United Nations Report

Oil and gas prices are soaring globally. That is a boon to those who extract and sell the very products that drive fatal heat waves, wildfires and sea level rise. And it is leading to new demands for increased drilling in the United States, already one of the world’s biggest producers of oil and gas.

The developments come just days after an exhaustive report from the United Nations that implored world leaders to sharply reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases that are dangerously heating the planet. To fail, they said, is to face a harrowing future where the rate of global warming outpaces humanity’s ability to adapt.

From the NY Times: Climateforward.com

An old idea: Heatmap News reports that Chestnut Carbon, a nature-based carbon removal company, raised $160 million in funding. The company focuses on planting trees in areas that haven’t traditionally had forests, a technique called afforestation.

Much of the funding will go toward buying land. “We look to build a forest that, if you had a time machine and you went back 100 years, would look very similar to what was there 100 years ago,” Greg Adams, the company’s chief financial officer, told Heatmap.

From Time Magazine

It’s long been established that climate change turbocharges wildfires, with droughts, persistent heat, dried vegetation, and lightning storms all worsening in a warming world and all contributing to out-of-control blazes. That’s just one reason a new report from the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Climate Change Service—a report that landed on Jan. 10, while L.A. still burned—arrived as such bad news. According to the release, 2024 was the first year global mean temperatures exceeded pre-industrial levels by 1.6°C (2.88°F). That blows past the benchmark established by the 2015 Paris Climate Accord, which sought to limit future warming to well below 2°C in the 21st century, with a preferred target no higher than 1.5°C. Doing so would help limit the impact of a hotter planet.

The Climate Way Through

The Climate Way Through

Introduction

The climate crisis presents an unprecedented challenge to our global community, but it also offers a unique opportunity to reimagine how we live and interact with the planet. By perceiving this crisis as a “climate way through,” we can harness the potential for transformative change. This path allows humanity to realign its priorities and adopt sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and society at large.

Understanding the Climate Way Through

The “climate way through” is a perspective shift that compels us to view the climate crisis not just as a collection of dire warnings, but as a catalyst for positive transformation. It invites all sectors of society—governments, businesses, and individuals—to innovate, collaborate, and realign their goals with the health of the planet at the forefront.

A fundamental aspect of this approach is recognizing the interconnectivity of environmental, social, and economic systems. By addressing the climate crisis through this holistic lens, we can identify solutions that also tackle issues of inequality and foster global solidarity.

The Role of Education and Innovation

Education plays a crucial role in realizing the “climate way through.” By integrating climate literacy into curricula worldwide, we equip future generations with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their impact on the planet. Educational initiatives must go beyond basic awareness to inspire actionable change, encouraging students to engage in sustainability science and green technologies.

Innovation, likewise, is essential. Green technology and sustainable development can redefine industries, reducing carbon footprints and promoting circular economies. Investment in renewable energy, energy-efficient infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture is critical. The “climate way through” demands a paradigm shift in how we develop and distribute technologies, ensuring they are accessible to all and designed with long-term environmental impacts in mind.

Collaborative Global Governance

Addressing the climate crisis also requires a new model of global governance founded on collaboration and mutual benefit. The “climate way through” emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, recognizing that climate change knows no borders and that unilateral action is insufficient.

Policies must encourage countries to share resources, knowledge, and technology. This can be achieved through improved diplomatic channels, binding agreements, and innovative financing strategies that support developing nations in their climate efforts. A unified approach will foster a sense of shared responsibility and accountability, making it more likely that goals are not only set but achieved.

Transforming Societies and Lifestyles

At the grassroots level, the “climate way through” challenges individuals and communities to reevaluate their lifestyles. It urges a transition towards more sustainable living—reducing waste, opting for eco-friendly products, and cultivating habits that minimize carbon footprints.

Community-driven initiatives can play a significant role in this transformation. Local efforts that promote sustainable agriculture, urban greening, and community-supported energy solutions have the power to effect change from the ground up. As individuals witness the tangible benefits of sustainable practices in their daily lives, momentum builds for larger systemic change.

Conclusion

The climate crisis is indeed a formidable challenge, but it also offers an unparalleled moment of introspection and evolution for our global community. By embracing the “climate way through,” we can turn a potential disaster into a dawn of innovation and cooperation. Let this be the moment where humanity learns from its past, unites for a common cause, and creates a sustainable future for generations to come.

The “climate way through” is not merely a path of necessity; it is a journey towards a new global consciousness that acknowledges the intricate balance between human activity and the natural world. This journey holds immense promise—a chance to redefine success as sustainable prosperity and resilience.

