cafebabel.com

Pigs can fly or the pope is green

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:00:00 -0000

Does Benedict XVI really have green fingers? He’s been branded the ‘green pope’ for his advocacy of global environmental protection for years – but is it merited?

10:10? EU 'first ever' energy summit? Don’t bother going green

('james whyte',) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:45:01 -0000

With America dumping 128% of Europe's total Co2 figures into the atmosphere and China 133% we just can't make a difference, and the EU knows it. Can it honestly slash its energy consumption by 20% by 2020? Before the first EU energy summit on 4 February, some of us are asking, why bother

Clean energy, dirty business: mafia interested in green economy

('AZammit',) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:30:00 -0000

Until a few years ago, the only ecological crimes were the illegal disposal of toxic waste and reckless cementification of the territory. Now illicit interests are directed towards areas of the emerging green economy

Can renewable energy save Greece?

('James Friscia',) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:52:16 -0000

99% of private buildings in this Mediterranean country use solar energy for hot water and currently only Cyprus’ utilisation is higher. More uses for this renewable energy are eminently possible, if only policy makers would cooperate

Renewable energy: Europe's economic and mythological reign

("naomi o'leary",) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:44:11 -0000

In January 2009, the interruption of natural gas supplies to 18 European countries due to a spat between Russia and the Ukraine was a chilly wakeup call to the reality of energy dependence. Energy historians and directors explain more

Europe: preparing for another gas dispute?

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:48:34 -0000

As ‘continental Europe's biggest gas hub’ opens in Austria, it’s clear that Europe is now in a better position to deal with to gas supply disruptions, caused by geopolitical factors, that so paralysed parts of Europe in recent years. A repeat of the Russo-Ukraine energy crisis is unlikely in 2010

Kinda green: five myths about sustainable development in Bulgaria

('Hanna Sankowska',) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:17:57 -0000

Ah, the Bulgarians. They're relatively apathetic. Most companies are interested in either doing only the legally required minimum for the environment or in using their ‘green’ activities as marketing tools. But counterintuitive though it may seem, the financial crisis actually promotes sustainability

Energy in Lithuania: tick A, B or C for 'nuclear', 'renewable' or 'both'

('Kate Stansfield',) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:49:22 -0000

From 88% nuclear energy in 1993, the Baltic country used just 26% in 2007. The intervening 14 years saw its entry into EU and a dramatic increase in energy dependence on Russia. Lithuania is relying on Europe to guarantee its energy security but what is the answer? Nuclear, renewable or both?

Luca Romagnoli: 'The EU always follows American interests'

('Michelle Williams',) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:45:07 -0000

Since 2004, the national secretary of the Italian right-wing party 'Fiamma Tricolore', 48, has been an MEP - despite not supporting any particular party

Antonio López-Istúriz White: 'not looking into taking in the Irish Fianna Fáil party'

('Gemma Turner',) — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:34:47 -0000

For the European elections in June 2009, the experts predict a third consecutive victory for the European people’s party, albeit with a lesser majority. The conservatives have to recover from the split with the Tories, announced by William Hague, as well as the changes that this crisis has caused in their electoral programme

Renewable energy: the next economic bubble?

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:36:55 -0000

When the US-originating ‘dot-com bubble’ of 2001 or the current ‘economic bubble’ in the housing market burst or ‘crashed’, they wreaked havoc on the world economy and its financial markets. What is this ill-understood phenomena?

Cem Özdemir: ‘The biggest disgrace is when the modern generation walks out on its responsibilities’

('Aatish Pattni',) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:30:00 -0000

He joined the green party at 15, and today the 43-year-old is the first non-German native party chairman. His ethnic background has led to the national press giving him the epithet of ‘the green party’s Obama’, and a Facebook group called ‘Yes, we Cem’

Bulgaria: energy in transition

('Darren Thompson',) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:15:00 -0000

Bulgaria was the member state most affected by the gas crisis of January 2009. It is currently dealing with problems of corruption, the old dependence on Russia for energy, questions of national pride and 'the stupid decisions' in Brussels - not forgetting ecology

Something's stirring between Turkey and the EU

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:39:22 -0000

With the chimes of the new year, it looks like there is progress on the EU membership talks for Turkey. Has the time come to get things moving? Latest titbit news from Brussels

US warms up to the global climate change consensus

('Gaia Pianigiani',) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:00:26 -0000

As Barack Obama inaugurates his mandate on 20 January, environmental scientists prepare their guidelines for a greener approach to energy production and usage. Is America ready to make the same changes? The word from Union Square farmers market and climatologist Dr. Stephen H. Schneider

EU ban: death to the incandescent light bulb

('Sarah Truesdale',) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:00:00 -0000

The EU approved the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs by 2012, which use five times more energy

Press review: EU-Russia summit in Nice, friends again?

