New energy white paper in Australia widely criticised

While Australia has traditionally been known for strong policies in energy efficiency and renewable energy, it has also been known as a major producer of fossil fuels. Joshua S Hill writes on the CleanTechnica website about the plans of the Abbott government. It is not even looking at a balanced approach as it heavily favours … Continue reading New energy white paper in Australia widely criticised →

Consumer report in UK calls for radical new approach to energy efficiency

Karl Mathiesen writes in The Guardian about a new report by Which? that says successive governments’ failures mean UK’s housing stock remains the least energy-efficient in Europe and that a radical new approach is needed. With a national election coming in May, it would be good to think that at least one of the political … Continue reading Consumer report in UK calls for radical new approach to energy efficiency →

China’s energy policy is contradictory – but it is shifting

For those of you who are following the developments in China, this blog by Nick Butler for the Financial Times will give you plenty to think about. Can China change its energy policy? The signals are clear – but contradictory. China has embraced the concept of climate change and is allowing officials to discuss … Continue reading China’s energy policy is contradictory – but it is shifting →

Rethinking energy efficiency

Andrew Warren of the UK's Association for the Conservation of Energy provides an excellent article in Building Magazine about how the European Commission is now treating energy efficiency as the first fuel. He commends this approach and contrasts this with the latest UK position to put old-fashioned supply-side solutions first. What can you say about … Continue reading Rethinking energy efficiency →

The Road to Paris: focus on Canada

Canada has a very complicated attitude towards addressing climate change. Once a strong proponent of a global approach through the Kyoto Protocol, it changed completely and has confused the global community about what its true priorities are. In Europe, it is now better known for promoting the export of its oil from its tar sands … Continue reading The Road to Paris: focus on Canada →

Ireland not on track to meet its renewable energy targets

We may have had St. Patrick’s Day lately but Irish eyes will not be smiling at the thought that their renewable energy plans are coming up short. This is well described by Peter Bodkin on TheJournal website from Ireland. There are some major holes in Ireland’s renewable energy plans Ireland is in danger of … Continue reading Ireland not on track to meet its renewable energy targets →

Turkey’s Renewable Energy Action Plan showing the way forward in its low-carbon transition

The Turkish weekly website provides a good review of the progress being made to increase the share of renewable energy. Turkey has produced the Renewable Energy Action Plan as part of its approach to follow EU policies. Currently a National Energy Efficiency Action Plan is being prepared and EiD will bring that to readers as … Continue reading Turkey’s Renewable Energy Action Plan showing the way forward in its low-carbon transition →

Even during austerity, British government opting for electric vehicles for ministers

Fiona Harvey writes in the Guardian that the UK government is embarking on a £5m investment in the government’s fleet of vehicles that will result in electric cars and vans being used more widely across the public sector. With the government always seeking value for money, this obviously means that such vehicles are fully competitive … Continue reading Even during austerity, British government opting for electric vehicles for ministers →

Ireland needs a dramatic policy change to meet its emissions targets

Harry McGee writes in the Irish Times about recent developments in Irish climate policy. Carbon dioxide emissions fell in the recession but are now rising again. McGee argues that without dramatic policy changes, Ireland won’t achieve its targets. Ireland’s Energy: What’s the right policy for a recovering economy? It is eight years since the … Continue reading Ireland needs a dramatic policy change to meet its emissions targets →

The Risky Business Project in the US pushing for a realistic approach to climate change

Business is trying to push Congress to wake up and take climate change seriously. Burt Helm writes in the New York Times about the Risky Business Project, an unusual collection of business and policy leaders who are determined to prepare American companies for climate change. And that means serious lobbying of Congress. Climate Change’s … Continue reading The Risky Business Project in the US pushing for a realistic approach to climate change →