AI Wrote This:

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES  are crucial in combating climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Wind, solar, and hydroelectric power generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. Transitioning to renewable energy helps to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and create sustainable jobs. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have roles to play in supporting the renewable energy transition. A new report, Spreading like Wildfire: The Rising Threat of Extraordinary Landscape Fires, by UNEP and GRID-Arendal, finds that climate change and land-use change are making wildfires worse and anticipates a global increase of extreme fires even in areas previously unaffected. Uncontrollable and extreme wildfires can be devastating to people, biodiversity and ecosystems. They also exacerbate climate change, contributing significant greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere. Wildfires are becoming more intense and more frequent, ravaging communities and ecosystems in their path. Recent years have seen record-breaking wildfire seasons across the world from Australia to the Arctic to North and South America. With global temperatures on the rise, the need to reduce wildfire risk is more critical than ever. UNEP is issuing an urgent call to governments to rethink their approach to extreme wildfires. By calling for a new ‘Fire Ready Formula’ and recognizing the important role of ecosystem restoration, we can minimize the risk of extreme wildfires by being better prepared and building back better in their aftermath.

Essential Climate Values

The top 10 "Core Climate Values" have been identified.

The challenge of rescuing our planet from the adverse effects of human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, requires more than technological solutions; it necessitates a profound shift in global cultural values. Values have the enduring power to influence behavior and instigate lasting change, unlike laws and regulations that may fluctuate with political winds. This article explores the top 10 core climate values essential for cultivating a sustainable and harmonious coexistence with our environment.

1. Sustainability

At the heart of climate action is the value of sustainability, which champions the notion that our current needs should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Embracing sustainability involves a holistic approach to conservation and resource management, ensuring that activities in every sector comply with ecological limits.

2. Responsibility

Personal and collective responsibility is crucial in addressing climate change. This value urges individuals, corporations, and governments alike to acknowledge their roles in contributing to environmental degradation and to commit to adopting practices that mitigate their impact.

3. Interconnectedness

Recognizing the interconnectedness of all life forms on Earth fosters an understanding that the health of our ecosystems is directly linked to human well-being. By cultivating this value, society can prioritize policies and actions that reflect a respect for the delicate balance of our natural world.

4. Equity

Equity highlights the disparities in climate impact and responsibility, stressing the importance of fair treatment and inclusion of all, especially marginalized communities disproportionately affected by climate change. This value calls for just solutions and accessible opportunities in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

5. Innovation

A culture of innovation is invaluable in developing new methods and technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. By encouraging creativity and problem-solving, societies can discover more sustainable ways to satisfy their energy needs and lower their carbon footprints.

6. Conservation

The value of conservation emphasizes the importance of protecting natural habitats and biodiversity. Preserving the variety of life on Earth is critical for maintaining ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and water purification, which are essential in combating climate change.

7. Minimalism

Minimalism advocates for a lifestyle centered around consuming less and prioritizing quality over quantity. By promoting this value, individuals can significantly reduce their ecological impacts, curbing waste, and conserving resources, thereby contributing to broader sustainability goals.

8. Educated Stewardship

Educated stewardship focuses on empowering individuals through knowledge and education about environmental issues and practical solutions. By fostering a society that values lifelong learning and understanding of the planet's systems, individuals are better equipped to make informed decisions for the environment.

9. Resilience

In a rapidly changing world, building resilience is vital to help communities bounce back from climate-related challenges and disasters. This value underscores the importance of adaptive policies and infrastructure that can withstand environmental pressures and prioritize long-term stability.

10. Cooperation

Global climate challenges demand a unified response. The value of cooperation encourages collaboration among nations, industries, and communities to share resources, knowledge, and strategies. This collective effort can accelerate progress towards climate goals and foster a sense of shared responsibility.

Conclusion

In order to achieve a successful and lasting rescue of our planet, a fundamental transformation in our cultural values is essential. By internalizing and practicing these core climate values, humanity can forge a path forward that honors the integrity of our planet’s ecosystems, secures the future for coming generations, and redefines our relationship with the natural world. These enduring values may pave the way for sustainable practices that transcend the political, social, and economic spheres of our global society.

Written by Bernie Sanders ~ 1/15/25

In America today, large and devastating wildfires that were once relatively uncommon have become an increasingly common occurrence.

In California, five of the largest wildfires in the history of the state have happened in the last five years. And, as you read this, one of the most destructive wildfires the state has ever seen is taking place in Los Angeles. That fire is still going, and with high-winds in the forecast today and tomorrow, this horrific level of destruction is far from over.

And we have not even entered the so-called "fire season."

8 months without rain. 24 people dead. 12,000 structures damaged or destroyed. 150,000 people evacuated. $150 billion in damages.

Overall, the wildfires have burned about 62 square miles, an area larger than Paris.

The frightening reality is: what we're seeing in Los Angeles today, unless we fundamentally change our energy policies, is likely what we will see in the future in the United States and throughout the world. There is no more "fire season." Not in America. Not anywhere.

What we are watching on the news in California is precisely what we mean when we talk about the "existential threat" of climate change.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, almost all of Southern California is in either moderate or severe drought. It is the second-driest period in almost 150 years. Combine that with hurricane force winds — winds that blow embers and carry fire; winds so strong it makes it difficult to fight those fires from the air — and you have a recipe for disaster.

It is extremely dangerous that Republicans in Washington and California are politicizing this issue and attacking Democratic officeholders.

This is Trumpism at its worst. And is nothing more than an effort to distract attention away from the underlying cause of this crisis.

No, President-elect Trump, climate change is not a "hoax." It is all too real. It is playing out now in Los Angeles.

