The answer, my friend, is suckin' in the wind
The windcatcher, used for thousands of years, is another example of a simple and ancient innovation that can be a solution today.
More renewables are coming - but that's not the interesting bit.
As the percentage of renewable electricity generation on the grid increases, the way we store and use electricity will need to change and change dramatically. This will be a massive disruption to the existing system.
The future of UK haulage is electric
The UK Zero Emission Road Freight Demonstrator trial suggests that both on price to buy and operate, battery EVs are likely to be the choice of haulage companies.
Is cyber crime insurance feeding on itself?
Demand for cyber crime insurance is increasing, but so are the payouts. Is this fuelling yet more attacks?
Yes, we are using lots of coal, but for how long?
We might be using more coal, a move that seems to take us away from our desired end destination. But we caution against interpreting this as meaning that coal, or even in many cases gas, has a positive long-term future from an investing perspective.
Going all out and the risk of inadvertent greenwashing
Greenwashing is not always malevolent. As Boards shift their focus to include a broader range of shareholder interests, they need to be sure they understand what 'additionality' they are actually providing.
Pesticides and PFAS
'Forever chemicals' can get into pesticides in more ways than previously thought.
Double materiality - the 'on' and 'of' switch
There has been a shift in thinking from just considering the impacts 'of' the environment and society and how they impact a business to also considering the impact of the business 'on' the environment and society as a whole.
France car parks and PV
France wants all of its larger carparks, new and existing, to have rooftop solar. If we take the plan a bit further, we could see the potential to power local residential building cooling and EV charging.
The risk of actual (and perceived) provenance issues
Provenance of products and raw materials is a key risk factor for any manufacturer. It is essential that companies have appropriate governance measures for their supply chains (and downstream distribution) and have action plans for dealing with disruption to supply and/or sales.
Agriculture and indirect migrant labour exploitation
Exploitation of migrant workers does not only take place in the global south, it's also an issue in Europe as well, especially in the agriculture industry.
Green hydrogen - Germany is going for broke
Germany is going for broke on green hydrogen. It's not going to be cheap, and there are massive barriers to overcome, but the alternative for them is worse.
