Climate
Reflection on 2021 G20’s Impacts and Outcomes. Top Story - December 2021.
This year G20 took place in Rome, Italy under the Italian Prime Minister Leadership. This summit had a bigger task than usual, given that the global economy lost more than $ 8 trillion in GDP since Covid began in 2020. This summit became the facto the opening ceremony for the COP26 Climate Summit which started on November 1st in the UK. The G20 was established in 1999 as a consultation forum for the world largest economies, while giving a stronger representation to those economies not included in the G7. This consultative group (led by Minister of Finance and Central Bank Governors) aims to ensure that the international community is equipped and coordinated in its efforts to build a stronger financial system, while also focusing on sustainability and international development. The G20 include 19 countries plus the European Union. These countries combined represent approximately 90% of global GDP, 80% of global trade, and 74% of global carbon emission. Several key G20 countries, namely Brazil, China, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa did not attend in person. China is the largest carbon emitters, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, respectively are the second and third largest oil producers in the world. Their absence in Rome, sent a negative message in terms of their commitment to help manage the climate crisis.
By Andrea Zanon4 years ago in Earth
Hydrogen will help transition to a cleaner energy future
As I predicted in my article of Nov 11, 2021, The UN COP26 Climate Summit in the UK Will help build momentum but it will disappoint many, the UN Conference was overshadowed by the realization that governments would not agree to act quickly enough to stop global warming. As I explained, the COP26 would build good momentum towards a greener future but would not gain the Government commitments needed to reach zero net emission by 2050. Progress however should be applauded, among the most concrete achievements, the following are the most notable: a) The G20 committed to stop financing of international coal powerplants; b) The Global Methane Pledge Initiative was supported by over 100 countries to reduce by 30% methane emission by 2030 (Methane as 80 times more global warming power than CO2); and c) The top forest countries in the world agreed to stop deforestation by 2025. As I take stock of what happened at the Cop26, and analyze the plans for the COP28 (In Cairo, Egypt) and Cop29 (In Abhu-Dabi, UAE), I share my thoughts about Green Hydrogen, as I believe it is the most viable alternative source for a cleaner energy future.
By Andrea Zanon4 years ago in Earth
Climate action on the big screen
Sabrina Caires 5th November 2021 From net zero and climate pledges to a tiff between Scott Morisson and Emmanuel Macron, news sites have been plastered with headlines about the G20 and Cop26 summits over the past few weeks. The Environmental Film Festival Australia (EFFA) gives audiences a perspective on climate action that is more personal than political – one of shared climate anxiety and community empowerment.
By Sabrina Caires4 years ago in Earth
Imagine We were not so Stupid
I’ve heard it said that Stupid is as stupid does, and I believe we've all done something that fits that statement. I have done or said some pretty stupid things in my life, mostly when I was young, that I wish I could change. I have grown and learned from those things and believe I am a better person because of that growth. Learning from your mistakes and not repeating them is a natural part of growth that, as individuals, we do well.
By Gerald Holmes4 years ago in Earth
Two female climate protesters shut down the world’s biggest coal port for days
According to Blockade Australia, the activists, named as Zianna and Hannah, climbed to the top of machinery and suspended themselves out of reach to law enforcement officials. The activists also livestreamed the event on the Blockade Australia Facebook page warning that the over reliance on fossil fuels was leading the world to 'a catastrophic ecological collapse'.
By Unni Krishnan4 years ago in Earth
Where do you find peace in this crazy world?
When I search for peace, I always find it in my garden. I also love to visit the Urban Food Forest at Brown’s Mill and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. While I’ve valued these magnificent grounds for many years, I never recognized the biodiversity in my backyard.
By jannysheart ❤️4 years ago in Earth
Fossil Fuel Divestment and Climate Change
On September 9th, 2021, Larry Bacow, the president of Harvard University, announced plans to phase out investments in oil, gas, and coal. The primary catalyst for such divestment is climate change pressure. But, in fairness, the institution has been on this path for over a decade.
By Andrea Zanon4 years ago in Earth
Assessing The Health Impacts Of Electric Vehicles Through Air Pollution In The United States
Washington, DC, September 29, 2021 - The widespread adoption of electric vehicles by energy sector policies will bring full benefits to air quality and health in all Indian states by 2040, according to a new study. A new study has found that if electric vehicles change 25% of current vehicles on the road, the United States will save about $ 17 billion a year while avoiding damage due to climate change and air pollution. New research shows that using electric vehicles can improve health.
By Mario Thomas4 years ago in Earth
Nailed to the Door of Our Planet PART 2
“The paradox of McWorld (corporate ideal) Benjamin Barber writes in Jihad vs. McWorld, “is that it destroys the financial base of the consumers it needs on the way to selling them products. It overproduces goods and underproduces employment, unable to see the connection between them. While democracy cultivates free markets, markets fail to cultivate democracy.”
By Gerard Fournier4 years ago in Earth
