Venn Chesterton
@vennche.bsky.social
Deputy Director, Driving the Electric Revolution at Innovate UK.
Views are mine, expect typos.
Views are mine, expect typos.
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
There's been a sustained campaign about problems & challenges of electric vehicles in parts of UK media
It's likely contributed to weakening of the shift amongst individual buyers
Actual owners & users, on the other hand, are mostly very happy
www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/electr...
It's likely contributed to weakening of the shift amongst individual buyers
Actual owners & users, on the other hand, are mostly very happy
www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/electr...
Only 3% of electric vehicle owners would go back to a fossil fuel car
Zap-Map surveyed 3,746 EV owners for its annual survey to gauge insights into behaviours, attitudes and satisfaction of EV drivers. We reveal the results.
www.thisismoney.co.uk
December 9, 2024 at 11:19 AM
There's been a sustained campaign about problems & challenges of electric vehicles in parts of UK media
It's likely contributed to weakening of the shift amongst individual buyers
Actual owners & users, on the other hand, are mostly very happy
www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/electr...
It's likely contributed to weakening of the shift amongst individual buyers
Actual owners & users, on the other hand, are mostly very happy
www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/electr...
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Pretty fascinating that in The Netherlands growth at Volvo is simply astonishing, all thanks to #EX30
#alwaysbecharging
#alwaysbecharging
December 8, 2024 at 9:53 PM
Pretty fascinating that in The Netherlands growth at Volvo is simply astonishing, all thanks to #EX30
#alwaysbecharging
#alwaysbecharging
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
What's the deal with vertical farming?
*Can* potentially work for a small group of crops: mostly greens and possibly some fruits.
But far too expensive for cereals or other staple crops.
My latest Substack which digs into the numbers:
www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/vertical-f...
*Can* potentially work for a small group of crops: mostly greens and possibly some fruits.
But far too expensive for cereals or other staple crops.
My latest Substack which digs into the numbers:
www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/vertical-f...
Vertical farming: a local solution for greens, but not feeding the world any time soon
While it has lots of benefits, the economics just don't work.
www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com
December 5, 2024 at 1:35 PM
What's the deal with vertical farming?
*Can* potentially work for a small group of crops: mostly greens and possibly some fruits.
But far too expensive for cereals or other staple crops.
My latest Substack which digs into the numbers:
www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/vertical-f...
*Can* potentially work for a small group of crops: mostly greens and possibly some fruits.
But far too expensive for cereals or other staple crops.
My latest Substack which digs into the numbers:
www.sustainabilitybynumbers.com/p/vertical-f...
Was with Zemo this morning. Turns out the Netherlands has roughly the same transport-related emissions as us—even with all that cycling.
December 5, 2024 at 3:18 PM
Was with Zemo this morning. Turns out the Netherlands has roughly the same transport-related emissions as us—even with all that cycling.
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
The figures are from electric vehicles UK. Not the SMMT, who do a fine job but represent the entire UK automotive sector, not very EV focused
December 5, 2024 at 11:30 AM
The figures are from electric vehicles UK. Not the SMMT, who do a fine job but represent the entire UK automotive sector, not very EV focused
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Reading the Far Side constantly as a 9 to 12 year old shaped much of my personality.
December 4, 2024 at 12:24 AM
Reading the Far Side constantly as a 9 to 12 year old shaped much of my personality.
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
That's not what this study actually says. This study adds to the reams of others showing that plant-based meat alternatives have lower env. impacts than animal meat, & that plant-based milk alternatives have lower env. impacts than cow's milk.
Open access to study here: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Open access to study here: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
December 3, 2024 at 10:36 PM
That's not what this study actually says. This study adds to the reams of others showing that plant-based meat alternatives have lower env. impacts than animal meat, & that plant-based milk alternatives have lower env. impacts than cow's milk.
