scholarly journals Guest Editorial: Johnson Matthey Technology Review Special Edition on Clean Mobility

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Walker
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emission ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Technology Review ◽  
Lower Carbon

SHARE THIS PAGE:The world is at the start of an energy revolution: the biggest energy transformation since the Industrial Revolution, during which the use of fossil fuels drove growth and prosperity, with global temperature increase implications that we have only started to understand relatively recently. This energy revolution will drive the world towards a lower carbon, more sustainable future, with major implications for energy and electricity generation, heating, industrial power and transportation. Governments, states and regions are proposing, and in some cases (such as the UK) committing to, net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) or carbon dioxide emission targets over the coming years. To date, 15 countries have set defined targets to become net zero economies by 2050 or earlier, with over 50 others, including Germany and Canada, discussing when to implement such a target. Perhaps most significantly, the European Union (EU) intends to be net zero by 2050: this objective is at the heart of the European Green Deal and in line with the EU’s commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement.

scholarly journals Post COVID-19 Recovery and 2050 Climate Change Targets: Changing the Emphasis from Promotion of Renewables to Mandated Curtailment of Fossil Fuels in the EU Policies

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1347
Author(s):  
Kyriakos Maniatis ◽  
David Chiaramonti ◽  
Eric van den Heuvel
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
European Union ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Climate Change Policy ◽  
Climate Impacts ◽  
The European Union

The present work considers the dramatic changes the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the global economy, with particular emphasis on energy. Focusing on the European Union, the article discusses the opportunities policy makers can implement to reduce the climate impacts and achieve the Paris Agreement 2050 targets. The analysis specifically looks at the fossil fuels industry and the future of the fossil sector post COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis first revises the fossil fuel sector, and then considers the need for a shift of the global climate change policy from promoting the deployment of renewable energy sources to curtailing the use of fossil fuels. This will be a change to the current global approach, from a relative passive one to a strategically dynamic and proactive one. Such a curtailment should be based on actual volumes of fossil fuels used and not on percentages. Finally, conclusions are preliminary applied to the European Union policies for net zero by 2050 based on a two-fold strategy: continuing and reinforcing the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive to 2035, while adopting a new directive for fixed and over time increasing curtailment of fossils as of 2025 until 2050.

scholarly journals Net-zero emission vehicles shift and equitable ownership in low-income households and communities: why responsible and circularity business models are essential

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nana O. Bonsu
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Zero Emission ◽  
The Uk

AbstractThe UK Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution aims to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Current business models for EV ownership and the transition to net-net zero emissions are not working for households in the lowest income brackets. However, low-income communities bear the brunt of environmental and health illnesses from transport air pollution caused by those living in relatively more affluent areas. Importantly, achieving equitable EV ownership amongst low-and middle-income households and driving policy goals towards environmental injustice of air pollution and net-zero emissions would require responsible and circular business models. Such consumer-focused business models address an EV subscription via low-income household tax rebates, an EV battery value-chain circularity, locally-driven new battery technological development, including EV manufacturing tax rebates and socially innovative mechanisms. This brief communication emphasises that consumer-led business models following net-zero emission vehicles shift and decisions must ensure positive-sum outcomes. And must focus not only on profits and competitiveness but also on people, planet, prosperity and partnership co-benefits.

scholarly journals Forming Digital Literacy in Students Based on the Experience of EU Countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 67-73
Author(s):  
Artem Zaika
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Education Systems ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
Key Skills ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Literacy Experience

AbstractThe article analyzes the tendencies in the development of digital literacy of citizens of European Union member states in educational institutions. The urgency of the study is driven by the need to develop the skills needed to communicate effectively in the epoch of 4 – the Industrial Revolution. This study focuses on analyzing the approaches needed to build digital literacy, as well as identifying its key development criteria in the education systems of the UK, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Lithuania and Estonia. Attention is drawn to the existing documents and programs that formulate conceptual trendsways for digital literacy across Europe. At the same time, in the European Union there is no common model that reflects the ways and methods of digital literacy, each country defining its priorities for achieving the goals. It is noted that digital literacy is characterized as one of the key skills for developing the professional competencies of a teacher and a competitive specialist. Based on the study of digital literacy experience abroad, it is possible to define a clear public policy focused on high levels of digital literacy and digital skills. The digitalization status of educational establishments and the population of Ukraine, which is defined as low, is compared. The main directions of the concept of development of the digital economy and society of Ukraine for 2018–2020 are described which aim to bridge the “digital divide” in comparison with the developed EU countries. It is concluded that it is precisely the educational institutions need significant reform. Based on the analysis of digital literacy approaches abroad, this study identifies priority areas for reforming education systems in the European Union in line with current labor market and digital society requirements.

