by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, as part of a wide ranging policy announcement from the Obama Administration, the Department of Energy launched a Sustainable Biofuels Innovation Challenge to develop ways to produce, at scale, widely affordable, advanced biofuels
(Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials) The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) celebrated the announcement at its Annual Assembly of Delegates meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam that its global members have voted to approve and publish revised Principles & Criteria. This independent, multi-stakeholder
(Renewable Fuels Association) ... Leading up to the Paris Agreement, countries submitted individual plans — called Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDCs) — on how they planned to meet the greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. At least 37 countries included biofuels in
(UNCTAD) During the second week of COP22 in Morocco, a number of countries will launch a multi-stakeholder mechanism to facilitate collaboration and policy dialogue in the areas of advanced bioenergy and biomaterials. The platform - named Biofuture - follows the
by Anna Hirtenstein (Bloomberg) Oil demand growth coming from trucks, jets - not cars; Electric cars made up less than 1% of total sales last year -- Electric cars won’t cause oil demand to peak anytime soon, according to International Energy Agency Executive
(Center for American Progress) Carbon taxes and emissions trading systems, once considered political moonshots in the battle to combat carbon emissions, have found purchase in Canada, Mexico, and parts of the United States, raising the possibility that carbon pricing could
(New China) ... A report submitted by a high-level advisory group to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sustainable Transport finds that the transformational change of sustainable transport needs annual investments of 2 trillion U.S. dollars, and related efforts will deliver savings
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Joule is advancing a production platform for Liquid Fuel from the Sun, expected to eclipse the scale, productivity and cost efficiency of any known alternative to fossil fuel today. Its transformative Helioculture platform directly and
by Jens Flottau (Aviation Week) When the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced in early October that its general assembly had reached agreement on the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia), the international aviation community was full
(Hellenic Shipping News/Danish Shipowners’ Association) The Danish Shipowners’ Association, Royal Belgian Shipowners’ Association, Maersk, Scandlines, J. Lauritzen, Unifeeder, and 45 other businesses and organisations across the shipping and marine industry are calling for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to act
by Anum Yoon (Triple Pundit) As the world turns its attention to addressing global warming, the airline industry, too, is researching ways to do its part and lower greenhouse gas emissions. One option is investing more into the development and integration of
(The White House) Today, in Montreal, Canada, 191 countries decided to adopt a global market-based measure to reduce carbon emissions from international aviation at the 39th Assembly meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Today’s action builds on last
( International Air Transport Association ) The worldwide aviation industry has applauded a crucial climate agreement reached by governments meeting at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) today. The negotiations, to put in place the world’s first carbon offsetting scheme
by Anthony Adragna (Politico's Morning Energy) ... YOU BUILD ME UP: The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate released a report today that found $90 trillion in infrastructure investments will be needed over the next 15 years, and issued
by Joe Ryan (Bloomberg) JetBLue among airlines testing fuel made from corn, garbage; ‘We just don’t have any alternative,’ Boeing executive says -- The airline industry’s plan to ease its impact on global warming hinges on fuels made from vegetable oil,
(Grand View Research/PR Newswire) The global white biotechnology market is expected to reach USD 487.08 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Rising awareness and emphasis for the adoption of greener and environment-friendly technologies in various
by John Vidal (The Guardian) With biofuel potential limited and emissions rising, the need for industry to act is urgent. Hopes rest on a global UN carbon offset scheme to be negotiated at the ICAO summit this week - but
by Bliss Baker (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) ... The transport sector is one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gases (GHGs), estimated to be approximately 25 to 30 percent of global emissions, but has the lowest renewable energy share
(Air Transport Action Group) Negotiations to complete the first global agreement on capping a single sector’s climate impact are due to resume in Montreal on Tuesday as the world’s governments meet for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) 39th Assembly.
by Jeff Gazzard (European GreenSkies Alliance/GreenAir Online) Over the next couple of weeks, the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will be holding its 39th Assembly in Montreal. One of the key items up for discussion/agreement/stonewalling (take your pick!)
