Despite peak global temperatures in 2005 and 2010 (unprecedented in the instrumental record), a recent sharp plunge in volume of the Arctic Sea ice and a spate of extreme weather events, coal mining, coal exports and carbon emissions continue to grow, overwhelming any mitigation attempted by schemes such as the Australian carbon price. And although […] … learn more→
Tag Archives: Emissions
On Arctic Sea ice melt and coal mine canaries
As emissions rise, we may be heading for an ice-free planet
Last December’s meeting of the American Geophysical Union featured three of the world’s leading climate scientists: James Hansen (NASA’s chief climate scientist), Elco Rohling (National Oceanography Centre, Southampton) and Ken Caldeira (Stanford School of Earth Science). But it was Hansen who attracted the most attention when he stated: “If you doubled CO₂, which practically all […] … learn more→
Solar power off the grid: Energy access for world’s poor
More than a billion people worldwide lack access to electricity. The best way to bring it to them — while reducing greenhouse gas emissions — is to launch a global initiative to provide solar panels and other forms of distributed renewable power to poor villages and neighborhoods. After the Durban talks last month, climate realists […] … learn more→
You can’t manage emissions until you can measure them, and it’s harder than you think
So you accept that CO₂ from human activities is a major cause of climate change. What are you going to do about it? Buy a hybrid car? Install a PV system? Buy fresh produce with less food miles? Vote for smokeless nuclear power? But how do you know that your actions and choices are really […] … learn more→
If in doubt sue
The Pacific Island State of Palau recently announced it will seek an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), asking whether countries have a responsibility to avoid their emissions causing climate change damage elsewhere. This will be the world’s first international climate change case and it has been a long time coming. Many […] … learn more→
When it comes to greenhouse gases carbon dioxide isn’t the only culprit
Most of the discussion about slowing the impact of climate change has focussed on reducing carbon dioxide emissions. But carbon dioxide isn’t the only greenhouse gas. Methane, halocarbons and nitric oxide are also important contributors to climate change. Are we taking the right steps to reduce these emissions? A new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration […] … learn more→