The energy transition has many facets. Not only is the structure of electricity generation shifting, but the procurement of fossil fuels is changing as well. In ever more places in the world, natural gas and coal are now being traded on commodity markets, somehow comparable to petroleum. It has not always been this way, especially with coal, which was previously obtained mainly from domestic mines. But this is changing now. In Germany for example, 2018 will mark the end of domestic extraction. Germany is already supplying a huge amount of its demand forcoal from other continents. This leads to new challenges with regard to sustainability issues. The markets have become a great deal more liquid. Most of the coal on offer comes from mines in South Africa, Colombia, and Russia; their geological features allow coal to be extracted at significantly lower costs than in Western- European countries like Germany. However, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the conditions under which such mining takes place and allegations have been made that the mining in thesecountries has an negative impact on workers, the local people and the environment. Many of these countries do not have the detailed environmental impact assessments, socially acceptable resettlements, and rules for workers’ representation in decision-making that we take for granted in OECD-countries. Often the statements issued by mining companies contradict reports from environmental associations, human rights organizations, and trade unions. more[...]
By 2030, the world will face a water shortage in the amount of 40 percent of its needs. The energy sector, which is the second major user of water behind agriculture, will have to face this challenge. Hence, it is important for GDF SUEZ to be prepared for potential impacts on its business and identify risks and opportunities related to the problem of lack of water. more[...]
When it comes to protecting the climate, the focus is usually on business and industry. Less well-known is the fact that more than half of the total annual carbon footprint per person (11 tons) is the direct or indirect product of private households. more[...]
The Carbon Tracker Initiative (CTI) was set up a few years ago to investigate what levels of future carbon emissions were being financed. By comparing the stocks of carbon in the form of coal, oil, and gas in the ground with carbon budgets that equate to degrees of warming, we have demonstrated the huge overhang of carbon in our energy system – what we refer to as “unburnable carbon.” more[...]
Faced with economies still struggling to make ends meet, the European Union’s take on sustainability relies heavily on fundamental industry makeovers for signs of economic recovery. more[...]
Sustainable Energy for All is about driving actions and mobilizing commitments to positively transform the world's energy systems. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the SE4ALL initiative in 2011 with three objectives: ensuring universal access to modern energy services, and doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency and the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, all by 2030. more[...]
Water is a vital resource – for both humanity and for the chemical industry. BASF uses water as a coolant, solvent, and cleaning agent, as well as in its products. At the same time, BASF offers its customers solutions that help to purify water, use it more efficiently, and reduce contamination. In order to further develop these solutions, BASF works closely with experts from various fields, while ensuring that the sustainable use of water remains a key priority here. more[...]
There are three cases of Good Practices regarding CSR in Africa: Cotton Made in Africa, the World Cocoa Foundation and Sustainable Energy Africa. more[...]
As the first company in Russia to start shelf hydrocarbons production from offshore ice-resistant platforms and liquefied natural gas production, Sakhalin Energy can be justifiably proud of its achievements in the field of environmental protection. The environmental control, local monitoring, and conservation of biodiversity programs implemented by Sakhalin Energy are among their best practices and are aimed at minimizing the impacts on the unique ecosystems of Sakhalin Island. more[...]
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