News broke a few weeks ago about oil giant Shell and Siccar Point Energy seeking permission from the UK Government to develop a large new oil field in the Cambo Field, West of Shetland. Thousands of activists across the country and internationally have been mobilising in protest, claiming that the field contradicts the International Energy Agency’s advice that there should be no…
What’s Going On Here? A month ago, a cargo ship carrying toxic chemicals caught fire and sank off Sri Lanka, leaving in its wake an environmental disaster that the island will likely have to live with for decades. Fast forward to last week when the ocean appeared to be on fire due to a bursting pipeline near the Gulf of Mexico, it…
Sustainability is full of myths, superstitions and taboos. Those who follow the mainstream narrative risk becoming immune to all debate by their sheer popularity. Overall, this is not a good thing – if we want to find actionable solutions to protect the environment and tackle the climate emergency, we must examine and challenge these myths openly. One of these myths is that…
Whats Going On Here? On Early May Bank Holiday, as Brits were getting blown about socialising outside, wind turbines were working hard generating 48.5% of grid electricity in England, Scotland and Wales. What Does This Mean? The blustery bank holiday produced a new wind power record as turbines, on- and off-shore, generated over 17.6 GW of electricity for the first time. If,…
What’s Going On Here? After pledging to phase out coal, the UK government allowed planning of the first new deep coal mine in 30 years. After pressure from environmental groups, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and head climate figures, the county council may now be reconsidering the application. What Does This Mean? Last October Cumbria County Council permitted planning permission for…
What’s Going On Here? This week the International Energy Agency (IEA) released its Renewables 2020 report, a detailed analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on renewables in the electricity, transport and heat sectors. What Does This Mean? Whilst almost all other fuels have been badly impacted, the renewable energy sector has adapted to the rapid changes of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and…
What’s Going On Here? On Tuesday morning, fossil-fuel major Shell had the audacity to post a poll on Twitter asking the public what actions they were willing to take as individuals to reduce their carbon emissions, sparking spectacular backlash. What Does This Mean? High profile responders included US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Greta Thunberg and climate scientists Prof Katharine Hayhoe and Peter Kalmus.…
What’s Going On Here? One of the biggest financial asset management firms has moved its investments out of major petrochemical and mining companies due to their actions lobbying against green policies. What Does This Mean? Storebrand, a Norwegian firm with investments of $90bn, has divested from (moved money out of) major oil, gas and mining companies including ExxonMobil, Rio Tinto and Chevron.…
What’s Going On Here? Hundreds of thousands of homeowners will receive vouchers for energy-saving home improvements in England, with the poorest getting up to £10,000. What Does This Mean? A £2bn grant scheme has been announced as part of a wider £3bn “green investment” package announced in the chancellor’s summer statement yesterday.The scheme is a welcome injection of cash into the home retrofit industry,…
