The global energy spend: progress, gaps, and power plays
This week, the IEA revealed its 2025 World Energy Investment report[1], which brought striking news: global energy investment will reach $3.3 trillion this year, with $2.2 trillion flowing to clean energy. That’s nearly double the amount going to fossil fuels, a milestone we anticipated in our September 2024 article[2], when clean investment first overtook fossil fuels […]
Belgium still has the highest electricity-to-gas price ratio in the EU
Heat pumps made headlines again this week because of a new analysis by Belgium’s energy regulator CREG. The conclusion? Despite subsidies, heat pumps are rarely more attractive than traditional gas boilers, at least not financially. The timing couldn’t be better: it’s been exactly one year since we last updated our electricity-to-gas price ratio chart, a […]
Charting a course: global shipping is on its way to get its first carbon price
Two weeks ago, we looked ahead to a pivotal moment for climate policy: the 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). That meeting, widely seen as a “make-or-break” point for shipping decarbonization, has now concluded and delivered a first-of-its-kind agreement. The outcome is a new regulatory framework […]
All Eyes on the Ocean: A Make-or-Break Climate Moment for Global Shipping
Next week, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) convenes in London for its 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). On the table: nothing less than the future climate pathway for international shipping. While emissions from global maritime transport have long flown under the radar, the sector currently accounts for nearly 3% of global […]
Local wins, global losses? Why responsible mining requires a global lens
As the world transitions to a climate-friendly system, demand for critical raw materials –essential to the clean and digital technologies driving this shift – is on the rise. While circular strategies like recycling and car sharing can and should help reduce the need for mined materials, some mining will remain necessary. And yes, mining undeniably […]
Climate Whiplash: How water extremes affect our cities
On March 22nd, we celebrate World Water Day, a reminder of water’s essential role in sustaining life on Earth. Its importance is even clearer in the search for extraterrestrial life. Scientists often look for the presence of water when assessing whether a planet might support life. This underscores a simple truth: life cannot exist without water. […]
Turning Waste into Opportunity: The Case for Circular Fertilizer in European Agriculture
Last week, the European Commission launched its Vision for Agriculture and Food. While some may – rightly or wrongly – criticize aspects of its environmental ambitions, one promising element stands out: a circular economy solution that benefits people, planet, and profit alike. The Fertilizer Paradox Agriculture in the European Union relies heavily on fertilizers. These […]
Climate metrics that matter: tracking 2025’s progress
Last week, we examined the state of climate change and the challenges and opportunities that 2025 brings. This week, we delve into the indispensable tools guiding our climate efforts: metrics. It’s said that “measuring is knowing,” and in the fight against climate change, knowing where we stand is crucial. Six key indicators offer insight into […]
Climate Outlook 2025: Navigating Risks, Seizing Opportunities
As we embark on 2025, it’s essential to take stock of our progress in addressing climate change. The past year brought both milestones and warnings, revealing how far we’ve come and how much work remains. Global climate check: key takeaways from 2024 2024 shattered records as the hottest year in history, with global temperatures breaching the […]
From Batteries to Battleships: Navigating the Critical Raw Materials Challenge
Critical raw materials are becoming increasingly prominent on the global stage. Their role in transformative policies such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) underscores their significance. Critical raw materials are defined as resources with high economic importance but subject to important supply risks. The classification […]