Edgar Hertwich
@edgarhertwich.bsky.social
EU Climate advisory board
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU
International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis, IIASA
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU
International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis, IIASA
How can we get empty-nesters to move to smaller flats and make their residences available to young families? This is what we need to do to address the housing shortage with paving over more green spaces.
Want to cut your carbon footprint? Move out of your house
There’s no getting around it: downsizing the kind of housing you live in is the best thing you can do for the environment.
norwegianscitechnews.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:18 PM
How can we get empty-nesters to move to smaller flats and make their residences available to young families? This is what we need to do to address the housing shortage with paving over more green spaces.
Some jurisdictions have made a real effort and it shows in the numbers. This is a demonstration that mitigation is possible, countering the “we can’t do anything about it” narrative. Therefore it is so important.
The UNEP GAP report is not the kind of reading that makes climate scientists smile. But this figure is not all bleak - look at all the emissions curves pointing downwards!
The full report: www.unep.org/resources/em...
The full report: www.unep.org/resources/em...
November 5, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Some jurisdictions have made a real effort and it shows in the numbers. This is a demonstration that mitigation is possible, countering the “we can’t do anything about it” narrative. Therefore it is so important.
Reposted by Edgar Hertwich
New report from United Nations International Resource Panel suggests, circular economy strategies must be prioritized - otherwise we face the prospect of a $450 billion financing gap for critical minerals. Cc: @edgarhertwich.bsky.social www.forbes.com/sites/saleem...
Recycling Rare Earth Minerals Can Address Military Demand
A new report by the United Nations suggests circular economy strategies must be prioritized or we face a $450 billion financing gap for critical minerals.
www.forbes.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:17 PM
New report from United Nations International Resource Panel suggests, circular economy strategies must be prioritized - otherwise we face the prospect of a $450 billion financing gap for critical minerals. Cc: @edgarhertwich.bsky.social www.forbes.com/sites/saleem...
Really glad to see this peak and decline of #GHG emissions from #cement production. Surprisingly, China is not yet declining, despite their huge inventory of empty buildings. Great work by @robbieandrew.bsky.social
And now I have a new page on my website dedicated to cement. 🥳
Cement production and emissions
Collection of data on the production of cement and the emissions associated with its production.
robbieandrew.github.io
October 5, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Really glad to see this peak and decline of #GHG emissions from #cement production. Surprisingly, China is not yet declining, despite their huge inventory of empty buildings. Great work by @robbieandrew.bsky.social
4000 km2 of new homes empty in China, with dramatic environmental consequences. 2.2 billion tons of unneeded material extraction, 1.4 billion tons of CO2 could have been avoided. Important work by Shi Lei and team.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Resource and the environmental burdens of excessive construction in China's urban housing sector
In China's complex urbanization process, excessive construction has led to large-scale housing vacancies, hindering the development of low-carbon and …
www.sciencedirect.com
September 26, 2025 at 7:48 AM
4000 km2 of new homes empty in China, with dramatic environmental consequences. 2.2 billion tons of unneeded material extraction, 1.4 billion tons of CO2 could have been avoided. Important work by Shi Lei and team.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Norwegian Academy of Science report points ways towards climate- and nature-neutral settlement development options.
The report has now been published. 1/
dnva.no/detskjer/202...
The report has now been published. 1/
dnva.no/detskjer/202...
dnva.no
September 4, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Norwegian Academy of Science report points ways towards climate- and nature-neutral settlement development options.
The report has now been published. 1/
dnva.no/detskjer/202...
The report has now been published. 1/
dnva.no/detskjer/202...
Crypto as the new CDO? A lightly regulated asset class, stablecoins have an unfair advantage compared to other assets. The lack of oversight is a systemic risk to the financial system. We are taken for another ride, as before the financial crisis of 2007/8? on.ft.com/4flWxag
Tech does not deserve special legal treatment
Pulling down regulatory barriers to aid innovation ignores the fact that they protect the public from harm
on.ft.com
August 6, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Crypto as the new CDO? A lightly regulated asset class, stablecoins have an unfair advantage compared to other assets. The lack of oversight is a systemic risk to the financial system. We are taken for another ride, as before the financial crisis of 2007/8? on.ft.com/4flWxag
A wide range of construction styles and circumstances shapes energy and materials use in North Africa and West Asia . In some countries, construction cause more GHG than energy use. We show how the rise in emissions can be mitigated. lhttps://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1091250
Fully possible to make residential construction more environmentally friendly
Researchers took a closer look at resource use in the housing sector in West Asia and North Africa with a view to 2050.Their results show that it is possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in this...
www.eurekalert.org
August 2, 2025 at 5:39 AM
A wide range of construction styles and circumstances shapes energy and materials use in North Africa and West Asia . In some countries, construction cause more GHG than energy use. We show how the rise in emissions can be mitigated. lhttps://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1091250
How can we tell China we are not ok with their support of Russian imperialism?
How about the EU start sanctions on some of these companies? How about consumer boycotts?
How about the EU start sanctions on some of these companies? How about consumer boycotts?