Open access to study here: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Open access to study here: www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Noticed that there doesn't seem to be an obvious Circular Economy Starter Pack... So, I've started one here (slightly UK/EU centric). Suggestions for additions welcomed, and also how to add people quickly using the app, as it seems quite convoluted:
go.bsky.app/JFNr8dw
#CircularEconomy
go.bsky.app/JFNr8dw
#CircularEconomy
November 16, 2024 at 2:15 PM
Noticed that there doesn't seem to be an obvious Circular Economy Starter Pack... So, I've started one here (slightly UK/EU centric). Suggestions for additions welcomed, and also how to add people quickly using the app, as it seems quite convoluted:
go.bsky.app/JFNr8dw
#CircularEconomy
go.bsky.app/JFNr8dw
#CircularEconomy
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
It's even sadder to see that a brand new 1.1GW wind farm has been "off" nearly 70% of the time during 2024…
Or to put it another way, for each 1 MWh of generation it had 2.1 MWh of curtailment – that's 2.1 MWh of available wind energy that was simply left to blow by.
Or to put it another way, for each 1 MWh of generation it had 2.1 MWh of curtailment – that's 2.1 MWh of available wind energy that was simply left to blow by.
December 2, 2024 at 10:20 AM
It's even sadder to see that a brand new 1.1GW wind farm has been "off" nearly 70% of the time during 2024…
Or to put it another way, for each 1 MWh of generation it had 2.1 MWh of curtailment – that's 2.1 MWh of available wind energy that was simply left to blow by.
Or to put it another way, for each 1 MWh of generation it had 2.1 MWh of curtailment – that's 2.1 MWh of available wind energy that was simply left to blow by.
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Mandatory speed limiters; 100% 20mph zones on Local Road Transport Network roads; life driving bans for those convicted of dangerous driving; heavy custodial sentences for those who flout bans; 100% Low Traffic Neighbourhood coverage of residential areas; 100% School Streets.
Nothing else will do.
Nothing else will do.
December 2, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Mandatory speed limiters; 100% 20mph zones on Local Road Transport Network roads; life driving bans for those convicted of dangerous driving; heavy custodial sentences for those who flout bans; 100% Low Traffic Neighbourhood coverage of residential areas; 100% School Streets.
Nothing else will do.
Nothing else will do.
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Growing wine grapes under solar panels can increase yields by 60%.
That seems like the definition of unalloyed good news
www.pv-magazine.com/2024/11/29/a...
That seems like the definition of unalloyed good news
www.pv-magazine.com/2024/11/29/a...
Agrivoltaics can increase grape yield by up to 60%
French agrivoltaics company Sun'Agri says that two of its facilities increased grape yields by 20% to 60% in 2024, compared to areas without solar panels. The PV modules helped regulate temperature fl...
www.pv-magazine.com
November 30, 2024 at 9:42 PM
Growing wine grapes under solar panels can increase yields by 60%.
That seems like the definition of unalloyed good news
www.pv-magazine.com/2024/11/29/a...
That seems like the definition of unalloyed good news
www.pv-magazine.com/2024/11/29/a...
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Article in the Eastern Daily Press by Adrian Ramsay, Green MP for Waveney Valley on 26 November 2024. "The government should look again at its figures - and make sure its policies add up to a new deal for farmers. One which sees tax loopholes closed, family farms supported, food security protected."
November 28, 2024 at 6:14 PM
Article in the Eastern Daily Press by Adrian Ramsay, Green MP for Waveney Valley on 26 November 2024. "The government should look again at its figures - and make sure its policies add up to a new deal for farmers. One which sees tax loopholes closed, family farms supported, food security protected."
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Why I regret using 23andMe: I gave up my DNA just to find out I’m British
Why I regret using 23andMe: I gave up my DNA just to find out I’m British
I gave away my genetic information to a now imploding company for results that inspired nothing but ambivalence
23andMe is facing implosion. As the once-promising genetic testing company flounders – losing 98% of its $6bn value, all its independent board…
www.theguardian.com
November 30, 2024 at 5:13 PM
Why I regret using 23andMe: I gave up my DNA just to find out I’m British
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Sad to see a brand new 1.1GW wind farm being switched off most of this very windy weekend when it should be generating at near full capacity.
Explore 👉 renewables-map.robinhawkes.com
Explore 👉 renewables-map.robinhawkes.com
November 25, 2024 at 10:57 AM
Sad to see a brand new 1.1GW wind farm being switched off most of this very windy weekend when it should be generating at near full capacity.