scholarly journals Retrofitting Historic Walls: Feasibility of Thermal Insulation and Suitability of Thermal Mortars

Heritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 2009-2022
Author(s):  
Magda Posani ◽  
Rosário Veiga ◽  
Vasco Peixoto de Freitas
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Insulation ◽  
Historic Buildings ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Operational Costs ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Potential Efficacy ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
Continued Use ◽  
Indoor Comfort ◽  
Over Time

The European Union is pursuing an ambitious policy on climate action, urgently calling for an acceleration in the transition toward net-zero emissions by 2050. In this context, retrofitting historic constructions can play a key role in reducing European energy consumption and consequent emissions. What is more, beyond the opportunity for tackling climate change, thermal retrofits can improve indoor comfort while lowering operational costs, factors that are fundamental to ensure the continued use of historic constructions over time, and with that, improving their preservation and durability. The suitability of thermal insulation for this scope is still a debated topic. Thus, this study aims at contributing to the discussion by providing an overview on the feasibility of adopting thermal insulation for retrofitting external walls of historic buildings while preserving their significance and unique identities. Finally, the advantages of adopting thermal mortars rather than more traditional insulation solutions are outlined, and their potential efficacy is discussed.

scholarly journals A Digital-Twin Evaluation of Net Zero Energy Building for Existing Buildings

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakdirat Kaewunruen ◽  
Panrawee Rungskunroch ◽  
Joshua Welsh
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Existing Building ◽  
Digital Twin ◽  
Net Zero Energy ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
The Uk

With buildings around the world accounting for nearly one-third of global energy demand and the availability of fossil fuels constantly on the decline, there is a need to ensure that this energy demand is efficiently and effectively managed using renewable energy now more than ever. Most research and case studies have focused on energy efficiency of ‘new’ buildings. In this study, both technical and financial viability of Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) for ‘existing’ buildings will be highlighted. A rigorous review of open literatures concerning seven principal areas that in themselves define the concept of NZEB building is carried out. In practice, a suitable option of the NZEB solutions is needed for the evaluation and improvement for a specific geographical area. The evaluation and improvement has been carried out using a novel hierarchy-flow chart coupled with a Building Information Model (BIM). This BIM or digital twin is then used to thoroughly visualize each option, promote collaboration among stakeholders, and accurately estimate associated costs and associated technical issues encountered with producing an NZEB in a pre-determined location. This paper also provides a future model for NZEB applications in existing buildings, which applies renewable technologies to the building by aiming to identify ultimate benefit of the building especially in terms of effectiveness and efficiency in energy consumption. It is revealed that the digital twin is proven to be feasible for all renewable technologies applied on the NZEB buildings. Based on the case study in the UK, it can be affirmed that the suitable NZEB solution for an existing building can achieve the 23 year return period.

scholarly journals AIR POLLUTION IN ZIMBABWE: AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGE

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1750-1758
Author(s):  
JEMITIAS MAPIRA
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Environmental Problem ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk

Air pollution is a major environmental problem in industrialized countries such as: the USA, China, Japan and most European countries including: France, Germany, Italy and the UK. One of its major causes is modern technology which depends heavily on fossil fuels (coal and oil) and dates back to the Industrial Revolution, which started some two centuries ago. Although the level of industrialization is quite low in developing countries such as Zimbabwe, air pollution is now posing a threat to the nations environmental security. This paper examines the problem of air pollution in Zimbabwe with a view to suggesting possible solutions. While previous researches have given brief and rather superficial accounts on the problem, this paper seeks to provide an in-depth study on the issue for the benefit of researchers, stakeholders and policy makers. The paper examines issues such as: causes, sources, health impacts, and possible solutions within the legislative and policy framework of Zimbabwe.Based on information that was collected in August 2014, the paper shows that air pollution is a major environmental problem and should be addressed seriously at both local and national levels.

scholarly journals Brexit and the EU in Global Climate Governance

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 51-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Dupont ◽  
Brendan Moore
Keyword(s):  
Global Climate ◽  
Climate Governance ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
Internal Policy ◽  
The Uk ◽  
International Engagement ◽  
The Eu

Climate change governance is one of the EU’s priorities. The EU has developed a central (and arguably, a leading) role in global climate governance. The UK has been an important supporter of strong climate action both within the EU and in international climate negotiations. We investigate how/whether the EU’s role in global climate governance will be affected by Brexit by focusing on potential changes in three conditions for EU leadership: (1) credible and ambitious internal climate policy; (2) constant and effective international engagement through climate diplomacy; and (3) the ability to attract followers. We find that the UK has sometimes played the role of a pivotal outlier, either pushing for more internal policy ambition or blocking certain policy options. Brexit is likely to have cumulative effects on the EU’s role in global climate governance over the long term, through a series of changes in internal EU policymaking and climate diplomacy. The speed and scope of these changes depend on the nature of the future UK–EU relationship. We argue that the broader international context and strains on EU unity represent more urgent challenges to the EU’s role in global climate governance than those posed by Brexit.

