ECIU
@eciu.net
The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) is a non-profit initiative that supports informed debate on energy and climate issues.
X: @ECIU_UK
X: @ECIU_UK
Pinned
Brazil's climate summit: 10 - 21 Nov
But don't wait until then to get important context and analysis
New COP30 update from @gredmondking.bsky.social about to send
📩 Sign up to join the Road to Belém 📩
📍pre-COP30 briefings
📍daily insights from the climate summit
mailchi.mp/9708456d3c0...
But don't wait until then to get important context and analysis
New COP30 update from @gredmondking.bsky.social about to send
📩 Sign up to join the Road to Belém 📩
📍pre-COP30 briefings
📍daily insights from the climate summit
mailchi.mp/9708456d3c0...
AI improves flood projections under climate change
To combat uncertainty, physics-based models should be supplemented with AI hydrological models, and create regional flooding estimates, rather than relying on site-specific estimates.
phys.org/news/2026-0...
To combat uncertainty, physics-based models should be supplemented with AI hydrological models, and create regional flooding estimates, rather than relying on site-specific estimates.
phys.org/news/2026-0...
AI improves flood projections under climate change
When engineers and planners design roads, bridges and dams, they rely on hydrological models intended to protect infrastructure and communities from 50- and 100-year floods. But as climate change increases ...
phys.org
January 9, 2026 at 6:26 PM
AI improves flood projections under climate change
To combat uncertainty, physics-based models should be supplemented with AI hydrological models, and create regional flooding estimates, rather than relying on site-specific estimates.
phys.org/news/2026-0...
To combat uncertainty, physics-based models should be supplemented with AI hydrological models, and create regional flooding estimates, rather than relying on site-specific estimates.
phys.org/news/2026-0...
A climate expert at Monash University said: "two factors have played a big role in 2025/26, including the strongest stratospheric warming above Antarctica since 2019, and climate change.”
www.theguardian.com/environment...
www.theguardian.com/environment...
‘Toughest conditions imaginable’: Victorians urged to shelter inside from heatwave as tropical cyclone heads for Queensland
Heatwave warnings in place for nearly all states and territories as Sydney braces for 43C forecast on Saturday
www.theguardian.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:26 PM
A climate expert at Monash University said: "two factors have played a big role in 2025/26, including the strongest stratospheric warming above Antarctica since 2019, and climate change.”
www.theguardian.com/environment...
www.theguardian.com/environment...
Germany’s dying forests are losing their ability to absorb CO2. Can a new way of planting save them?
Vast swathes of the country’s trees have been killed off by droughts and infestations, in a trend sweeping across Europe.
www.theguardian.com/environment...
Vast swathes of the country’s trees have been killed off by droughts and infestations, in a trend sweeping across Europe.
www.theguardian.com/environment...
Germany’s dying forests are losing their ability to absorb CO2. Can a new way of planting save them?
Vast swathes of the country’s trees have been killed off by droughts and infestations, in a trend sweeping across Europe. A shift towards more biodiverse cultivation could offer answers
www.theguardian.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Germany’s dying forests are losing their ability to absorb CO2. Can a new way of planting save them?
Vast swathes of the country’s trees have been killed off by droughts and infestations, in a trend sweeping across Europe.
www.theguardian.com/environment...
Vast swathes of the country’s trees have been killed off by droughts and infestations, in a trend sweeping across Europe.
www.theguardian.com/environment...
Tree bark has a total surface area similar to all of the land area on Earth. It is home to a wide range of microbial species unknown to science, and they can either take up or emit gases that have a warming effect on the climate.
www.newscientist.com/article/251...
www.newscientist.com/article/251...
Tree bark microbiome has important overlooked role in climate
Tree bark has a total surface area similar to all of the land area on Earth. It is home to a wide range of microbial species unknown to science, and they can either take up or emit gases that have a warming effect on the climate
www.newscientist.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Tree bark has a total surface area similar to all of the land area on Earth. It is home to a wide range of microbial species unknown to science, and they can either take up or emit gases that have a warming effect on the climate.
www.newscientist.com/article/251...
www.newscientist.com/article/251...
