Posts

Showing posts with the label climate change

Failing to Keep Promises: Countries Falling Short on Climate Commitments

Image
Failing to Keep Promises: Countries Falling Short on Climate Commitments In the realm of global climate action, the promises made by countries often stand as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. Yet, as the years have passed since the inception of international climate agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, it becomes increasingly evident that some nations are struggling to fulfil their commitments. In this comprehensive article, we will take a closer look at which countries are failing to meet their climate change commitments and explore the consequences of these shortcomings. The Kyoto Protocol: A Milestone in Climate Commitments The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, was a groundbreaking agreement that aimed to tackle greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale. Under this treaty, industrialized nations committed to reducing their emissions by specific targets, collectively aiming to combat climate change. However, over the years, it has become clear that

Harnessing Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future

Image
Harnessing Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future In an era marked by increasing environmental awareness and the need to curb the spiralling cost of energy, the pursuit of renewable energy sources has taken centre stage. Nations across the world have joined forces in a collective effort to combat the alarming rise in greenhouse gases, which are rapidly pushing our planet's temperature to unprecedented levels. As we delve into this crucial subject, let's explore the transformative impact of renewable energy and the global initiatives that aim to mitigate the impending climate crisis. The Global Greenhouse Gas Challenge Greenhouse gases, including water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), ozone (O3), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs and HFCs), play a pivotal role in our planet's climate. They trap infrared radiation within Earth's atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect. While rising temperatures ma

9 things you personally can do to tackle climate change

Image
9 actions you can take to help tackle climate change Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing humanity today. It affects every aspect of our lives, from our health and well-being to our economy and environment.  But there is still hope for a better future if we act now and work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.  But what can we do as individuals to make a difference?  Here are 9 things you can do to help fight the climate crisis and create a more sustainable future for yourself and others. 1. Speak up and take action.   One of the most powerful ways you can make an impact is by using your voice and your vote to demand action from those in power. Contact your local representatives, sign petitions, join campaigns and movements, and participate in protests and demonstrations. Make sure your leaders know that you care about climate change and expect them to take urgent steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and suppo

Glacial Meltdown: Understanding the Impact on Our Planet

Image
Glacial Meltdown: Understanding the Impact on Our Planet In recent years, the world has witnessed a concerning phenomenon – the rapid meltdown of glaciers. This natural process has garnered significant attention due to its far-reaching consequences on our environment, ecosystems, and the future of our planet. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the intricate details of glacial meltdown, its causes, and the profound effects it has on our world.  Unveiling the Mechanisms Behind Glacial Meltdown Glaciers are colossal masses of ice formed from the accumulation of snow over centuries. They are an integral part of our planet's hydrological cycle and play a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate. However, the alarming rate at which glaciers are melting is a cause for concern. The Role of Climate Change One of the primary drivers of glacial meltdown is undoubtedly climate change. As our planet warms due to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,

Electric Ford Focus to use liquid cooled battery

Image
Image by Kevin Krejci via Flickr When a company the size of Ford starts taking an interest in electric cars then it means that the idea of electric cars has become mainstream. The Ford Focus is one of the most popular small family cars on the market. Since its introduction in 1998, almost 10 million have been sold worldwide. Thus year will see the third generation of the model. However, the electric version was demonstrated in 2008 and Ford plans to have it launched later this year in the USA . It will launch in Europe in 2012. Like other electric cars this will have a lithium-ion battery - though with a difference. Ford have announced that it will be liquid cooled battery and its hoped this will increase battery life and increase the range the car can travel before requiring recharging. Another innovation is that when the battery is being recharged, the battery will be brought to an optimal temperature before recharging starts. This is meant to maximise the performance of

Countdown to UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen

Image
The UN Climate Change Summit is 26 days away. Greenpeace has an online petition for everyone to sign. You can sign the petition at http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/climate-change/take_action/leaders-go-to-copenhagen-climate-summit?0 The world needs to change from its addiction to coal and other fossil fuels , preserve forests and agree sustainable targets on reducing carbon emissions . Sign the petition and help persuade world leaders to make real progress, before its too late. Powered by ScribeFire . Related articles by Zemanta Agency Says Emissions Pact Would Ease Fossil-Fuel Use (nytimes.com) Carbon budgets are 'fair' says Lord Smith (telegraph.co.uk) The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Is Hurting U.S. Competitiveness (blogs.harvardbusiness.org) Fast-Track Plans For Nuclear Power Stations (news.sky.com) Plenary 1 (Part 2) (slideshare.net) Senate Global Warming Bill Is Seeking to Cushion the Impact on Industry (nytimes.com) Burning The Future: C

Home energy generation - what suits your home? Check the Energy Saving Trust's online tool.

Image
You can use the online tool on the Energy Saving Trust's site to help you identify which home energy generation technologies might be suitable for your own home. So, if you are wondering if solar PV panels, heat pumps, wind turbines etc are the best option, check out this tool. You enter details about what kind of property you have (including rooms and age of property) and details about your current type of heating etc. You then answer a series of questions about space for the various technologies. The tool then comes up with a list of potentially suitable technologies for your property. You can then find out more about each one. The tool also has links to various grants that you may eligible for. Don't forget hat the main site has a wealth of information on saving energy. Visit http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/

No choice but nuclear power?

Image
Economist Jeffrey Sachs said carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology and nuclear will be necessary to avoid catastrophic climate change His comments were made as part of a presentation at the Asia Society in New York Monday night."Carbon capture better work because they [China] are not going to stop using coal," said Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and the author of The End of Poverty and Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet , among other books. He gave a lucid and thoroughly depressing talk on " China's Role in the Global Climate Game ," describing a number of unpleasant options China, the United States, and the rest of the world will have to face in dealing with climate changes already underway. "Any quantitatively realistic path for a fast-growing China will mean a tremendous reliance on coal," he said. "They will have to use growing amounts of coal for decades to come." That leaves the U.S.