Zero Carbon Living | Bill Moomaw

Facing Future– Mar 25, 2021

A #zerocarbon​ home in cold New England? Bill Moomaw built one in 2007 and he’s still powering his heat and electricity, as well as his electric car from his solar panels and ground source #heatpump​. And that’s an old system! Solar panels now have higher efficiency and lower cost, as well as subsidies in many states. If we are to mitigate the climate crisis, we must focus on “sunrise” industries that are sustainable, not on 19th century “sunset” industries that are sustained by fossil fuel. Bill Moomaw has authored many special reports for the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on #ClimateChange​. He says we are in an emergency, but we are not beyond the point of no return. We know what needs to be done. We need the will to do it. Using the Powers of 10 Model, it’s clear that every action has the capability to inspire 10 more, then 100, then 1000, until we reach critical mass.

Noam Chomsky – Our Stark, Cruel Dilemma

Facing Future– Nov 5, 2020

The ‘lost videos’ from our conversation with #NoamChomsky​ before the 2018 climate negotiations in which he skewers the ‘guilty parties,’ while advising those activists who would rise to the occasion and change humanity’s fate. He outlines the #CrimesAgainstHumanity​ being committed by #CorruptLeaders​ who would sacrifice all future generations for personal gain, ideologies and ‘unending economic growth.’ (c) http://FacingFuture.Earth

The Impact of Population, Productivity, and Consumption on the Planet

Facing Future– Apr 22, 2021

In the past 70 years, humans have exceeded the energy consumption of the entire preceding 11,700 years—largely through combustion of fossil fuels. This huge increase in energy consumption, human population, and industrial activity has led to pollution, environmental degradation and climate change.

The #Anthropocene​ Working Group (AWG), an interdisciplinary group of scientists led by #JaiaSyvitski​, has designated the Anthropocene as a new epoch on the Geological Time Scale, characterized by the overwhelming human impact on the Earth.

Their paper, published in “Nature Communications Earth and Environment”, documents the natural drivers of environmental change throughout the past 11,700 years—known as the #Holocene​ Epoch—and the dramatic human-caused shifts since 1950. https://www.nature.com/articles/s4324…​

“We need to work together to reverse these environmental trends and dig ourselves out of it,” said Syvitski. “Society shouldn’t feel complacent. Few people who read the manuscript should come away without emotions bubbling up, like rage, grief and even fear.”

The Anthropocene

Facing Future– Apr 1, 2021

In the past 70 years, humans have exceeded the energy consumption of the entire preceding 11,700 years—largely through combustion of fossil fuels. This huge increase in energy consumption, human population, and industrial activity has led to pollution, environmental degradation and climate change. The #Anthropocene​ Working Group (AWG), an interdisciplinary group of scientists led by #JaiaSyvitski​, has designated the Anthropocene as a new epoch on the Geological Time Scale, characterized by the overwhelming human impact on the Earth. Their paper, published in “Nature Communications Earth and Environment”, documents the natural drivers of environmental change throughout the past 11,700 years—known as the #Holocene​ Epoch—and the dramatic human-caused shifts since 1950. https://www.nature.com/articles/s4324…​ “We need to work together to reverse these environmental trends and dig ourselves out of it,” said Syvitski. “Society shouldn’t feel complacent. Few people who read the manuscript should come away without emotions bubbling up, like rage, grief and even fear.”

Earth day climate activism discussion: Bianca Castro and Rex Weyler

Greenpeace International– Apr 22, 2021

To commemorate Earth Day 2021, activists across generations came together to discuss environmentalism, activism, and the people in the movement as well as on the front lines of the climate crisis. Listen in as Rex Weyler, a co-founder of Greenpeace International, and Bianca Castro, an organizer with Fridays For Future Portugal & International, share their experiences and find out what they have in common as well as how different generations can learn from each other. Visit https://www.greenpeace.org/global/​ or https://fridaysforfuture.org/​ to learn more and to take action.

Kerry: ‘World came together’ on climate action

Associated Press

Apr 22, 2021
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry welcomes the momentum on the first day of a two-day U.S.-hosted climate summit that kicked off Thursday. “The importance of today, in my judgment, is this: the world came together,” Kerry says. (April 22)

Chad president dies on front lines | Across Africa

FRANCE 24 English – Apr 22, 2021

Chad’s president of three decades dies of wounds on the front lines of a battle with rebels. Also the Mozambican town of Palma was retaken by the army but militants remain a threat and locals’ flight southwards continues. And there’s a major step forward for the protection of women and children in Gabon, as customary marriages are finally recognised by the state.

President Biden pledges 50% cut in US carbon emissions at global climate summit – BBC News

BBC News

Apr 22, 2021

President Biden has opened a major global climate summit with a call to other world leaders to step up to the challenge.

Joe Biden pledged to cut US emissions by at least half from 2005 levels by the end of this decade but he warned that his country couldn’t take action alone.

He told world leaders that scientists were calling this the “decisive decade” for tackling climate change and action was needed now.

The latest data shows China is the world’s biggest producer of carbon dioxide, emitting 28% of global output.

China is second biggest, producing 15% with India producing 7%.

Sophie Raworth presents BBC News at Ten reporting by science editor David Shukman and North America editor Jon Sopel.

Activists Give Climate Change Clock to White House

NowThis New – Apr 22, 2021

‘This is a very simple reminder: Here’s a clock. We’re running out of time’ — Climate activists gave the White House a ticking clock to sound the alarm on how little time is left for politicians and policymakers to address climate change before the damage is ‘irreversible.’

U.S. seeks to lead by example with emission goals set during global climate summit

PBS NewsHour – Apr 22, 2021

The United States set ambitious new goals today to stop the world from heating up, urging other nations to follow suit. And some of the world’s largest carbon emitters seemed to heed the call. But world leaders left open how they would get there as they met in a virtual gathering. William Brangham has our report.