#annual greenhouse gas indeed

[whats-in-a-sentence]

This index along with the carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide equivalent concentrations is shown in Fig. 8.12. For 2015, the AGGI d 1.37, meaning that there has been a 37% increase in RF since 1990.

"Environmental Chemistry: A Global Perspective", 4e - Gary W. VanLoon & Stephen J. Duffy

[reasonsforhope]

"As countries around the world begin to either propose or enforce zero-deforestation regulations, companies are coming under growing pressure to prove that their products are free of deforestation. But this is often a far from straightforward process.

Take palm oil, for instance. Its journey from plantations, most likely in Indonesia or Malaysia, to store shelves in the form of shampoo, cookies or a plethora of other goods, is a long and convoluted one. In fact, the cooking oil or cosmetics we use might contain palm oil processed in several different mills, which in turn may have bought the raw palm fruit from several of the many thousands of plantations. For companies that use palm oil in their products, tracing and tracking its origins through these obscure supply chains is a tough task. Often it requires going all the way back to the plot level and checking for deforestation. However, these plots are scattered over vast areas across potentially millions of locations, with data being in various states of digitization and completeness...

Palmoil.io, a web-based monitoring platform that Bottrill launched, is attempting to help palm oil companies get around this hurdle. Its PlotCheck tool allows companies to upload plot boundaries and check for deforestation without any of the data being stored in their system. In the absence of an extensive global map of oil palm plots, the tool was developed to enable companies to prove compliance with regulations without having to publicly disclose detailed data on their plots. PlotCheck now spans 13 countries including Indonesia and Malaysia, and aims to include more in the coming months.

Palm oil production is a major driver of deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia, although deforestation rates linked to it have declined in recent years. While efforts to trace illegally sourced palm oil have ramped up in recent years, tracing it back to the source continues to be a challenge owing to the complex supply chains involved.

Recent regulatory proposals have, however, made it imperative for companies to find a way to prove that their products are free of deforestation. Last June, the European Union passed legislation that prohibits companies from sourcing products, including palm oil, from land deforested after 2020. A similar law putting the onus on businesses to prove that their commodities weren’t produced on deforested land is also under discussion in the U.K. In the U.S., the U.S. Forest Bill aims to work toward a similar goal, while states like New York are also discussing legislation to discourage products produced on deforested land from being circulated in the markets there...

PlotCheck, which is now in its beta testing phase, allows users to input the plot data in the form of a shape file. Companies can get this data from palm oil producers. The plot data is then checked and analyzed with the aid of publicly available deforestation data, such as RADD (Radar for Detecting Deforestation) alerts that are based on data from the Sentinel-1 satellite network and from NASA’s Landsat satellites. The tool also uses data available on annual tree cover loss and greenhouse gas emission from plantations.

Following the analysis, the tool displays an interactive online map that indicates where deforestation has occurred within the plot boundaries. It also shows details on historical deforestation in the plot as well as data on nearby mills. If deforestation is detected, users have the option of requesting the team to cross-check the data and determine if it was indeed caused by oil palm cultivation, and not logging for artisanal mining or growing other crops. “You could then follow up with your supplier and say there is a potential red flag,” Bottrill said.

As he waits to receive feedback from users, Bottrill said he’s trying to determine how to better integrate PlotCheck into the workflow of companies that might use the tool. “How can we take this information, verify it quickly and turn it into a due diligence statement?” he said. “The output is going to be a statement, which companies can submit to authorities to prove that their shipment is deforestation-free.” ...

Will PlotCheck work seamlessly? That’s something Bottrill said he’s cautiously optimistic about. He said he’s aware of the potential challenges with regard to data security and privacy. However, he said, given how zero-deforestation legislation like that in the EU are unprecedented in their scope, companies will need to sit up and take action to monitor deforestation linked to their products.

“My perspective is we should use the great information produced by universities, research institutes, watchdog groups and other entities. Plus, open-source code allows us to do things quickly and pretty inexpensively,” he said. “So I am positive that it can be done.”"

-via Mongabay, January 26, 2024

--

Note: I know it's not "stop having palm oil plantations." (A plan I'm in support of...monocrop plantations are always bad, and if palm oil production continues, it would be much better to produce it using sustainable agroforestry techniques.)

However, this is seriously a potentially huge step/tool. Since the EU's deforestation regulations passed, along with other whole-supply-chain regulations, people have been really worried about how the heck we're going to enforce them. This is the sort of tool we need/need the industry to have to have a chance of genuinely making those regulations actually work. Which, if it does work, it could be huge.

It's also a great model for how to build supply chain monitoring for other supply chain regulations, like the EU's recent ban on companies destroying unsold clothes.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

As much of the world heads into the fall harvest season and agriculture once again enters international policy conversations, humanitarian groups are calling for fundamental changes to the global food system—not only to feed the world’s hungry but also to enlist more farmers in solving the climate crisis.

At the United Nations annual climate conference, being held this November in Azerbaijan, a working “hub” organized by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and conference leaders will focus on agriculture and food systems. Agriculture will also get the spotlight at an upcoming UN conference on desertification and at Climate Week in New York, during the UN General Assembly next month.  

This intensified attention on food systems, which generate between one quarter and one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, adds to momentum building for the past couple of years as advocacy and policy groups have moved agriculture toward the forefront of climate policy discussions. In 2022 and 2023 at the UN’s annual climate conferences, referred to as COPs for conference of the parties, food systems and agriculture got increasingly higher billing.

“Food and agriculture is, indeed, a big part of the agenda again, heading into COP29. I think what we’ve seen in the past few years is a major change in that agriculture and food systems and food security are no longer confined to one small part of the conversation,” said Kaveh Zahedi, director of the office of climate change, biodiversity and environment at FAO. “It took about 20 COPs for food to be even mentioned at a COP. It was invisible.”

The attention, hunger and food advocacy groups say, can’t come soon enough: As agriculture’s role in the climate crisis has become more prominent, so have the inequities in the global food system, prompting more urgent calls for a major agricultural overhaul. 

Within 25 years, the world’s farmers will have to produce 50 percent more food than they do now, and already one in 11 people on the planet doesn’t have enough to eat. As climate change continues to fuel more disruptive weather events, from drought to floods, the UN estimates that 1.8 billion more people could be pushed into hunger by mid-century.

For the past three years, the number of hungry people around the world has stayed at frustratingly high levels, foiling aid and humanitarian groups that celebrated a decline in hunger through the previous decade. In its annual flagship report on global hunger published in July, FAO and the other major UN food agencies said that roughly 773 million people on the planet are facing acute hunger.

[mariacallous]

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) does not mince its words when describing the disastrous effect that humans are having on the planet. “It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land,” reads its latest report.

From heat waves and wildfires to downpours and flooding, 2023 has given us a taste of the impacts we can expect over the coming decades and centuries. In short, it’s not good news. Without very significant reductions in greenhouse gases—beginning immediately—it is very likely that global surface temperatures will exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold set in the 2015 Paris climate agreement.

Even if we do curtail emissions, sea levels will almost certainly continue to rise throughout this century and may continue to rise for centuries or millennia beyond that. Extreme weather events have become more frequent since 1950 and will become more frequent and more severe as global temperatures increase.

The message could not be clearer: We need to do everything we can to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions right now. Unless we take major action to stop emissions, we’re facing an Earth that is hotter, plagued by more extreme weather, and less hospitable than the already-warmed planet we have today. Here’s everything you need to know about where we are with the climate crisis.

1. There’s more carbon dioxide in our atmosphere than at any time in human history

The Mauna Loa observatory in Hawaii has been tracking Earth’s atmospheric concentration of CO2 since the late 1950s. In 2022, the global average concentration it recorded was 417.06 parts per million (ppm). Preindustrial levels were 278 ppm, which means that humans are halfway to doubling the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere compared to the period between 1750 and 1800.

CO2 concentrations fluctuate with the seasons, while the speed at which they increase yearly is affected by human behavior. For example, the rising concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere slowed during the early stages of the pandemic when emissions fell, but then rose steeply in 2021 as the world reopened. The annual rise in emissions and atmospheric concentration of CO2 has since slowed down again. The global average CO2 concentration for 2023 is predicted to be 419.2 ppm. The last time Earth’s atmosphere contained this much CO2 was more than 3 million years ago, when sea levels were several meters higher and trees grew at the south pole.

2. We’re accelerating down the path to exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming

In 2015, the nations behind the Paris Agreement set an ambitious target for keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. The latest IPCC report spells out just how difficult it will be for the world to stay under that limit unless we drastically slash emissions now. The report models five different future emission scenarios—from very high emissions to very low emissions—and in each scenario global surfaces are expected to hit at least 1.5 degrees.

Of the emissions scenarios modeled, only the very low emission scenario estimates that the world would see less than 1.5 degrees of warming by the end of the 21st century. In that scenario, temperatures are likely to overshoot 1.5 degrees of warming between 2041 and 2060 before returning back down to 1.4 degrees of warming by the end of the century. This scenario would require the world to dramatically reduce its emissions with almost immediate effect.

But the point at which the world first steps over the 1.5 degree threshold could be much sooner. According to the World Meteorological Association, there’s a 66 percent chance that the annual average temperature will overshoot 1.5 degrees of warming for at least one year between 2023 and 2027. Indeed, the 1.5 degree limit has already been breached for shorter periods of weeks and months—in 2015, 2016, 2020, and 2023. July 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded, with temperatures breaking records on four consecutive days.

Based on current emissions and policies, the world is likely to experience 2.7 degrees Celsius of warming by 2100.