(GreenAir Online) Environmental NGOs have expressed strong reservations with elements of the proposed global market-based carbon scheme that will shortly be presented for approval by ICAO’s Member States at their upcoming Assembly that starts on September 27 in Montreal. They
(GreenAir Online) Members of the High Ambition Coalition, which played a pivotal role in the successful outcome of the global climate negotiations last December that resulted in the Paris Agreement, have joined forces to call for urgent action to curb
(GreenAir Online) Despite imperfections, the inclusion of aviation into the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has functioned well and enjoys a high degree of compliance, finds a new report by Transport and Environment (T&E) that analyses performance over the
by Rebecca Chillrud (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) ... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently issued an endangerment finding for aircraft, indicating that greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft are hazardous to public health. This finding requires the EPA to begin crafting
by Melissae Fellet (C&EN) Aviation industry hopes to cut emissions with renewable fuels -- This year, renewable jet fuel took off, graduating from demonstration and test flights to some regular commercial use. In January, some flights left the airport in
by Timothy Cama (The Hill) President Obama is hoping to complete two more international agreements to fight global warming in the coming months, shoring up his climate change legacy. His landmark Paris agreement is certain to go down as one of
(GreenAir Online) The Centre for Research in Air and Space Law at McGill University in Canada has published an Occasional Paper Series on the environmental sustainability of international civil aviation. The 13 research papers address various policy, legal and technical means
(GreenAir Online) ICAO’s 36-State governing Council has released final draft text of a Resolution to be put before the UN agency’s triennial Assembly later this month on a global market-based measure (GMBM) aimed at keeping global net CO2 emissions from
by Li Jing (South China Morning Post) The cross-checking system between world’s two worst carbon polluters will be the first time Beijing has allowed another nation to review its domestic energy subsidies -- ... he peer-review mechanism between Beijing and Washington,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) If you were reading BBC’s coverage of the aviation biofuels space yesterday, you would have seen the provocative headline: Wood fuel plan to cut plane CO2 branded as ‘pipe dream’ Then would have looked in vain for
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This season, The Digest is hosting the Strategic Intent webinar series, looking at the plans, progress and future milestones of strategic stakeholders in the Advanced Bioeconmy. In this slide deck, we looked at United Airlines, which recently invested
by Alister Doyle (Reuters) Investors managing more than $13 trillion of assets urged leaders of the Group of 20 on Wednesday to ratify a global climate deal by the end of 2016 and to step up efforts to shift from
by Allison Lampert and Julia Fioretti (Reuters) A new global deal on curbing aviation emissions will likely give states the right to opt out of its initial voluntary phases, according to sources familiar with the matter, in a concession to
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, the World Bank’s most recent Commodities Markets Outlook says lower energy prices have also eased pressures to produce biofuels as an alternative energy source. Biofuels production has been an important driver of demand
(AB Newswire/ReportsWeb.com) ReportsWeb.com adds Global Biofuel Enzymes Market 2016 Research Report to its vast collection of research database. The report is spread across 157 pages and supported by 14 company leaders, 111 list of tables and figures. The Global Biofuel Enzymes Industry
by Mike Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The things that happen in America regarding renewable fuels provides a blueprint for the world to follow. With the pride of success comes the burden of responsibility to never give in. The world is
(Biofuels International) ... The World Bank report also stated: “Given the energy intensive nature of agriculture, lower energy prices will help reduce the cost of producing food commodities. “They will also ease policy pressures to encourage production of biofuels, which have been
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The nature of collaboration across the advanced bioeconomy is shifting dramatically – and we are seeing the democratization of R&D. ... The CRISPR revolution As Dan Watkins of DFJ’s Mercury Fund put it, “There’s a
by Rebecca Chillrud (Energy and Environmental Study Institute) ... On July 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its endangerment finding for aircraft, indicating that greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft are hazardous to public health. This finding requires the EPA
