UK’s … Continue reading Ships are continuing to discharge huge quantities of air pollutants at ports
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”?
New reports paint a troubling picture of Europe’s readiness to handle the effects of climate change over the coming years
Climate-related disasters cost Europe more than €77 billion last year, according to a new report. But costs can be lowered with better data and financing strategies. David Keating discusses warnings from the World Bank about Europe’s preparedness in an article on the Euractiv website. Europe unprepared for climate disaster, warns World Bank A series … Continue reading New reports paint a troubling picture of Europe’s readiness to handle the effects of climate change over the coming years
The latest victims of the culture wars in America: woke white goods
Emma Beddington writes on the Guardian website about the latest victim of cultural wars in America. Apparently, energy efficiency and lower electricity bills are unAmerican. What are your views? Free the fridges! Make dishwashers great again! US conservatives have odd priorities If you’ve ever wished your dishwasher used more water, or found your fridge … Continue reading The latest victims of the culture wars in America: woke white goods
EU citizens’ panel on energy efficiency will “contribute to shaping EU laws and initiatives in this area”
Andrew Warren, chair of the British Energy Efficiency Federation and a friend of EiD, looks at what the European Citizens’ panel has to say about the need to invest in energy efficiency measures and wonders how a similar body could help to shape policy initiatives in the UK. This column was originally in the May … Continue reading EU citizens’ panel on energy efficiency will “contribute to shaping EU laws and initiatives in this area”
Generative AI is an energy hog
Chris Baraniuk writes on the BBC News website about the impact on electricity grids from the growth in generative AI. Electricity grids creak as AI demands soar There’s a big problem with generative AI, says Sasha Luccioni at Hugging Face, a machine-learning company. Generative AI is an energy hog. “Every time you query the … Continue reading Generative AI is an energy hog
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 