scholarly journals Does Resource Abundance Require Special Approaches to Climate Policies? The Case of Russia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Makarov
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Emissions Reduction ◽  
Climate Policies ◽  
Net Zero ◽  
Structural Differences ◽  
Global Movement

Abstract As the world’s largest fossil fuels exporter, Russia is one of the key countries for addressing global climate change. However, it has never demonstrated any significant ambitions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper applies ideational research methodology to identify the structural differences in economic, political, and social normative contexts between industrialized fossil fuel importing economies and Russia that lead to the fundamental gap in motivations driving decarbonization efforts. Consequently, Russia is unlikely to replicate the approach to the green transition and use instruments of climate policies which are utilized in energy-importing countries. In order to launch decarbonization in Russia, interested stakeholders need to frame climate policies in Russia differently. Specifically, the framing must address the priority of diversification as a means to adapting the national economy to a new green landscape, the combination of diverse channels for decarbonization, the promotion of energy-efficiency, closer attention to climate-related forest projects and linkage of climate change with other environmental problems. Moreover, considering Russia’s emissions as a part of the global economic system and shifting from a simplistic national focus on GHG emissions reduction would help coordinate policies through dialogue between exporters and importers of fossil fuels energy-intensive goods, which is essential for the global movement towards a net-zero future.

Atmospheric Emissions Effects and Mechanism

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 25-34
Author(s):  
Abdullah A. Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Oxides ◽  
Sulphur Dioxide ◽  
Tropospheric Ozone ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Atmospheric Emissions ◽  
Negative Consequences

Humanity's relationship with the environment is a delicate balance. Since the industrial revolution, the world's population has grown at an exponential rate, and this has a major environmental effect. Deforestation, pollution, and global climate change are just a few of the negative consequences of population and technological growth. Particulates, Sulphur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the primary pollutants that harm our health. These contaminants may be directly emitted into the atmosphere (primary pollutants) or formed in the atmosphere from primary pollutants reacting (secondary pollutants. Tropospheric ozone is created When water reacts with volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight, nitrogen dioxide is produced. is formed when NO is oxidized, as Sulphur dioxide or nitrogen oxides react with water, acid rain results. These contaminants have negative consequences for human health (low concentrations cause eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation) and the environment, as they contribute to acidification and eutrophication, as well as the formation of particulates and tropospheric ozone (photochemical smog). Electricity production and the combustion of fossil fuels in high-temperature manufacturing processes is the primary source of SO2 and NOx. Particulates are as a direct product of any type of industrial combustion or heating. Particulates and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are two types of contaminants. also linked to traffic and transportation. All these molecules of greenhouse gases that penetrate the atmosphere It's called atmospheric emissions. In order to meet the Paris Agreement's goal of maintaining a 1.5°C average global temperature increase, net CO2 emissions must reach zero by 2050, implying that the amount entering the atmosphere must exceed the amount absorbed by natural and technological sinks.

scholarly journals Saving the planet with appropriate biotechnology: 1. Diagnosing the problems

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
David Moore ◽  
◽  
Matthias Heilweck ◽  
Peter Petros ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Cycle ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Short Account ◽  
Dangerous Anthropogenic Interference

We give a plain language guide to the Earth’s carbon cycle by briefly summarising the observations and origins of increased levels of greenhouse gases, mainly CO2 but including CH4 and N2O, in our atmosphere. The only tenable explanation for our atmosphere’s present state is that it is the consequence of mankind’s excessive use of fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution onwards. We deal with the arguments that deny the truth of this, then illustrate the Earth’s global carbon cycle, which was almost exactly in equilibrium for several thousand years while humans were evolving, before industrial humans intervened. We describe how the excess greenhouse gas emissions are projected to change the global climate over this century and beyond and discuss ‘dangerous anthropogenic interference’ (DAI), ‘reasons for concern’ (RFCs) and climate tipping points. Finally, we give a short account of the various improved management, engineering and natural climate solutions advocated to increase carbon storage and/or avoid greenhouse gas emissions across global forests, wetlands, grasslands, agricultural lands, and industry. This review concludes with our basic message, which is that cultivation of aquatic calcifiers (coccolithophore algae, corals, crustacea and molluscs) offers the only effective and permanent carbon sequestration strategy.

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