An environmental writer said that worst-case climate scenarios are now obsolete, since “if countries achieve the net-zero pledges that they have already put on the table, warming will stay under 2°C.” What are the chances that countries will meet their pledges‽ So far, the worst GHG emitters, including the US, are nowhere near being on track with their pledges. According to … [Read more...] about Global warming outstrips predictions
Climate & Energy
The categories of Climate & Energy are linked because it’s almost impossible to consider energy issues without considering their impact on the Climate.
Also see: Environment & Ecosystems, Food, Transportation
No Miracles Needed
How wind, sun, and water can power the world Mark Stanford, who teaches civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University, makes the case that existing technologies for renewable energy and energy conservation can meet all our energy needs. A January 23 article in The Guardian gives a brief recap: “ ‘No miracles needed’: Prof Mark Jacobson on how wind, sun and … [Read more...] about No Miracles Needed
Obscene treaty symbolizes what’s wrong
The Energy Charter Treaty referred to in the story is obscene — putting corporate profits over the lives of future generations and punishing governments that try to protect their people. (Although most governments today also seem to put corporate profits ahead of people.) Whether it's coal, oil, or natural gas, we need to keep it in the ground! No elaborate — and often bogus … [Read more...] about Obscene treaty symbolizes what’s wrong
Nuclear industry tries again
Another attempt by the industry to keep nuclear power in play, despite its inherent dangers. … [Read more...] about Nuclear industry tries again
Plastic Pollution — In Our Stores
I think this graphic makes the point. Stores are filled with their products — and people need to stop buying them! … [Read more...] about Plastic Pollution — In Our Stores
Electric buses far superior to propane or natural gas
Did you see the pathetic column on LehighValleyLive / Express Times the other day? ['A different approach to cleaner school buses could save Bethlehem Area tax dollars'] It is full of distortions and outright lies, but this is not too surprising coming from a propane-industry trade group. Electric buses are far superior to propane (and natural gas) both from a … [Read more...] about Electric buses far superior to propane or natural gas
Summer internship possibility
We are planning a project on the food system for the summer of 2023. Possible components include exploring ways to develop food sovereignty; expand use of regenerative organic growing to reduce in GHG emissions; increasing awareness of health impacts of food; and improving institutional food at schools, colleges & universities, and hospitals. (More information on any of … [Read more...] about Summer internship possibility
A billionaire causes a million times more GHG than an average person!
A new report from Oxfam-USA shows that billionaires are responsible for millions of times more GHG than the average person. (This is due in part to their heavy investments in the fossil-fuel sector.) Read the report: Carbon Billionaires: The investment emissions of the world’s richest people … [Read more...] about A billionaire causes a million times more GHG than an average person!
‘I don’t have a future!’
The latest action by JustStopOil. It's hard to watch, but watch it anyway! … [Read more...] about ‘I don’t have a future!’
GHG Emissions continue to increase — immediate action is essential!
The Emissions Gap Report 2022 was issued last week, and the situation continues to follow the most serious trajectory envisioned in the IPCC reports. I says that countries are not on track to reduce emissions, and will set a record high this year. (The 'emissions gap' is the amount by which emissions exceed the level needed for a stable climate.) UN Secretary General … [Read more...] about GHG Emissions continue to increase — immediate action is essential!