Energy Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Curious Earth | Environment & Climate Change

Ban The Bomb (the Carbon Bomb that is)

By Victoria Johnsen Campaigning, Climate Change, Fossil Fuels June 15, 2022

‘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.

Five ways to swerve the financial costs of environmentalism

By Siân Barnett Wike Energy, Finance, Food & Drink, Plastic Pollution, Waste May 24, 2022

Here at Curious Earth, we talk a lot about the role privilege plays in the climate crisis. We try to raise awareness of the disproportionate impacts of environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events on the global south and many other marginalised groups. (Check out our Stories from the Frontline series to hear directly from those worst affected.) Yet, we also want…

What does war in Ukraine mean for net zero in the UK?

By Jonny Wilkinson Energy March 16, 2022

Offshore wind turbines on the horizon off the coast of Brighton, UK.

What’s going on here? The war in Ukraine has the UK government looking for ways to reduce its reliance on Russian oil and gas. But what does this mean for meeting net zero in the UK? What does this mean? It’s been hard to keep up with the government’s position on energy over the past few days. Labour’s shadow energy secretary Ed…

WTF are NFTs? Their hidden costs

By Jess Timings Energy, Finance December 15, 2021

up over the last year: NFT. NFT stands for ‘non-fungible token’. So what exactly is an NFT and should we start filling our (digital) stockings with them?

Stop Cambo: The fight against a new oil field in the UK

By Jessica Kleczka Fossil Fuels July 14, 2021

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…

A burning ship, a burning ocean – What’s next?

By Sarah Fehrs Fossil Fuels July 8, 2021

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 Myths: Nuclear energy and the three-eyed fish

By Antonio Roade Energy May 20, 2021

Three eyed fish on dinner plate with nucler powerplant in background seen through a window

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…

A breezy bank holiday breaks UK wind power records

By Lizi Greenhill Renewable Energy May 5, 2021

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,…

Keep Coal in the Hole: is the Controversial Cumbrian Coal Mine Being Reconsidered?

By Fran Haddock Fossil Fuels February 11, 2021

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…