Forty ‘megacities’ taking climate matters on their own hands

C40, a network of some of the world’s largest cities addressing climate issues, launched two new projects alongside its participation in the recent Rio summit. The projects are the Solid Waste Network for reducing methane emissions and a new Web platform for sharing best practices among cities across the world.

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Renewables needed in Greece during austerity – minister

Facing the need for austerity measures at a time of financial difficulties, Greece should embrace renewable energy instead of importing oil and gas, according to Greek Energy Minister George Papakonstantinou in a report from the European Wind Energy Association.

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Renewables account for 25% of global power output as of 2011 – report

Total renewable energy capacity worldwide exceeded 25 percent of the globe’s total power generation capacity as of 2011 and supplied 20.3 percent of total electricity consumption, based on REN21’s Global Status Report. According to the report, total power generation capacity from renewables was 1,360 gigawatts as of last year. Solar photovoltaics grew the fastest among all renewable energy sectors, with an average growth rate of 58 percent annually between 2006 and 2011.

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New index factors in ‘inclusive wealth,’ says G.D.P. not enough

Some countries leaning towards economic growth remain unsustainable when “natural capital,” such as lands and ecosystems, is used as a basis for development, according to a new report that assesses the wealth of nations using wider standards.

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W.W.F. report: ‘Extra’ Earth needed at current consumption rates

“We are living as if we have an extra planet at our disposal. We are using 50 percent more resources that the Earth can sustainably produce and unless we change course, that number will grow fast – by 2030 even two planets will not be enough.”

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Irena signs new agreement for its Abu Dhabi headquarters

The International Renewable Energy Agency, the international organization made up of governments for advancing renewable energy, signed a revised agreement that made Abu Dhabi the organization’s permanent headquarters. Irena chose the United Arab Emirates' capital as its headquarters in 2009 (See story).

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Coal, nuclear power plants will suffer from climate change too – study

While much has been made of the possible effects that thermoelectric power plants bring in hastening climate change, not many people have looked into the consequences warming temperatures might have in the operations of a power plant.

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Intact forests better than chopped ones for biofuel – study

The use of wood harvested directly from forests as a carbon-neutral energy source has been drawing interest recently, but a study finds that leaving forests intact would result in more carbon emission reduction in the long run than burning wood as fuel.

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Ireland launches new R.E. policy document

Ireland launched a new government policy document outlining goals and actions for maximizing the economic potential of renewables. The new “Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012 – 2020” will guide increasing onshore and offshore wind; building a sustainable bioenergy sector; fostering R and D in renewables such as wave and tidal; growing sustainable transport; and building out robust and efficient smart energy networks.

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Canada pledges $38-million for low-carbon vehicle testing program

The Canadian government is continuing the Ecotechnology for Vehicles Program, a five-year, $38-million program for testing advanced vehicle technologies. “This program will assess the safety and environmental performance of new vehicle technologies to ensure that innovations can be introduced in Canada in a safe and timely manner,” said Denis Lebel, minister of transport, infrastructure and communities.

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