Toxic Home Syndrome
Poor air quality has become a big worry in the UK. with its big cities repeatedly failing to meet air pollution targets. Experts estimate that up to half a million people die prematurely each year as a direct result of breathing…
What are the benefits of saving energy?
Thinking about saving energy can seem like a lot of hassle. For instance, a lot of people will just turn up the thermostat when they think their heating isn’t warm enough, rather than taking measures to stop hot air escaping.…
Green New Year’s resolutions
The New Year is a good time to form new habits and shake off some of the (not so good) old ones. As far as energy efficiency goes, you probably have things you know you should be doing, but for one…
Is hydropower renewable?
Hydropower – otherwise known as hydroelectricity – is a fast-growing form of energy generation. It has been used for more than 100 years, popularised in the USA with famous projects such as the Hoover Dam. How do hydropower plants work? Hydropower…
The environmental impact of nuclear power generation
Nuclear is considered by many a ‘clean’ form of energy; but this viewpoint is controversial for a reason. With Chernobyl – and the more recent Fukushima disaster – at the forefront of social consciousness, the idea of nuclear having a place in the modern energy…
Would leaving the EU affect environmental policies in the UK?
It is claimed by many that the EU has been one of the main drivers behind environmental improvement in the UK. This IEEP review lists key environmental achievements of the EU, including a fall in greenhouse gas emissions and a big rise…
London air pollution at dangerously high levels: Will the new mayor fix it?
On 5th May, London will vote for a new mayor. The pressure is on for Boris Johnson’s successor to deliver a greener future for the capital; only 16% of Londoners think politicians are doing enough to protect the environment. Boris Johnson’s legacy…
What is ecomodernism?
Is it time for us to all become ecomodernists? The mainstream argument is that climate change is being accelerated by human activities. You are probably familiar with the simple narrative that man is burning fossil fuels at an increasing rate;…
The environmental effects of coal
Coal power is reliable and relatively inexpensive, but it is controversial for a reason. The catastrophic environmental impacts of coal power generation are well known. Now, new research published on World Water Day has revealed that during energy production, coal power plants…
Is living off-grid realistic?
It is realistic to live off grid? Living off grid means that you are not connected to, or rely on the national grid for your energy needs. This will probably involve some sort of energy storage system to ensure that…