(AviationBenefits.org) Coinciding with the presentation of the European Commission’s “European Strategy for Low-Emission Mobility”, A4E sets out its priorities on environmental policy. A4E calls on all governments to support the United Nations’ proposed carbon offset scheme to ensure the airline industry
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) A new report, titled Reconciling Food Security and Bioenergy: Priorities for Action, challenges previous studies that blame biofuels for food insecurity for relying on “faulty”, “questionable” and “subjective” assumptions to reach their conclusions. Published in the journal
by Chrysa Glystra and Sean Bartlett (Platts) Global biodiesel production and consumption is forecast to rise by 14% from 2016 to 2020, driven by the fulfillment of current biofuel policies in the US, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia and the EU, according to an
by Manisha Jha and Isis Almeida (Bloomberg) World population growth to slow to 1% a year over next decade; Food demand growth expected to slow progressively: OECD-FAO -- Food prices will stagnate over the next decade as the population growth rate declines and
(GreenAir Online) US environmental NGO Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has released its third annual Aviation Biofuel Sustainability Scorecard, which surveyed and ranked 29 airlines on sourcing sustainably produced biofuels. Just 19 of those airlines responded to NRDC’s questionnaire, although
by Melissa Chan (Time Magazine) Air pollution contributes to about 6.5 million deaths each year, the International Energy Agency warned in a report released Monday, with casualties expected to drastically rise in coming decades unless the energy industry curbs emissions. The agency’s
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers has completed a standard that establishes a framework for charting progress toward sustainable agriculture production. According to ASABE, the standard is intended for application with all typical farming
(Federal Register/International Trade Administration) Pursuant to provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App., the Department of Commerce announces the reestablishment of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (the Committee). The Committee shall advise the Secretary
by Erin Voegele (Biomass Magazine) The National Resources Defense Council has released its 2016 Aviation Biofuel Scorecard, which rates airlines on the sourcing and use of biofuels. The scorecard is now in its third year. According to the NDRC, 29 airlines
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest)Dimethyl ether has several fuel properties that make it attractive for use in diesel engines. It has a very high cetane number, which is a measure of the fuel's ignitibility in compression ignition engines. The energy
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... So if the advanced bioeconomy is so prevalent and so pervasive, why do we hear so much about the struggles of projects to be built? Why is it so much easier to build wind and
by Deborah Gordon, Jessica Tuchman Mathews (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace) Because of the growing chemical and geological diversity of the new oils, the lack of alternative liquid fuels for transportation, and the size and global scope of oil production
(GreenAir Online) he new Chairman of IATA’s Board of Directors and CEO of International Airlines Group, Willie Walsh, told the media at the conclusion of last week’s AGM in Dublin that he was of “the firm belief” ICAO states will
(GreenAir Online) A study commissioned by WWF finds airlines could meet most of their carbon-neutral growth (CNG) requirements during the 2020-2035 period even if they focus on buying carbon credits for which there is both a high confidence in greenhouse
(Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) The US economy is making one of the strongest comebacks in the OECD, but there are risks on the horizon, according to the OECD’s latest Economic Survey of the United States. Seven years after the
by Geoffrey Carr (The Economist) If agriculture is to continue to feed the world, it needs to become more like manufacturing, says Geoffrey Carr. Fortunately, that is already beginning to happen -- Tom Rogers is an almond farmer in Madera County,
by Keith L. Kline, Siwa Msangi, Virginia H. Dale, Jeremy Woods, Glaucia M. Souza, Patricia Osseweijer, Joy S. Clancy, Jorge A. Hilbert, Francis X. Johnson, Patrick C. McDonnell, Harriet K. Mugera (Global Change Biology: Bioenergy) ... Understanding the nexus of food security, bioenergy sustainability, and resource management facilitates achievement of the 2030
(Bioenergy Insight) Bioenergy has the significant potential to become a pillar in the future energy portfolio of cities, according to a new report by the World Bioenergy Association (WBA). The new study from World Bioenergy Association addresses the challenges cities are