It was not government incompetence that caused recent wildfires to blaze through Republican states like Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, and Utah.

It was not government incompetence when Hurricane Helene caused 219 deaths and almost $80 billion dollars of damage in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

It was not government incompetence when devastating tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

No. All of this, as well as drought, the warming of our oceans, the melting of the Arctic ice caps, the heat waves throughout the world, are directly related to the fact that the last ten years have been the warmest ten years ever recorded.

Climate change does not care if you live in a "red state," a "blue state" or a "purple state." It does not care if you live in a rural area or urban area. It does not care if you are a working class person struggling to get by or live in a multi-million dollar home in the Pacific Palisades.

Climate change is what we are talking about when we are talking about more floods, more extreme weather, more ocean acidification, more drought, more famine, more disease, more mass migration, and more human suffering.

And for Republicans who like to whine and moan about the deficit and the debt, climate change is what we are talking about when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the cost of climate disasters has cost the United States almost $3 trillion since 1980.

And, unless we have the courage to take on the greed, lies and irresponsibility of the fossil fuel industry, the worst is yet to come.

We have a fundamental choice to make. We can listen to the fossil fuel industry, the climate deniers and their representatives on Capitol Hill, and ignore the reality of climate change.

Or, we can listen to the scientists who have made it abundantly clear that we must act boldly and aggressively to prevent a climate catastrophe, to prevent what is happening in Los Angeles today from becoming an everyday occurrence.

In my view, we have spent far too long and wasted too much time discussing whether or not climate change is real. This debate was not driven by science but by a decades-long campaign of lies, distortion and deceit funded by the fossil fuel industry.

And to do that, we need to send a message to people across this country — in so-called “red states,” “blue states,” and “purple states” — that a changing climate impacts us all.

Bottom line: we must bring the global community together to act aggressively to protect humankind. Nothing less than the habitability of our planet for future generations is at stake.

In solidarity,

Bernie Sanders

From the NY Times 1/11/25

Heat waves. Drought. Fires. Superstorms. Floods. Mudslides. These are the growing threats of a rapidly warming world, and scientists say nowhere is entirely protected from the effects of climate change.

“We think sometimes that if we live in a city, we’re not vulnerable to natural forces,” Dr. Schmidt said. “But we are, and it comes as a huge shock to people. There’s no get out of climate change free card."

With temperatures rising around the globe and the oceans unusually warm, scientists are warning that the world has entered a dangerous new era of chaotic floods, storms and fires made worse by human-caused climate change.

The firestorms ravaging the country’s second-largest city are just the latest spasm of extreme weather that is growing more furious as well as more unpredictable. Wildfires are highly unusual in Southern California in January, which is supposed to be the rainy season. The same is true for cyclones in Appalachia, where Hurricanes Helene and Milton shocked the country when they tore through mountain communities in October.

Wildfires are burning hotter and moving faster. Storms are getting bigger and carrying more moisture. And soaring temperatures worldwide are leading to heat waves and drought, which can be devastating on their own and leave communities vulnerable to dangers like mudslides when heavy rains return.

Peter Klamus, a climate scientist, just said this:

The thing, again, you know, I think everyone needs to understand, and I wish The New York Times would have let me make this point, that this is going to get worse. I can see that today just as clearly as I could see how hotter and drier and more fiery Los Angeles was getting. I mean, I think, in the future, if we don’t change course very quickly — and maybe it’s even too late to avoid some of these much more catastrophic impacts, but I am fully expecting heat waves to start appearing where 100,000 people die, and then maybe a million people die, and then maybe more after that, as things get hotter and hotter, because there’s no — there’s no upper limit, right? Like, we keep burning these fossil fuels. The fossil fuel industry keeps lying. The planet just keeps getting hotter. These impacts just keep getting worse.

The year 2024 is set to be the warmest on record, capping a decade of unprecedented heat fuelled by human activities, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Greenhouse gas levels continue to grow to record observed highs, locking in even more heat for the future.

“Today I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat. The top ten hottest years on record have happened in the last ten years, including 2024,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his New Year message.

“This is climate breakdown — in real time. We must exit this road to ruin — and we have no time to lose. In 2025, countries must put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future,” he said.

WMO will publish the consolidated global temperature figure for 2024 in January and its full State of the Global Climate 2024 report in March 2025. 

“In my first year as WMO Secretary-General, I have issued repeated Red Alerts about the state of the climate,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “WMO marks its 75th anniversary in 2025 and our message will be that if we want a safer planet, we must act now. It’s our responsibility. It’s a common responsibility, a global responsibility,” she said.

“Every fraction of a degree of warming matters, and increases climate extremes, impacts and risks. Temperatures are only part of the picture. Climate change plays out before our eyes on an almost daily basis in the form of increased occurrence and impact of extreme weather events,” she said.

Ecuador is losing their ability to keep their lights on because they depend on hydroelectric power, and, as the planet heats up and their rivers go dry, that power is going away. Their people can't read at night, their businesses are failing, and their schools are shutting down due to lack of energy.

