A new report published this week by the OECD has concluded that, while many countries are making progress on environmental productivity in terms of carbon, energy, and materials, and the growing consensus that carbon dioxide emissions and fossil fuel use have decoupled from economic growth, progress is still too slow if we are to meet the targets outlined in recent international treaties and commitments.
Earlier this month, news of a report reached my ears that was proposing there was no way to have green energy and economic growth, and that poverty, unemployment, and “zero economic growth are the likely outcome for countries which choose renewable energy sources over fossil fuels.”
Global corporations are in the process of transitioning to a low-carbon economy, according to a new report from CDP, but there are nevertheless large numbers still at risk of being left behind.
New figures have shown further decoupling of OECD countries’ economic growth from carbon emissions, as energy production rose but consumption and emissions fell. In fact, energy production for the 34 countries within the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development rose 4% to a record high of 4,147 Million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe), … [continued]
Since 2000, more than 20 countries have successfully decoupled (both curbed their greenhouse gas emissions and boosted their gross domestic product), says World Resources Institute analyst Nate Aden. Aden’s research took off from a recent International Energy Agency report on how energy-related emissions have “decoupled” from economic growth over the last … [continued]
The International Energy Agency has confirmed in a new report the decoupling of global emissions and economic growth. For many years it was assumed that global emissions and economic growth were tied together in an unbreakable knot, however, recent years have seen signs indicating this may not necessarily be the … [continued]
Originally published on SameFacts.org. By James Wimberley At the end of the great midwinter potlatch, who does not feel a little sympathy with Pope Francis’ diatribe against consumerism, even with Savonarala’s bonfire of the vanities in 1497 Florence? We are trapped less by our selfish greed, but by the very … [continued]
Originally posted at ilsr.org. Unfortunately for utilities, new technology and commercial opportunities in the coming years are only increasing the threat to the 1.0 business model. Solar energy is growing exponentially as costs have fallen 28% per year from 2009-2013, and electricity from rooftops is approaching or passing parity with … [continued]
Originally posted at ilsr.org. Aggressive state policy and cost reductions for clean energy have created two business model crises for electric utilities: stagnant sales and exponentially rising production from distributed renewable sources. This is the second of four parts of ILSR’s Beyond Utility 2.0 to Energy Democracy report being published in serial. To … [continued]
We’ve heard some cautious rejoicing comes from scientists and media this weekend about the world economy and energy carbon dioxide emissions finally decoupling last year. World emissions of CO2 remained at 32.3 billion tons in 2014, while world GDP figures grew by 2.9%. Many analysts have hailed the change as … [continued]
