emissions
Newsletter
New Zealand's climate policy shift endangers 2050 net zero goal
New Zealand is set to miss its 2050 net zero emissions target after the government scrapped key climate policies, new data reveals.
In short:
- New Zealand's coalition government has failed to announce robust new climate policies, leading to projections that the country will miss its 2050 net zero emissions target.
- The government plans to focus on technology and tree planting rather than shutting down productive sectors or implementing pricing regimes without proper tools for farmers.
- Climate scientists warn that the reliance on undeveloped technologies and offsets like tree planting is a high-risk strategy.
Key quote:
"Many of their policies to date will result in higher annual emissions that will not be offset by either planting trees or the emissions reduction scheme."
— Ralph Sims, Professor Emeritus in Sustainable Energy and Climate Mitigation at Massey University.
Why this matters:
Missing the 2050 net zero target risks worsening climate change impacts. Without significant changes, New Zealand may face increased financial costs and environmental damage.
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Credit: TatyanaGl/Big Stock Photo
Lab-grown pet food gains approval in the UK
Britain has authorized the sale of lab-grown meat for pet food, marking a pioneering step in Europe.
In short:
- Meatly, a British biotech company, received approval to sell lab-grown chicken cell meat for pets.
- The UK’s move follows Brexit, enabling more flexible regulations compared to the EU.
- Advocates highlight environmental and ethical benefits, such as reduced animal slaughter and pollution.
Key quote:
“We don’t need to raise or kill any animals…Instead of 50 billion chickens a year, it’s one egg, one time, and we’ve created an infinite amount of meat.”
— Owen Ensor, chief executive of Meatly
Why this matters:
Lab-grown pet food can significantly reduce the environmental impact of pet ownership by cutting down on traditional livestock farming. This innovation also addresses ethical concerns associated with meat production, potentially transforming the pet food industry.
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Credit: Gage Skidmore/flickr
GOP speakers criticize Biden's energy policies at convention
Several Republican National Convention speakers blamed President Biden's policies for rising gas and electricity prices, but experts attribute the increases to global market forces and other complex factors.
Brad Plumer and Lisa Friedman report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Republicans claimed Biden's policies increased gas and electricity prices.
- Experts say global market forces and events like Russia's invasion of Ukraine influenced these price hikes more than Biden's policies.
- Former President Trump promised more domestic drilling, but experts argue other factors affect energy prices.
Key quote:
“The bulk of electricity price spikes are the result of ‘increasing cost and volatility of fossil fuels’ and extreme weather events like wildfires.”
— Brendan Pierpont, director of electricity modeling at Energy Innovation
Why this matters:
Misleading narratives can cloud public understanding and influence policymakers. For instance, blaming renewable energy for all price increases overlooks the benefits of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and the long-term savings from sustainable energy investments. Conversely, ignoring the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading the grid to accommodate renewables can lead to unrealistic expectations and frustration.
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Credit: Joshua Miranda/Pixabay
Labour proposes extensive overhaul to decarbonise UK transport
Labour plans to revamp the UK's transport system with measures including bolstering bus services, building cycle paths, and reopening old railway lines to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
In short:
- Labour's proposals include rail nationalisation and establishing Great British Railways to streamline services.
- The Green Party suggests reopening local rail links and expanding cycling and walking routes.
- Labour also plans to invest in bus services and promote electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.
Key quote:
“Transport choices account for about a quarter of carbon emissions, and so are vital in any plans to reach net zero.”
— Ellie Chowns, MP, Green Party
Why this matters:
Labour's ambitious transport overhaul represents a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable future. It addresses both environmental and public health concerns, promoting cleaner air and healthier living through improved public transport and increased physical activity. As the UK strives to meet its climate goals, these measures could serve as a model for other nations grappling with the challenge of reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector.
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Credit: chrisd2105/Big Stock Photo
GOP convention ignores climate change as heat crisis worsens
Despite record-breaking heat and public concern over climate change, the Republican National Convention focuses on expanding fossil fuel use, dismissing climate science.
In short:
- The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee highlights energy policies favoring oil, gas, and coal.
- Former President Trump and party leaders dismiss climate change as a priority, mocking scientific evidence.
- A significant portion of Americans support renewable energy, but the GOP platform promotes fossil fuel development.
Key quote:
“Global warming is fine. In fact, I heard it was going to be very warm today. It’s fine.”
— Former President Donald J. Trump
Why this matters:
Ignoring climate change can worsen environmental and public health crises. The push for fossil fuels contradicts global efforts to mitigate climate change impacts, potentially leading to severe long-term consequences.
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Credit: Sungrow EMEA/Unsplash
Maryland pushes for faster clean energy grid expansion
A new federal order aims to reduce grid bottlenecks hindering clean energy projects, but Maryland officials urge faster compliance from their grid operator, PJM Interconnection.
In short:
- Maryland’s coal plant continues to operate due to delays in clean energy project integration.
- PJM Interconnection requested a rehearing of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's order, which mandates long-term grid planning.
- Maryland and neighboring states press PJM to expedite transmission expansion to meet clean energy goals.
Key quote:
"Maryland electric utility customers are now bearing huge costs resulting from the failure of PJM to plan the transmission system to meet customer needs."
— David Lapp, head of the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel
Why this matters:
There is a pressing need for efficient grid management to support the influx of clean energy projects. These projects are pivotal in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The slow pace of compliance by PJM Interconnection could delay the state's progress in meeting its renewable energy targets, ultimately affecting public health and environmental sustainability.
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Credit: Marek Piwnicki/Unsplash
China's emissions of potent greenhouse gases surge over the past decade
Emissions of two highly potent greenhouse gases in China have surged by 78% over the last decade, dominating global output.
In short:
- Perfluorocarbons, used in manufacturing and aluminum smelting, trap heat more effectively than CO2 and persist for thousands of years.
- A study from MIT found that by 2020, China accounted for 64-66% of global emissions for two specific perfluorocarbons.
- These emissions primarily originate from industrial zones in western China, linked to the aluminum industry.
Why this matters:
Given China's pivotal role in global greenhouse gas emissions, its strategies for reducing these potent gases will be important. The rapid increase in emissions of these long-lasting greenhouse gases from China threatens global climate goals. These gases trap heat much more effectively than CO2, intensifying global warming and exacerbating climate change.
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