China’s auto exports will expand by as much as 25% to a record of more than 7m this year, according to analyst and industry association estimates, as carmakers try to offset collapsing domestic sales of petrol cars and slowing electric vehicle growth
www.ft.com/content/5b1...
www.ft.com/content/5b1...
Chinese car exports set to jump as domestic sales cool
Mexico, Middle East and parts of Europe are among the top markets, data shows
www.ft.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:22 PM
China’s auto exports will expand by as much as 25% to a record of more than 7m this year, according to analyst and industry association estimates, as carmakers try to offset collapsing domestic sales of petrol cars and slowing electric vehicle growth
www.ft.com/content/5b1...
www.ft.com/content/5b1...
💲 1️⃣ 1️⃣ 5️⃣ , 0️⃣ 0️⃣ 0️⃣ , 0️⃣ 0️⃣ 0️⃣ , 0️⃣ 0️⃣ 0️⃣
2025 was the 3rd-highest year on record for billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, according to new data.
23 such events, causing 276 fatalities and a total of $115 billion in damages.
time.com/7344568/202...
2025 was the 3rd-highest year on record for billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, according to new data.
23 such events, causing 276 fatalities and a total of $115 billion in damages.
time.com/7344568/202...
Extreme Weather Disasters Cost the U.S. $115 Billion in 2025
2025 was the third most costly year on record for billion-dollar weather and climate disasters.
time.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:19 AM
💲 1️⃣ 1️⃣ 5️⃣ , 0️⃣ 0️⃣ 0️⃣ , 0️⃣ 0️⃣ 0️⃣ , 0️⃣ 0️⃣ 0️⃣
2025 was the 3rd-highest year on record for billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, according to new data.
23 such events, causing 276 fatalities and a total of $115 billion in damages.
time.com/7344568/202...
2025 was the 3rd-highest year on record for billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, according to new data.
23 such events, causing 276 fatalities and a total of $115 billion in damages.
time.com/7344568/202...
‘A colossal own goal’: Trump’s exit from global climate treaties will have little effect outside US
Simon Stiell, the UN’s climate chief, said US citizens and companies would bear the impact
www.theguardian.com/environment...
Simon Stiell, the UN’s climate chief, said US citizens and companies would bear the impact
www.theguardian.com/environment...
‘A colossal own goal’: Trump’s exit from global climate treaties will have little effect outside US
For much of the last 30 years, the rest of the world has been forced to persevere with climate action in the face of US intransigence
www.theguardian.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:12 AM
‘A colossal own goal’: Trump’s exit from global climate treaties will have little effect outside US
Simon Stiell, the UN’s climate chief, said US citizens and companies would bear the impact
www.theguardian.com/environment...
Simon Stiell, the UN’s climate chief, said US citizens and companies would bear the impact
www.theguardian.com/environment...
Storm Goretti set to batter Europe with heavy wind, rain and snow
German Weather Service meteorologist storm was an exception when compared to the last few years of milder winters, which were a "consequence of climate change"
www.france24.com/en/europe/2...
German Weather Service meteorologist storm was an exception when compared to the last few years of milder winters, which were a "consequence of climate change"
www.france24.com/en/europe/2...
January 9, 2026 at 9:11 AM
Storm Goretti set to batter Europe with heavy wind, rain and snow
German Weather Service meteorologist storm was an exception when compared to the last few years of milder winters, which were a "consequence of climate change"
www.france24.com/en/europe/2...
German Weather Service meteorologist storm was an exception when compared to the last few years of milder winters, which were a "consequence of climate change"
www.france24.com/en/europe/2...
Commenting on new car sales data for 2025 which shows that one in three cars sold in December were EVs, @colin-walker.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
January 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Commenting on new car sales data for 2025 which shows that one in three cars sold in December were EVs, @colin-walker.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
Used EVs selling faster than petrol cars
@colinwalker79: "Our own analysis has found that the UK’s most-viewed second-hand EVs on Autotrader can save their owners an average of £1,450 a year."
eciu.net/media/press...
