Linda Kalcher, Executive Director of the think tank Strategic Perspectives, outlines strengths and weaknesses of the EC recommendation of reducing 90% net EU greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 and describes opportunities and shapes of a future that is just around the corner.
The African continent contributes less than 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions and its growing population suffers from some of the lowest access rates to electricity in the world. Yet, it is also home to some of the fastest growing economies and incredible renewable energy potential. Linking future growth to renewables is key to both the continent’s successful development and achieving global climate goals.
A new report published by the International Renewable Energy Agency examines the geopolitical risks and opportunities linked to a growing demand for minerals and metals required for the energy transition.
EU clean energy targets will need 35 times more lithium and seven to 26 times the amount of rare earth metals in 2050 compared with today. Critical raw materials are a key ingredient in any green transition, but now the question is: can mining go hand in hand with nature protection laws?
Mining isn’t the only way to extract the critical raw materials needed for the green transition. Soon, they could increasingly be recovered from waste, reducing the need for virgin materials and the dependence of EU from the import.
The European path to meet the goals for a clean, green, and renewable energy future leads to a growing demand of critical metals supply. A recent agreement proposes a response mechanism to the risks of critical raw materials supply shortage or disruption, working towards a more independent and resilient Europe, while negotiating with strict environmental regulations.
Grey, blue, green, pink, turquoise: Not all hydrogen is born the same. Although it may emit no greenhouse gases at the point of consumption how hydrogen is produced influences its true carbon footprint.
Since the industrial revolution fossil fuels have propelled technological, social and economic progress. However, this has come at a substantial environmental cost. Now, with Covid-19 rocking the global economy there are signs that we may have reached a historic moment when demand for oil finally peaks and our energy paradigm shifts. Scientists and policymakers are being joined by investors who see economic opportunities in a clean energy revolution.
Technologies needed in the next ten years to be on track with the Paris Agreement goals already exist but are not enough diffused. The authors of the World Bank report “Technology Transfer and Innovation for Low-Carbon Development” explain how policies can transform a must for climate change into a big opportunity for sustainable growth, especially for developing countries.
Why is Japan struggling to increase its share of renewable energy and decarbonize its economy? Companies, municipalities, research institutions, and civil society organizations are seeking answers to these very questions. Ken Tanaka, of the Japan Climate Initiative Secretariat, shares some unique insight.
On March 11, 2011, the Great Tōhoku Earthquake – the most powerful ever recorded in Japan – caused a tsunami that reached up to 10km
With over half the world’s population predicted to live in water-stressed areas by 2025 we must find effective solutions to the incumbent water crisis. Water
