Introducing the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy for Local Authorities.

The challenges facing EU energy policy are quickly apparent when one looks, on the one hand, at future projections and, on the other, our climate objectives - says the EU Commissioner as he explores our energy future in Europe.

"In Russia, the optimists learn English; the pessimists learn Chinese and the realists learn to operate a Kalashnikov."

The power sector is the biggest contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, so many energy consumers are getting more active in reducing demand and managing energy by installing their own renewable generation.

The Special Advisor to the Indian Prime Minister on climate change discusses Bali and Copenhagen, the opportunities and challenges for India in developing a successful low carbon economy.

The Slovenian President discusses the role the UN and the European Union can play in the modern world, especially in promoting human rights and alleviating crises such as present rise in food prices.

Rapid increases in the large-scale production of liquid biofuels in developing countries could exacerbate the marginalization of women in rural areas threatening their livelihoods. This is according to a report by FAO explains the author.

There is considerable literature on international water negotiations, but most research ignores local conflicts over water. In fact, violent 'water riots' at local levels are more common than inter-state 'water wars' say the authors.

Fossil fuels are finite, but it will take a very long time before they become the fossils of the world’s energy system. Innovation will change that system, not through revolution, but through evolution argues the CEO of Shell.

The European Commission has put forth the communication on Green Public Procurement (GPP) to the EU Council and the European Parliament. Here, we present answers to some of the salient issues regarding GPP.