When it comes to purging fossil fuels from the global economy by mid-century—our only hope of staving off catastrophic climate change—it turns out that you can't get there from here without a good map.
That's the thinking behind detailed, long-term plans for switching from dirty to clean energy unveiled this week by the United States, Canada, Mexico and Germany at UN climate talks in Marrakesh.
Overcoming sharp internal debate, the German government led the way with sector-by-sector scenarios that would remove up to 95 percent of its CO2 emissions by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.
Green groups said there were too many sops to big business, but it was a world-first.
The "three amigos" of North America jointly-released their blueprints on Wednesday, with the 100-page US "mid-century strategy" for the globe's largest economy taking centre stage.
If the US, Canada, and Mexico are the "three amigos," which one is Martin Short?
(Score: 3, Informative) by dlb on Sunday November 20 2016, @03:45PM
Bottom line question, where to look for good evidence not (very) influenced by the above?
Agreed! Far too many political discussions are not about using valid evidence to solidify their premises, but are about "destroying" their opponent. Your "bottom line question" nicely framed our discussion.
I read here and there in the news about scientists being strongly encouraged by those above them to nudge their data/conclusions towards particular positions.
Rather than reading here and there, go to reputable sources. The Internet is rife with false news stories. The references at the bottom of this Wikipedia article might be a good starting place, Surveys of scientists' views on climate change [wikipedia.org].
Another nice source is NASA: Climate change: How do we know? [nasa.gov]
And even this (should be "especially" this): Global Climate Change Indicators [noaa.gov]
(Score: 2) by requerdanos on Sunday November 20 2016, @08:09PM
Thanks.
I still contend that saying flat-out "purging fossil fuels from the global economy by mid-century [is] our only hope of staving off catastrophic climate change" falls under "alarmist nutjob nonsense".
(Score: 2) by dlb on Sunday November 20 2016, @08:51PM
flat-out "purging fossil fuels from the global economy by mid-century [is] our only hope of staving off catastrophic climate change" falls under "alarmist nutjob nonsense"
Could well be. I'll grant you that. The nutjobs out there are sure adding a lot of noise to those trying to have an honest exchange of views about climate change. (Speaking of which, thank you for sharing your well-thought-out view points. It added to my morning's enjoyment!)