Homeowners' insurance companies are losing money due to climate events. They are leaving several states, and raising rates in others. Here is a quote from the NY Times:

"As climate shocks get worse, insurance companies are increasingly dropping homeowners facing risks of hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters. Now, the results of a congressional investigation, shared exclusively with The New York Times, have made it possible to see where insurance policy nonrenewals are happening — creating a new map of the climate crisis."

100 Things We Can Do to Overcome Climate Biases

The Climate Human

Comments from a recent NY Times article. SHARE WITH OTHERS!!

We humans are collectively too short sighted to comprehend the destructive long term climate effects we will see within the next few decades.
Our hunter-gatherer based DNA continues to determine our inadequate response to events occurring at some distance. So, unless our own community (tribe), experiences some catastrophic climate event directly, we go on with our comfort seeking routines for as long as we can.
Sadly, the more thoughtful responses suggested by scientists, have not been heard sufficiently in the past,  and we will suffer the consequences.  
Not too late to postpone the worst effects of climate change for a while longer, if we make a major effort worldwide, But, I am afraid that is the best scenario. Long term, we are far too late to make a difference.
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I think we may actually be approaching a major turning point in political history where countries and governments as "world powers" will be replaced by corporations. Corporations are already richer than many countries and extremely influential even in the richer ones. We see this in the inaction on climate change, which is coming from pressure from oil companies and the industries that rely on them for cheap/dirty energy production. World governments are faced with a choice between sucking up to these corporations or facing economic ruin. Regardless of the progress we made in the past several centuries, we're heading back to feudalism, just in a new form.
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Contrary to the more popular topics like immigration, abortion, or the economy, climate change is by far the most critical issue facing both our country and the world at large. And yet this discussion has been practically omitted by our presidential candidates.  I have lost all hope of a reduction in total emissions.  In the words of Linus on Peanuts, “We’re doomed.”
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I absolutely agree but not with the "doomed" part, which serves no purpose.  The NYT, for example, doesn't have a single columnist who considers climate change the top priority (or even top 5? 10?).  I keep hearing the progressives care about climate change but I have seen absolutely no evidence of that; their priorities are elsewhere.  There is plenty of blame to go around.  The Biden administration did a lot in terms of legislation, but was just terrible in communicating its accomplishment or what more needs to be done.  We need to have better education from early age.  Demand/organize nationally televised discussion about climate change to depoliticize the issue.  Organize protests (I see them every time I visit Canada).  There is so much that can be done.
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Our politicians dither while the world burns. Either we change dramatically or face the end of everything we know.
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If we elect Trump, climate scientist Michael Mann has said it'll be "game over for the climate."

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The needed action:  All nations establish hardline plans to reduce fossil fuel use by 1-2% a year with alternate sources replacing the energy needs.  Energy is the world economy.  When entire economies of various countries are dependent on not implementing such changes, the underlying theme of this article is obvious.  Huge sacrifices seem to be programmed out of our DNA.
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The issue in the climate crisis is not so much how to address increasing demand for electricity with renewable energy sources as it is how to decrease that demand.

In other words, it is not a technological but a societal and political issue.

Our economic system worldwide is premised on perpetual growth, which requires a constant push for consumption, the creation of more needs and, when those needs are met, the need for more and bigger things, more travel on a whim, more indulgence for our increasing laziness.

Of course, many people have stopped subscribing to this insanity but which politician would have the courage to suggest that, as a society, we must change our way of life? Public transportation rather than cars; Reduce our carbon footprint; Refrain from compulsive shopping; Less work and less greed... This would be—Horror!—Communism, which of course is inconceivable.

So instead, the real debate is conveniently replaced by a search for technological fixes that will allow us to keep living the same way, even as it makes us miserable. We know what electric vehicles really mean: more driving, more electricity, more mining, etc. And this is just one example of how we are fooling ourselves on a finite planet.

As Jason Hickel correctly points out in his seminal book "Less is More", capitalism is the problem.
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The last time CO2 levels were above 400ppm was millions of years ago. Human agriculture began when concentrations were around 200ppm and that level was fairly constant until the 1950's. The current concentrations are 423ppm and steadily increasing by the day.

The world we live in now has a climate system that humanity has never experienced. The planet is now hotter than it has ever been since the beginning of homo sapiens. All of our history and civilizations happened in a different climate than the one we have now.  

Global heating will destroy our food supply in our lifetimes. Agriculture is based on stable weather patterns that are now destabilized beyond recognition. I guess it's a form of hubris to believe that we can adapt to a brave new overheated world, but it is really just madness masquerading as serious discussions about moving money around while the planet burns.