(Bioenergy Insight) Bioenergy academia and industry representatives, who attended the European Biomass Conference & Exhibition (EUBCE), are calling on European policy makers and the media to reconsider their approach to bioenergy. ... A press release issued by EUBCE organisers said: “The attention
( London School of Economics and Political Science) Companies that fail to plan for business scenarios in a low-carbon economy risk decline or even bankruptcy, according to a submission to the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures published today (PDF) (6
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In California, a new global initiative called below50 has debuted, backed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials and Sustainable Energy for All to promote the best-of-breed of sustainable fuels that
by Committee on Propulsion and Energy Systems to Reduce Commercial Aviation Carbon Emissions; Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board; Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Academies Press) The primary human activities that release carbon
(IEA Implementing Agreement for Renewable Energy Technology Deployment) The integration of advanced (2nd generation / 2G) biofuel plants with conventional (1st generation / 1G) biofuel plants can lead to significant synergies and cost savings, especially for bioethanol plants. For biodiesel,
(AviationBenefits.org) Fifty ministers of transport from countries around the world are gathering in Leipzig for the International Transport Forum Summit, the theme of which is ‘green and inclusive transport’. At the ministerial opening session today, Tony Tyler, Director General and
(Air Transport Action Group) A High Level Meeting being convened by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on 11 May received executive-level support from the aviation industry today, as leaders representing all parts of the sector encouraged governments to progress
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) RSB is now offering a range of advisory services to support businesses, investors, development agencies, NGOs, and governments in applying the RSB standard to their operations, projects and policy development. Through technical and strategic advice, hands-on
by Ernie Shea (25 x '25) Today starts a two-day “Climate Action 2016” summit in Washington that will bring together government, business and environmental leaders from around the globe “to strengthen the multi-stakeholder approach to climate implementation.” In other words, it’s a
(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) RSB invites the public to contribute to the revision of the RSB Standard for end-of-life products, by-products and residues which defines how operators may use these feedstocks for biofuel or biomaterial production. This RSB Standard covers specific terminology relevant for
by Jean Chemnick (E&E/Climatewire) ... Jonathan Pershing, who took over the top post at the Office of the Special Envoy for Climate Change a few weeks ago, said the so-called high-ambition coalition that helped deliver December's accord could also inject ambition
(Office of the United States Trade Representative) Obama Administration unveils list of the world’s most significant challenges facing American intellectual property rights alongside bipartisan members of Congress and business community leaders -- On the heels of World Intellectual Property Day,
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Bliss Baker, president of the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance, recently sent letters to the national leaders of 24 countries that highlighted biofuels as part of their Intended Nationally Determined Contribution plans at the recent
by Valerie Volcovici (PlanetArk) Three environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday to press for faster action in setting limits on greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. aircraft. Earthjustice, the Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of
(GreenAir Online) The International Coalition on Sustainable Aviation (ICSA), an umbrella group of six NGOs, has launched a campaign called FlightPath 1.5 to ensure emissions from international aviation are capped and then reduced in line with the climate ambitions of
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This week, we held a well-attended webinar on “Drop-In Fuels” Here below is the second slide deck presented on the day, from Will Thurmond, President of Emerging Markets Online — highlights from the upcoming Drop In Fuels
by Angela Charlton (Associated Press/Washington Post) Monaco’s government says it’s investigating how an alleged vast oil corruption scandal involving a Monaco-based company long went unnoticed, even though the principality has opened up its financial sector and cracked down on tax
(GreenAir ONline) Industry and the media have hyped up new technological solutions that promise emissions reductions and so lead to an era of sustainable air travel but have yet to turn out to be feasible, finds a study by researchers
