A missed opportunity for linking health impacts of air pollution in UK and developing countries

A missed opportunity for linking health impacts of air pollution in UK and developing countries

The public in the UK and other developed countries are rightly concerned about the health impacts of air pollution, and our journalists are justified in keeping this topic on the agenda. Our media could so easily use this concern to highlight the massive impact on health, development, and the environment of energy poverty and air pollution from the continuing widespread reliance on solid fuels in the developing world, but are generally failing to do so. This topic, and the key policies and investment required to bring about a rapid, just and effective clean energy transition, need the attention and scrutiny of our best journalists, in the UK, other developed countries, and in the developing nations.

Can the IEA’s new initiative deliver clean cooking for Africa?

Can the IEA’s new initiative deliver clean cooking for Africa?

On 14 May 2024, the International Energy Agency hosted a high level Summit on Clean Cooking for Africa. This was potentially the most influential meeting ever held on a negelcted topic that is nevertheless vital for health, development, climate, gender equality, and the nevironment, for almost 1 billion of the world’s poorest people. Read here what was discussed, the concrete actions decided upon, and commentary on whether this initiative is likely to succeed in catalysing clean cooking energy across Africa by 2030.

Rebellion Way: exploring the legacy of mediaeval white gold – Part B (Days 4 to 6)

Rebellion Way: exploring the legacy of mediaeval white gold – Part B (Days 4 to 6)

My story of a 6 day/5 night tour of Cycling UK’s excellent Rebellion Way, a 400 km bike-packing route around Norfolk, ridden in the beautiful weather of early September 2023. The ride, around two-thirds of which is on roads and one-third on bridleways, runs through beautiful landscapes and is packed with fascinating historic sites. This blog (in two parts) is written from the perspective of older cyclists (like me! – aged 68); we are inevitably slower, but also have priorities that may differ from younger and/or other riders who may be more focused on completing the route quickly.

Rebellion Way: exploring the legacy of mediaeval white gold – Part A (Days 1 to 3)

Rebellion Way: exploring the legacy of mediaeval white gold – Part A (Days 1 to 3)

My story of a 6 day/5 night tour of Cycling UK’s excellent Rebellion Way, a 400 km bike-packing route around Norfolk, ridden in the beautiful weather of early September 2023. The ride, around two-thirds of which is on roads and one-third on bridleways, runs through beautiful landscapes and is packed with fascinating historic sites. This blog (in two parts) is written from the perspective of older cyclists (like me! – aged 68); we are inevitably slower, but also have priorities that may differ from younger and/or other riders who may be more focused on completing the route quickly.