Maybe it's a mercy for humanity to no longer exist. We set fire to our home and now the unwinding will destroy everything we take for granted. The gift of life wasn't enough for us, we wanted to make all things ours, and now the consequences will take away everything we care about.
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It seems we are like the frog is slowly boiling pot of water. Getting hotter and hotter until its too late do anything about it. Even for those that say its just "weather", why not cut CO2 as an insurance policy in case man made climate change is real? The price of not getting this right is disaster for everyone.
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Want a livable planet? VOTE like it.
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What sort of species destroys their own habitat? What sort if species destroys each other? What sort of species shows disregard for every other species? Would you say that species deserves to survive? What is wrong with us? Why can't we EVOLVE?
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Plenty of money and resources for war and war toys, but saving the planet?  Not worth it apparently.
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Humans, as a species, simply do not have the mental capacity or willpower to look beyond their next meal.  We're doomed as a result of this, we don't seem care if we save ourselves, and certainly don't care if we doom the next few generations to hell on Earth before the inevitable extinction.  Or, as a large segment of our population has done, simply denying what is becoming more and more obvious - that the changing climate is eventually going starve and or cook us and drown us repeatedly until our technology no longer can protect us from what we've done to ourselves.
Some think God will protect us, but It gave us dominion over this planet, which implies that we have stewardship of it, as well, and we failed to allow it to thrive. We had our chance, and unless there is a dramatic change in our worldview, which probably won't happen, we're goners.
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It seems like the most successful nations have taken the capitalist or consumerist idea to the point of vast destructiveness. Not vaguely in the future, but already. The verdict from the earth is that the ideology of endless growth and consumption simply can’t continue (shouldn’t have continued this far!). The ideology kneels at the feet of human propensity to desire, to want more, of even the most preposterous things, none of which pay off as advertised. We have to consume less. Much less. But we seem mostly unwilling to consider such things. A murder/suicide pact with the earth. We’ve needed wise leadership for a century and preferred none.
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As long as there's no politics pressure, nothing will change. Politicians have no incentive to reach a goal 6 years from now. That's a problem for others, in the future. I don't think climate is even in the top 5 most important topics of the upcoming elections, and for most older people like myself, I doubt it's even in the top 10. It's certainly not a very important topic in the media. Somehow, the issue climate seems to always stay behind. That will change, but it will probably be too late.
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The GOP supports both accelerating and intensifying climate catastrophe.
We may well be only a few decades away from the collapse of the AMOC current. This would also mean the collapse of the world's agricultural system and world order as we know it.
It's beyond sad that so many fail to grasp the scope and immediacy of the problem we are facing
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1.5 degrees C is already in the rear-view mirror, if average temperature readings from the last 13 months are correct.  It really does not matter when the official word comes down that the limit has been exceeded.  The readings are there for all to see.
And this article makes it clear that 2.0 degrees C will almost certainly be exceeded much sooner than predictions made even five years suggested.
All the feedback loops mentioned by an earlier commentator will accelerate heating at an ever increasing rate.  It is quite likely that these feedback loops will have an amplification effect greater even that increasing carbon emissions, which are also occurring.
And meanwhile, AI is allowed to use more and more power, with very little to show for it.  And what about the vast waste of electricity represented by cryptocurrency?  Neo-capitalism is utterly unable to address what is an existential crisis for humanity and yet we seem utterly unable to confront it and create the alternatives that are needed.
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Because of the decades to millennial long lag between a climate forcing and our feeling the full effect, due to the thermal inertia of the ocean and response time of the ice sheets, the effects we are feeling now are largely just the beginning of the result of emissions from the 20th century. And emissions have been increasing steadily for decades.
We are also seeing numerous amplifying feedbacks: loss of albedo (heat reflectivity) from ice melt, permafrost melt, methane release and massive wildfires; the Earth is starting to wrest any possible further human control of the climate away.
We're about out of time on this, if not already, and leaders are still acting as if this is not a planetary emergency.
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Pray for your children and grandchildren.They're going to need it.

Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have risen again in 2023 – reaching record levels, according to new research from the Global Carbon Project science team.

Key messages

The annual Global Carbon Budget projects fossil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 36.8 billion tonnes in 2023, up 1.1% from 2022.

Fossil CO2 emissions are falling in some regions, including Europe and the USA, but rising overall – and the scientists say global action to cut fossil fuels is not happening fast enough to prevent dangerous climate change.

Emissions from land-use change (such as deforestation) are projected to decrease slightly but are still too high to be offset by current levels of reforestation and afforestation (new forests).

The report projects that total global CO2 emissions (fossil + land use change) will be 40.9 billion tonnes in 2023.

This is about the same as 2022 levels, and part of a 10-year “plateau” – far from the steep reduction in emissions that is urgently needed to meet global climate targets.

The research team included the University of Exeter, the University of East Anglia (UEA), CICERO Center for International Climate Research, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich and 90 other institutions around the world.

“The impacts of climate change are evident all around us, but action to reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels remains painfully slow,” said Professor Pierre Friedlingstein, of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute, who led the study.

“It now looks inevitable we will overshoot the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement, and leaders meeting at COP28 will have to agree rapid cuts in fossil fuel emissions even to keep the 2°C target alive.”

How long until we cross 1.5°C of global warming? This study also estimates the remaining carbon budget before the 1.5°C target is breached consistently over multiple years, not just for a single year. At the current emissions level, the Global Carbon Budget team estimates a 50% chance global warming will exceed 1.5°C consistently in about seven years. This estimate is subject to large uncertainties, primarily due to the uncertainty on the additional warming coming from non-CO2 agents, especially for the 1.5°C targets which is getting close to the current warming level. However, it’s clear that the remaining carbon budget – and therefore the time left to meet the 1.5°C target and avoid the worse impacts of climate change – is running out fast.