by James L. Stewart (California’s BioEnergy Producers Association/Technikon/Biofuels Digest) A major worldwide effort is underway through the non-profit organization R20 Regions of Climate Action to assist sub-national states and jurisdictions in developing projects that promote clean energy and combat climate change. Currently, R20
(Marine Stewardship Council) The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) are working together to create a joint global standard for certifying seaweed operations. The collaboration offers the unique opportunity to build on the expertise of the two
by Tristan R. Brown (The Conversation) The 2016 primary race is defying conventional wisdom, with erstwhile fringe candidates competitive in the polls despite their unorthodox policy positions. The Iowa Republican Caucus provided additional material for this storyline as Senator Ted Cruz defied
by Donya Nasser (United Nations Foundation) In 2015, world leaders adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which provide a shared global development agenda from now until 2030. These goals build on the eight Millennium Development Goals that were adopted in 2000 and
(Purdue University) Higher food prices, a significant boost in greenhouse gas emissions due to land use change and major loss of forest and pasture land would be some results if genetically modified organisms in the United States were banned, according
(Platts/Ethanol Producer Magazine) Platts, the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets and a division of McGraw Hill Financial, has entered into a strategic agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Italy, IEA Bioenergy and the Global Bioenergy Partnership have published the “Examples of Positive Bioenergy and Water Relationships,” which includes examples that illustrate an encouraging variety both in terms of bioenergy systems and geographical
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The following slides and comments are excerpted and expanded from remarks by Digest editor & publisher Jim Lane at the Energy Security Breakfast at ABLC 2016, held last week in Washington. The premise I’d like to
(United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) UNCTAD's first report on the state of biofuel technologies in 2007 highlighted a sector with great potential, but at the time that was a long way off from markets. In 2015, countries made commitments
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... Held Feb. 15 to 17 in New Orleans, the NEC painted a strong future for the ethanol industry in the speakers addressing the conference theme, “Fueling a High Octane Future.” Following the state
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The first Global Bioeconomy Summit in Berlin Germany released a communique: “We, a community of experts and stakeholders from more than 50 countries, met in Berlin to review the state of bioeconomy in different parts of
(GreenAir Online) The President of the COP21 negotiations in Paris, French foreign minister Laurent Fabius, told the World Economic Forum in Davos yesterday that in the year ahead it would be necessary to work with UNFCCC Member States on international
by Carlos Araujo (Biodiesel Magazine/Evonik Corp.) Biodiesel is a real solution to reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the threat of climate change the world over. Many countries are adopting plans to reduce greenhouse gases, and biodiesel is an effective part of
(Netzwerk Biotreibstoffe/IEA) Renewable Power-to-Gas (RE-P2G) technologies like renewable methane or renewable hydrogen can substitute fossil conventional and alternative fuels (natural gas or liquefied natural gas) and thus decrease the share of transport-related emissions (NOx, particles, noise, CO2). At the same
by Holly Jessen (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Global trade for U.S. ethanol has been trending up in the past decade, becoming an important part of the industry’s growth strategy. -- Looking at the numbers, it doesn’t take long to conclude that
(International Renewable Energy Agency) This report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)provides the first quantification of the macroeconomic impact of doubling the global share of renewables in the energy mix by 2030. The study builds on IRENA’s previous work
(GreenAir Online) ... Of particular relevance is the development by ICAO of a global market-based measure (MBM) for consideration by the 39th Session of its Assembly later this year and intended implementation from 2020. Chris Lyle reviews some implications of
(GreenAir Online) Following the civil penalties handed out to five aircraft operators last June (see article), a further 18 operators of corporate or VIP aircraft and two airlines have been issued with penalties for failing to surrender sufficient EU ETS allowances
