7 OCTOBER | LONDON 2024
SEPTEMBER 12TH - 14TH
The O2, LONDON
Race to Net Zero
Your weekly CogX briefing on green tech and the future of energy
Carbon credits debunked
The Mayor of London has scrapped his zero-emission zone plan but still pressed ahead with the citywide ULEZ which came into effect this week. The decision comes as a new CDP report warns that climate hazards are threatening 80% of cities worldwide. Will other cities follow London’s example to tackle air pollution and emissions?
A recent study reveals that only a small fraction of the carbon credits used by corporations to claim environmental benefits are actually linked to effective forest conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, Google Maps launches new solar mapping tools to help decarbonize buildings, while an exciting new breakthrough in hydrogen generation is set to revolutionise the energy sector.
Read on for more on these topics — as well as the latest on AI wildfire tracking systems, record low fossil fuel electricity demand, and UK’s drop in heating boiler exports— in the CogX Must Reads.
CogX Must Reads
Heat, drought, and wildfires are affecting the world's cities
80% of cities worldwide are already grappling with significant climate hazards, a new CDP report finds. Among the 1,000 cities analysed, over 70% will see worsening climate challenges. The top concerns are scorching heat, which currently affects over half of reporting cities, followed by droughts, and the looming threat of wildfires.
London mayor scraps zero-emission zone plan
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has abandoned plans for a zero-emission zone (ZEZ) in the city centre following the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). The expanded ULEZ, which is now citywide, is projected to cut outer London's carbon emissions by 27,000 tons and improve air quality for five million more residents.
Climate Change
Wildfire detection gets a boost from solar-powered AI
German IoT startup Dryad Networks has introduced a groundbreaking wildfire prevention and response system that uses solar-powered sensors and AI. This innovative technology offers swift alerts and precise localisation of wildfires by monitoring changes in air composition.
The truth about carbon credits
A new study published in the Journal of Science reveals that many of the carbon credits accumulated by corporations lack credibility. Out of 89 million potential carbon credits analysed worldwide, only 5.4 million — or 6% — were linked to meaningful carbon reductions efforts through forest preservation
Green Tech
Google Maps launches new solar mapping tools to help businesses and cities go green
Google has introduced new solar mapping tools within its Maps platform, leveraging AI, aerial imagery, and environmental data to assist businesses and cities in decarbonisation efforts. The enhanced Solar API provides detailed calculations of daily sunlight exposure and potential energy generation for buildings.
Energy startup achieves breakthrough in hydrogen production
US renewables firm GH Power is harnessing exothermic reactions to produce three valuable eco-friendly outputs: hydrogen, alumina, and exothermic heat. Their innovative hydrogen production method aims to be not only 100% cleaner but also 60% more cost-effective than traditional electrolysis.
Energy
Is clean heating a threat or opportunity for UK boiler exports?
The UK risks losing £65 million in central heating boiler exports if it doesn't speed up its shift to clean heating, warns the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit. With 77% of boiler exports bound for nations committed to phasing out fossil fuels, embracing clean heating technologies is vital for the UK.
Fossil fuel electricity hits record low in EU as renewables surge
Electricity generated from fossil fuels in the EU hit a record low during the first half of 2023, with coal generation down 23% and gas down 13% compared to previous years. The decline in demand is caused by increasing gas and electricity costs, alongside soaring solar and wind power installations.
Top Stories
In case you missed it
Watch tech leader Prasetya Dwicahya explore how we can use data more responsibly in policymaking for a sustainable and equitable digital future:
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this week’s Issue and what you’d like to see more of.