A Russian company in Khabarovsk, with the help of a Chinese firm, plans to produce up to 10,000 drones per month this year - Bloomberg.
July 11, 2025 at 8:41 AM
How can we tell China we are not ok with their support of Russian imperialism?
How about the EU start sanctions on some of these companies? How about consumer boycotts?
How about the EU start sanctions on some of these companies? How about consumer boycotts?
Reposted by Edgar Hertwich
Trump claims climate change is a “hoax.” Now, his administration is silencing government research that proves him wrong. Climate-monitoring spacecraft will be shut down, thousands of scientists have been dismissed, invaluable data eliminated. The assault has just begun www.eenews.net/articles/how...
How Trump’s assault on science is blinding America to climate change
Through budget cuts and layoffs, the administration has begun to cripple the government's ability to research global warming.
www.eenews.net
June 16, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Trump claims climate change is a “hoax.” Now, his administration is silencing government research that proves him wrong. Climate-monitoring spacecraft will be shut down, thousands of scientists have been dismissed, invaluable data eliminated. The assault has just begun www.eenews.net/articles/how...
I started to substack - I’m my mother tongue, German. Not sure how to deal with multiple languages. My first entry is a review of a book that is an explanation of part of what is going wrong today. How we are being manipulated by businesses
Die grosse Manipulation unserer Instinkte
Review von: Gewohnheitstiere – Wie Industrie und Wissenschaft unsere Instinkte manipulieren. Nicklas Brendborg, 2024, Quadriga Verlag, Köln
open.substack.com
June 16, 2025 at 8:33 AM
I started to substack - I’m my mother tongue, German. Not sure how to deal with multiple languages. My first entry is a review of a book that is an explanation of part of what is going wrong today. How we are being manipulated by businesses
Reposted by Edgar Hertwich
In Zaporizhzhia, a Russian drone attack destroyed a warehouse with humanitarian aid.
"Everything burned down. We recently received five trucks of aid, that's 100 tons," founder Oleksandr Beliuha said. The damage is estimated at $3 million.
"Everything burned down. We recently received five trucks of aid, that's 100 tons," founder Oleksandr Beliuha said. The damage is estimated at $3 million.
June 14, 2025 at 7:57 AM
In Zaporizhzhia, a Russian drone attack destroyed a warehouse with humanitarian aid.
"Everything burned down. We recently received five trucks of aid, that's 100 tons," founder Oleksandr Beliuha said. The damage is estimated at $3 million.
"Everything burned down. We recently received five trucks of aid, that's 100 tons," founder Oleksandr Beliuha said. The damage is estimated at $3 million.
Hopeful story.
June 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Hopeful story.
Reposted by Edgar Hertwich
LAPD when they think nobody is watching
June 9, 2025 at 4:01 AM
LAPD when they think nobody is watching
Reposted by Edgar Hertwich
Our new study explores how waste-to-energy can be modelled in building LCA in support of environmental policy. Check it out. @edgarhertwich.bsky.social
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Claiming-based allocation for waste-to-energy in district heating - The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment
Purpose Waste-to-energy poses a challenge in life cycle assessment (LCA) due to the need to allocate emissions between the product system that generates and manages the waste and the one that utilizes...
link.springer.com
June 5, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Our new study explores how waste-to-energy can be modelled in building LCA in support of environmental policy. Check it out. @edgarhertwich.bsky.social
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Book recommendation. Nicklas Brendberg shows how industry is abusing our instincts, creating super-stimulants to which we succumb, such as 'painkillers', processed foods, cosmetics, and algorithm-based media content. Very well written. A pleasure to read in spite of the disturbing content.
Gewohnheitstiere | Buch (Hardcover)
Eine neue Sichtweise auf unsere Gewohnheiten
Wieso sind große, bunte Eier für Vögel attraktiver als die kleinen, unscheinbaren? Warum werden Früchte im Laufe der Evolution immer süßer? Und warum wird ...
bastei-luebbe.de
June 3, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Book recommendation. Nicklas Brendberg shows how industry is abusing our instincts, creating super-stimulants to which we succumb, such as 'painkillers', processed foods, cosmetics, and algorithm-based media content. Very well written. A pleasure to read in spite of the disturbing content.
The EU is scheduled to issue a regular update to its climate law. We have issued a scientific advice emphasizing three priorities going forward: 1. A 2040 target, 2. Continued effort on implementation of existing and ongoing laws, and 3. more effort on adaptation.
In its new advice, the @esabcc.bsky.social reaffirms its recommendation for EU Policy: 90–95% net domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 is both feasible and keeps the EU on a credible path to climate neutrality. Read the advice here: climate-advisory-board.europa.eu/news/staying...
Staying the course on climate action essential to EU security and competitiveness
climate-advisory-board.europa.eu
June 3, 2025 at 5:03 AM
The EU is scheduled to issue a regular update to its climate law. We have issued a scientific advice emphasizing three priorities going forward: 1. A 2040 target, 2. Continued effort on implementation of existing and ongoing laws, and 3. more effort on adaptation.
Are well finally waking up?
Russian state television is now openly airing this ⬇️
May 25, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Are well finally waking up?
