Europe can hurt the Russian war machine – and help the climate at the same time. Russian president Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has sparked a wide-ranging revamping of energy policy in Europe with a new, no-holds-barred objective: to wean the continent from Russian fossil fuels — as rapidly and comprehensively as possible — and accelerate the continent’s green energy transition. Paul Hockenos explains.
Author: Paul Hockenos
The Climate Movement is Panicking. It shouldn’t.
In the face of setbacks, the global climate movement is at loose ends. But rather than doubt itself – and resort to violence – it has to buildout its prodigious achievements with the kind of non-violent activism that has proved so effective. Paul Hockenos has the story.
Bulgaria Can Circumvent Russian Gas Freeze
Many Central and Eastern European countries rely on Russia for more of their fossil fuel than Germany does. This is one reason why Russian president Vladimir Putin targeted Bulgaria and Poland when he announced that these two EU and NATO countries would no longer receive natural gas deliveries. Paul Hockenos spoke with Bulgarian energy expert Radostina Primova.
Energy conservation can hurt the Russian war effort
Energy efficiency has long been overlooked to the detriment of the larger smart energy transition. Now it’s being shortchanged to the disadvantage of besieged Ukraine. Paul Hockenos explains.
Can Europe Really Ditch Russian Hydrocarbons – and Not Freeze Next Winter?
An ad hoc statement issued by the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina on March 8, 2022, argues that Germany could pull it off – without nuclear power. Paul Hockenos explains.
Is Emissions-Free Flying Pie in the Sky?
New studies are sanguine about emissions-free and carbon neutral aviation in the near(ish) future. But rosy projections meet with justified scepticism from environmentalists. Ultimately, we’re going to have to fly less, no matter how you look at it. Paul Hockenos has the details.
In Europe’s North Sea, Wind Parks Offer Sanctuary to Marine Life
Nature conservation and wind power generation can overlap in oceans – for now.
Get Eastern Europe In On the Green Deal
Until now, non-EU Eastern Europe has been largely left out of the Green Deal. But advocates in Ukraine and elsewhere want that to change – in the very near future. Civil society should take the initiative, they argue. Paul Hockenos has the story.
Russia’s New Climate Strategy is All About Russia, not Climate Protection
Tellingly, it was concern about the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the EU’s proposed carbon tariff on carbon-intensive products, that pushed Moscow to get more serious about lowering emissions. Paul Hockenos investigates.
How a Circular Economy Can Help Hit Climate Targets
In the circular economy, energy conservation is implicit in the closing of the material resource loop – and critical to a new economy that can help Germany hit net zero. A Germany initiative shows in detail how Germany can adopt a no-waste economy that saves material resources, cuts emissions, and decreases energy consumption. Paul Hockenos had a closer look at this Circular Economy Roadmap for Germany.