3. Our remaining carbon budget is tiny

At its core, climate change is really simple to grasp. The more carbon dioxide—and other warming gases—that we put into the atmosphere, the higher global temperatures will rise. Between 1850 and 2021, humans released around 2,500 gigatonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere (1 gigatonne equals 1 billion metric tons). So far, these emissions have led to 1.1 degrees Celsius of warming when compared to preindustrial levels.

To have a 50-50 chance of staying under 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, we can release only 250 extra gigatonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere—and that includes emissions from the beginning of 2023. To put that in perspective, in 2022 we emitted 36.8 gigatonnes of CO2, and global annual emissions are still yet to peak. In other words, we’ve blown our 1.5 degree budget—it’s just a matter of when, not if, we pass the threshold.

By the same logic, other temperature thresholds have budgets, too. To have a 50-50 chance of keeping temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius of warming, we must emit fewer than 1,350 gigatonnes of CO2 from 2020 onwards. As of mid-2023, roughly only 1,000 gigatonnes of that budget remains.

4. Extreme heat events have become more frequent and severe

You only need to think of recent devastating wildfires in Canada and Hawaii, the scorching temperatures in the southwestern United States, or the evacuation of tourists from Greece to see that climate change is leading to more frequent and more severe hot weather events.

The kind of extreme heat event that had a likelihood of happening once every 10 years between 1850 and 1900 is now likely to occur 2.8 times every 10 years. In a world that hits 1.5 degrees of warming, such events are likely to occur 4.1 times every 10 years. The same is true of once-in-every-50-years events. They’re now likely to occur 4.8 times in 50 years, and in a world that exceeds 1.5 degrees of warming, 8.6 times every 50 years.

Heavy rain is also more common because of climate change. The kind of heavy one-day rain that 150 years ago would have only happened once every 10 years is now happening 1.3 times every 10 years. In a world warmed by 1.5 degrees Celsius, that will go up to 1.5 times. And as frequency increases, so does severity—we can expect these extreme weather events to be hotter and wetter than those that went before them.

5. Humans have already caused 1.1 degrees Celsius of warming

The latest IPCC report estimates that global surface temperatures are now 1.1 degrees Celsius warmer than they were between 1850 and 1900. Global surface temperatures have risen faster since 1970 than in any 50-year period over the past 2,000 years, and this has been particularly pronounced in recent years.

From 2023 to 2027, the annual average temperature is predicted to range between 1.1 and 1.8 degrees Celsius higher than the 1850–1900 average. There is a 98 percent estimated likelihood that one of the years in this period will surpass 2016 as the hottest year on record.

Global weather systems will be a factor in this. 2023 saw the beginning of an El Niño period, when sea temperatures get warmer in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean with the effect of raising temperatures worldwide and increasing the risk of extreme weather. But just in case there was any doubt, the IPCC’s latest report makes it clear that the principal drivers of rising global temperatures are human-released greenhouse gases.

6. Two-thirds of extreme weather events in the past 20 years were influenced by humans

The number of floods and instances of heavy rain have quadrupled since 1980 and doubled since 2004. Extreme temperatures, droughts, and wildfires have also more than doubled in the past 40 years. While no extreme weather event ever comes down to a single cause, climate scientists are increasingly exploring the human fingerprints on floods, heat waves, droughts, and storms.

Carbon Brief, a UK-based website covering climate science, has gathered data from 400 studies on “extreme event attribution” and has found that 71 percent of all extreme weather events studied in the past 20 years were made more likely or more severe by human-caused climate change—including 93 percent of extreme heat events.

7. Sea levels are rising faster today than ever before

Melting ice sheets and glaciers and warming oceans lead to higher sea levels. Since 1900, sea levels have risen faster than in any preceding century in at least the past 3,000 years, and this is set to continue for a very long time.

The process is also speeding up. Over the past 140 years, sea levels have risen worldwide by 21 to 24 centimeters. But roughly 10 centimeters of that rise has taken place since 1992.

Because oceans take a long time to warm, a lot of sea level rise is already baked in. If warming is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius, then the global mean sea level will rise between 2 and 3 meters over the next 2,000 years. If warming is limited to 2 degrees Celsius, global mean sea level will rise to between 2 and 6 meters above current levels.

8. Arctic sea ice is rapidly diminishing

Temperatures in the Arctic are rising faster than almost anywhere else on the planet. Between 2011 and 2020, annual Arctic sea ice reached its lowest level since at least 1850, and late summer Arctic sea ice was smaller than at any time in at least the past 1,000 years. As of 2022, Arctic sea ice cover is decreasing at a rate of 12.6 percent per decade, compared to its average extent during the period from 1981 to 2010.

Under all the future emissions scenarios in the latest IPCC report, the minimum amount of Arctic sea ice will fall below 1 million square kilometers at least once before 2050—making the area practically free of sea ice altogether.

9. The world is getting hungrier and thirstier

For the first time in decades, world hunger is increasing—and climate change is a big driver of this. Extreme weather events from droughts to heat waves affect crop yields and their nutritional value, and some crops will become unviable in certain areas. Under heat stress, animals will become less productive and more liable to pests and disease, which might become more frequent and spread.

Across Africa, where many countries struggle with food insecurity, agricultural productivity has decreased 34 percent because of climate change. By 2050, the risk of hunger and malnutrition could rise by 20 percent worldwide because of the effects of climate change.

Crops, animals, ecosystems, and humans also depend on water—and already the UN estimates that roughly half the world’s population experiences water scarcity for part of the year. Over the past 20 years, climate change has intensified this shortage by lowering the water stored on land.

Water quality is also worsened by climate change, which accelerates urban migration, making water sources more polluted. It also causes flooding, droughts, and higher water temperatures, which can increase the amounts of sediments, pathogens, and pesticides in water.

10. Average wildlife populations have dropped by 60 percent in just over 40 years

The average size of vertebrate populations (mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, and reptiles) declined by 69 percent between 1970 and 2018, according to the biennial Living Planet Report published by the Zoological Society of London and the WWF. That doesn't mean total animal populations have declined by 69 percent, however, as the report compares the relative decline of different animal populations. Imagine a population of 10 rhinos where nine of them died—a 90 percent population drop. Add that to a population of 1,000 sparrows where 100 of them died—a 10 percent decrease. The average population decrease across these two groups would be 50 percent even though the loss of individuals would be just 10.08 percent. And between 1 and 2.5 percent of animal species have already gone extinct.

Whatever way you stack the numbers, climate change is a factor. An international panel of scientists backed by the UN argues that climate change is playing an increasing role in driving species to extinction. It is thought to be the third biggest driver of biodiversity loss after changes in land and sea use and overexploitation of resources. Even under a 2 degrees Celsius warming scenario, 5 percent of animal and plant species will be at risk of extinction. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to extreme warming events; their cover could be reduced to just 1 percent of current levels at 2 degrees Celsius of warming.

[dustedmagazine]

Various Artists — Stop MVP: Artists from WV, VA and NC Against the Mountain Valley Pipeline (War Hen)

The Mountain Valley Pipeline, if it’s ever finished, will stretch over more than 300 miles in rural Wester Virginia and Virginia, crossing environmentally sensitive parts of the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains carrying dangerous, polluting loads of fracked gas. The League of Conservation Votes estimates that the pipeline will generate more than 89 million metric tons of greenhouse gas pollution annually, about as much as 24 average U.S. coal plans or 19 million passenger cars. Building it will require razing forests that have been sequestering carbon for centuries.

It’s a climate catastrophe, and because it runs through an area that is rich in musical history and culture, it has become a focus for artists and activists, including Daniel Bachman, who organized this 40-track compilation in protest of the pipeline. All proceeds from STOP MVP will go to the Appalachian Legal Defense Fund to support protesters resisting the pipeline’s construction.

That is, of course, one compelling reason to buy this set of music, but it is very far from the only one. The music here is exceptionally diverse and almost uniformly excellent. If you look at the cover and envision a steady stream of earnest folk songs, punctuated by some fingerpicking, think again. Certainly that’s represented on these two discs, but so is noise and rock and punk and hip hop and even, at the end, a stirring piece of gospel that will steel you for the cause.

There’s so much music here that it’s hard to get a grip on it all, but let’s hit some highlights. Magic Tuber String Band’s haunted, haunting rendition of “Undone in Sorrow” is both staunchly traditional and absolutely modern in its lament for a natural world gone haywire. Isak Howell, similarly, finds something potent and bracing in minor key picking. Solar Hex straddles baroque classical cello and folk lament, and there are indeed four crows cawing in the background to “Stone Wall with Four Crows.” My favorite discovery in this lengthy, skewed-folk all-star line-up comes from Høly Riot’s “Spirit Riot,” which kicks up a feeling-the-lord-speaking-in-tongues ruckus with its driving, droning ecstasies.

Some of the cuts are literally about the MVP pipeline, like Joshua Vana and Bernadette “BJ” Lark’s full-throated, heart-swelling “To the River,” while others reference the area’s long history of industrial subjugation. “The Dolly Womack Wreck” retells the story of an old-time train wreck, where the engineer was flayed alive by steam from a broken boiler. “The Coal Tattoo,” sung by Bachman’s father, is about his father’s death in a mine explosion. The hip hop/electronic “John Brown” by Appalachian rapper Prolo chronicles generations of poverty and racism in the region.

A lot of well known folk and indie artists have chipped in. There are tracks from Sally Anne Morgan, Ned Oldham, Nathan Bowles, Rosali Middleton (as Edsel Axle). Yasmin Williams and Bachman himself. But the real tribute to Bachman’s taste, restless song-hunting and open-minded-ness comes from the bands you might not be familiar with, the eerie soundscapes of Tallulah Cloos, the beefy country rock of Tucker Riggleman and the Cheap Dates, the unhinged noise of Dog Scream. The mountains and valleys threatened by MVP are rich in plant and animal diversity, but also musical breadth, and this compilation brings them all together for a worthy cause.

