This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Friday, 15 April 2022
Pledgorama?
Some people are treating the first 'in depth analysis' of the net zero pledges, made by nations, at Cop26 (December 2021) as 'progress'. That analysis suggests global heating may now be just under 2 degrees Centigrade above pre-Industrial levels (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/apr/13/historic-global-climate-plans-can-now-keep-heating-below-2c-study-shows). The analysis of the 'historic global climate plans', by the International Energy Agency shows apparent 'progress'. Prior to Cop26, existing pledges would have produced an increase of around 2.4 degrees. Post Cop26, the new pledges generate a figure that is 'more likely' to be 1.9 degrees above pre-Industrial levels. Are there reasons not to celebrate yet? Firstly, the analysis is entirely based on pledges. Pledges are tricky creatures. The analysis assumes that all pledges will be upheld on time and in full. There is already ample evidence of Cop26 signatories 'rowing back' on their 'commitments'. Wars and economic problems provide ample cover for their doing so. Secondly, the analysis cannot factor in the actions of fossil fuel industries and their supporters, finding ways of circumventing net zero pledges. Thirdly, the analysis does not even consider the probability the planet has tipping points. It may become impossible to reverse things, when climatic changes reach certain levels. There is absolutely no guarantee, 1.9 degrees Centigrade above pre-Industrial levels will be 'safe', even for a majority of people. The precautionary principle suggests that we need to be much more ambitious!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Improving the Country's Health?
An Imperial College London study notes substantial UK health gains to be made from net zero carbon actions. These are largely a consequenc...
-
It's necessary, where possible, to replace diesel and petrol-fueled vehicles by electrical equivalents. Electric vehicles (EVs) don...
-
Seagrasses are the only flowering plants growing in marine environments. Seagrass meadows (large accumulations of these plants) provide vit...
-
Zonal pricing is a proposed change to the UK energy market. It would result in energy consumers paying less for electricity, if they are ba...
No comments:
Post a Comment