Let’s start with a couple of charts that should frame the U.S. delegation’s approach the Paris climate summit in a couple of weeks. First, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), increased use of natural gas – part of the abundance produced by the American energy revolution – is a big reason… Keep reading →
Some might say that the Clean Power Plan is all one needs to talk about in any highlights article on recent climate change legal issues.
States can lower their electricity bills for consumers and businesses by complying with the Obama administration’s climate rule for power plants, a new report has concluded. [The Hill] The British government has announced plans to cut the costs of subsidies for renewable forms of energy, including solar and wind. [The NY Times] France have passed… Keep reading →
The world’s fossil fuel companies risk wasting billions of dollars by not taking action to combat climate change seriously, according to the chief economist of the International Energy Agency (IEA). “Fatih Birol, who will take the top job at the IEA in September and is one of the world’s most influential voices on energy, warned… Keep reading →
More than 6,000 European cities have signed the Covenant of Mayors, a commitment to meet coesive EU climate targets. “Their climate action plans call for, on average, a 28% cut in CO2 emissions by 2020, 8% more than the EU’s 2020 target. Even Kiev, which came last of 30 cities in Siemen’s 2009 European Green… Keep reading →
Pope Francis turned a keen eye toward the environment and the problem of climate change with his encyclical,“Laudato Si” (“Praised Be”), released yesterday. As a clean energy advocate, I’m heartened that Pope Francis recognizes the need to transform our energy system. He writes not as a scientist or politician, but as a pastor and spiritual leader.… Keep reading →
International Energy Agency executive director Fatih Birol says the fossil fuel industry will only alter practices if governments show they are serious about stifling global warming. “The world needs a “peaceful divorce” between economic growth and the rise in greenhouse gas emissions, one of the world’s leading energy economists has said – but this will… Keep reading →
Black & Veatch today released its annual Strategic Directions: U.S. Water Industry Report detailing insights of the key issues facing water utilities across the United States. “For the fourth straight year, aging infrastructure ranks as the top concern for report participants. Managing operational and capital costs in an era of strong fiscal pressures from weather-related… Keep reading →
The recent downturn in China’s coal use and carbon emissions, noted in this space a few weeks ago, might be more than an anomaly brought on by weaker growth in key sectors and robust hydropower from above-normal rain. That’s the assessment from two London School of Economics researchers, who see a hopeful “new normal” that includes… Keep reading →
Six major European oil and gas companies have come together seeking advice from the UN to devise a plan to stop global warming. “In a sign of the rising pressure on fossil fuel companies ahead of a UN meeting in Paris to seal an international climate deal, the chief executives of groups including Royal Dutch… Keep reading →