Jennifer Kelly

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Guy Parsons :: @ParsonsGuy

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

[There is a discussion of rape in paragraph 12.]

Three big stories today. First of all, the Democrats are taking a victory lap on the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a law that has transformed the U.S. economy and for which not a single Republican voted. 

The IRA was the eventual form President Joe Biden’s initial “Build Back Better” plans took. It offered to lower Americans’ energy costs with a 30% tax credit for energy-efficient windows, heat pumps, or newer models of appliances; capped the cost of drugs at $2,000 per year for people on Medicare; and made healthcare premiums fall for certain Americans by expanding the Affordable Care Act. 

By raising taxes on the very wealthy and on corporations and bringing the Internal Revenue Service back up to full strength so that it can crack down on tax cheating, as well as saving the government money by permitting it to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, the IRA was expected to raise $738 billion. That, plus about $891 billion from other sources, enabled the law to make the largest investment ever in addressing climate change while still bringing down the federal government’s annual deficit.

“This is a BFD,” former President Barack Obama tweeted a year ago.

“Thanks, Obama,” Biden responded.

The law has driven significant investment in U.S. manufacturing. Indeed, the chief executive officer of U.S. Steel recently said the law should be renamed the “Manufacturing Renaissance Act,” as manufacturers return previously offshored production to the U.S. That same shift has brought supply chains back to the U.S. These changes have meant new, well-paid manufacturing jobs that have been concentrated in Republican-dominated states and in historically disadvantaged communities. 

Scientists Alicia Zhao and Haewon McJeon, who recently published an article in Science, today wrote that the IRA “brings the US significantly closer to meeting its 2030 climate target [of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to 50–52% below 2005 levels], taking expected emissions from 25–31% below 2005 levels down to 33–40% below.”

While Republican presidential candidates took shots at the IRA today—former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley called it “a communist manifesto”—Democrats have pointed out that Republicans have been eager to take credit for IRA investments in their districts without mentioning either that they voted against the IRA or that they are still trying to repeal it.

If the Democrats are taking a victory lap for passing this transformative law a year ago, the second big story today showed the effort to steal the 2020 presidential election was fully formed earlier than had been established previously. That story came from MSNBC’s Ari Melber, who revealed a video taken by Danish filmmaker Christoffer Guldbrandsen of Trump ally Roger Stone plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election on November 5, 2020, two days before the election was called for President Biden. 

In the video, Stone dictated to an associate a statement saying that “any legislative body may decide on the basis of overwhelming evidence of fraud to send electors to the Electoral College who accurately reflect the president’s legitimate victory in their state, which was illegally denied him through fraud. We must be prepared to lobby our Republican legislatures…by personal contact and by demonstrating the overwhelming will of the people in their state—in each state—that this may need to happen,” he said. 

This video, recorded while the election was not yet decided, recalls the statement of Trump ally Steve Bannon, who told a group of associates on October 31, 2020—before the election—that Trump simply planned to declare he had won, claiming that the expected wave in favor of Biden was fraudulent. “What Trump’s gonna do is just declare victory. Right? He’s gonna declare victory. But that doesn’t mean he’s a winner,” Bannon said. “He’s just gonna say he’s a winner.”

The third big story of today shows how Trump Republicans think about women. It hits hard in the wake of this week’s story in Time magazine of the 13-year-old Mississippi girl who just gave birth after being raped by a stranger in her yard. She was unable to obtain an abortion because of Mississippi’s abortion ban. She is scheduled soon to start seventh grade.

Yesterday, far away from the home of that Mississippi girl, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit handed down a decision about the use of the abortion drug mifepristone in the case of Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Last year, as soon as the Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision recognizing the constitutional right to abortion, antiabortion doctors tried to get mifepristone taken off the market by arguing that the FDA should never have approved it when it did so in 2000. The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine was incorporated just after last June’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision overturned Roe v. Wade.

In April 2023, Trump appointee and longtime abortion opponent Texas judge Matthew Kacsmaryk issued a preliminary ruling invalidating that approval. The federal appeals court yesterday said the drug should be legal, but significantly limited its use by saying it could not be sent through the mail or prescribed without an in-person visit to a doctor, cutting midwives and other healthcare providers out of the process. 

Judge James Ho, who was sworn into office by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in his billionaire benefactor Harlan Crow’s library in 2018 (Texas Republican senator Ted Cruz was also there), wrote his own opinion in the case in order to expand on what he sees as “the historical pedigree of Plaintiffs’ conscience injury, and to explore how Plaintiffs suffer aesthetic injury as well.” 

Antiabortion doctors suffer a moral injury when they are forced to help patients who have complications from the use of mifepristone, Ho wrote, because they are forced to participate in an abortion against their principles. 

Those doctors also experience an aesthetic injury when patients choose abortion because, as one said, “When my patients have chemical abortions, I lose the opportunity…to care for the woman and child through pregnancy and bring about a successful delivery of new life.” Indeed, Ho wrote, “It’s well established that, if a plaintiff has ‘concrete plans’ to visit an animal’s habitat and view that animal, that plaintiff suffers aesthetic injury when an agency has approved a project that threatens the animal.”

In cases where the government “approved some action—such as developing land or using pesticides—that threatens to destroy…animal or plant life that plaintiffs wish to enjoy,” that injury “is redressable by a court order holding unlawful and setting aside the agency approval. And so too here. The FDA has approved the use of a drug that threatens to destroy the unborn children in whom Plaintiffs [that is, the antiabortion doctors] have an interest.” 

“Unborn babies are a source of profound joy for those who view them,” Ho wrote. “Expectant parents eagerly share ultrasound photos with loved ones. Friends and family cheer at the sight of an unborn child. Doctors delight in working with their unborn patients—and experience an aesthetic injury when they are aborted.” 

The decision will be on hold until the appeals process is completed.

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[global-research-report]

Fuel Cell Market Dynamics: Key Drivers, Technological Advancements, and Growth Outlook

The global fuel cell market was valued at USD 7.35 billion in 2023 and is projected to experience substantial growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.1% from 2024 to 2030. Several factors are driving this rapid expansion, with the increasing demand for unconventional energy sources being one of the primary contributors. As the world shifts away from traditional fossil fuels, there is growing interest in clean, sustainable energy alternatives such as hydrogen fuel cells, which offer a viable solution for both stationary and mobile power generation. This demand is further amplified by the recognition that fuel cells can provide a cleaner, more efficient means of energy production, making them an attractive option for industries and governments seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

Another significant factor propelling the market's growth is the rise in private-public partnerships aimed at advancing fuel cell technologies. These collaborations are essential for accelerating the commercialization and adoption of fuel cell systems, especially as governments around the world focus on reducing carbon emissions and supporting clean energy solutions. Fuel cells offer a promising pathway to meet these goals by delivering power with minimal environmental impact. The ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from the transportation and industrial sectors, are creating increased demand for fuel cell technology, both in terms of innovation and widespread adoption.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific:

The Asia Pacific region held a dominant revenue share of more than 65% in 2023 and is expected to experience the fastest growth in the global fuel cell market over the forecast period. The region's rapid expansion is driven by a combination of government policies, strategic initiatives, and the increasing demand for clean energy solutions, particularly in transportation applications. Countries like China, India, South Korea, and Japan have implemented various strategies to encourage the adoption of fuel cell technologies, making Asia Pacific the primary hub for fuel cell development and deployment.

Japan remains the largest and most advanced market for fuel cells in Asia, and indeed globally. The country’s focus on hydrogen as a sustainable energy solution is central to its energy strategy, as it seeks to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels—approximately 96% of Japan’s energy is imported. Japan was the first country to commercialize residential fuel cell systems in 2009, and since then, the country has continued to lead the way in developing and deploying fuel cell technology. The significant demand for combined heat and power (CHP) systems—which utilize fuel cells for both electricity and heat generation—has further fueled the market’s growth. Government incentives and regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions and advancing clean energy technology have played a crucial role in fostering this development.

Following Japan, South Korea is another key player in the Asia Pacific fuel cell market. The country has adopted aggressive strategies to integrate hydrogen fuel cells into various sectors, including transportation and residential energy solutions. South Korea is also investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure, aiming to become a global leader in hydrogen technology.

As the market for fuel cells expands in Japan and South Korea, other countries in the region, such as China and India, are seeing growing interest in adopting fuel cell technologies, particularly in the transportation sector. The push for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and other clean energy solutions is supported by both public and private sector investments, with China leading the way in terms of government-backed hydrogen fuel cell vehicle production and India emerging as a potential market for fuel cells in both transportation and industrial applications.

Japan:

Japan's fuel cell market has experienced rapid development and remains a global leader in fuel cell technology adoption. The country has been at the forefront of using fuel cells for a variety of applications, ranging from residential power generation to transportation and industrial energy solutions. Japan’s commitment to hydrogen energy is rooted in its energy strategy, as it seeks to reduce reliance on imported energy sources and decrease its carbon footprint. In 2009, Japan became the first country to commercialize residential fuel cell systems, under the ENE-FARM program, which offers subsidies for households to adopt fuel cells for generating electricity and heat.

Japan’s government continues to provide robust support for fuel cell technologies, recognizing hydrogen as a sustainable and clean energy option. This support includes policies aimed at accelerating the deployment of fuel cell systems across multiple sectors, including residential, commercial, and transportation. The demand for combined heat and power (CHP) systems in Japan has been particularly strong, as these systems provide both electricity and heating, making them highly efficient and cost-effective for homes and businesses. The country's focus on hydrogen infrastructure and fuel cell vehicle (FCV) development further underscores its commitment to becoming a global leader in hydrogen-based technologies.

