Worldwide use of solar, wind, tidal and geothermal energy increased 15.5% in 2011, but together they still represent only 1.3 % of the world’s total energy use. The factors behind the increase include adoption by some countries of enlightened policies, and enhanced private investment. Also, some countries are committing to reducing their environmental impact and their dependence on foreign energy sources. Do you know which countries use the most renewable energy? Click on this link and be prepared for a few surprises. GR
Australia experts look to climate ‘time machine’
The project will mimic future conditions by imposing higher levels of CO2. Source: BBC
The project will mimic future conditions by imposing higher levels of CO2. Source: BBC
Airlines ‘are conforming’ with EU rules on emissions
Global warming began in oceans 135 years ago, suggests study
Artic sea ice. Source: NOAA
Artic sea ice. Source: NOAA
U.S. records warmest March; more than 15,000 warm temperature records broken
Carbon dioxide super-scrubber? Potential good news in global warming fight.
Source: ADB
Source: ADB
Climate change report: time to start preparing for the worst
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Fhange (IPCC) recently issued a 582 page report on what is known about the impact that global warming could have on nine different extreme-weather events. The report explores ways to reduce the risk to people and property from weather extremes. It focusses on helping communities adapt to long-term global warming. It signals a major change in the thinking about adaptation to climate change. Avoided as recently as a decade ago, adaptation no longer is seen merely as diverting attention from emission reduction. Researchers now know that even if CO2 emissions were to cease today, climate warming would continue because CO2 remains in the atmosphere for centuries.
Identifying the impacts of extreme weather on the climate is challenging, but scientists have begun the process over the past 60 years of collecting consistent, high quality observations over long periods of time and broad spatial coverage. The confidence levels are highest for trends in extreme temperatures; lower for extreme precipitation. Many of the approaches communities and countries can take are “low regrets measures,” which will provide significant benefits whatever underlies extreme-weather events. The cost of such events has been rising. Between 1970 and 1989, losses from all types of disasters averaged $5 billion a year globally. Since 1989, the average is $30 billion. Last year, it was $35 billion just in the U.S. Globally, losses from severe weather were $61 billion. Not all, or even most, of the increase is due to global warming; other factors include rapid population growth, increased wealth in vulnerable areas, and failure to take appropriate adaptive measures.
GR
An eye on the sky for Texas
Thanks to its most intense drought in state history, John Nielsen-Gammon is well known in Texas. Outside of Texas, few people know that he is the state climatologist. Or that 48 states have state climatologists; only Rhode Island and Tennessee do not. And very few people know that they have their own professional organization, the American Association of State Climatologists. Dr. Nielsen-Gammon has held his post for more than 10 years; he devotes about 60% of his time to it, up from 10% before the drought. A professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M, his state duties and his teaching schedule leave him little time for his own research. He responds to the skeptics he occasionally meets that global temperatures are rising, greenhouse gases are driving the trend, and if the trend continues there will be serious consequences. Dr. Nielsen-Gammon plans to stay in his job a few more years to continue raising awareness about climate issues.
GR
Transit use rose 2.31 percent in 2011
A 2.3% rise in public transportation ridership may not seem like much, but it is significant because most people can’t easily change their behavior when gasoline prices rise. More expensive gas at the pump is probably responsible for some of the increase in mass transit ridership. More riders can create a virtuous circle. Fuller buses generate more revenue, which can lead to better service or lower fares. Admittedly, too many more riders could create overcrowding at rush hours. However, in most American cities greater mass transit usage is a win-win.
GR
Island nation of Kiribati contemplates move to Fiji
Professional movers, who transfer companies from one office to another, say that there are long moves and short moves, but no small moves. Kiribati, a Pacific nation that consists of several low-lying atolls, is thinking of undertaking what would be a very large move. It plans to buy about 6,000 acres of land on Fiji’s main island, and, if climate change makes it necessary, resettle Kiribati’s entire population there, some 100,00 people. Although the sea level has risen only slightly so far, already sea water has contaminated Kiribati’s underground fresh water. Changing rainfall, tidal, and storm patterns pose as much threat as rising sea levels. Some alternative options, such as a floating island, are considered too expensive, although building sea walls to reinforce a few islands may ensure that Kiribati at least continues to exist.
GR