('euro topics',) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:55:23 -0000

In a 14 November meeting in the southern French city, the EU wants to resume negotiations for a partnership agreement with Russia. Talks had been temporarily broken off after the August conflict in Georgia

Germany leads Europe's wind and solar energy revolution

('Steven Hill',) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:21:35 -0000

While the oil chieftains in the Bush-Cheney White House resorted to desperate strategies to secure more oil, Europe joined Japan in leading the development of mass public transit, fuel-efficient cars and thousands of kilometres of bicycle and pedestrian paths criss-crossing the continent

Quotes: US-Europe politicians talk climate change

('Franck Lirzin',) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0000

Poker games and Don Quixotes for Poland and Italy who are sceptical about the EU's package, whilst the US tries to break ground. Quotes

Notes from an EU science parliament: ten climate friendly energy tips

('Sarah Turpin',) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

The first edition of European science parliament, held in Aachen between 8 - 10 October, dismissed the ‘Aachen Declaration’, a European policy calling for the organisation of a lasting power supply

CERN's Robert Aymar: Europe's big bang experiment

('Ozcan Tikit',) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0000

On 10 September, the EU organisation for nuclear research in Geneva launches the biggest experiment of the history, funded by 20 EU member states - including the UK - to replicate conditions of the big bang. Exclusive interview with its director general, as a legal bid is filed at the European court of human rights

Lisbon strategy: how does Europe fit into today’s world?

('Gemma Turner',) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:39:00 -0000

Europe’s privileged geopolitical situation is under threat. In the context of globalisation, climate and demographic change and the high cost of energy and food, Europe has to rethink its strategies

Black gold: Equatorial Guinean oil for Europe

('Gemma Turner',) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:08:12 -0000

From 29 June to 3 July, the 19th World Petroleum Congress takes place in Madrid is attended by representatives from governments across the world, oil companies and international organisations

France throws its (atomic) weight around, but others are not so sure...

('Chris Yeomans',) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0000

Whilst petrol prices soar and the earth heats up, some countries see nuclear power as a good alternative energy source. But Europe is divided...

Robin Wood: Germany's bare branch avenger

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Several urban landmarks have been used to great effect by environmentalists as a political canvas to preserve forests. Today, creative and spectacular actions are still somewhat of a trademark

Eco-housing renaissance: put less carbon in the air!

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0000

The ‘built’ environment in the UK, Germany and Sweden are good examples of how our lifestyles have to adapt in a changing world

Buying petrol in February 2008

('Hanna Sankowska',) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0000

The price of gas has already reached 100 dollars (70 euros) per Brent barrel. But inflation figures in Europe are getting out of control. The situation in each EU country

Energy in Europe: France and Germany protest

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Producing and transporting energy; the commission has adopted a ‘package’ of measures to control the EU market’s share of gas and electricity. But eight member states, including France and Germany, are opposed

Nuclear energy: new wave in Europe

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Brussels goes far east, caps the CAP and ideologises nuclear energy in the first EU forum - take a bite of the latest news from Brussels

Eco-neighbourhoods: green housing boom

('Daniel G. Ross',) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:52:00 -0000

Having finally awoken to the danger faced by our planet due to global warming, politicians and citizens are working to build green and sustainable living spaces. From ecologically-friendly homes to ‘eco-neighbourhoods’, Europe is going greener by the day.

Spluttering clockwork orange engine

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0000

As Ukraine faces a political crisis, Europe follows its neighbour's events with interest, conscious of the former Soviet Republic’s strategic importance for her energy supply

'Gas-Opec': alarm bells for Europe

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0000

EU President Barroso calls for a common European energy policy, as Russian president Putin amongst others propose a gas cartel

Iran: Security Council deadline looms

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:00:00 -0000

February 21 is the United Nations deadline for Resolution 1737 for Iran to stop its uranium-enrichment programme

Pyongyang: much ado about nothing?

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:00:00 -0000

Two months after North Korea's first nuclear bomb test, and six-party discussions resumed after a thirteen-month silence. Is there anything left to negotiate?

Meeting Middle Eastern challenges

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 -0000

Water shortages and technological underdevelopment are ruffling feathers in Arab countries. The Euro-Arab Conference on Environment, from November 27 - 29 in Kuwait, tries to smooth them out

EU-Russia: oiling the wheels of diplomacy

Thu, 23 Nov 2006 12:00:00 -0000

During the EU-Russia summit on November 24, the mutual energetic dependence between both regions will concentrate on negotiations

'Vetoing alone antagonises your partners in the EU'

('Fernando Navarro Sordo',) — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 12:00:00 -0000

Will Poland maintain its veto against EU-Russia negotiations for a new economical and political agreement? Energy and agriculture seem to be the key