India:

The fuel cell market in India is in its early stages but is rapidly gaining momentum, driven by growing concerns about environmental sustainability and the country's push to reduce carbon emissions. India’s government has introduced a range of policies and incentives aimed at promoting the adoption of clean energy technologies, including fuel cells. These initiatives include subsidies, research grants, and favorable tariff structures to encourage investment in fuel cell development and deployment. The Indian government is particularly focused on advancing fuel cell technologies for transportation and industrial applications, where fuel cells can provide cleaner alternatives to conventional energy sources.

Although the fuel cell market in India is still in its nascent stages, the country holds significant potential due to its growing population, expanding urbanization, and increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions. As India's industrial and transportation sectors continue to evolve, there is likely to be an increasing demand for fuel cell systems, particularly in high-pollution areas and for applications that require high efficiency and low emissions. India's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, coupled with its growing interest in hydrogen energy, positions the country as an emerging market for fuel cell technology.

The success of fuel cell technology in Japan is largely attributed to a highly effective collaboration between research institutes, industries, end users, and the government. This multi-stakeholder approach has created a conducive environment for the growth and adoption of fuel cells, making Japan one of the global leaders in this technology. One of the key drivers of fuel cell adoption in the country has been government programs such as ENE-FARM, which has played a pivotal role in promoting the use of residential fuel cells. The ENE-FARM initiative offers substantial subsidies to end users, reducing the initial financial barrier for households and businesses to adopt fuel cell systems. This incentive has been instrumental in increasing the penetration of fuel cells in residential and commercial settings.

In North America, the fuel cell market captured a significant share in 2023, driven by the region’s supportive legislation and commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Countries like the United States and Canada have implemented robust environmental policies that incentivize the adoption of clean energy solutions, including fuel cells. These policies often take the form of carbon reduction targets, subsidies, tax incentives, and grants for companies and consumers investing in fuel cell technology. Such regulations have created a favorable environment for businesses to invest in cleaner energy alternatives and for consumers to adopt more sustainable solutions.

Browse through Grand View Research's Category Power Generation & Storage Industry Research Reports.

The global automotive lead acid battery market size was estimated at USD 21.32 billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2024 to 2030.

The global grid-scale battery storage market size was estimated at USD 10.70 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 27.0% from 2025 to 2030.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Leading companies in the fuel cell market are actively employing both organic and inorganic growth strategies to enhance and expand their market presence. These strategies include new product development, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and joint ventures, all of which are designed to strengthen their competitive position in the rapidly growing fuel cell industry.

Honda and General Motors Collaboration (November 2023) In November 2023, Honda, in collaboration with General Motors, unveiled a prototype of their next-generation hydrogen fuel cell system at the European Hydrogen Week in Brussels. This partnership is part of the companies’ broader strategy to expand their fuel cell technology portfolio. By leveraging their combined expertise, Honda and General Motors aim to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen-powered solutions across various sectors, including automotive and industrial applications. This joint effort is indicative of both companies’ commitment to leading the transition to cleaner energy solutions, with a specific focus on hydrogen fuel cells as a key component of sustainable transportation.

General Motors and Komatsu (December 2023) In December 2023, General Motors and Komatsu, a major Japanese construction machinery maker, announced a partnership to develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu's 930E electric-drive mining truck. This collaboration signifies the growing adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in industries beyond automotive, such as heavy machinery and mining. By integrating hydrogen fuel cells into large-scale equipment, such as mining trucks, the companies aim to reduce carbon emissions and provide more efficient and sustainable solutions for industries with heavy energy demands. The use of hydrogen fuel cells in such applications is expected to significantly reduce reliance on diesel-powered equipment and contribute to decarbonization in the mining sector.

Key Fuel Cell Companies:

Ballard Power Systems

Bloom Energy

Ceres Power Holdings PLC

Doosan Fuel Cell America, Inc.

FuelCell Energy, Inc

Hydrogenics Corporation

Nedstack Fuel Cell Technology B.V.

Nuvera Fuel Cells LLC

Plug Power, Inc.

SFC Energy AG

Order a free sample PDF of the Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

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Roof Solar: Harnessing the Power of Rooftop Solar Energy for a Sustainable Future

Issues of climate change and energy shortages today place a premium on sustainable solutions within governments, businesses, and households. Roof solar energy systems are indeed one of the most impactful ways through which these challenges can be addressed. Not only do they provide an environmentally friendly source of energy, the long-term cost-saving opportunities that both commercial and residential users have at hand is indeed a remarkable advantage.

In this article, we’ll break down how rooftop solar energy works, its significant benefits, and why it should be part of the global movement toward a sustainable future. We’ll follow the PAS (Problem-Agitate-Solution) copywriting framework to build this narrative.

Problem: The rising energy prices and environmental degradation

There is now a great global energy crisis among the most pressing issues of our times. When the costs are increasing so much, more conventional energy such as coal, oil, and gas becomes very expensive and is also at the mercy of market price fluctuations. This makes electricity bills sky-rocket in businesses and homeowners. But the International Energy Agency says that energy prices in most of the world are now more than 30% higher than they were a decade ago and look set to rise yet higher still as fossil fuel reserves shrink.

In India, for example, electricity tariffs have become substantially high. From 2010 to 2020, the tariffs for electricity consumption by industries increase by around 8-10% annually. This has been enormously inconvenient for most industries, putting them into heavy competition to seek alternative sources of more reliable and cheaper forms of energy.

Environmental Impact

The over-reliance on fossil fuels also causes extreme harm to the environment. Carbon emissions from energy sources have proven to contribute to global warming, inconsistent weather patterns, melting ice caps in polar regions, and increased sea levels. The United Nations reports that carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere due to energy use covers 75% of the planet's greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the World Health Organization, 9 in every 10 people around the world breath polluted air, while the WHO standards are exceeded. Fossil fuel-based electricity-generating power plants are amongst the largest contributors to global pollution. Emissions from fossil fuel extraction, processing, and burning greatly affect air quality in cities that hold heavy industrial activities and, directly affect public health through respiratory and other long-term health conditions. These are tough, physical problems with which business people and individuals have to deal each day. More expensive energy and irreversible damage to our planet require immediate answers. The question is: how can a shift toward an affordable, sustainable, and clean energy system be supported?

Agitate: Compound Effects of Ignoring the Problem

Monetary Cost for Households and Enterprises. Ignoring this kind of rising cost of energy impacts not only the electricity bill but the overall financial condition of the household and business. In the case of households, more expensive rates for energy translate directly into less disposable income for other kinds of necessity. This is even a bigger issue in developing countries, where the incomes are relatively small but the needs for energy are tremendous.

Businesses are highly vulnerable to energy price variations. A case study developed by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry in 2019 reports that electricity price increases have led to a fall of up to 15-20% in profit levels for most Indian manufacturing firms. That leaves little scope to spend upon such initiatives since energy takes the lion's share of the companies' budget.

Environmental Effects From a purely environmental perspective, it is disastrous to maintain the scenario of dependence on fossil fuel. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that if carbon emissions continue at their current level, the Earth would witness a temperature rise of over 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030. That could raise the chance of more frequent instances of natural calamities-from droughts to floods-with agriculture and housing under threat and human survival overall under question.

Energy-intensive companies are also under regulatory pressure due to strict environmental law by governments. Wherever targets for carbon emissions reduction are not met, they face fines or penalties, or even reputational risks if the same becomes known to the regulators, and that too in geographies where consumer awareness of climate change is rising.

If the trend continues uninterrupted, businesses and households will soon be placed in positions ever-more clearly perilously strained financially and contributing to the ongoing destruction of the planet.

The Rise of Roof Solar: A Sustainable Alternative

So, how do we combat the dual challenge of rising energy costs and environmental degradation? The answer lies in solar energy, particularly roof solar solutions. Roof solar systems allow homeowners and businesses to generate their own electricity using the power of the sun. By tapping into this abundant and renewable energy source, users can reduce their dependency on traditional power grids, lowering energy costs and minimizing environmental impact.

Rooftop solar energy has gained popularity in recent years, with countries like India, China, the United States, and Germany leading the adoption race. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in India, the country has set an ambitious target of installing 100 GW of solar power by 2022. Much of this growth will come from rooftop solar systems.

A case study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay demonstrated that installing a 5 kW roof solar system on a typical residential building in Mumbai could offset nearly 60% of the household's electricity needs. Over a 25-year lifespan, this leads to savings of over INR 9 lakhs ($12,000) in electricity costs.

How Roof Solar Works

A roof solar system typically consists of solar panels, an inverter, and a storage system (like a battery). The panels are installed on the rooftop and capture sunlight, converting it into direct current (DC) electricity. The inverter then transforms this DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which can be used to power homes or businesses.

There are two main types of rooftop solar systems:

On-grid systems – These are connected to the public electricity grid, meaning that any excess electricity generated can be fed back into the grid, earning credits or payments through a process known as net metering.

Off-grid systems – These systems are not connected to the public grid and typically include battery storage to ensure that power is available even when the sun is not shining.

Financial Savings

One of the biggest advantages of installing a roof solar system is the long-term financial savings. While the initial installation cost can be substantial, solar energy systems typically pay for themselves within 5-7 years, depending on the system size and energy consumption.

In countries like India, the government offers subsidies and tax incentives for installing rooftop solar. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme provides up to 30% of the benchmark installation cost as a subsidy for residential and commercial users. This dramatically reduces the upfront cost, making solar energy more accessible.