@colinwalker79: "Our own analysis has found that the UK’s most-viewed second-hand EVs on Autotrader can save their owners an average of £1,450 a year."
eciu.net/media/press...
Used EVs selling faster than petrol cars: comment
Colin Walker is available for comment and interview.
eciu.net
January 8, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Used EVs selling faster than petrol cars
@colinwalker79: "Our own analysis has found that the UK’s most-viewed second-hand EVs on Autotrader can save their owners an average of £1,450 a year."
eciu.net/media/press...
@colinwalker79: "Our own analysis has found that the UK’s most-viewed second-hand EVs on Autotrader can save their owners an average of £1,450 a year."
eciu.net/media/press...
Premium dog food leaves bigger carbon pawprint than human diets
Wet, raw and beefy diets result in far greater greenhouse gas emissions than a carnivorous human’s meals, research suggests
www.thetimes.com/uk/environm...
Wet, raw and beefy diets result in far greater greenhouse gas emissions than a carnivorous human’s meals, research suggests
www.thetimes.com/uk/environm...
Premium dog food leaves bigger carbon pawprint than human diets
Wet, raw and beefy diets result in far greater greenhouse gas emissions than a carnivorous human’s meals, research suggests
www.thetimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Premium dog food leaves bigger carbon pawprint than human diets
Wet, raw and beefy diets result in far greater greenhouse gas emissions than a carnivorous human’s meals, research suggests
www.thetimes.com/uk/environm...
Wet, raw and beefy diets result in far greater greenhouse gas emissions than a carnivorous human’s meals, research suggests
www.thetimes.com/uk/environm...
Heatwave hits Australia as officials warn of 'catastrophic' fire risk
Combination of heatwaves and an elevated fire danger in parts of the country could create the most "significant" conditions since the devastating Black Summer bushfires
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articl...
Combination of heatwaves and an elevated fire danger in parts of the country could create the most "significant" conditions since the devastating Black Summer bushfires
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articl...
Heatwave hits Australia as officials warn of 'catastrophic' fire risk
The fire danger level for northern Victoria will be set at the highest level.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Heatwave hits Australia as officials warn of 'catastrophic' fire risk
Combination of heatwaves and an elevated fire danger in parts of the country could create the most "significant" conditions since the devastating Black Summer bushfires
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articl...
Combination of heatwaves and an elevated fire danger in parts of the country could create the most "significant" conditions since the devastating Black Summer bushfires
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articl...
Microplastics are making it harder for oceans to absorb greenhouse gases, study warns
Researchers found the spread of microplastics through marine ecosystems was interfering with the processes that allowed oceans to store carbon and regulate temperature
www.independent.co.uk/climate-cha...
Researchers found the spread of microplastics through marine ecosystems was interfering with the processes that allowed oceans to store carbon and regulate temperature
www.independent.co.uk/climate-cha...
Microplastics are making it harder for oceans to absorb greenhouse gases, study warns
Researchers say tackling plastic pollution is now part of fight against global warming
www.independent.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 1:16 PM
Microplastics are making it harder for oceans to absorb greenhouse gases, study warns
Researchers found the spread of microplastics through marine ecosystems was interfering with the processes that allowed oceans to store carbon and regulate temperature
www.independent.co.uk/climate-cha...
Researchers found the spread of microplastics through marine ecosystems was interfering with the processes that allowed oceans to store carbon and regulate temperature
www.independent.co.uk/climate-cha...
Offshore wind developers and states are suing the Trump administration over its order to suspend work on five large-scale projects under construction off the East Coast for at least 90 days
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/...
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/...
Trump’s offshore wind project freeze draws lawsuits from states and developers
Offshore wind developers and states are suing the Trump administration over its order to suspend work on five large-scale projects under construction off the East Coast for at least 90 days
www.independent.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Offshore wind developers and states are suing the Trump administration over its order to suspend work on five large-scale projects under construction off the East Coast for at least 90 days
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/...
www.independent.co.uk/news/world/...