(GreenAir Online) Two reports, one an International Monetary Fund (IMF) internal discussion note and the other by the Paris School of Economics (PSE), suggest taxing international aviation fuel or air travel could provide an equitable solution to raising global finance
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who mandates what in biofuels? 64 countries have targets or mandates — but how much where, and when, and what? In Florida, the Digest today releases its annual review of biofuels mandates and targets around the world,
(P&S Market Research/PRNewswire) The global biorefinery market was valued at $432.4 billion in 2014, and it is expected to grow with a CAGR of 14.0% during 2015 - 2020. The factors driving the growth of the global market include government
by Mike Bryan (Ethanol Producer Magazine) What if the nearly $6 trillion spent on wars in Afghanistan and Iraq had been spent to generate economic activity for the ethanol industry, asks Mike Bryan. -- ... Estimates are that by the
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Food vs Fuel, biofuels causing corn planting to skyrocket, low oil prices killing off renewable fuels, the subsidy myth, the emissions myth, the “people won’t buy the fuels” myth, and the Insanity myth. ... In the world
by Shelagh Whitley and Laurie van der Burg (New Climate Economy) The research underpinning this New Climate Economy Working Paper was a major input into the 2015 New Climate Economy report and articulates the practical steps that policymakers can take to
(ePURE) ... At ePURE, the association representing European ethanol producers, we believe that renewable ethanol can play an important role in decarbonising transport. Because ethanol can be blended with petrol to run in existing engines, it is one of the ways we
by Mathew Carr (BloombergBusiness) Markets will help drive emission reductions under Paris deal; Rules needed to ensure markets have environmental integrity -- Eighteen nations including the U.S., Japan and Germany will work together to develop international carbon markets to help speed
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) “The World Starts from Tomorrow” says UN Secretary-General -- In France, representatives from 195 nations approved the Paris Agreement on global, coordinated response framework for climate change. Acceptance of the Agreement arrived at the end
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Guiding the delegates at Paris for the recent, historic climate change agreement was a whole bunch of data on energy. One of the most intelligent offerings on that topic came from the International Energy Agency,
by Paul Alexander (Huffington Post) Some commentators have argued President Barack Obama suffers from a failure of leadership. That was evidenced once again last week when he traveled to Paris to demand the world cut greenhouse gas emissions on the
(Diesel Technology Forum) New York City Joins San Francisco and Oakland In Embracing New Blends Of Biodiesel & Renewable Diesel Fuels -- In light of the COP21 Paris Climate Conference, New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio announced a major initiative to reduce
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance/Ethanol Producer Magazine) At the World Climate Summit under way in Paris, France, the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance in cooperation with (S&T)2 Consultants Inc., an internationally renowned energy and environmental consulting firm, released a new report “Green
(ePURE/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The global biofuels and industrial biotechnology sectors have united to call on world leaders attending the COP21 in Paris to support a global commitment to replace at least 15 percent of the world’s total oil use in
(Agrimoney.com) The United Nations highlighted a cooling in the competition by biofuels plants for crops as it revealed a return by food prices into decline, as cereals and meat values fell to five-year lows. The UN's food agency, the Food and
(Oklahoma Farm Report) Leaders of the North American Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance (NACSAA) told policy makers and others attending climate talks here this week that agriculture can provide impactful and measurable contributions to global efforts to reverse climate change. Speaking at
by Carol Werner (The Hill/Environmental and Energy Study Institute) Sometimes, a solution is so blindingly obvious it is hard to see. What if the United States and the rest of the industrialized world stopped subsidizing coal, oil and gas, and
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In France, 28 business leaders and organizations launched the Breakthrough Energy Coalition, with Coalition chairman Bill Gates stating that “The existing system of basic research, clean energy investment, regulatory frameworks, and subsidies fails to sufficiently
(Carbon War Room/Rocky Mountain Institute) Eighteen years after shipping was recognized under the Kyoto Protocol as an industry in need of emissions reductions, the Paris climate talks run the risk of letting the issue slip under the radar once again.