A recent case study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) showcased a commercial business in Pune that installed a 100 kW rooftop solar system. Within 6 years, the business saved nearly INR 50 lakhs ($67,000) in electricity costs. Moreover, they reduced their carbon footprint by over 80 tons annually, highlighting how roof solar can provide both economic and environmental benefits.

Environmental Impact

Switching to roof solar energy has a profound impact on the environment. According to a report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), for every 1 kW of solar energy installed, approximately 1.4 tons of carbon dioxide are offset annually. This is equivalent to planting about 25 trees per year.

With India’s growing energy demand, adopting roof solar systems across urban and rural areas could lead to a significant reduction in the country's overall carbon emissions. A 2020 study by Greenpeace India revealed that if just 10% of Indian households installed rooftop solar systems, it could offset over 275 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Enhancing Grid Stability

In many parts of the world, especially in rural or remote areas, electricity supply can be unreliable, with frequent power cuts. Roof solar systems, especially when combined with energy storage solutions, can provide a stable and uninterrupted power supply. For businesses that rely on continuous operations, such as manufacturing units or IT firms, solar energy can help ensure productivity is not affected by grid failures.

One of the key advantages of roof solar systems is that they can reduce the overall load on national power grids. As more households and businesses generate their own electricity, demand on the public grid decreases. This allows for more stable energy distribution and helps avoid blackouts during periods of high demand.

Future of Roof Solar Energy

Rooftop solar systems are a vital component of the world's transition to sustainable energy. Put simply, they offer concrete answers to the ills of soaring energy prices, environmental degradation, and unpredictable power grids. households and businesses can get reliable energy supply at lower costs and create a healthier planet by tapping into the power of the sun.

Data-driven case studies show that solar power is not an ideal for tomorrow but a present solution. Government subsidies as well as increasing demand for clean energy are going to make roof solar be at the center in building a clean future.

Whether you’re looking to save on your energy bills

What are some common misconceptions about rooftop solar?

Several misconceptions surround rooftop solar energy that make it unattractive for consideration by people. Here is the clarifying of the most common ones:

Rooftop Solar is Too Costly Myth: Most people believe it is too expensive to install rooftop solar panels. Reality: The installation cost is indeed high upfront, but the long-term savings on electricity bills do normally outweigh the costs incurred. In addition, a host of incentives, tax credits, and financing options also make solar possible and affordable. For example, in the United States, there is a federal solar tax credit where homeowners can deduct a part of installation costs from their taxes.

2. Solar Panels Does Not Work In Cloudy Weather And Cold Countries

Myth: Solar panels don't work well in areas with less sunlight or higher temperatures. Reality: Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days and in cold climates. As the sun's radiation is based on light rather than heat, solar panels can function. Further, it is indeed proved that such panels are more efficient in cool temperatures. Too much heat can decrease efficiency.

3. Rooftop Solar Requires a Lot of Maintenance

Myth: Solar panels require constant maintenance and cleaning. Reality: Modern solar panels are low maintenance. They are supplied with no moving parts and withstand all kinds of weather. They may require a few good cleanings and an occasional inspection to keep them operating at peak levels.

4. Solar Panels Will Damage My Roof

Myths: It will damage the roofing structure when installing solar panels. Reality: Solar panels can protect and preserve the roof when installed by professionals. They protect the roof from elements, which may increase the lifespan of the roof. Additionally, most of these installations come with warranties that will cover any damage incurred.

Rooftop Solar is Only for Homeowners Misconception: Rooftop solar can only be used by a house owner. Reality: Even tenants or residents of an apartment complex can benefit from solar power through community solar programs. Many people sharing the benefits of one single installation can make solar accessible to people.

6. Solar Energy Storage is Inefficient and Expensive

Myth: Storage of solar energy to use during cloudy days is not feasible. Reality: Researches into battery technology have helped make energy storage more efficient and cheaper. There are batteries, such as the Tesla Powerwall, where unused daylight may be stored for later use during the night or under clouded skies.

Rooftop Solar is an Aesthetically Unpleasant Investment Misconception: Solar panels will make my house look ugly.

Reality: Latest thin-film solar panels come in smooth designs that can be incorporated with the roof. More importantly, building-integrated photovoltaics offer options for integrating solar cells into building materials without removing the aesthetic value of the property.

Solar Panels Have a Short Lifespan

Wrong belief: Solar panels should be replaced more often.

Reality: Most photovoltaic solar panels come with warranties that last for 20 to 25 years, but typically will last longer, if maintained. Their efficiency will decrease incrementally, but they will continue producing electricity for many years.

9. Rooftop Solar is Not Very Efficient Debunking :

Solar panels do not generate enough energy to be useful. Reality is that solar technology has advanced, and modern panels are highly efficient. Depending on the system size and location, rooftop solar can generate a significant portion of a household's energy, sometimes producing excess energy that can be sold back to the grid.

10. Sun Energy Is Not Reliable : The sun is too intermittent an energy source to be dependable for power.

Despite the fluctuation that comes with production in solar energy, combining it with energy storage solutions and integrated incorporation into the grid only promises power. Reliability and stability of solar systems have been proven in many regions where this application is highly embraced. By addressing these misconceptions, we can better understand the true potential and benefits of rooftop solar energy. It's a powerful step towards a sustainable and energy-independent future. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!

[hardynwa]

Why Nigeria must Channel Petroleum Subsidy Savings Towards Driving Green Growth and Sustainable Development in Nigeria

By Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke In a daring move, Nigeria's President, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, declared the immediate abolition of fuel subsidies during his Inaugural Address on May 29, 2023, stating quite simply that "subsidy is gone". In the coming months, President Tinubu would go on to announce that the money from subsidy payments will be transferred to fund public infrastructure, education, health care, and jobs, among other critical developmental requirements for the country. While the elimination of subsidies was praised as a key step in advancing Nigeria’s divestment from fossil fuels in the global climate change community, it remained unclear, indeed doubtful, whether this was the motivation for Nigeria's decision. There is no denying that the decision to establish the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI)—an initiative aimed at promoting the widespread adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles in Nigeria's transportation system—will have an impact on the country's greenhouse gas emissions and, as a result, will aid Nigeria's net zero and decarbonisation efforts. However, much more is required to make the fuel subsidy programme serve Nigeria’s climate goals.In thinking more holistically and systematically about how the elimination of petroleum import subsidies might assist in driving Nigeria's climate action and ultimately position the country for long-term growth in line with global trends, One start in the right path is to set aside a specific percentage of subsidy savings for a special ring-finance fund that can be used to fund investments and projects in climate adaption, renewables, and climate-smart innovation. This is the path to toe. It is therefore our recommendation that a minimum of 20% of the savings from the subsidy removal regime be dedicated especially to climate-related infrastructure and investments. The fund can be deposited in the Climate Change Fund, which was established by the Climate Change Act, and administered as grants, subventions, allocations for infrastructure projects, subsidies for renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture, and so on. Some of the money can also be used as catalytic funding to leverage bigger investments in renewable energy investment from international public and private sector sources. Going by projected savings, this will free up about N16bn annually for climate finance that can be used to drive sustainable development of Nigeria. Parties to the international climate agreement at COP28 in Dubai, which the president and numerous ministers attended, committed to collaborate to triple the world's installed renewable energy generation capacity to at least 11,000 GW by 2030. Despite Nigeria's significant solar potential, with daily irradiation equivalent to more than a million tonnes of oil, far exceeding its oil and gas outputs, solar accounts for only 0.2% of installed capacity, making its contribution to the country's energy mix almost insignificant. According to a study conducted by Boston Consulting Group and All On (a Shell-funded impact investment company), the off-grid solar market in Nigeria had a compound annual growth rate of 22% between 2018 and 2022, making it one of the fastest growing in Africa during the same period. However, uptake is still hampered by high upfront costs, with only 1.25% of Nigerian households installing the system. According to the same study, installing solar in 30% of Nigerian households by 2030 would save 5 million metric tonnes of CO2, cutting household emissions by 30%. A dedicated fund created from fossil fuel savings can be utilised to invest in the expansion of on-grid and off-grid solar in Nigeria, thereby helping to bridge the energy poverty gap. This becomes even urgent considering that Nigeria continues to have the world's biggest unelectrified population, with over 90 million of the country's 200 million people living off the grid. A recent Agora policy report finds that climate change is causing increased hunger, poverty, disease burden, migration, conflict, and insecurity in Nigeria. It is damaging infrastructure, altering Nigeria's coastlines, fuelling desertification, causing water scarcity, facilitating erosion, and resulting in revenue losses for states and the national government, with the cumulative total economic cost of climate change to Nigeria estimated to be up to USD100 billion by 2050. Climate change might reduce agricultural productivity by 10 to 25 percent by 2080. For some places in the country's north, rainfed agriculture yields could fall by up to 50%. Increased warming trends will also make root crop and vegetable storage difficult for farmers who do not have access to refrigerators, exacerbating the already high degree of postharvest loss. Climate change is therefore arguably the biggest economic development challenge facing Nigeria. President Tinubu will make a bold announcement by allocating 20% of the country’s subsidy savings to the Climate Change Fund, which can then be used to compel higher commitments from the international community. Such promises may take the shape of a strong demand for the debt-for-climate programme, additional money for adaptation, loss and damage, renewables, and a reform of the global finance infrastructure to reduce the risk of investment for potential green firms. Chukwumerije Okereke is Professor of Global Climate Governance and Public Policy at University of Bristol, UK and President, Society for Planet and Prosperity, SPP, Nigeria Read the full article

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10 Advantages Of Investing In Solar Technology For The Home

The global landscape is at a turning point. As environmental crises loom larger each day, conversations around sustainable energy solutions like Newcastle solar are not just gaining momentum in governmental and corporate boardrooms but also in homes across the globe. More homeowners than ever before are taking proactive steps towards reducing their carbon footprint. 