US attack on Venezuela will decide direction of South America’s vast mineral wealth
Outcome of aggression will determine whether rare earths and other resources drive energy transition – or strengthen US military power and oil interests
www.theguardian.com/environment...
Outcome of aggression will determine whether rare earths and other resources drive energy transition – or strengthen US military power and oil interests
www.theguardian.com/environment...
US attack on Venezuela will decide direction of South America’s vast mineral wealth
Outcome of aggression will determine whether rare earths and other resources drive energy transition – or strengthen US military power and oil interests
www.theguardian.com
January 8, 2026 at 9:38 AM
US attack on Venezuela will decide direction of South America’s vast mineral wealth
Outcome of aggression will determine whether rare earths and other resources drive energy transition – or strengthen US military power and oil interests
www.theguardian.com/environment...
Outcome of aggression will determine whether rare earths and other resources drive energy transition – or strengthen US military power and oil interests
www.theguardian.com/environment...
Commenting on new car sales data for 2025 which shows that one in three cars sold in December were EVs, @colin-walker.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
January 8, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Commenting on new car sales data for 2025 which shows that one in three cars sold in December were EVs, @colin-walker.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
Carbon capture company lands nearly £1m in backing
The Carbon Removers specialises in capturing and storing CO2 released from organic processes such as fermentation, whisky distillation or biogas plants.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articl...
The Carbon Removers specialises in capturing and storing CO2 released from organic processes such as fermentation, whisky distillation or biogas plants.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articl...
Carbon capture company lands nearly £1m in backing
The Carbon Removers, based near Dumfries, will use the funding to expand its operations across Europe.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Carbon capture company lands nearly £1m in backing
The Carbon Removers specialises in capturing and storing CO2 released from organic processes such as fermentation, whisky distillation or biogas plants.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articl...
The Carbon Removers specialises in capturing and storing CO2 released from organic processes such as fermentation, whisky distillation or biogas plants.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articl...
Turkey auto market hits record in 2025 as EV sales surge
Car and light commercial vehicle market climbed to an all-time high in 2025, with nearly 1 in 6 cars sold being fully electric, industry data showed on Wednesday
www.reuters.com/world/middl...
Car and light commercial vehicle market climbed to an all-time high in 2025, with nearly 1 in 6 cars sold being fully electric, industry data showed on Wednesday
www.reuters.com/world/middl...
January 7, 2026 at 1:43 PM
Turkey auto market hits record in 2025 as EV sales surge
Car and light commercial vehicle market climbed to an all-time high in 2025, with nearly 1 in 6 cars sold being fully electric, industry data showed on Wednesday
www.reuters.com/world/middl...
Car and light commercial vehicle market climbed to an all-time high in 2025, with nearly 1 in 6 cars sold being fully electric, industry data showed on Wednesday
www.reuters.com/world/middl...
Electric van sales deliver new record in 2025
Growing numbers of leaders corporates have sought to deploy electric van fleets
www.businessgreen.com/news/452384...
Growing numbers of leaders corporates have sought to deploy electric van fleets
www.businessgreen.com/news/452384...
Electric van sales deliver new record in 2025
Demand for electric vans rises, but analysts warn roll out remains 'well below' mandated level
www.businessgreen.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Electric van sales deliver new record in 2025
Growing numbers of leaders corporates have sought to deploy electric van fleets
www.businessgreen.com/news/452384...
Growing numbers of leaders corporates have sought to deploy electric van fleets
www.businessgreen.com/news/452384...
The US president’s Venezuelan plunder will soon be worthless as the world moves beyond oil
The extra-heavy tar sands of the Orinoco Belt are barely worth anything at current global oil prices near $60 a barrel
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/20...
The extra-heavy tar sands of the Orinoco Belt are barely worth anything at current global oil prices near $60 a barrel
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/20...
January 7, 2026 at 12:02 PM
The US president’s Venezuelan plunder will soon be worthless as the world moves beyond oil
The extra-heavy tar sands of the Orinoco Belt are barely worth anything at current global oil prices near $60 a barrel
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/20...