Professor Corinne Le Quéré, Royal Society Research Professor at UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences said: “The latest CO2 data shows that current efforts are not profound or widespread enough to put global emissions on a downward trajectory towards Net Zero, but some trends in emissions are beginning to budge, showing climate policies can be effective.

“Global emissions at today’s level are rapidly increasing the CO2 concentration in our atmosphere, causing additional climate change and increasingly serious and growing impacts.”

“All countries need to decarbonise their economies faster than they are at present to avoid the worse impacts of climate change.”

Other key findings from the 2023 Global Carbon Budget include:

– Regional trends vary dramatically. Emissions in 2023 are projected to increase in India (8.2%) and China (4.0%), and decline in the EU (-7.4%), the USA (-3.0%) and the rest of the world (-0.4%).

– Global emissions from coal (1.1%), oil (1.5%) and gas (0.5%) are all projected to increase.

– Atmospheric CO2 levels are projected to average 419.3 parts per million in 2023, 51% above pre-industrial levels.

– About half of all CO2 emitted continues to be absorbed by land and ocean “sinks”, with the rest remaining in the atmosphere where it causes climate change.

– Global CO2 emissions from fires in 2023 have been larger than the average (based on satellite records since 2003) due to an extreme wildfire season in Canada, where emissions were six to eight times higher than average.

– Current levels of technology-based Carbon Dioxide Removal (ie excluding nature-based means such as reforestation) amount to about 0.01 million tonnes CO2, more than a million times smaller than current fossil CO2 emissions.

The Global Carbon Budget report, produced by an international team of more than 120 scientists, provides an annual, peer-reviewed update, building on established methodologies in a fully transparent manner. The 2023 edition (the 18th annual report) will be published in the journal Earth System Science Data.

American Concern about Global Warming

From the NY Times

Lessons from a burning forest

By Manuela Andreoni

As a reporter, I’ve experienced the aftermath of several disasters, including dam bursts, landslides and floods. But nothing quite prepared me to witness the extent of the destruction in Canada’s boreal forests that I saw in June, one year after the record-breaking wildfires of 2023.

At one point, my colleague Bryan Denton and I drove for an entire hour and saw almost no living trees in the forests we could see from the road. Much of the landscape was covered with blackened stumps of trees that burned last year. Residents told us the burned trees revealed hills, rivers and towns that they had never seen before.

I’ll be open with you: It was alarming.

We were there reporting how parts of North America’s boreal forests are failing to regrow because of the more frequent, bigger wildfires that have become a hallmark of our changing climate. One of the strongest pieces of evidence of this shift is the gradual decline of the black spruce, a humble species that has dominated these landscapes for thousands of years.

In short, my article shows how the dwindling number of black spruce trees is deeply transforming this vast ecosystem, which is one of the planet’s biggest storage systems for planet-warming carbon dioxide. What’s troubling is that black spruce evolved to exist with fire — just not fire that happens this often.

Losing any part of the black spruce forests will make the global struggle to keep temperatures below catastrophic levels harder, and it may mean our climate models are too optimistic.

But I also want to share what researchers and local Indigenous leaders told me: There is a lot we can do to adapt, particularly borrowing from traditional fire-management practices. These won’t save the immense boreal forests from global warming, but they could help communities adapt.

Radical New Thinking for the Human

The demands of climate change require a new state of BEING for the human, which we might call enlightenment, or devotion to the All, and a new state of BEING for humanity, which we might call global community. For the human, the decision is to lose one's life for the benefit of the whole. What Harry Rathbun called the fundamental religious decision. For humanity, the functionality would be international collaboration for the greater good.

For both, the creative, unitive new myth would be that we are one. That I am one. That All is One.

A great book title could be: "Solving the Climate Crisis is Not Enough" 

Or "Beyond Global Warming" 

Or, "Beyond Climate Change"

The idea is that, if we CAN end the meltdown of earth, then there MUST be a new species generated in the molten lava, pressure and danger posed by the climate crisis, with the tectonic plates pushing us up and emerging a radical new being, and a radically new society.

If we fix the climate and don't fix ourselves, we're still eventually doomed.

We Can Do This!

The Latest Temperature Charts are Not Good!

Latest Changes in Climate News

Cool Planet News Update

Climate Change and Astronomy

When Stars and Smoke Collide: The Impact of Climate Change on Astronomy

The clear, predictable night skies that have long been a canvas for astronomers to trace the cosmos are becoming increasingly clouded—not just by light pollution, but by the repercussions of climate change. This alarming trend poses profound challenges for the field of astronomy, from ground-based observatories engulfed by wildfires to atmospheric disturbances that obscure celestial observations.

The Growing Risk of Wildfires

One of the most direct and devastating impacts of climate change on astronomy has been the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires. These natural disasters have razed some of the world's most prestigious observatories to the ground and posed serious risks to many others.

- **Historic Observatories Lost to Flames**: In recent years, several pivotal observatories have fallen victim to wildfires. For example, the famed observatory in Australia, a leading center for astronomical research and public outreach, was severely damaged by the bushfires that rampaged across the continent.

