A Message from James Hansen on Hope of Cutting Global Carbon Emissions
Is it feasible to phase out coal and avoid use of unconventional fossil fuels? Yes, but only if governments face up to the truth: as long as fossil fuels are the cheapest energy, their use will continue and even increase on a global basis. Fossil fuels are cheapest because they are not made to pay for their effects on human health, the environment, and future climate.
Intergenerational inequity is a moral issue.
The Copenhagen Diagnosis: Updating the World on the Latest Climate Science
On the eve of the Copenhagen conference, a group of scientists has issued an update on the 2007 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Their conclusions? Ice at both poles is melting faster than predicted, the claims of recent global cooling are wrong, and world leaders must act fast if steep temperature rises are to be avoided.
The Deadly Game of Climate Change Denial
Part of the solution to climate denial is to provide information to people not just into the science of climate but the science of our minds. Currently, there are no social scientists on the IPCC, yet all the effort, time and expense of proving the science is wasted if it is falling on deaf ears. As Gifford remarks, “It’s not always about the data. People want their beliefs confirmed. And if that means, that the world is fine and things can go on as normal, then that’s what they’ll hear.
A Outspoken Interview and Strongly Worded Article by Naomi Klein on the Case for Climate Debt
As faith in government action dwindles, however, climate activists are treating Copenhagen as an opportunity of a different kind. On track to be the largest environmental gathering in history, the summit represents a chance to seize the political terrain back from business-friendly half-measures, such as carbon offsets and emissions trading, and introduce some effective, common-sense proposals — ideas that have less to do with creating complex new markets for pollution and more to do with keeping coal and oil in the ground.
Among the smartest and most promising — not to mention controversial — proposals is “climate debt,” the idea that rich countries should pay reparations to poor countries for the climate crisis.
We Have Allowed the Corporate State to Sell the Environmental Crisis as a Matter of Personal Choice
The reason the ecosystem is dying is not because we still have a dryer in our basement. It is because corporations look at everything, from human beings to the natural environment, as exploitable commodities. It is because consumption is the engine of corporate profits. We have allowed the corporate state to sell the environmental crisis as a matter of personal choice when actually there is a need for profound social and economic reform. We are left powerless.
James Hansen Advises the Canadian Government to Say “No” to the Alberta Tar Sands
At Stephen Harper’s meeting with Barack Obama, close attention should be paid to any special treatment he attempts to gain for Canada’s tar sands, the country’s fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions, and a problematic industry linked to serious environmental degradation and human health issues.
Indecision at Copenhagen Climate Talks in Copenhagen This December Could Cause a “Global Health Catastrophe”
Failure to agree a new UN climate deal in December will bring a “global health catastrophe”, say 18 of the world’s professional medical organisations.
Writing in The Lancet and the British Medical Journal, they urge doctors to “take a lead” on the climate issue.
The Urgency to Address Global Climate Change: Possible Implications for New Directions of Climate Change Ethics
Dr. John Lemons writes “I wish to be clear that I am not faulting those involved in the ethics of global climate change in their traditional focus of studies or influence with policy makers and decision¬–makers. Indeed, the work of such ethicists is never finished because each time a new climate change issue arises it introduces new questions for analyses. And, make no mistake that I believe ethicists have contributed greatly to a deeper understanding of the problems and prospects of global climate change. Simply put, my recommendation is that global climate change ethicists continue looking at proposed climate change policies and arguments through an ethical “lens” while, because of the urgency of taking action to combat global climate change, at the same time devoting new serious attention to examining when nonviolent civil disobedience is ethically justified.”
Lack of Water a Present and Future Crisis for Mexican People
Inspired by Oxfam report “Suffering the Science: Climate change, poverty and people,” Canadian writes open letter to Mexican mother about need for climate change mitigation.
Against the waves: Flood defences in Bangladesh
Our finger is on the trigger. If we don’t cut carbon in the developed world, we’re taking lives in the emerging world.
This Guardian photo series shows courageous people in Bangladesh trying to keep rising sea levels from destroying their villages.