One such leap in this direction is the adoption of photovoltaic technology. If you're unfamiliar with the term, you might know it better as PV, a method to convert sunlight into electricity. This revolutionary system is proving to be more than just a passing trend.

If you're pondering about integrating renewable energy into your home, this list of the benefits of choosing photovoltaic technology.

Economical in the Long Run

Initial installation of PV panels indeed requires a sizable investment. However, the long-term perspective is a game-changer. The monthly and annual reductions on electricity bills will, over time, eclipse the initial outlay. With global energy prices perennially on an upward trajectory, locking in a fixed energy rate with PV tech can be a financial sanctuary against the vagaries of fluctuating energy prices.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

The ecological merits of PV technology are truly phenomenal. By directly sourcing energy from sunlight, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is considerable. This not only makes a significant dent in the fight against global warming but also fosters a cleaner, greener environment for future generations.

Low Maintenance Costs

Here's a delightful advantage - once your PV panels are up and running, they demand very little attention. Differing from other renewable sources, such as wind turbines with numerous moving components, PV systems thrive in their simplicity. This absence of moving parts translates to lesser wear and tear. With just basic maintenance and occasional cleaning, these installations promise to serve effectively for decades.

Energy Independence

Think of this as breaking free from the shackles of traditional energy grids. Excessive dependence on them means being vulnerable to the whims and caprices of energy providers. With a PV setup, homeowners establish a strong degree of energy autonomy, insulating themselves from unforeseeable market fluctuations.

Supports the Local Economy

Beyond the individual benefits, your investment in PV technology ripples positively through the local community. This sector creates jobs, from skilled installation roles to maintenance responsibilities, enriching the local economy.

Scalability and Flexibility

One of the beauties of PV technology lies in its modularity. You don't have to dive deep from the get-go. Starting with a few panels and gradually expanding as needs grow or finances allow is entirely feasible. This scalability ensures homeowners can take baby steps without feeling pressured into massive initial commitments.

Reliability

Nature, in all its unpredictability, offers some certainties. The sun's journey across the sky is one such constant. Thus, even if some days are cloudier than others, the overall reliability of sunlight as an energy source is unparalleled.

Increase in Property Value

Real estate and energy markets have taken notice of a budding trend. Homes equipped with PV technology consistently fetch higher market values. They also tend to be swiped off the market faster than their non-PV counterparts. Potential buyers appreciate the long-term financial and environmental savings that come embedded with such homes.

Technological Advancements

The world of technology is in a constant state of flux, with innovations mushrooming at an unprecedented pace. PV systems, too, are beneficiaries of this evolution. With time, we witness enhancements in efficiency, storage, and design, allowing homeowners to continually upgrade and benefit from the latest breakthroughs.

Integration with Smart Homes

The homes of the 21st century are on a relentless march towards automation. We are surrounded by intelligent systems controlling lighting, heating, security, and more. Photovoltaic technology nestles perfectly into this matrix, enabling homeowners to finetune energy consumption patterns, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimum waste.

The transition to photovoltaic technology is more than just an eco-friendly choice. It's a holistic approach to sustainable living, promising economic savings, environmental conservation, and technological progression. As we move forward into an era where our choices profoundly impact the world's ecological balance, investments in PV technology are clear steps towards a brighter, greener future.

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Is solar water heater worth it in India

Is solar water heater worth it in India

Solar water heaters are indeed worth it in India due to several factors. Is solar water heater worth it in India, yes solar water heater worth to buy, purchase Jupiter Solar, www.jupitersolars.in.Firstly, solar water heaters are a cost-effective and renewable resource for heating water in homes. They can help reduce annual energy costs compared to electric water heaters or geysers, resulting in long-term savings. By harnessing energy from the sun, solar water heaters provide a sustainable alternative that reduces dependence on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions.

One of the significant advantages of solar water heaters is their energy efficiency. They utilize the abundant sunlight available in India to heat water, making them an ideal choice for the country's climate. Solar water heaters are especially beneficial in areas with high solar radiation. While the upfront cost of installing a solar water heater may be higher than traditional water heaters, the long-term savings in energy bills can offset this initial investment.

Moreover, solar water heaters have a relatively low maintenance cost. They have fewer moving parts and typically require minimal servicing. Additionally, many solar water heater systems come with warranties, ensuring peace of mind for the users.

In terms of environmental impact, solar water heaters contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By using clean energy from the sun, they help combat climate change and promote sustainable living. This aspect aligns with India's goal of transitioning to a greener and more environmentally friendly energy sector.

Solar Water Heater

A solar water heater consists of solar panels, which absorb sunlight and convert it into heat energy, and a storage tank to store the heated water. By using renewable energy, solar water heaters offer an efficient and sustainable solution for meeting your hot water needs.

Cost-effective Solar Water Heater

Investing in a cost-effective solar water heater can lead to significant long-term savings on your energy bills. Solar water heaters utilize free solar energy, which reduces your reliance on electricity or gas. With proper installation and maintenance, a cost-effective solar water heater can provide hot water for your daily needs while minimizing your utility costs.

Environmental Benefits of Solar Water Heater

Choosing a solar water heater brings numerous environmental benefits. By using solar energy instead of traditional fossil fuels, you reduce carbon emissions and contribute to combating climate change. Solar water heaters also conserve precious natural resources and help create a greener and more sustainable future.

Solar Water Heater Working Mechanism

The working mechanism of a solar water heater involves capturing sunlight through solar panels, which contain thermal collectors. These collectors absorb the sun's energy and transfer it to a heat transfer fluid, typically water or a mixture of water and antifreeze. The heated fluid then circulates through a system of pipes, transferring the heat to the water stored in the tank. This process continues as long as there is sunlight, providing a continuous supply of hot water.

Government Incentives for Solar Water Heater

Governments around the world encourage the adoption of solar water heaters by offering various incentives. These incentives can include tax credits, rebates, grants, or subsidies that help reduce the upfront costs of purchasing and installing a solar water heater. Taking advantage of government incentives can make solar water heaters more affordable and financially attractive.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Solar Water Heater

Before buying a solar water heater, it is important to consider several factors. These include the available sunlight in your location, the size of the system needed to meet your hot water demands, the quality and durability of the components, the warranty and maintenance requirements, and the overall cost-effectiveness of the system. Assessing these factors ensures that you choose the right solar water heater that suits your specific needs.

Solar Water Heater for Household Use

A solar water heater is an excellent choice for meeting the hot water needs of households. It provides a reliable and sustainable source of hot water for activities such as bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry. By using a solar water heater, homeowners can reduce their energy bills, decrease their carbon footprint, and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Payback Period for Solar Water Heater

The payback period for a solar water heater refers to the time it takes to recover the initial investment through energy savings. The payback period varies depending on factors such as the cost of the system, the amount of hot water used, and the local energy prices. Generally, solar water heaters have a relatively short payback period, typically ranging from 3 to 7 years. After the payback period, the system continues to provide free hot water, resulting in long-term savings.

Solar Water Heater Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential for the efficient and reliable operation of a solar water heater. Regular maintenance tasks include inspecting the system for leaks, cleaning the solar panels to remove dust and debris, checking the pipes and connections, and ensuring the storage tank is properly insulated. Routine maintenance helps prolong the lifespan of the system and ensures optimal performance.

Using a Solar Water Heater During Monsoon in India

India experiences monsoon seasons with heavy rainfall in many regions. Despite the cloudy and rainy weather, solar water heaters can still be effective during the monsoon. While the overall performance may be reduced due to reduced sunlight, solar water heaters can still provide a significant amount of hot water. It is important to choose a system with good efficiency and properly maintain it to maximize its performance during the monsoon season.

Solar Water Heater Cost in India

The cost of a solar water heater in India depends on various factors, including the system size, type of collector, quality of materials, and installation requirements. Generally, the cost of solar water heaters in India ranges from affordable to moderately expensive, depending on the specifications and brand. It is important to consider the long-term savings and benefits when evaluating the cost of a solar water heater.

Benefits of Solar Water Heater

Solar water heaters offer several benefits. They provide hot water using renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. They help save on energy bills, have a long lifespan, require minimal maintenance, and contribute to a cleaner environment. Additionally, using solar water heaters may qualify for government incentives and contribute to the overall value of your property.

Solar Water Heater Installation Process in India

The installation process of a solar water heater in India involves several steps. These include site assessment to determine the best location for solar panels, sizing the system based on hot water demands, selecting the appropriate type of collector, installing the solar panels and storage tank, connecting the plumbing, and ensuring proper insulation. It is recommended to hire a professional installer to ensure a safe and efficient installation.

Types of Solar Water Heaters in India

In India, various types of solar water heaters are available to suit different requirements. These include flat plate collectors, evacuated tube collectors, and hybrid collectors. Flat plate collectors are commonly used and offer a cost-effective solution. Evacuated tube collectors are more efficient and suitable for colder climates. Hybrid collectors combine the advantages of both types. Choosing the right type depends on factors such as climate, budget, and hot water demand.

Best Brands of Solar Water Heaters in India

Several reputable brands offer high-quality solar water heaters in India. Some of the best brands known for their reliability, efficiency, and durability include Jupiter Solar, www.jupitersolars.in. It is advisable to research and compare the features, warranty, and customer reviews of different brands before making a purchase decision.

