This week’s ten biggest climate innovation stories — 8 February

Posts 08 Feb 2018

How is Europe leading the way on clean energy? How are scientists speed-breeding plants? And, how might blockchain be used in the service of renewable energy?

This, and more, in the week’s ten biggest climate innovation stories.

1. Green bonds may have a ‘halo effect’ on financial markets

The global green bonds market is on course to once again smash records as policy and cultural changes herald what could be a breakthrough year for low carbon finance. Yet, demonstrating the growing success of green bonds is far more than good PR, it seems their impact on the financial sector may be going even deeper than it first appears.

2. Rethinking urban energy: How Europe is leading the way

To achieve ambitious climate goals in line with the Paris Agreement, cities will need to implement major changes to their energy systems by 2030. The good news is that the transformation in the energy sector is making such ambitious programmes much more feasible and European cities are in the forefront.

3. The cost of crypto is turning miners towards green power

Renewable energy is becoming the preferred way of mining digital currencies like Bitcoin as prices surge and the industry seeks more computing power.

The cost of crypto is turning miners towards green power https://t.co/o5oir2zn1L pic.twitter.com/2aIuwZwvqG

— Bloomberg Markets (@markets) February 5, 2018

4. This rustic Norwegian cabin looks like four different buildings all joined together

This rustic cottage in Norway looks like a patchwork of different buildings, all mashed together to create a cohesive home. It also features a green roof.

5. In a race to beat climate change, scientists are speed-breeding plants

Scientists are quickly growing several successive generations of wheat in an effort to breed a crop that can stand up to persistent drought, severe heat, or heavy rainfall driven by climate change. Their experiments created a wheat cycle from seed to seed in just eight weeks, making it possible to grow as many as six generations of wheat in a single year.

6. Other than Bitcoin, what else can blockchain do? Think solar energy

Ever wondered how much sunshine would be needed in order to power your house? What if a local microgrid would supply clean solar energy to your block of houses, or even your whole community, and you could share the bill with your neighbors? Well, as it appears, there is a new technology around the block —one that will enable a new Industrial Revolution.

7. Building façade generates electricity and tells you stories

MVRDV is proposing The Milestone in Esslingen, near Stuttgart. It is an office building with a façade that does a lot more than just keep out the weather; it is covered in photovoltaics and QR codes that provide information on the town’s history, people. and landscape.

8. Hackney & Islington (UK) councils now consulting public on proposed near-zero-emissions zone in Shoreditch

Those living within the areas governed by the Hackney and Islington councils (in the UK) who are interested in seeing a proposed near-zero-emissions zone imposed in parts of Shoreditch now have a chance for their voices to be heard—with a public consulting period on the matter now ongoing until 14 February.

9. Here’s how mutual fund giants stand on climate-related shareholder proposals

Nearly all climate scientists and every government on earth agree that society faces profound risks from human-induced climate change. Does your mutual fund company, investment manager or 401(k) manager agree that the risks are serious and extend to companies in their portfolios?

10. Winds of change: Seven key statistics of Europe’s booming offshore wind industry

Offshore wind is quickly becoming a mainstream energy source for nations, with installation costs tumbling at record rates. The UK enjoyed its “greenest year ever” in 2017, and offshore projects played a big part in that.

This week’s ten biggest climate innovation stories — 8 February

1.

Green bonds may have a ‘halo effect’ on financial markets

2.

Rethinking urban energy: How Europe is leading the way

3.

The cost of crypto is turning miners towards green power

4.

This rustic Norwegian cabin looks like four different buildings all joined together

5.

In a race to beat climate change, scientists are speed-breeding plants

6.

Other than Bitcoin, what else can blockchain do? Think solar energy

7.

Building façade generates electricity and tells you stories

8.

Hackney & Islington (UK) councils now consulting public on proposed near-zero-emissions zone in Shoreditch

9.

Here’s how mutual fund giants stand on climate-related shareholder proposals

10.

Winds of change: Seven key statistics of Europe’s booming offshore wind industry

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