The Netherlands, Climate Change
Green energy and politics: crowdfunding to the rescue? The Paris climate change pact , which entered into force last year, was announced with a huge fanfare. The deal aims to limit the rise in average global temperatures to “well below” two degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
Money-saving small wind turbines: myth or reality? Getting clean energy through your own turbine without relying on a central grid sounds great, but with subsidies being cut across Europe, is it too good to be true? Those with plenty of experience with wind turbines are quick to concede the financial challenges of this green technology.
The cost of blackouts in Europe In January 2005, a severe storm swept across Northern Europe, from Ireland to Russia. More than 500,000 homes were left without power, with Denmark and Southern Sweden being particularly hard-hit.
The case for low methane-emitting cattle You may think that climate change is being caused by burning oil, coal and gas. But not so fast! The emission of methane from cattle is a surprisingly important factor .
More forest biodiversity for less money? Making decisions related to forest conservation is no mean feat. Particularly, when a cost/benefit analysis is combined with integrating social and institutional impact at local and national scale.
Climate proof sea defences with a green twist Coastal areas offer great challenges when balancing the need to protect natural habitats, with the requirement of human and economic activities . Dikes, for example, may not constitute the solutions of the future.
Micha Werner: Drought vigilance Many African regions are prone to droughts. Advances in forecasting and early warning for these phenomena are now becoming available to help mitigate their consequences on vulnerable societies.
Shrub hub The EU’s driest region is Murcia in Spain. But it is also an area of intensive agriculture for such arid land.
Climate in a teacup Making planning decisions about cities today means keeping an eye on climate change predictions. More flash floods are expected, for example.