Era of global boiling has begun, says UN chief
Issue: 2023/07/30
Each week we share news and social media updates related to our “The 10 Ways to Save Our Planet” list.
❌ Further reading @ Reuters: “July 2023 set to be world's hottest month on record”
1. Act Now
2. Build Political Will
❌ G20 countries fail to reach an agreement on cutting fossil fuels
(theguardian.com)
The G20 bloc of wealthy economies met in India on Saturday to discuss climate change. However, they failed to reach a consensus on phasing down fossil fuels, after objections from some producer nations. Scientists and campaigners are frustrated by the lack of progress on climate action, especially as extreme weather events continue to occur around the world.
Editorial: Hoping fossil fuel giants will see the light on climate hasn't worked. Change only comes with mandates and force
(latimes.com)
The piece emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change and the role of fossil fuel companies in exacerbating the crisis. It criticizes the current approach of maintaining a conflicted relationship with these companies, characterized as being "frenemies," wherein governments and societies engage in superficial climate action while still supporting and relying on fossil fuels. The piece contends that this approach is not enough to combat the catastrophic consequences of climate change.
3. Eliminate Fossil Fuels
Colorado Adopts New Rules To Curb Methane Emissions
(cleantechnica.com)
In a bid to address the urgent need to combat climate change, Colorado has taken a significant step forward by adopting new regulations to curb methane emissions. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has a significantly higher warming potential than carbon dioxide, making it crucial to tackle its release into the atmosphere. Colorado's new rules aim to curb methane emissions by implementing stricter monitoring and reporting requirements for oil and gas companies.
Amsterdam bans cruise ships to limit visitors and curb pollution
(bbc.com)
The Dutch capital has long been a popular destination for cruise ships, but the city's authorities have become concerned about the environmental impact of these vessels. Cruise ships produce large amounts of pollution, and they also contribute to congestion in the city center.
The ban on cruise ships is part of a wider effort by Amsterdam to reduce its environmental impact. The city has also introduced a number of other measures, such as a congestion charge for cars and a ban on polluting vehicles in the city center.
4. Speed up renewable energy
One year in, U.S. climate law is already turbocharging clean energy technology
(nbcnews.com)
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, was signed into law on November 15, 2021. The law includes a number of provisions that are aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy.
The law provides a 30% tax credit for the installation of solar and wind power systems, as well as electric vehicles. This is helping to make clean energy more affordable and accessible, and it is driving innovation in the clean energy sector. The IIJA also includes funding for the development of clean energy infrastructure, such as transmission lines and charging stations.
5. Shift towards sustainable transportation
7 major automakers to build open EV charging network
(autoblog.com)
BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis have formed a new joint venture to build an open electric vehicle charging network in North America. The network expected to have 1,700 fast-charging stations by 2025. The stations will be compatible with all major EV brands and will be located along major highways and in urban areas.
❌ Despite Potential to Electrify 90% of Routes, USPS Still Plans to Deliver Pollution with the Mail
(cleantechnica.com)
With over 250,000 vehicles in service, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has one the world’s largest truck fleets. Over the past several years, the USPS worked to plan the replacement of its aging delivery truck fleet with a mix of both electric and combustion vehicle. If electric delivery vehicle deployment is maximized, this transition could have significant positive impacts on both air quality and the larger adoption of commercial electric vehicles.
6. Adopt planet-friendly agricultural practices
7. Eat a more climate friendly diet
8. Create sustainable cities and buildings
Understanding the Global Supply of Water
(visualcapitalist.com)
9. Protect and restore our environment
10. Ensure global warming stays below dangerous limits
3 Things You Should Know: Climate Change’s Impact on Extreme-Weather Events
(scitechdaily.com)
Link of the week
From the “climate change ruins everything” files:
Is Barbie a fossil fuel product?
From Social Media
From the video description:
David Wallace-Wells, an opinion writer for The New York Times and a columnist for The New York Times Magazine, says the world is not moving quickly enough to phase out fossil fuels, and even some of the progress that has been made is easily erased by massive wildfires like those burning in Canada right now. We also speak with Dharna Noor, fossil fuels and climate reporter at The Guardian US_ who wrote an exposé on "Project 2025," a right-wing plan to dismantle environmental policies and many regulatory protections if a Republican takes the White House in the next election. She calls the document's drafters "a who's who of the far right."
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