Google and Microsoft among businesses backing 24/7 clean energy tracking
More than 100 global companies, including PwC, Microsoft and Google, are taking part in a new worldwide initiative aimed at verifying clean energy sourcing on an hourly basis.
EnergyTag states that there is currently no recognised system to verify hourly clean energy consumption
Firms such as Vattenfall and Engie are working on the new initiative, spearheaded by the independent non-profit EnergyTag. The companies are aiming to demonstrate the viability of verifying clean electricity supply on an hourly basis in order to provide accurate 24/7 data.
Currently most energy attribute certificates – known as Guarantees of Origin (GOs) in Europe, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in the US and Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) in the UK – are issued for each unit (MWh) of clean energy production.
FORESTS THE SIZE OF FRANCE HAVE REGROWN IN THE LAST 20 YEARS
New study showing the capacity of forests to regenerate themselves will help guide smarter reforestation projects in the fight against climate change.
Nearly 59 million hectares of forests – an area larger than mainland France– has regrown since 2000, according to new analysis published today by Trillion Trees - a joint venture between WWF, BirdLife International and WCS. This area of forest has the potential to store the equivalent of 5.9 Gt of CO2 – more than the annual emissions of the US.
The study points to the Atlantic Forest in Brazil as one of the success stories for regeneration, where an estimated 4.2 million hectares – an area roughly the size of the Netherlands – has regrown since 2000, through a combination of planned projects to restore the forest, more responsible industry practices and other factors including migration trend towards cities.
Pakistan restores mangroves for economy and ecosystem benefits unep.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from unep.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Makkio Yashiro, UNEP
Restoring a critical ecosystem
Restoring mangroves helps support not only nature but also, economies. A hectare of mangroves is estimated to be worth between $33,000 and $57,000 per year.
UNEP studies find that every dollar invested in mangrove restoration there is a benefit of four dollars. Simply put they are one of the most efficient, cost effective
In Pakistan, as well as the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami, organisations such as the IUCN have instigated a number of mangrove restoration projects. The IUCN has worked on projects including one with the Pakistani Navy to plant seven million mangrove plants and also public-private enterprises with Engro Elengy Terminal Private Limited (EETPL) in the Port Qasim area of Karachi.