Reposted by Edgar Hertwich
Schaut. Euch. Das. An.
We’re Experts in Fascism. We’re Leaving the U.S. | NYT Opinion
YouTube video by The New York Times
youtu.be
May 19, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Schaut. Euch. Das. An.
It is beyond me how our leaders could let this happen.
China still boycotts military use of rare earths, as well as export to the US. No new F35s, Donald! 1/
on.ft.com/3SG3sR5
China still boycotts military use of rare earths, as well as export to the US. No new F35s, Donald! 1/
on.ft.com/3SG3sR5
Global supply chains threatened by lack of Chinese rare earths
Licensing delays under new regime put at risk shipments of materials crucial for products from EVs to fighter jets
on.ft.com
May 18, 2025 at 11:55 PM
It is beyond me how our leaders could let this happen.
China still boycotts military use of rare earths, as well as export to the US. No new F35s, Donald! 1/
on.ft.com/3SG3sR5
China still boycotts military use of rare earths, as well as export to the US. No new F35s, Donald! 1/
on.ft.com/3SG3sR5
Europe unprepared to take mantle of science leadership
As thousands of US scientists see their projects canceled and their freedom curtailed, they are looking for greener pastures. Europe has a lot to recommend it, but generous science funding is not among it. 1/. www.linkedin.com/pulse/us-sci...
As thousands of US scientists see their projects canceled and their freedom curtailed, they are looking for greener pastures. Europe has a lot to recommend it, but generous science funding is not among it. 1/. www.linkedin.com/pulse/us-sci...
US scientist considering move to Norway?
– Here is my experience The Norwegian government announced that it would make available 100 million NOK to attract US researchers to Norway, given the attack on academic freedom in the US. I was a pro...
www.linkedin.com
April 29, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Europe unprepared to take mantle of science leadership
As thousands of US scientists see their projects canceled and their freedom curtailed, they are looking for greener pastures. Europe has a lot to recommend it, but generous science funding is not among it. 1/. www.linkedin.com/pulse/us-sci...
As thousands of US scientists see their projects canceled and their freedom curtailed, they are looking for greener pastures. Europe has a lot to recommend it, but generous science funding is not among it. 1/. www.linkedin.com/pulse/us-sci...
Youngsters are struggling to limit their social media use. Tinius (16) feels much happier now that he limits TikTok to 5min per day using a timer. Other youth report struggling with overuse and lack of control.
www.nrk.no/vestfoldogte...
www.nrk.no/vestfoldogte...
Tinius (16) bruker berre fem minutt på TikTok kvar dag: – Eg har blitt lykkelegare
Skrolling på sosiale medium kan gi dårlegare fysisk og psykisk helse, seier medieprofessor. Slik blei Tinius mindre avhengig av mobilen.
www.nrk.no
April 27, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Youngsters are struggling to limit their social media use. Tinius (16) feels much happier now that he limits TikTok to 5min per day using a timer. Other youth report struggling with overuse and lack of control.
www.nrk.no/vestfoldogte...
www.nrk.no/vestfoldogte...
Reposted by Edgar Hertwich
Thinking about the loss of the freedom to disobey, it’s astonishing how rich the English vocabulary is for obsequious behaviour, especially with lexical borrowings. We have flunkeys, minions, bootlickers, toadies, kowtowers, lackeys, lickspittles .. it’s endless. Do other languages do this?
April 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Thinking about the loss of the freedom to disobey, it’s astonishing how rich the English vocabulary is for obsequious behaviour, especially with lexical borrowings. We have flunkeys, minions, bootlickers, toadies, kowtowers, lackeys, lickspittles .. it’s endless. Do other languages do this?
🇦🇹 is well-off. Incomes of the university-educated are higher than in rich 🇳🇴 from where I have just migrated. Still, the plurality of the population is so miserable that they voted for the populist right that would demolish it all. It is not just the economy.
Disregarding Norway's oil & Luxembourg's (& Switzerland's) banking economy, Austria's differentiated, "normal" economy is leading by far in terms of disposable income of its "typical", median inhabitant - 1/4 more than in the EU - USP: a hyper-corporatist, federal welfare state.
April 20, 2025 at 7:12 AM
🇦🇹 is well-off. Incomes of the university-educated are higher than in rich 🇳🇴 from where I have just migrated. Still, the plurality of the population is so miserable that they voted for the populist right that would demolish it all. It is not just the economy.
Reposted by Edgar Hertwich
My god the cruelty: the Trump administration is even sending Christian Afghanis who sought asylum from persecution by the Taliban in the United States and are living here legally that they must leave the country immediately or be deported. www.wral.com/story/they-f...
Afghani asylum seekers, members of Raleigh church, given a week to leave the U.S.
Apostles Church in Raleigh has welcomed about 25 people who came to the U.S. after the Taliban took over.
www.wral.com
April 18, 2025 at 4:32 AM
My god the cruelty: the Trump administration is even sending Christian Afghanis who sought asylum from persecution by the Taliban in the United States and are living here legally that they must leave the country immediately or be deported. www.wral.com/story/they-f...