If it heats up, we want to cool off

David Unger writes in the Christian Science Monitor about warming climates and rising incomes leading to a surge in cooling-related energy use, according to the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It's one of several ways global warming is set to alter global energy supply and demand. IPCC global warming report: why … Continue reading If it heats up, we want to cool off →

“Planetary insurance”

This week the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published its latest report and, no doubt, you have had much to think about on where we are headed in terms of the importance of mitigation and the need to adapt. One cannot go without the other. This blog by Damian Carrington in the Guardian is important … Continue reading “Planetary insurance” →

Five-point plan for communicating on climate change

Continuing on the communication theme, Simon Maxwell, Executive Chair of the Climate & Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), has published a new paper, offering a five-point plan on how to win the public and policy argument on climate change. Maxwell argues that a plan is necessary because climate change policy is contested, and – like all … Continue reading Five-point plan for communicating on climate change →

Communicating about climate change

EiD has had several posts in recent weeks about the importance of clear communication about climate change. Continuing on this theme, Fiona Harvey has written an excellent article for the Guardian on an aspect that we probably haven’t thought about at all – how we react to the term global warming. It is well worth … Continue reading Communicating about climate change →

Communicating is so fundamental

Too often we don’t know how the public interprets how climate change is explained. Last week, there was an EiD about the need for fair and balanced reporting. This article by Tom Bawden in the Independent goes further. He reports on Christina Figueres, head of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and her concern … Continue reading Communicating is so fundamental →

Achieving low carbon economic growth

This is a policy dilemma where there is little consensus. Stephanie Pappas writes in Live Science about this complicated question. The dilemma is that most areas emit more and more carbon to improve their citizens' well-being as those nations become more developed. And what does this mean for regions such as Africa. This is a … Continue reading Achieving low carbon economic growth →

Concern over “fair and balanced” reporting on climate change

Dana Nuccitelli wrote an excellent blog for the Guardian on the false balance of reporting in the media. His main concern is the BBC, globally recognised as one of the mainstays in even, unbiased reporting. Nuccitelli presents a different picture and one that goes beyond British borders. His concern is that the BBC has decided … Continue reading Concern over “fair and balanced” reporting on climate change →

No time to delay . . .

Achim Steiner, head of the United Nations Environment Programme, is worried about any delays to a shift to a low carbon economy. Suzanne Goldenberg writes in the Guardian about Steiner’s recent comments about is worry that transition fuels, including the rush for shale gas, will have a serious impact on the transition to renewables. Achim … Continue reading No time to delay . . . →

Global monitoring shows Australia backtracking on climate change legislation

It is amazing how quickly a country can change its policies on climate change. With elections only in 2013, the reversals in climate change policies are already evident and having an impact. Pilita Clark writes an important article in the Financial Times on an assessment by Globe International. The results show that, while Australia is … Continue reading Global monitoring shows Australia backtracking on climate change legislation →

Dealing with uncertainty has its drawbacks

Uncertainty can be a constant headache writes Adam Corner for Guardian Professional as spreading uncertainties by sceptics has a direct impact on policies and future action. As Mr. Corner writes, uncertainty – real or manufactured – is a well-rehearsed reason for inaction. How uncertainty is communicated is fundamental and the human aspect cannot be overlooked … Continue reading Dealing with uncertainty has its drawbacks →