Solar Water Heater vs. Electric Geyser in India

When comparing solar water heaters to electric geysers in India, there are several factors to consider. Solar water heaters use renewable energy, resulting in lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact. Electric geysers, on the other hand, rely on electricity and can contribute to higher energy costs. Solar water heaters have higher upfront costs but offer long-term savings, while electric geysers have lower initial costs but higher operational expenses.

Solar Water Heater Subsidies 

The promotion, adoption of solar water heaters by offering various subsidies. These subsidies aim to make solar water heaters more affordable and accessible to a wider population. Subsidies can vary depending on the state and region, and they may include financial assistance, tax benefits, or reduced interest rates on loans for purchasing and installing solar water heaters.

Solar Water Heater Capacity Calculation in India

Calculating the capacity of a solar water heater in India involves considering factors such as the number of occupants, hot water consumption patterns, climatic conditions, and desired temperature rise. Generally, the capacity of a solar water heater is measured in liters per day (LPD) and ranges from 100 to 500 LPD or more, depending on the household's hot water requirements.

Solar Water Heater Lifespan in India

The lifespan of a solar water heater in India can vary depending on the quality of components, maintenance practices, and climatic conditions. On average, a well-maintained solar water heater can last for 15 to 20 years or more. Regular maintenance, including inspections, cleaning, and replacing worn-out parts, can help extend the lifespan of the system.

Solar Water Heater Efficiency in India

The efficiency of a solar water heater in India refers to its ability to convert solar energy into heat effectively. Efficiency is influenced by factors such as the design of the collector, the quality of insulation, and the temperature rise achieved. High-efficiency solar water heaters can reach efficiency levels of 70% or more, ensuring optimal utilization of solar energy for heating water.

Solar Water Heater for Apartments in India

Solar water heaters are suitable for apartment complexes in India. They can be installed on rooftops, balconies, or other available spaces. For apartments, a centralized system with multiple collectors and a shared storage tank may be installed to meet the hot water demands of multiple units. Proper planning, space utilization, and coordination with residents are crucial for successful implementation in apartment buildings.

Best Time to Install a Solar Water Heater in India

The best time to install a solar water heater in India is during the pre-monsoon or summer season. This period typically has higher solar radiation and longer daylight hours, optimizing the system's performance. Installing a solar water heater before the hot weather arrives ensures you can benefit from abundant sunlight and sufficient hot water throughout the year.

Solar Water Heater Maintenance Tips in India

To ensure the efficient and reliable operation of a solar water heater in India, it is important to follow these maintenance tips

Regularly inspect the system for leaks or damage. Check the fluid levels and circulation. Inspect and tighten all connections. Replace any worn-out or faulty components. Verify the insulation and weatherproofing of pipes and tanks. Schedule professional maintenance and servicing when required.

Choosing the Right Size Solar Water Heater for Indian Homes

Choosing the right size solar water heater for Indian homes involves considering factors such as the number of occupants, hot water consumption patterns, and climate. It is important to select a system with the appropriate storage capacity and solar collector size to ensure an adequate supply of hot water throughout the day. Consulting with a professional installer or a reputable manufacturer can help determine the right size for your specific needs.

Cost Comparison Solar Water Heater vs. Gas Geyser in India

When comparing the costs of solar water heaters and gas geysers in India, it is important to consider both upfront and operational expenses. Solar water heaters have higher initial costs but offer long-term savings through reduced energy bills. Gas geysers have lower upfront costs but require regular gas refills, resulting in higher operational expenses. Assessing your hot water requirements, budget, and long-term financial goals will help you make an informed decision.

Solar Water Heater for Swimming Pools in India

Solar water heaters can be used to heat swimming pools in India, providing an energy-efficient and eco-friendly solution. By installing a solar water heating system specifically designed for swimming pools, you can enjoy warm pool water throughout the year while reducing your reliance on conventional heating methods. Solar pool heaters use collectors to absorb sunlight and transfer heat to the pool water, extending the swimming season and minimizing energy costs.

Solar Water Heater Financing Options in India

In India, various financing options are available to support the installation of solar water heaters. These options may include loan programs, financial institutions offering favorable interest rates, or partnerships with solar equipment manufacturers providing flexible payment plans. Exploring these financing options can help make the upfront cost of a solar water heater more affordable.

Cleaning and Descaling a Solar Water Heater in India

Regular cleaning and descaling are important maintenance tasks for a solar water heater in India. Cleaning involves removing dirt, dust, and debris from the solar panels to maximize sunlight absorption. Descaling is necessary to remove mineral deposits that can accumulate inside the system, reducing its efficiency. Using appropriate cleaning agents and following manufacturer guidelines ensures proper maintenance and optimal performance.

Solar Water Heater Installation Requirements in High-rise Buildings

Installing a solar water heater in high-rise buildings requires careful planning and adherence to building regulations. Factors to consider include available rooftop space, structural considerations, plumbing connections, and coordination with other residents or management committees. Consulting with professionals experienced in high-rise installations and obtaining necessary approvals are essential for successful implementation.

Pros and Cons of Solar Water Heaters for Commercial Use in India

Solar water heaters offer several advantages and considerations for commercial use in India. Pros include reduced energy costs, lower carbon footprint, potential government incentives, and long-term financial savings. However, challenges may include higher upfront costs, space requirements, maintenance considerations, and system scalability for larger commercial operations. Conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis and consulting with experts can help businesses make informed decisions regarding solar water heaters.

[doorsblacksea]

Bringing the sea to the park – Earth Hour in Romania

Following the creation of the DOORS Ocean Literacy Network, we are now in the process of supporting and delivering a series of events and activities that aim to strengthen people's relationship with the Black Sea, whether you live in coastal communities or indeed, inland. We are delighted to share this Earth Hour event delivered by Mare Nostrum

Earth Hour is a symbolic global event that is held annually to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. On this day, people are encouraged to switch off all non-essential lights and electronic devices for one hour to save energy and overall reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Bringing the sea to the park

On Saturday, March 25th, 2023, Constanta turned off their lights for one hour to celebrate Earth Hour Day. It started at 20:30 local time and ended at 21:30 local time. The theme of this year event was “Bringing the sea to the park”, and the goal was to raise awareness marine biodiversity conservation. Why did we choose this theme for such an event? It is simple. We live near the sea, the sea is part of our everyday life, so it`s important to remember that every action we make, can have a positive or negative impact on marine biodiversity.

Image: Over 1000 people attended the event © Mare Nostrum.

Around 1000 people (teachers, students, and local community) came together in a powerful moment of unity to celebrate Black Sea and its biodiversity. We spent 60 minutes in the park, talking about the beauty of the sea and how lucky and blessed we are to live near the seaside.

Video: The candle light made for a very magical experience for the children. © Mare Nostrum

What happened at the event?

We turned off the lights symbolically and lit the alternative sources, which do not consume natural resources and do not produce carbon dioxide, i.e. candles. These lit candles took the form of marine life (dolphin, fish, turtle, etc.). The photo frames, created by hand and with reused and recycled objects, offered the participants an opportunity to immortalize the moment, but also to have a unique memory from the event.

Earth Hour is just a little step but is the step that can make the difference.

[blackwoolncrown]

For the past few days, a heatwave has glowered over the Pacific Northwest, forcing temperatures in the region to a record-breaking 118ºF. Few people in the region—neither Americans nor Canadians—have air-conditioning. Stores sold out of new AC units in hours as a panicked public sought a reasonable solution to the emergency. Unfortunately, air-conditioning is part of what’s causing the unusual heatwave in the first place.

We came close to destroying all life on Earth during the Cold War, with the threat of nuclear annihilation. But we may have come even closer during the cooling war, when the rising number of Americans with air conditioners—and a refrigerant industry that fought regulation—nearly obliterated the ozone layer. We avoided that environmental catastrophe, but the fundamental problem of air conditioning has never really been resolved.

Mechanical cooling appeared in the early 1900s not for comfort but for business. In manufacturing, the regulation of temperature—“process cooling”—controlled the quality of commodities like cotton, tobacco, and chewing gum. In 1903, Alfred Wolff installed the first cooling system for people at the New York Stock Exchange because comfortable traders yielded considerably higher stock returns. Only in the ’20s did “commercial cooling” appear. On Memorial Day weekend 1925, Willis Carrier debuted the first centrifugal air-conditioning system at the Rivoli Theater in Midtown Manhattan. Previously, theaters had shut down in the summer. With air-conditioning, the Rivoli became “the talk of Broadway” and inaugurated the summer blockbuster.

-another direct tie to capitalism. Everything born out of colonio-capitalism carries its toxic mark. Article totally not under the cut for those who can’t pay for Time. It honestly paints a really clear picture of the situation. Bolding mine.-

“It’s time we become more comfortable with discomfort. Our survival may depend on it.“

Before World War II, almost no one had air-conditioning at home. Besides being financially impractical and culturally odd, it was also dangerous. Chemical refrigerants like sulfur dioxide and methyl chloride filled most fridges and coolers, and leaks could kill a child, poison a hospital floor, even blow up a basement. Everything changed with the invention of Freon in 1928. Non-toxic and non-explosive, Freon was hailed as a “miracle.” It made the modernist skyscraper—with its sealed windows and heat-absorbing materials—possible. It made living in the desert possible. The small, winter resort of Phoenix, Arizona, became a year-round attraction. Architecture could now ignore the local climate. Anywhere could be 65ºF with 55% humidity. Cheap materials made boxy, suburban tract housing affordable to most Americans, but the sealed-up, stifling design of these homes required air-conditioning to keep the heat at bay. Quickly, air-conditioning transitioned from a luxury to a necessity. By 1980, more than half of all U.S. homes were air-conditioned. And despite millions of Black Americans fleeing the violence of Jim Crow, the South saw greater in-migration than out-migration for the first time—a direct result of AC. The American car was similarly transformed. In 1955, only 10 percent of American cars had air-conditioning. Thirty years later, it came standard.