by Charles Kennedy (Oilprice.com) Crude oil just capped off a third straight week of declines, as WTI nears the $40 per barrel threshold. Goldman Sachs is once again raising the possibility of oil dipping into the $20s per barrel. That spells
by Susanne Retka Schill (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The International Energy Agency released its latest World Energy Outlook 2015, saying there are clear signs that an energy transition is under way. The report finds that the plunge in oil prices has
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) sent a letter this week to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, urging him to promote the success of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) at the upcoming Paris climate talks, known as
by Elizabeth Bast (PriceOfOil.org) G20 country governments are providing $452 billion a year in subsidies for the production of fossil fuels. Their continued support for fossil fuel production marries bad economics with potentially disastrous consequences for the climate. In effect, governments
(Americans for Energy Security & Innovation) President Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency is gutting the successful Renewable Fuel Standard that has created jobs and cut our dependence on foreign oil. WATCH AD READ MORE and MORE (Connectivity)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Despite a signature partnership with Praj, Gevo’s short-term future looks strongest at the marina, where blockbuster economics apply. ... So, a pretty good deal for both. Gevo potentially gets some new customers and Praj lands EPC work
(GreenAir Online) References to international aviation and shipping have been reinserted into the latest draft negotiating text agreed at the final climate meeting of the UNFCCC in Bonn before COP21 begins at the end of next month in Paris. Text
by Sarah Kent (Global Finance) ... The cost of producing energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind will fall sharply over the next 35 years, BP PLC said Monday, but without a system in place that levies a charge for
by Marc Gunther (Nonprofit Chronicles) ... “Why exactly are we ahead with 100 million more wood burning stoves in the world? It’s an output metric and not an impact metric,” says Kevin Starr of Mulago, who wrote a pointed 2014 essay
by Susanna Twidale (Reuters) Governments around the world will this year raise around $22 billion from schemes putting a price on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions such as taxes or emissions trading systems, a report on Wednesday showed. The role of carbon pricing,
by Marc Gunther (Washington Post) ... Of those 28 million cookstoves, only 8.2 million — the ones that run on electricity or burn liquid fuels including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ethanol and biogas — meet the health guidelines for indoor emissions
(CLEANCOOK) An animated video showing a new clean cooking stove concept for the developing world. Highly automated production, optimized logistics and local assembly will bring proven technologies to the developing world markets at a lower cost and create local employment. Along
by Cristina Maza (The Christian Science Monitor) Economists, officials, and executives across the globe increasingly support carbon pricing to stem the rise of greenhouse-gas emissions. Can it work? --- ... “Pricing carbon obviously adds a cost to our production and our products,”
by Joshua S Hill (Clean Technica) A new report modelling the removal of fossil fuel subsidies in 20 countries showed such a move would reduce national emissions by an average of 11%. --- The call for an end to renewable
by James Rydge (New Climate Economy) Support for carbon pricing is growing around the world. Governments, businesses and investors are recognising that nationally-appropriate taxes and trading schemes, as part of a well-aligned package of policies for low-carbon change, can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
by Lew Fulton (International Energy Agency (IEA)/ OECD Observer) Can biofuels truly compete with petrol? Recent projections suggest that ethanol could represent up to 5% of the world’s transport fuel by 2010. That figure may seem modest at first glance, but
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Who’s a Major Player, who’s a Pioneer, who’s committed, who’s monitoring the space as a stakeholder? We look at 45 airlines and their efforts in bringing low-carbon fuels to the marketplace. ... The activity includes participation in
(Agence France-Presse/Global Post) A group of world leaders called Monday for countries around the world to put a price on carbon to strengthen the international fight against climate change. As a week of talks on a global climate agreement opened in
(Globe Newswire/Research and Markets) Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Biofuels (Bioethanol and Biodiesel) - Global Strategic Business Report" report to their offering. This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Biofuels (Bioethanol and Biodiesel) in Thousand Gallons by