- **Threats to World-Class Facilities**: In California, observatories like the Mount Wilson Observatory have faced close calls with wildfires encroaching upon their thresholds. These fires, fueled by drier conditions and hotter temperatures, are a stark reminder of climate change’s grip on the planet.

Climate Change and Atmospheric Turbulence

Beyond the immediate threats posed by fires, climate change is also exacerbating atmospheric conditions that interfere with the clarity and precision of astronomical observations.

- **Increased Atmospheric Turbulence**: Rising temperatures are contributing to greater atmospheric instability. This turbulence scatters incoming starlight, which can distort astronomical data and make it harder to capture clear images of celestial bodies.

- **More Frequent Dust and Smoke Haze**: With more extensive and severe wildfires comes increased smoke and airborne particulates. This haze can persist in the atmosphere long after the fires have been extinguished, spreading globally and significantly diminishing sky clarity.

Astronomers as Climate Activists

The direct impact of climate change on their field of work has mobilized many astronomers and astrophysicists to become outspoken advocates for global climate action. Their unique perspective on the planet as a tiny, fragile component in the vast universe provides a compelling narrative for the necessity of environmental stewardship.

- **From Observers to Advocates**: Many in the astronomical community have transitioned from passive observers of the universe to active participants in the fight against climate change. Their efforts include public outreach, policy advocacy, and integrating sustainability into their research and operations.

- **Astrophysics and Sustainability**: Some astronomers are leveraging their skills and tools to directly study Earth's changing climate, contributing valuable data to the body of climate science and helping to model potential future scenarios.

- **International Collaboration for Climate Action**: The global nature of both astronomy and climate change has encouraged international cooperation among scientists. Initiatives and coalitions have been formed to share data, strategies, and innovations, further amplifying their voice in the climate activism arena.

The Way Forward

The intersection of astronomy and climate change highlights the urgent need for cross-disciplinary approaches to solve the pressing issues facing our planet. While the challenges are significant, the determination and cooperation of the scientific community provide a beacon of hope.

- **Adopting Renewable Energy**: Observatories and research institutions are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources to power their operations, setting an example in reducing carbon footprints.

- **Enhancing Remote and Space-based Technologies**: To circumvent some of the challenges posed by compromised terrestrial observation conditions, there is a push toward more advanced remote sensing satellites and space-based observatories.

- **Educating and Engaging the Public**: Astronomers are uniquely positioned to raise public awareness about the scale and scope of climate change. By drawing parallels between the fragility of our planet and the vastness of the universe, they can foster a greater appreciation for Earth’s uniqueness and the critical importance of protecting it.

Conclusion

The repercussions of climate change on astronomy underscore a poignant truth: no field of study, no corner of civilization, is immune from its reach. However, the astronomy community's rise as fervent advocates for climate action exemplifies the proactive stance we must all adopt. Our planet does not exist in isolation but as part of a larger cosmic ballet, dependent on each of us taking responsibility for its future. The stargazers turning their sights back on Earth remind us that the time to act is now, under the shared sky that unites us all.

LATEST NEWS REPORT

In the fight against climate change, significant developments are currently shaping the environmental landscape. Various nations, organisations, and individuals are stepping up the efforts, employing innovative strategies and making landmark decisions to address the global menace.

One of the most promising breakthroughs comes in the form of advanced carbon capture technologies. An environmental startup, CarbonSolve, recently announced a pioneering tech advancement that they claim can significant reduce the carbon footprint. The company has developed a device that not only captures CO2 directly from the atmosphere, but also converts it into useful products such as get-gasoline fuel and building materials.

In the political realm, several nations have ratified notable changes to their environmental policies, following the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). The Indian government, for instance, has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, marking a major shift in the strategy for the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

Meanwhile, China, the world’s largest carbon emitter, has recently set in motion plans to peak its carbon emission before 2030 and attain carbon neutrality by 2060. The country is devising a multipronged approach that incorporates green energy, carbon capture, and strict regulations on carbon-intensive industries into its strategy.

Another development includes private investment in green energy. Increasingly, major corporations and investment funds are funnelling capital into renewable energy projects. Tech giant Google, for instance, completed a deal to purchase a 1.6-gigawatt package of agreements that include thousands of solar panels and wind turbines across the world. This move displays a newfound recognition of the financial as well as environmental viability of renewable energy sources.

In scientific research, a new breakthrough by MIT scientists has been reported. They have developed a method to produce 'solar' jet fuel, using water and carbon dioxide powered by sunlight. If this technology commercializes, it could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of air travel.

Grassroot initiatives are also gathering momentum. An increasing number of communities are taking steps towards sustainability, whether through tree-planting initiatives, local clean-up efforts, or campaigns to ban plastic bags.

Despite these encouraging advancements, experts warn that substantially more action will be required to limit global warming to the target of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. This will necessitate further innovation, investment, and international cooperation in the coming years.

While the fight against climate change remains an uphill battle, the latest developments provide a glimmer of hope and demonstrate that the tide may be slowly turning towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Welcome to Cool Planet News!

