The monthly global average concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere surpassed 400 parts per million in March for the first time since record keeping began. “This marks the fact that humans burning fossil fuels have caused global carbon dioxide concentrations to rise more than 120 parts per million since pre-industrial times,” added Tans. “Half of… Keep reading →
The world’s oceans cover about 71 percent of the earth’s surface and their value is incalculable for both the planet and mankind. They are a vital, complex and all-encompassing natural resource ranging from a vital food resource in many parts of the world, renewable energy resource, and potential water supply reservoir. Additionally, many still unexplored… Keep reading →
An oil company CEO endorsing a global carbon tax? Forbes energy reporter Christopher Helman says he’s never heard the head of an American oil giant do it, although many – including ExxonMobil – factor a carbon price into their long-term planning. So he was surprised this week when recently installed Statoil CEO Eldar Saetre offered up just… Keep reading →
The debate about the development and deployment of geoengineering technologies is slowly creeping into the mainstream media, as both analysts and commentators seem to increasingly doubt the international community’s ability to agree on a comprehensive and effective international agreement at UNFCCC COP 21 in Paris. With many countries facing political and/or economic obstacles to pursuing… Keep reading →
Greenpeace is known for staging elaborate stunts aimed at bringing attention to their causes, but they made a major boo boo when demanding action on climate change by defacing an ancient archeological site in Peru. A group of environmental activist tramped into a protected area that features the famous Nazca lines, a UNESCO World Heritage… Keep reading →
Few things are as institutionalized in the US economy as the way we use energy. Decisions made decades, even centuries ago, impact our daily lives – the way we fuel our cars, how we warm our homes and cool our offices are largely legacies from prior generations. As the world meets in Lima, Peru to… Keep reading →
With the global climate talks in Lima, Peru halfway done, climate observers are watching with baited breath to see how far countries get to hammering out a draft agreement that can be formalized next year in Paris. However, there are lots of steps being taken to address greenhouse gas emissions at the personal, local and… Keep reading →
Notoriously complex global energy issues encompass science, economics, politics, the environment, demographics and social dynamics. And sometimes it seems nothing is more complicated than charting a course that effectively mitigates the worst impacts of climate change. One of the most stubborn problems is finding a way to simultaneously address energy poverty while reducing global carbon… Keep reading →
What is the Status of National Processes to Define post-2020 Emission Reduction Targets? Last week, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the so-called ‘Climate Change 2014 Synthesis Report’ of its fifth scientific climate assessment since 1990 thereby updating its 2007 climate assessment (Breaking Energy IPCC coverage here). You guessed right – according… Keep reading →
Editorial: Fossil Fuel Divestment is a Diversion from Real Solutions
By Dr. Roger MeinersMany people believe fossil fuels cause climate change. The science of that issue is not settled and, as an economist, I am not qualified to address multi-decade climatology. However, for those who believe public policy should address the matter, the strategy of attacking fossil fuel companies is profoundly wrong. As a part of the campaign,… Keep reading →