climate-change

Reflecting on the Sun

- Adam Clare

http://environment.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn11993
It’s good to know that already scientists have figured out backup plans for when climate change becomes so destructive that we have a way to turn down the thermostat. The solutions being put forward include blocking or diffusing the sun’s energy out into space – essentially making the Earth a giant mirror. The catch is that this geoengineering could change the way we see the world by altering the rays that hit the planet’s surface. The solutions maybe drastic, but at least we have a plan.

A solar shield that reflects some of the Sun’s radiation back into space would cool the climate within a decade and could be a quick-fix solution to climate change, researchers say.
…
His computer models simulated a gradually deployed shield that would compensate for the greenhouse effect of rising carbon dioxide concentrations. By the time CO2 levels are double those of pre-industrial times – predicted to be at the end of the 21st century – the shield would need to block 8% of the Sun’s radiation.

China Unveils Climate Change Strategy

- Adam Clare

China uses a lot of energy and its economy has been growing very quickly, which means that their carbon output has also been increasing. China has already taken some steps towards greening their economy and now they will continue that trend. China’s climate change strategy looks like a good step.

The country stressed that economic development comes first with a focus on sustainability. They also maintained their stance that developed nations need to take more action on climate change because most of it is their fault. I totally agree with China on this last point.

But it also stressed that the country’s first priority remained “sustainable development and poverty eradication”.

“China is a developing country. Although we do not have the obligation to cut emissions, it does not mean we do not want to shoulder our share of responsibilities,” Ma Kai, chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, said.

Edit: And if the government wants to try anything funny, the Chinese will create flash protests with their mobiles.

A Guide to Climate Change for the Perplexed

- Adam Clare 1 Comment

earth.jpgNew Scientist has a great article for people who are at all confused, misinformed, ignorant, or othwerise boggled by all this talk about climate change. They clarify many things that people may not know much about. It’s worth a read if you don’t think you know enough about climate change, or if you just want a reminder what climate change means.

Our planet’s climate is anything but simple. All kinds of factors influence it, from massive events on the Sun to the growth of microscopic creatures in the oceans, and there are subtle interactions between many of these factors.

Yet despite all the complexities, a firm and ever-growing body of evidence points to a clear picture: the world is warming, this warming is due to human activity increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and if emissions continue unabated the warming will too, with increasingly serious consequences.

$10 to Save the Planet

- Adam Clare

Over at the ever-informative DeSmogBlog, they argue that based on the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change conclusion that it takes only 0.12% of the world’s domestic product to essentially save the planet.

The bottom line is that the cost works out to $10 a person to save the planet.

Top 50 Things To Do To Stop Global Warming

- Adam Clare

If you have ever wondered what you can do to help fight climate change look no further! This list covers a lot of things that you can do in your everyday life that will lessen your impact on the environment.

Some examples from the list:

  • Consider the impact of your investments
  • Fly less
  • Eat less meat
  • Cover your pots while cooking
    • Scroll To Top