Ecology

New publication "Small Modular Reactors for the Czech Market: An update - 2024" analyses the current state of the field of small and medium-sized modular reactors (SMRs) and builds upon the unique study "Prospects for Small Modular Reactors in the Czech Republic", published in 2023. The author is Emeritus Professor Stephen Thomas from University of Greenwich, London. Edvard Sequens, the energy expert from Czech organization Calla, authored a chapter on the situation in the Czech Republic as the Czech largest energy company ČEZ established a strategic partnership with the British company Rolls-Royce in 2024 and companies such as Sokolovská uhelná and Orlen have expressed interest in SMRs, too.

Southeast Asia’s geographical location is blessed with abundant natural resources – minerals, forests, and wildlife. For hundreds of years, these resources have been a source of livelihood and even life for Indigenous peoples, as well as local communities. However, the capitalist perspective of development is rapidly encroaching on the mineral-rich lands of these peoples. 

The development of wind power is being prevented primarily for economic and political reasons even though the potential for producing cheap, clean power from wind in the Czech Republic is enormous. We can look to Austria and Poland for examples.

Following last year’s September elections in Slovakia, we are witnessing a textbook example of the breakdown of democratic principles. For the fourth time, the position of Prime Minister has been filled by Robert Fico, whose party SMER (Direction) has formed a coalition with Hlas (Voice), a party that broke away from SMER, and the nationalist Slovenská národná strana (Slovak National Party). We cannot base our expectations of the current Government on Fico’s previous terms in office, though. While in the past Fico was leaning toward the EU and wanted to be part of its core, during the COVID-19 pandemic his stance turned quite anti-European and hateful.

COP29 in Baku will decide the future of global climate finance. As developing nations demand $1 trillion in annual support, tensions rise over who should contribute and how funds are allocated. Will this summit deliver on the promise of climate justice and equity?

Serbia's lithium mining project in Jadar has been on hold because of mass protests against feared environmental damage. Now the EU wants to secure this lithium access for Europe - despite the political and legal conditions in Serbia.