Will our fossil fuel addiction still overshadow renewable energy?

I think by now, most people have accepted that global warming or climate change or whatever you want to call it is real and caused by the actions of humans. Numerous reviews of peer-reviewed scientific research have shown that about 97 percent or more of the people who are the most knowledgeable on the subject agree with that.

The real arguments now are what do about it, when and/or whether they will get done, and what will happen if the right actions aren't done.

A key part of those arguments involves the reduction of fossil fuel usage and the increased usage of renewable energy sources. However, a recent report by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) of the U.S. Department of Energy will add considerable fire to that discussion.

According to the EIA, renewables are getting cheaper and more widely used across the world than ever before. However, and this is a significant point, the use of coal, oil, and natural gas, along with a growing world-wide population, is also still growing. As a result, the EIA says that world-wide fossil fuel demand will continue to increase for the next three decades.

Photo: California Air Resources Board, Fair Use

A recent news article on Alternet.org (see link below) about the EIA report describes the reason for this as being an addiction to fossil fuels. According to the article, although the growth of wind and solar power will outpace other forms of energy, that pace will not be sufficient to overcome increased energy demand. Renewables provided about 12 percent of all energy in 2012. However, in 2040, fossil fuels will still be providing about 78 percent of the world's energy. Furthermore, oil, coal, and natural gas will each have larger shares of the world energy market than all renewables combined.

Here's a link to the article, which is full of some sobering statistics and what will happen as a result of this addiction to fossil fuels:

Hooked! The Unyielding Grip of Fossil Fuels on Global Life

Volkswagen/Audi/Porsche recall plans for emission cheating scandal rejected by CARB

In another setback for Volkswagen/Audi and Porsche related to their emissions cheating scandal, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced yesterday that it had rejected proposed recall plans submitted by the companies as incomplete and deficient in several areas.

The plans were made to address the repair of certain Auxiliary Emission Control Devices (AECDs) and defeat devices in 3.0 liter, diesel passenger cars made for model years 2009 – 2016. Approximately 16,000 Volkswagens, Audis and Porsches sold in California are affected by this decision.

Photo: Audi advertising image, Fair Use

The decision was unexpected by many following the case because CARB had recently approved plans submitted by the companies for 2.0 liter diesel vehicles.

You can read CARB’s press release, which includes links to the actual rejection letters and other information concerning the violations at this link: VW/Audi/Porsche 3.0 Liter Diesel Plan Rejection

Clouds aren't where they used to be because of man-made climate change

A recent article in The Washington Post reported that new scientific research dealing with clouds has confirmed what many climate change models had already predicted.

photo: F. J, Maccioli

Apparently, the “location” of clouds has changed dramatically over the last 30 years. The reason appears to be due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations and a recovery from radiative cooling caused by volcanic eruptions.

Published in the journal, Nature, the research found that mid-latitude storm tracks have retreated poleward, subtropical dry zones have expanded, and the height of the highest cloud tops has increased at all latitudes.

The research shows that the observed cloud changes agree with those predicted by climate change models, thus further supporting the case for anthropogenic (man-made) climate change.

The study was prepared by scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, the University of California at Riverside, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Colorado State University.

Climate change and the Amazon rainforest - a history

“At first I thought I was fighting to save rubber trees, then I thought I was fighting to save the Amazon rain forest. Now I realize I am fighting for humanity.” – Chico Mendes, an environmentalist and union leader who was murdered by those opposed to his activities.

Photo: Council on Foreign Relations, Fair Use

Next to the burning of fossils fuels, the largest source of global greenhouse emissions is deforestation. Halting this practice and reversing it could reduce global GHG emissions by about 33 percent, according to scientists with expertise in this area.

Over the last several years, many people have discussed the negative impacts on climate change caused by deforestation. For those of you familiar with the subject, or, those of you who doubt or have little interest in it, the Council on Foreign Relations has put together an excellent representation of what has happened over the years to the Amazon Rainforest – the largest in the world -  and its impact on climate change, the economy, politics, indigenous peoples, and the environment.

It’s very well done – a must-see worthy of further discussion. Click on the following link to see the entire presentation:

Amazon Deforestation