Europe’s switch to renewable energy supply and efficient energy consumption is gaining momentum, not only as a result of the European Green Deal but also in reaction to the fossil fuel price crisis. EU legislation already creates some opportunities for citizens to access affordable renewable energy more directly, as well as to facilitate energy savings through, for example, building renovation. In a new Knowledge Community, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union and the Green European Foundation (GEF) gather a broad range of experts from EU institutions, local governments, industry, consumer organisations and think tanks to look into these opportunities. The aim is to explore concrete tools and identify their current potential, as well as the remaining gaps that need addressing. Analysis by Taube Van Melkebeke and Jörg Mühlenhoff
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How to stabilise the cost of living by sharing energy and food
It is high time for an out-of-silos approach to boost the added value from solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop installations. This analysis suggests a new solidarity model allowing citizens, local retailers and farmers to tap into the benefits of solar electricity. Guillaume Joly reports.
2024 elections: India’s energy transition plans and challenges
India’s energy transition has become a prominent issue in both the BJP and Congress manifesto. Although the nation’s clean energy future has been firmly set in motion, financial and policy challenges lie ahead for the future government. Mayank Aggarwal reports.
In principle, farmers should embrace climate protection. But they don’t.
The ways that farms can benefit from the energy transition and climate protection measures are manifold – if only they were more open to them. Paul Hockenos reports.
Green energy is revolutionising Zimbabwe’s faltering healthcare system, but…
By 19 October 2023, Zimbabwe had recorded 115 suspected cholera deaths — 34 confirmed — and 5,256 suspected cases according to a situational report from the country’s Health and Child Care ministry. Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration and death if untreated. It is most likely to occur and spread in places with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene. Kennedy Nyavaya reports.
Africa’s tripartite condition requires careful considerations on spending Official Development Assistance
Africa is facing a tripartite problem that often require access to foreign funds. But Official Development Assistance flows from developed to developing often come with a caveat – donors often express how their concessional loans must be spent, such as on a specific climate project. But such preference sometimes conflicts with national priorities. This often leaves politicians choices between implementing policies for international agreements, such as for the Paris Accord, which requires climate mitigation and adaptation projects, and fostering economic and social development. Considering the centrality of energy in the history of human development, Michael Davies-Venn argues that capitalizing on the continent’s unique opportunities for renewable energies provides an added benefit by complementing decarbonization gains being made in other regions, but that this requires coordination between donors and recipients.
Why Mexico is lagging behind in the energy transition
Mexico could be a renewable energy champion yet wind and solar make up only about ten percent of the country’s electricity mix. Rebecca Bertram has taken a closer look to find out why Mexico’s energy transition is lagging behind.
The US gets serious about climate protection: Biden’s IRA at one
In August 2022, the US Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), ultimately the Biden administration’s climate protection package. The investment into the hundreds of billions was billed as a “moonshot moment,” and applauded almost everywhere. Let’s take a look at what’s happened thus far. Paul Hockenos reports.
Why Latin America’s mining industry is embracing renewables
The Latin American mining industry has historically been a cornerstone of the region’s economy, providing essential resources for global development. However, it has faced mounting criticism due to its significant environmental impact. Recognizing the need for change, many mining companies in Latin America are beginning to take proactive steps to mitigate their environmental footprint. Rebecca Bertram reports.
Hikers and bikers beware: Climate breakdown has hit Europe’s Alps hard
Central Europe is among the fastest warming locations on Earth. In the Alps, this has ramifications for nature, outdoorspeople, and tourist infrastructure. Paul Hockenos reports.