A must read – following the evolution of carbon emissions

As we try to address climate change, it is valuable to understand how we got where we are today. Aurélien Saussay, from the French Economic Observatory, wrote an article for EurActiv during the final days of COP21. It came too late for EiD to publish it last week. You will definitely be impressed by the … Continue reading A must read – following the evolution of carbon emissions

At Paris climate conference, financing the improvement in buildings has become a particular focus

Buildings are responsible for over 30% of our greenhouse gas emissions, according to many analysts. Thus, it makes sense to address how their energy performance can be improved. Panama Bartholomy, director of the EDF Investor Confidence Project Europe, writes on the Greentech Media website that more than 100 banks managing a total of $4 trillion in … Continue reading At Paris climate conference, financing the improvement in buildings has become a particular focus

The impact of a growing number of automobiles globally

Whether it is demographic reality or an income effect, the number of cars on roads is set to double by 2030, David Jolly writes in the New York Times. So, what does that mean for our fossil fuel consumption and our need to reduce carbon emissions?   Despite Push for Cleaner Cars, Sheer Numbers Could … Continue reading The impact of a growing number of automobiles globally

Appealing to hearts and minds in addressing climate change

You have probably read enough about climate issues over the past couple of weeks but Seth Borenstein from the Associated Press wrote a good article on the CBC website that it’s not God vs. science, but both together appealing to mind and heart that many advocates say.   Science hasn't convinced many leaders to act … Continue reading Appealing to hearts and minds in addressing climate change

Highlighting the financial exposure of companies to the risk of climate change

Everyone is worried about the impact from climate change. Larry Elliott writes in The Guardian about a newly announced task force that will help the financial markets understand mounting climate-change risks.   Michael Bloomberg to head global taskforce on climate change Michael Bloomberg, the former New York City mayor, is to head a new global … Continue reading Highlighting the financial exposure of companies to the risk of climate change

The role of energy efficiency in addressing global climate change

It is always welcome when someone writes about the importance of energy efficiency in climate strategies. Too often the global climate summits, as is underway in Paris right now, energy efficiency has been the poor cousin of mitigation options, even though even organisations such as the International Energy Agency stresses its role as one of … Continue reading The role of energy efficiency in addressing global climate change

Latest update on climate finance

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provides the November update on global developments in climate finance.   November 2015 Climate Finance Update During the month of November, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the World Bank, the … Continue reading Latest update on climate finance

The importance of loss and damage in climate negotiations

  The issue of compensation and liability has been a major issue in climate negotiations since the beginning. Vulnerable countries who are forced to adapt and who have done nothing to create the global problems feel victimised and want that recognised. Barney Jopson and Pilita Clark write a good article in the Financial Times about … Continue reading The importance of loss and damage in climate negotiations

Understanding why Americans are so sceptical about climate change

With the climate conference in Paris starting, there are many analyses to explain every nuance to do with climate change. Because of the importance of the United States in achieving a global agreement, we need to better understand why there is so much scepticism in the country. Joby Warrick writes in the Washington Post to … Continue reading Understanding why Americans are so sceptical about climate change