Energy systems are still far from being sustainable – World Energy Council

The World Energy Council has released its latest Energy Sustainability Index, revealing that most of the 94 countries assessed remain far from achieving environmentally sustainable energy systems. In time for the ongoing Doha climate talks, the index is published within the W.E.C.’s World Energy Trilemma report, “Time to get real – the case for sustainable energy policy,” which ranked the countries in terms...

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U.K. introduces new Energy Bill that will provide $12 billion for low-carbon

The British government has released an Energy Bill that it hopes will power low-carbon economic growth. The government said the bill will reform the design of the electricity market to kick-start the construction of low-carbon energy infrastructure and low-carbon manufacturing supply chains. Britain’s energy sector needs to attract around £110 billion in investment if it is to replace current generating capacity and upgrade...

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Irena recommends additional supporting policies for renewable energy deployment

A new brief on renewable energy deployment in Pacific Island countries and territories was released by the International Renewable Energy Agency, addressing the present conditions of renewable energy policies and proposing measures that could spur successful implementation. “Political support has been broadly recognized as key to facilitating the implementation of the agenda for transforming energy systems,” said Irena...

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World Bank warns against ‘4 degrees Celsius world’

Time may be running out to prevent the growing danger posed by climate change, warned a new report commissioned by the World Bank. “Turn Down the Heat: Why a 4°C Warmer World Must be Avoided,” stressed that the planet is approaching a “4 degrees Celsius world,” which will be marked by severe heat waves, flagging global food supply, loss of ecosystems and biodiversity and life-threatening sea level rise. These detrimental impacts...

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Guest Post: Download: UNDP on Energy Access and Renewables

Energy access is of utmost importance to sustainable development and poverty reduction, especially within countries in Africa. Millennium Development Goals cannot be met without improvement in energy services in developing countries. Gregory Woodsworth, Energy Policy Advisor, UNDP gave a presentation at Power & Electricity World Africa on energy access and renewables. View the full presentation here...

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Africa: Battle with climate change should start with getting data

It’s well-known that its contribution to the world’s emissions is low, and that despite this Africa will be disproportionately and severely affected by climate change. One reason – the region has the least data concerning its effects on its physical surroundings. Historically, Africa’s contribution to anthropogenic emissions that exacerbate global warming is minor – about 3 percent...

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E.U. halts carbon trading in aviation to give way to I.C.A.O.

The European Union said it will “stop the clock” for aviation in the E.U.-wide carbon trading scheme for one year to give way to the United Nations international aviation body to deliver on a global market-based approach to greenhouse gas regulation in the sector. European Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard said the move results from encouraging signs from the International Civil Aviation...

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Australia to reach 85 percent renewables by 2050

Renewable energy sources in Australia could account for 40 percent of the country’s energy needs by 2035 and as much as 85 percent by 2050, a recently released energy white paper states.“This transformation is well under way. Australia is moving to an increasingly integrated energy system where a more diverse set of technologies and fuels will strengthen our long-term energy security and...

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Fossil fuels to remain dominant in global energy mix – I.E.A.

Fossil fuels will remain the primary source of energy worldwide as renewable energy slowly closes in by 2035, according to the latest report of the International Energy Agency. This year’s World Energy Outlook said fossil fuels will still be dominant in the global energy mix with the support of subsidies. In 2011, subsidies soared about 30 percent to $523 billion, brought by the increases in the Middle East and North Africa...

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Montreal Protocol celebrates 25 years, but group says HFC’s a concern

The Montreal Protocol, the global treaty protecting the ozone layer by phasing out ozone depleting substances, celebrates its 25th anniversary this week.Known as the most successful climate treaty to date, the Montreal Protocol is said to have helped the world achieve a 98 percent reduction in the consumption and production of 97 ozone depleting substances (ODS). ow, according to an environment advocacy group,..

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