The extra-heavy tar sands of the Orinoco Belt are barely worth anything at current global oil prices near $60 a barrel
www.telegraph.co.uk/business/20...
Why is it a bad idea for 🇬🇧 to follow 🇪🇺’s recent decision to weaken EV sales targets by weakening our own?
1️⃣ 1 in 5 cars sold in UK now an EV
2️⃣ UK industry as a whole ALREADY hit actual ZEV target
3️⃣ Industry likely to meet even headline target
eciu.net/media/press...
1️⃣ 1 in 5 cars sold in UK now an EV
2️⃣ UK industry as a whole ALREADY hit actual ZEV target
3️⃣ Industry likely to meet even headline target
eciu.net/media/press...
January 7, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Why is it a bad idea for 🇬🇧 to follow 🇪🇺’s recent decision to weaken EV sales targets by weakening our own?
1️⃣ 1 in 5 cars sold in UK now an EV
2️⃣ UK industry as a whole ALREADY hit actual ZEV target
3️⃣ Industry likely to meet even headline target
eciu.net/media/press...
1️⃣ 1 in 5 cars sold in UK now an EV
2️⃣ UK industry as a whole ALREADY hit actual ZEV target
3️⃣ Industry likely to meet even headline target
eciu.net/media/press...
Commenting on new car sales data for 2025 which shows that one in three cars sold in December were EVs, @colin-walker.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
January 7, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Commenting on new car sales data for 2025 which shows that one in three cars sold in December were EVs, @colin-walker.bsky.social, @eciu.net said:
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
"2025 has been another bumper year for EV sales, with nearly one in four cars sold in 2025 being an EV."
eciu.net/media/press...
Trump says US companies will invest billions in Venezuelan oil production. Experts aren’t so sure
Industry insiders say US oil firms want to ‘avoid getting screwed’ and will proceed with extreme caution in region.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/202...
Industry insiders say US oil firms want to ‘avoid getting screwed’ and will proceed with extreme caution in region.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/202...
Trump says US companies will invest billions in Venezuelan oil production. Experts aren’t so sure
Industry insiders say US oil companies want to ‘avoid getting screwed’ and will proceed with extreme caution
www.theguardian.com
January 7, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Trump says US companies will invest billions in Venezuelan oil production. Experts aren’t so sure
Industry insiders say US oil firms want to ‘avoid getting screwed’ and will proceed with extreme caution in region.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/202...
Industry insiders say US oil firms want to ‘avoid getting screwed’ and will proceed with extreme caution in region.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/202...
Trump taking ‘drill, baby, drill’ plan to Venezuela ‘terrible’ for climate, experts warn
‘Everybody loses’ if production supercharged in country with largest known oil reserves, critics say.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/202...
‘Everybody loses’ if production supercharged in country with largest known oil reserves, critics say.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/202...
Trump taking ‘drill, baby, drill’ plan to Venezuela ‘terrible’ for climate, experts warn
‘Everybody loses’ if production supercharged in country with largest known oil reserves, critics say
www.theguardian.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:57 AM
Trump taking ‘drill, baby, drill’ plan to Venezuela ‘terrible’ for climate, experts warn
‘Everybody loses’ if production supercharged in country with largest known oil reserves, critics say.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/202...
‘Everybody loses’ if production supercharged in country with largest known oil reserves, critics say.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/202...
1/3 ⚡ What are CfDs?
Contracts for Difference give low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price', reducing exposure to volatile wholesale markets.
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back. During the gas crisis, CfDs cut the average bill by £18.
Contracts for Difference give low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price', reducing exposure to volatile wholesale markets.
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back. During the gas crisis, CfDs cut the average bill by £18.
January 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM
1/3 ⚡ What are CfDs?
Contracts for Difference give low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price', reducing exposure to volatile wholesale markets.
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back. During the gas crisis, CfDs cut the average bill by £18.
Contracts for Difference give low carbon generators a fixed 'strike price', reducing exposure to volatile wholesale markets.
When prices are high, generators pay consumers back. During the gas crisis, CfDs cut the average bill by £18.