Ccl Roscommon/Crawford Chapter

 

Roscommon/Crawford Chapter

Latest Climate Change News

I follow a number of organizations who report findings concerning climate change on the internet. One of my favorites is the Environmental Defense Fund,* a US nonprofit environmental advocacy group. Most of the information for this blog came from their recent posting, “Now is the Time for Bold Action on Climate.” Here is a synopsis of their three recommendations for action.

1. Electrify the transportation sector while cleaning up electricity generation

Transportation is the single largest source of climate pollution in the U.S. Fortunately, we have the technology that offers jobs, cleaner air and a big reduction in air pollution.

By 2035, all new cars — and by 2040, all new trucks and buses — sold in the U.S. must be zero emission, with deployment prioritized in frontline communities that have long suffered a disproportionate burden of air pollution.

Momentum is building. GM, Volvo and some other automakers have already embraced this goal for cars. The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced $162 million in funding to pioneer electrified medium- and heavy-duty trucks. We need to speed the transition to electric vehicles while ensuring that electric power is 100% clean by 2035.

At the same time, we must ensure that by 2030, zero-emission cargo ships are using green alternative shipping fuels to travel deep-sea shipping routes and sustainable aviation fuels are meeting a significant portion of global demand by 2030. Doing these things will help assure that by the middle of the 21^st century, transporting our goods across the globe will no longer add to the world’s climate pollution.

2. Harness the power of nature to help stabilize the climate

Achieving net zero emissions by mid-century requires stopping tropical deforestation and removing some of the climate pollution already released into the atmosphere. This demands scientifically sound natural climate solutions, such as protecting and managing forests, farms, oceans, and grasslands to store carbon — while also creating markets and investments to bring these solutions to scale — for example, by rewarding indigenous people and other rainforest defenders for their invaluable work.

3. Slash methane pollution to supercharge planet-saving strategies.

 

The fastest way to put the brakes on climate warming right now is to reduce highly potent methane pollution. Our climate plan can’t stop at carbon dioxide. Methane pollution drives over 25% of today’s warming and reducing it requires immediate action to prevent more extreme climate impacts, such as severe storms and hotter fire seasons. Only by slashing methane pollution can we save Arctic sea ice.

 

The world cannot avoid climate catastrophe without China’s active participation. This includes making firm commitments for methane reduction targets and national methane standards. Europe has an opening to play an outsized role too. The world’s largest gas importer can use its buying power in coordination with countries outside the EU to signal to the global market that only the gas with the lowest methane emissions profile will be purchased.

 

“There have been moments throughout history that have tested the will of humankind. The bold have stepped forward to change the course of history and transform the world for the better.

Our climate moment is now — right now.”

 

 *Fred Krupp is the founder and president of Environmental Defense Fund. He became acquainted with recycling through his father's company, which used old rags to create roofing material. From his initial focus on recycling he gravitated toward climate issues, ultimately becoming an attorney and educator. He is a graduate of Yale University with a law degree from the University of Michigan where he has taught environmental law at both schools.

 

In other news, Chief executives from the likes of Unilever, Microsoft and Apple are among the 310 business leaders who recently released a letter urging the Biden administration to back up its 2050 net-zero target with a strong interim emissions goal.

In the open letter co-ordinated by the We Mean Business Coalition and Ceres, the executives praise the administration’s decision to re-commit the US to the Paris Agreement and to table a climate bill including a 2050 net-zero target. Since the bill, known as the CLEAN act, was first introduced to the House of Representatives last month, Biden has built on his pledge to create 10 million clean energy jobs with sweeping jobs and infrastructure plans.

The letter argues that, for the US pathway to net-zero to be “credible” and for the full economic potential of the low-carbon transition to be realized, a legally binding climate target for 2030 should be developed. The target should require the US to reduce annual emissions by at least 50% by 2030, against a 2005 baseline, after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) landmark 2018 report stated that global net emissions should be halved by 2030 to deliver the Paris Agreement’s 1.5C pathway.

“A bold 2030 target is needed to catalyze a zero-emissions future, spur a robust economic recovery, create millions of well-paying jobs, and allow the US to build back better from the pandemic,” the letter states.

“A 2030 target will also guide the US government’s approach to more sustainable and resilient infrastructure, zero-emissions vehicles and buildings, improved agricultural practices, and durable carbon removal.”

In the meantime, the New York Times reports that deforestation of the world continues. Most of the usual suspects — Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bolivia and others — made the list of countries with high levels of deforestation. Brazil alone was responsible for about 40 percent of the loss. But Indonesia fell out of the top three for the first time since the institute began its reports two decades ago, thanks in part to government enforcement efforts.

Why it matters: By sequestering huge amounts of carbon dioxide, tropical old-growth forests are crucial for combating climate change.

The numbers: 10.3 million acres. That’s the total tropical forest loss last year, about the same surface area as Switzerland. — Henry Fountain