The cooling boom also altered the way we work. Now, Americans could work anywhere at any hour of the day. Early ads for air-conditioning promised not health or comfort but productivity. The workday could proceed no matter the season or the climate. Even in the home, A/C brought comfort as a means to rest up before the next work day.

The use of air-conditioning was as symbolic as it was material. It conveyed class status. Who did and didn’t have air-conditioning often fell starkly along the color line, too, especially in the South. It conquered the weather and, with it, the need to sweat or squirm or lie down in the summer swelter. In that sense, air-conditioning allowed Americans to transcend their physical bodies, that long-sought fantasy of the Puritan settlers: to be in the world but not of it. Miracle, indeed.

But it came with a price. As it turned out, Freon isn’t exactly non-toxic. Freon is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), which depletes the ozone layer and also acts as a global warming gas. By 1974, the industrialized world was churning out CFCs, chemicals that had never appeared on the planet in any significant quantities, at a rate of one million metric tons a year—the equivalent mass of more than 500,000 cars. That was the year atmospheric chemists Sherry Rowland and Mario Molina first hypothesized that the chlorine molecules in CFCs might be destroying ozone in the stratosphere by bonding to free oxygen atoms and disrupting the atmosphere’s delicate chemistry. By then, CFCs were used not only as refrigerants but also as spray can propellants, manufacturing degreasers, and foam-blowing agents.

The ozone layer absorbs the worst of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Without stratospheric ozone, life as we know it is impossible. A 1 percent decline in the ozone layer’s thickness results in thousands of new cases of skin cancer. Greater depletion would lead to crop failures, the collapse of oceanic food systems, and, eventually, the destruction of all life on Earth.

In the 1980s, geophysicist Joseph Farman confirmed the Rowland-Molina hypothesis when he detected a near-absence of ozone over Antarctica—the “Ozone Hole.” A fierce battle ensued among industry, scientists, environmentalists, and politicians, but in 1987 the U.S signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which ended Freon production.

The Montreal Protocol remains the world’s only successful international environmental treaty with legally binding emissions targets. Annual conferences to re-assess the goals of the treaty make it a living document, which is revised in light of up-to-date scientific data. For instance, the Montreal Protocol set out only to slow production of CFCs, but, by 1997, industrialized countries had stopped production entirely, far sooner than was thought possible. The world was saved through global cooperation.

The trouble is that the refrigerants replacing CFCs, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), turned out to be terrible for the planet, too. While they have an ozone-depleting potential of zero, they are potent greenhouse gases. They absorb infrared radiation from the sun and Earth and block heat that normally escapes into outer space. Carbon dioxide and methane do this too, but HFCs trap heat at rates thousands of times higher. Although the number of refrigerant molecules in the atmosphere is far fewer than those of other greenhouse gases, their destructive force, molecule for molecule, is far greater.

In three decades, the production of HFCs grew exponentially. Today, HFCs provide the cooling power to almost any air conditioner in the home, in the office, in the supermarket, or in the car. They cool vaccines, blood for transfusions, and temperature-sensitive medications, as well as the data processors and computer servers that make up the internet—everything from the cloud to blockchains. In 2019, annual global warming emissions from HFCs were the equivalent of 175 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.

In May, the EPA signaled it will begin phasing down HFCs and replacing them with more climate-friendly alternatives. Experts agree that a swift end to HFCs could prevent as much as 0.5ºC of warming over the next century—a third of the way to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Yet regardless of the refrigerant used, cooling still requires energy. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, air-conditioning accounts for nearly a fifth of annual U.S. residential electricity use. This is more energy for cooling overall and per capita than in any other nation. Most Americans consider the cost of energy only in terms of their electricity bills. But it’s also costing us the planet. Joe Biden’s announcement to shift toward a renewable energy infrastructure obscures the uncertainty of whether that infrastructure could meet Americans’ outrageously high energy demand—much of it for cooling that doesn’t save lives. Renewable energy infrastructure can take us only so far. The rest of the work is cultural. From Freon to HFCs, we keep replacing chemical refrigerants without taking a hard look at why we’re cooling in the first place.

Comfort cooling began not as a survival strategy but as a business venture. It still carries all those symbolic meanings, though its currency now works globally, cleaving the world into civilized cooling and barbaric heat. Despite what we assume, as a means of weathering a heat wave, individual air-conditioning is terribly ineffective. It works only for those who can afford it. But even then, their use in urban areas only makes the surrounding micro-climate hotter, sometimes by a factor of 10ºF, actively threatening the lives of those who don’t have access to cooling. (The sociologist Eric Klinenberg has brilliantly studied how, in a 1995 Chicago heat wave, about twice as many people died than in a comparable heat wave forty years earlier due to the city’s neglect of certain neighborhoods and social infrastructure.) Ironically, research suggests that exposure to constant air-conditioning can prevent our bodies from acclimatizing to hot weather, so those who subject themselves to “thermal monotony” are, in the end, making themselves more vulnerable to heat-related illness.

And, of course, air-conditioning only works when you have the electricity to power it. During heatwaves, when air-conditioning is needed most, blackouts are frequent. On Sunday, with afternoon temperatures reaching 112ºF around Portland, the power grid failed for more than 6,300 residences under control by Portland General Electrics.

The troubled history of air-conditioning suggests not that we chuck it entirely but that we focus on public cooling, on public comfort, rather than individual cooling, on individual comfort. Ensuring that the most vulnerable among the planet’s human inhabitants can keep cool through better access to public cooling centers, shade-giving trees, safe green spaces, water infrastructure to cool, and smart design will not only enrich our cities overall, it will lower the temperature for everyone. It’s far more efficient this way.

To do so, we’ll have to re-orient ourselves to the meaning of air-conditioning. And to comfort. Privatized air-conditioning survived the ozone crisis, but its power to separate—by class, by race, by nation, by ability—has survived, too. Comfort for some comes at the expense of the life on this planet.

It’s time we become more comfortable with discomfort. Our survival may depend on it.

[allthecanadianpolitics]

As we come to the end of what has been a devastating summer for many British Columbians — marked by the June heat dome event and the loss of nearly 600 people, hundreds of wildfires leading to people losing their homes, days of smoke, thousands of evacuations — the time has come for a major reboot of CleanBC, the province’s climate plan.

Whenever the B.C. government has been pressed on this matter, its leaders and spokespeople have reiterated the same message: “B.C has the strongest climate plan in the country, widely endorsed by the province’s leading environmentalists.”

We, the authors of this piece, are among those environmental leaders the government has pointed to as validators. Indeed, our praise for the CleanBC plan tabled in December 2018 is highlighted on the government’s website and news releases.

Now, however, we have lost the confidence we had in the province’s climate plan and are sounding the alarm.

As we approach CleanBC’s third anniversary, it is clear that climate events have overtaken the government’s good intentions. While B.C.’s plan may well be among the strongest in the country, that’s not saying much — it is merely an indictment of how weak government plans are across Canada. Notably, only two provinces (Alberta and Saskatchewan) increased their annual greenhouse gas emissions more than B.C. since 2005. Our GHG emissions have effectively flatlined at an historic high for the last 20 years, and indeed have increased in each of the last four years for which we have data. We have failed to “bend the curve,” unlike countries such as the U.K., U.S., Japan and Germany, all of which have recorded substantial reductions in emissions.

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada

[beardedmrbean]

Sept. 30 (UPI) -- National and international agencies examining ruptures on the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline network in the Baltic Sea said they've verified massive amounts of the potent greenhouse gas methane bubbling to the surface.

The Nord Stream network consists of four pipelines running from the Russian coast of the Baltic Sea to Germany. Various regional maritime authorities reported early this week that detonations on the sea floor likely triggered several pipeline ruptures.

The Danish military, according to CNBC, has verified through video footage that the leaks have created a sea disturbance of around 0.62 miles in diameter.

The U.N. International Methane Emissions Observatory said Thursday on Twitter that image analysis conducted alongside researchers at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain, confirmed that what's bubbling to the surface is indeed methane.

#BREAKING:An IMEO analysis of satellite images conducted in a partnership between @UNEPand scientists from Universitat Politècnica de València (@UPV)has detected and confirmed for the first time the large methane leak in therupture of the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline. pic.twitter.com/10SAY3N78B—International Methane Emissions Observatory (@CH4Observatory) September29, 2022

CNBC pointed to separate analysis from German environmental researchers that put the amount of methane bubbling to the surface at the equivalent of 7.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. That's about one-third of the total annual greenhouse gas emissions from Denmark.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that has almost 80 times more warming potential than carbon dioxide.

RELATEDEuropean leaders call damage to Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines sabotage

Even still, the leaks from the Nord Stream network are tiny when compared with total global greenhouse gas emissions. That said, Paul Balcombe, a scholar at Imperial College London, told CNBC the emissions could eclipse the 2015 Aliso Canyon methane leak in California, which at the time was the largest known methane release in U.S. history.

Bloomberg reported that regional authorities have uncovered four leaks on the pipeline network, leaks that various Western powers say were caused by a deliberate act of sabotage.

"An attack on critical infrastructure of our European partners and NATO allies is a matter of concern for us," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday.

The pipeline is controlled by Russian energy company Gazprom. The Kremlin denied that it was behind any sabotage on its own pipeline network. The Kremlin, however, is broadly accused of using its vast wealth of natural resources as a tool to gain regional leverage as it continues to wage war on a Western-leaning Ukraine.

While there is natural gas remaining in the network, it was not in service at the time of the explosions.