We are thrilled to introduce you to our brand new Internet newsletter, Cool Planet News. As the name suggests, this newsletter is about sharing groundbreaking news, information, and insights related to our precious planet. Cool Planet News aims to highlight the latest trends, discoveries, and climate change initiatives that promote a sustainable and eco-friendly environment.

Our purpose is to create awareness and inspire action to protect and preserve our Earth. We firmly believe that each individual has the power to make a positive impact on the world, and through Cool Planet News, we aspire to provide you with the knowledge and resources to do so.

Cool Planet News is a natural extension of our commitment to www.oneearthonechance.com, a website dedicated to promoting environmental consciousness, sustainable living, and social responsibility. By launching this newsletter, we aim to reach a wider audience, fostering a community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for protecting our planet.

Over the coming months, Cool Planet News will cover a diverse range of topics to keep you informed and engaged. Here are ten future topics that you can expect to find in our newsletter:

1. "Renewable Energy Innovations: Powering a Greener Future"
2. "Exploring Sustainable Fashion: Reducing the Environmental Footprint of Clothing"
3. "The Rise of Plant-Based Diets: Health Benefits and Environmental Impact"
4. "Circular Economy: Redefining Waste and Promoting Resource Conservation"
5. "Conserving Biodiversity: Efforts and Success Stories from Around the Globe"
6. "Green Architecture: Designing Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Buildings"
7. "Zero Waste Lifestyle: Simple Steps to Minimize Waste in Our Daily Lives"
8. "The Importance of Environmental Education: Creating Future Stewards of the Earth"
9. "Urban Gardening: Growing Green Spaces in Concrete Jungles"
10. "Environmental Justice: Addressing Inequities in the Pursuit of a Sustainable World"

These topics represent just a small fraction of what Cool Planet News has in store for you. We will continue to explore various angles of sustainable living, environmental activism, and the latest advancements in green technology.

We value your readership and feedback, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any ideas, suggestions, or questions. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a cooler, cleaner, and brighter future for our beautiful planet. Use the form on this page to send feedback or suggestions for future articles.

Thank You!

Sincerely,
The Cool Planet News Team

Article #1: Renewable Energy Innovations: Powering a Greener Future

In today's newsletter, we are diving into the exciting world of renewable energy innovations and how they are shaping a greener future. As the global demand for clean and sustainable energy continues to grow, researchers and inventors are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, revolutionizing the way we power our world. Let's take a closer look at some specific initiatives and news in this dynamic field.

One impressive project we cannot ignore is the Kite Power System (KPS) developed by a UK-based company called Kite Power Solutions. This technology harnesses wind power by using large kites tethered to a ground-based generator. These kites, flying thousands of feet in the sky, move in a figure-eight pattern, creating tension on the tether that generates electricity. Kite power systems have the potential to be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional wind turbines, as they can access stronger and more consistent winds at higher altitudes.

Another promising development in renewable energy is solar power, particularly in the realm of innovative solar panels. Traditional solar panels are flat and rigid, limiting their applications. However, a company called Sunflare has designed flexible, lightweight solar panels that can adhere to almost any surface. These panels are not only more versatile but also more efficient, allowing for greater energy production even with limited sunlight. This breakthrough opens up a world of possibilities for integrating solar power into everyday objects, such as windows, roofs, and even clothing.

Moving away from traditional energy sources, bioenergy is gaining traction as a viable renewable alternative. Researchers at the University of Manchester have successfully developed a low-cost method to produce biofuel from beer and whiskey waste. By incorporating bacteria into the fermentation process, they convert the organic by-products of brewing and distilling into clean, sustainable fuel. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also provides a sustainable solution to our dependence on fossil fuels.

In the realm of transportation, electric vehicles (EVs) continue to rise in popularity, triggering a surge in research and development for longer-lasting and more efficient batteries. Tesla, a leader in the EV industry, recently unveiled a groundbreaking battery called the "4680." This battery cell is larger, allowing for increased energy storage and faster charging. With advancements like this, the driving range of EVs is steadily increasing, making them more accessible and reliable for everyday use.

Closer to home, local governments and communities around the world are taking bold steps towards a greener future. One inspiring example comes from the city of Copenhagen, Denmark. They have set a target to become carbon-neutral by 2025. Through a combination of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient buildings, and a strong commitment to sustainable transportation, Copenhagen is proving that the vision of a carbon-neutral city is not only realistic but attainable.

In conclusion, renewable energy innovations are not just confined to the realm of theory or futuristic concepts. They are tangible, real-world solutions that are shaping our future for the better. From kite power systems and flexible solar panels to bioenergy breakthroughs and advanced EV batteries, these initiatives have the potential to drive us towards a greener and more sustainable world.

We hope this newsletter has inspired you to explore and support renewable energy innovations. Stay tuned for more exciting topics in our upcoming newsletters as we continue to keep you informed and engaged on the latest trends and developments in sustainable living and environmental consciousness.

Remember, together we have the power to create a greener future!

Sincerely,
The Cool Planet News Team

One Earth One Chance
www.oneearthonechance.com