Explore 👉 renewables-map.robinhawkes.com
Explore 👉 renewables-map.robinhawkes.com
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
I've written the script for a graphic novel adaptation of the great Irish ecological poem THE MADNESS OF SWEENEY. Here's a thread of some of the artwork by my collaborator @zaraslattery.bsky.social. Isn't it marvellous? You can find out more & support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/c/SweeneysPr... 🧵
November 7, 2024 at 5:31 PM
I've written the script for a graphic novel adaptation of the great Irish ecological poem THE MADNESS OF SWEENEY. Here's a thread of some of the artwork by my collaborator @zaraslattery.bsky.social. Isn't it marvellous? You can find out more & support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/c/SweeneysPr... 🧵
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Almost certainly through the creation of new nature-based economic opportunities (alongside a range of other social benefits from health to re-peopling). A study this year found jobs boost of 412% due to rewilding. www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/press-hub/sc...
412% increase in jobs at Scottish rewilding sites, research shows
Rewilding Britain’s new research reveals that rewilding efforts across Scotland have boosted job numbers by more than 400%.
www.rewildingbritain.org.uk
November 30, 2024 at 8:24 AM
Almost certainly through the creation of new nature-based economic opportunities (alongside a range of other social benefits from health to re-peopling). A study this year found jobs boost of 412% due to rewilding. www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/press-hub/sc...
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Ancient woodland now covers just 2.5% of the UK. It’s essential that we resist anything that risks the tiny amount that we still have.
Thanks @bylinesnetwork.bsky.social for raising this. The question is, what can be done to safeguard the nature around this development?
Thanks @bylinesnetwork.bsky.social for raising this. The question is, what can be done to safeguard the nature around this development?
Controversy in Takeley: plans for a huge industrial estate near Stansted Airport spark concerns over noise, pollution, and environmental impact on historic Hatfield Forest and Flitch Way. Story by Jenny Rhodes & Matthew Critchell
Controversial new plan for huge industrial estate near Stansted airport
Contentious plans for a huge industrial estate near a rural north Essex village have been unveiled
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 28, 2024 at 8:00 AM
Ancient woodland now covers just 2.5% of the UK. It’s essential that we resist anything that risks the tiny amount that we still have.
Thanks @bylinesnetwork.bsky.social for raising this. The question is, what can be done to safeguard the nature around this development?
Thanks @bylinesnetwork.bsky.social for raising this. The question is, what can be done to safeguard the nature around this development?
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Lots of maize is grown across large areas of top quality farm land in East Anglia, much of it on peat (thus with carbon emissions), destined for anaerobic digesters to produce renewable electricity. More power is produced per hectare from solar panels, so a more efficient use of land for electricity
The solar gold rush:
"Norfolk is at the centre of a heated national debate over renewable energy, with five proposed solar farms threatening to engulf 17,000 acres of the county’s arable countryside."
Threatening food security, or enhancing energy security, or both?
"Norfolk is at the centre of a heated national debate over renewable energy, with five proposed solar farms threatening to engulf 17,000 acres of the county’s arable countryside."
Threatening food security, or enhancing energy security, or both?
Startling 17,000-acre solar surge sparks Norfolk uproar
Norfolk's vast farmland faces a solar farm surge, sparking debate over renewable energy and agricultural survival
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 27, 2024 at 5:49 PM
Lots of maize is grown across large areas of top quality farm land in East Anglia, much of it on peat (thus with carbon emissions), destined for anaerobic digesters to produce renewable electricity. More power is produced per hectare from solar panels, so a more efficient use of land for electricity
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Your reminder that during the fossil gas-fuelled inflation crisis of 2022 and 2023, in the UK renewables faced a windfall tax, and gas-fired power stations didn't
And still don't
www.ft.com/content/d4aa...
And still don't
www.ft.com/content/d4aa...
