France launches global drive for climate deal. Every one on the nation’s ambassadors have been educated in climate change, so they can address meetings etc.
“Diplomats accuse Britain of ‘kowtowing’ to secure Hinkley backing”: FT. Western diplomats based in Beijing are sending snide cables back to capitals.
UK solar power industry proposes emergency plan to save itself. It would add just £1 to bills and save 15,000 to 20,000 jobs.
17.10.15.
US government blocks future Arctic oil exploration lease sales. Republicans react predictably: a betrayal of US energy security.
16.10.15.
Exxon’s climate change denial warrants federal inquiry, 2 congressmen say. Their ‘sustained deception campaign’ could be prosecuted through truth-in-advertising and racketeering laws.
Ten oil companies pledge to support Paris. Global warming should stay below 2C, their CEOs say. They say gas should be favoured over coal, and that they will invest in CCS.
“Green worries keep foreign banks away from $3.3 billion Coal India sale.” $3.3 bn target for 10% stake could be sunk by pressure investment banks are under from environmental groups.
Almost 90% of global GHG emissions are covered in the Paris pledges submitted to date. 149 countries have filed INDCs, with more to come: far more than expected.
Which countries are doing the most to stop dangerous global warming? Guardian infographic offers a comparison. “The world’s pledges are impressive, but still not enough.”
“Nuclear deals with China could endanger UK national security.” Shadow energy secretary Lisa Nandy says that PM has questions to answer. after concerns emerge from intelligence agencies.
15.10.15.
“The tangle of loose lending to tight oil.” “Big US lenders have admitted they are setting money aside to cover losses on fossil fuel loans”, writes Gillian Tett in the FT.
The Koch Brothers influence chart of fossil-fuel defence. IFG schematic shows how the millions are deployed right across the political world.
Cameron calls ministerial talks on how to tackle putative UK energy supply crunch. He, Osborne, Rudd and Letwin will discuss Ofgem’s warning that demand is just short of supply.
14.10.15.
“Exxon’s climate lie: ‘No corporation has ever done anything this big or bad’.” Bill McKibben cuts loose: “ the sheer, profound, and I think unparalleled evil – of Exxon.”
Bill Gates calls fossil-fuel divestment a “false solution”. He keeps $1.4bn invested in fossil fuels. he also thinks solar cost reductions are being hyped.
13.10.15.
“Oil unlikely to ever be fully exploited because of climate concerns – BP.” So says Spencer Dale, Chief Economist, in a speech in London. He explicitly accepts some unburnable reserves.
The food chains of the world’s oceans are at risk of collapse. Release of greenhouse gases+ are the cause, a new report concludes. 1C warming so far and 30% acidification.
‘Blackout Britain’ warnings “do not reflect reality”. An ECIU report chronicles 10 years of press hype of risk from renewable supply. Are journalists being played, the authors ask.
Consolidation inevitable for UK solar, industry bosses say. In a panel at a trade show, the view is that a wave of M&A is coming.
12.10.15.
New IPCC chief calls for fresh focus on climate solutions, not problems. Hoesung Lee says “we have been somewhat slow in identifying the solutions aspects” in first interview.
Greenpeace and Enel, former enemies, now in unity on carbon-fuel phaseout. It must be by 2050, the two CEOs agree. But Enel will retire 13 GW of fossil-fuel power by 2020 in new plans.
Scots slam HMG on energy. “Recent decisions on renewables by the UK government can only be described as anti-business, anti-environment and anti-energy security,” says Fergus Ewing.
Former climate minister slams DECC for measures that will “kill” solar industry. Greg Barker tells Radio 4 that DECC’s evidence for cuts is “pretty poor”.
Britain shows that world can cut carbon emissions and still get richer, PwC argues. Annual Low Carbon Economy report shows global carbon intensity fell 2.7% last year. 6.3% needed.
Brazil sets up a solar catch 22. It has a target of nearly 10 GW by 2024, but only using modules assembled in country. None are being assembled as things stand.
“The International Energy Agency consistently underestimates wind and solar power. Why?” Compounds reasons, David Roberts argues on Vox.com: cultural failings, vested interests, etc.
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