Until now one of the most famous industrial names in American history has been synonymous with oil. Now the fund set up by the sons of the highly controversial industrial tycoon is selling its fossil-fuel interests to invest in clean-energy – a movement that is also growing in Britain. As an epoch-making change, it is Read More …
As the UK’s population is projected to rise to 73 million by 2037, a 25- to 30-year evidence-based infrastructure plan is needed to maintain economic growth and global competitiveness, which brings both risks and opportunities. Jon Herbert reports. London could become the world’s first megacity with a population of 10 million by 2036, the Office Read More …
The triple battles of energy security, sustainability and sovereignty have come head-to-head in recent weeks over a commodity whose use everyone should be working to minimise but whose exploitation everybody is eager to maximise. Jon Herbert considers the future of oil under the seas around Britain. The commonly held wisdom is that North Sea oil Read More …
The UK and European offshore wind industry could create jobs, supply chain opportunities and multi-billion-pound revenue streams, while increasing energy security and cutting carbon emissions. But there is a problem, which is now the subject of an intense research and development and demonstration (R&DD) innovation and efficiency drive. High installation, operation and maintenance costs must Read More …
The Government is leading the creation of a framework for climate change adaption. Jon Herbert looks at the policy approach. You can only begin to control what you can measure. The actions of individuals are important. However, the UK as a nation needs a co-ordinated strategy to learn to live with and, wherever possible take Read More …
By linking the release of carbon dioxide to air quality and then human health, the White House is taking an unusual and relatively untested legal route to reclaiming its environmental credentials. However, other key fossil fuel decisions are still to be taken in Washington that are making the president friends and enemies as he strives Read More …
Does the UK have strategic green business opportunities in Europe, or is it simply dragging its feet in perfecting a commercially viable carbon capture and storage technology to lock away up to 70 billion tonnes of the world’s most abundant greenhouse gas ad infinitum? Jon Herbert looks at developments. It is a technology that should Read More …
Investing in travel and transport creates opportunities and costs. Jon Herbert looks at our modern attitudes to essential infrastructure. Transport systems are meant to unite a country, not divide it. Contemporary British attitudes are more ambivalent. Everywhere is someone’s back yard when it comes to building new runways or high-speed rail systems. Most people agree Read More …
Sustainability reporting is a continuous global conversation in which companies are expected to prove that they create more “value” than they consume. Jon Herbert looks at trends, complexity and simplicity. What is sustainability reporting? What does it really mean and what are its aims? More importantly, what does it promise for the future, or threaten Read More …
With winter storms history, and balmy summer days lying ahead, now is a good time to reflect on the average UK home and why Britons continue to suffer from high energy bills and seasonal discomfort — Scandinavia and other European countries face severe weather with few problems. Jon Herbert looks at the commercial implications. Where Read More …