What’s going on here? The UK’s National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) is reportedly considering schemes that reward consumers for reducing their electricity demand at peak times. What does this mean? National Grid ESO is the transmission system operator responsible for balancing the supply and demand of electricity in the UK. In an effort to reduce the risk of blackouts this winter…
What’s going on here? Five young people aged between 17-31, who have experienced devastating extreme weather events are launching legal action at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). What does this mean? You’re probably wondering, like I did, what is the ECT and what does it have to do with human rights? So here’s a…
‘Carbon bomb’? That doesn’t sound good… The term carbon bomb has been in use for years, describing large sources of carbon, most commonly fossil fuel projects. Now, new research led by the University of Leeds, has defined the term as applying to projects that have the potential to emit at least 1 billion tonnes (1Gt) of carbon over their lifetime. To give you an idea of exactly how scary that is – 1 billion tonnes is about 3 times the total annual emissions of the UK. Global carbon emissions are currently around 35 billion tonnes a year.
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…
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? 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? On 10th June 2020, Britain marked the longest time (ever!) generating electricity without coal. What Does This Mean? When Britain went into lockdown, electricity demand plummeted to that of the 80’s (when there were 10 million less of us!). The National Grid forecasted a 20% fall below the normal level and right now our daily electricity demand profile on a weekday…