Daniel Křetínský’s power plants in England enjoy surging profits
Czech billionaire’s gas-fired stations benefit from market disruption in wake of Russia’s war in Ukraine
www.ft.com
November 28, 2024 at 8:55 AM
Your reminder that during the fossil gas-fuelled inflation crisis of 2022 and 2023, in the UK renewables faced a windfall tax, and gas-fired power stations didn't
And still don't
www.ft.com/content/d4aa...
And still don't
www.ft.com/content/d4aa...
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
"For nature to be restored to a past version of itself, the question might be less one of human absence, than what form human presence can take."
A good exploration of ecological change, abandonment & how humans can sustain rich mosaics of habitats:
www.theguardian.com/news/2024/no...
A good exploration of ecological change, abandonment & how humans can sustain rich mosaics of habitats:
www.theguardian.com/news/2024/no...
The great abandonment: what happens to the natural world when people disappear?
The long read: Across the globe, vast swathes of land are being left to be reclaimed by nature. To see what could be coming, look to Bulgaria
www.theguardian.com
November 28, 2024 at 8:56 AM
"For nature to be restored to a past version of itself, the question might be less one of human absence, than what form human presence can take."
A good exploration of ecological change, abandonment & how humans can sustain rich mosaics of habitats:
www.theguardian.com/news/2024/no...
A good exploration of ecological change, abandonment & how humans can sustain rich mosaics of habitats:
www.theguardian.com/news/2024/no...
Great use of a large language model: planning multi-day road trips with an EV.
November 28, 2024 at 7:40 AM
Great use of a large language model: planning multi-day road trips with an EV.
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Frosty, early start for a day in London. Two speaking slots today.
November 28, 2024 at 7:17 AM
Frosty, early start for a day in London. Two speaking slots today.
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
You ever find yourself near a classic car and notice that... it smells real bad?
Like, really bad? A dozen lawn mowers bad?
That's because it doesn't have a catalytic converter, so it allows you to smell what burning gasoline actually smells like.
Like, really bad? A dozen lawn mowers bad?
That's because it doesn't have a catalytic converter, so it allows you to smell what burning gasoline actually smells like.
November 27, 2024 at 3:05 PM
You ever find yourself near a classic car and notice that... it smells real bad?
Like, really bad? A dozen lawn mowers bad?
That's because it doesn't have a catalytic converter, so it allows you to smell what burning gasoline actually smells like.
Like, really bad? A dozen lawn mowers bad?
That's because it doesn't have a catalytic converter, so it allows you to smell what burning gasoline actually smells like.
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
Where are the trees?
We have A LOT of this landscape and less than 4% native woodland. This landscape should be a rich mosaic of habitats, moor, bog, woodland, montane scrub…We force it to remain in this artificial state. We don’t need to give every inch of our uplands over to sheep,grouse and deer
We have A LOT of this landscape and less than 4% native woodland. This landscape should be a rich mosaic of habitats, moor, bog, woodland, montane scrub…We force it to remain in this artificial state. We don’t need to give every inch of our uplands over to sheep,grouse and deer
November 19, 2024 at 5:49 PM
Where are the trees?
We have A LOT of this landscape and less than 4% native woodland. This landscape should be a rich mosaic of habitats, moor, bog, woodland, montane scrub…We force it to remain in this artificial state. We don’t need to give every inch of our uplands over to sheep,grouse and deer
We have A LOT of this landscape and less than 4% native woodland. This landscape should be a rich mosaic of habitats, moor, bog, woodland, montane scrub…We force it to remain in this artificial state. We don’t need to give every inch of our uplands over to sheep,grouse and deer
Reposted by Venn Chesterton
This story is one of the most disturbing I've ever covered. It's about how the views of a deeply weird ideological sect affected science, medicine and the media, with devastating impacts on patients. Please read and pass on. This horror has to stop. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Maeve Boothby O’Neill died because of a discredited view of ME. How was this allowed to happen? | George Monbiot
Chronic fatigue syndrome is as physiological as a broken leg. We must learn all we can from this tragic case, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
October 18, 2024 at 6:39 AM
This story is one of the most disturbing I've ever covered. It's about how the views of a deeply weird ideological sect affected science, medicine and the media, with devastating impacts on patients. Please read and pass on. This horror has to stop. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...