greenhouse gas emissions reductions
Credit: Simon & Schuster/https://d28hgpri8am2if.cloudfront.net/book_images/onix/cvr9781668023266/into-the-clear-blue-sky-9781668023266_hr.jpg
Restoring our atmosphere is a new frontier in climate action
Rob Jackson's new book, Into the Clear Blue Sky, emphasizes the urgent need to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also restore the atmosphere's health to pre-industrial levels through a concept he calls "atmospheric restoration."
In short:
- Climate scientist Rob Jackson calls for restoring greenhouse gases to pre-industrial levels, emphasizing methane due to its short atmospheric lifespan.
- Jackson highlights the importance of diverse climate solutions, even those that may not be widely favored, to tackle emissions and restore atmospheric health.
- The book advocates for seeing climate action as a pathway to improved health and longer lives, addressing pollution's deadly impacts.
Key quote:
"I emphasize methane in the book because I believe it’s the strongest lever we have to make a difference for short-term temperatures over the next decade or two."
— Rob Jackson, climate scientist
Why this matters:
Into the Clear Blue Sky outlines practical steps and innovative ideas to not just halt the damage but actively restore our planet's health. Read more: Oil and gas methane emissions in US are at least 15% higher than we thought.
Keep reading...Show less
Top Story
Credit: Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP)/UNDP Climate/Flickr
Small island nations secure major climate ruling
Island nations in the Pacific, Caribbean, and West Indies have won a landmark international legal victory, pressuring large governments to reduce carbon emissions.
In short:
- The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ruled that countries must reduce greenhouse gas emissions, classifying them as marine pollution.
- This decision emphasizes that merely adhering to the Paris Agreement is insufficient for addressing climate change.
- The ruling reinforces the obligations of state parties to support climate adaptation for vulnerable developing nations.
Key quote:
"Today's judgment is a massive victory for our ocean, communities impacted by climate change, and science in general."
— Sarah Cooley, Ocean Conservancy
Why this matters:
This ruling bolsters efforts to hold major polluters accountable, highlighting the legal duty to combat climate change and protect vulnerable populations, particularly in small island nations facing severe climate impacts. Read more: Scientists probe ancient history of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet and find unsettling news about sea level rise.
Keep reading...Show less
Top Story
EPA tightens rules on pollution from vans, buses and trucks
For the first time in decades, the agency has restricted nitrogen dioxide emissions from heavy vehicles.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