(Food and Agriculture Organization/Ag Professional) All countries should strive to ensure an ambitious agreement to tackle climate change, putting food security and agriculture at the centre of debates on the issue, say FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva and
by Sarah Kent And Amy Harder (Morningstar) The chief executives of Royal Dutch Shell PLC and ExxonMobil Corp. laid out contrasting visions this week for reducing fossil-fuel emissions, illustrating a divide between American and European energy companies ahead of a
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... The biggest expansion of free trade in a generation, the Trans-Pacific Partnership could reshape world trade in food and agriculture. Here’s the need to know: What it is: The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a new trade
(Green Air Online) The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has marked the launch of the second phase of its Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN II) programme by awarding $100 million to eight companies to develop and demonstrate technologies
by Amanda Reilly (E&E/Governors' Biofuels Coalition) Biodiesel can contribute significantly to U.S. carbon dioxide reduction goals, according to a new analysis released by the industry’s main trade group. The report conducted by Bates White Economic Consulting found that boosting biodiesel production
(GreenAir Online) Aviation industry leaders will gather next week in Geneva for their green conference and congratulate themselves on their efforts to reduce emissions. But a reality check is needed. A bio-fuelled flight here and a more efficient engine there
(Air Transport Action Group) From solar power installations at a hundred airports around the world, to tablet computers for pilots, brand new aircraft designs and flights on fuel made with waste gas from steel plants, a new report released at
by Reed Landberg (Bloomberg/Renewable Energy World) If the world seeks to lower carbon emissions, why is support for fossil fuels so strong? --- As world leaders converge on New York for a United Nations gathering that’s expected to have a
by Robert-Jan Bartunek (Reuters) Belgian researchers are examining the excrement of giant pandas to try to understand how they can digest tough bamboo, hoping for clues on how to develop new generations of biofuel. The genetic make-up of endangered pandas is that
(Deutsche Welle) On the heels of the VW scandal, many are asking why eco-friendly transport seems to be stalled. Biofuels that don't compete with food production may indeed play an important future role, says Nicholas Wagner of IRENA. Deutsche Welle: The Paris
by Mark Harris (The Guardian) In Las Cruces, New Mexico, a pilot project is using heat-loving algae to clean wastewater and generate energy ... “Galdieria sulphuraria is one of the most interesting microorganisms on the planet,” says Peter Lammers, a professor
(Advanced Biofuels USA) In the spirit of Pope Francis, and in response to press release from the International Climate Science Coalition's (ICSC) we invite the ICSC to join Advanced Biofuels USA and the biofuels community to find and institute ever
(International Climate Science Coalition/PR Newswire) "Rather than simply follow the United Nations on climate change, Pope Francis must consider whether U.N. climate policies are doing more harm than good," said Tom Harris, Executive Director of the Ottawa, Canada-based International Climate Science
by Damian Carrington (The Guardian) Naturalist says 10-year public research and development programme, that would emulate race to put men on the moon, could halt climate change -- ... In a letter to the Guardian, the group argue that the approach,
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Reports from the EIA, IRENA and Lux Research give key pointers for current trends and a look at “how long does it take to stand up a technology?” ... The US Energy Information Administration updated it’s
(Biofuels International) The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) has released data showing that global food prices have experienced the steepest monthly drop since 2008. According to the Global Renewable Fuels Alliance (GRFA), the decline in food prices has
by Jonas Meckling, Nina Kelsey, Eric Biber, John Zysman (Science Magazine) The gap is wide between the implications of climate science and the achievements of climate policy. Natural sciences tell us with increasing certainty that climate change is real, dangerous, and solvable;
(Global Renewable Fuels Alliance) The UN FAO has released data showing that global food prices have experience the steepest monthly drop since 2008, casting doubt upon concerns about the impact of ethanol production in food price increases. The recent decline
by Bliss Baker (Ethanol Producer Magazine/Global Renewable Fuels Association) ... Since then it has helped the U.S. diversify its energy supply mix, eased dependence on foreign oil and boosted rural economies across the country. This success has been envied and emulated
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