〈全球環保時事〉彙整頁面 - Page 5 of 37

Global plastics pact negotiations stall as oil-producing nations and industry stall

Last week, over 170 national representatives and observers gathered in Paris for a second round of negotiations aimed at jointly reducing plastic pollution by proposing a legally binding "Global Plastics Treaty" by 2024. The negotiations concluded on the 2nd, with much of the meeting time tied up in voting procedures, resulting in limited progress. Ultimately, the countries agreed to prepare a preliminary draft before the next round of negotiations to facilitate substantive discussions. The "Global Plastics Treaty" is the most important environmental agreement since the Paris Agreement. The first round of negotiations will take place at the end of 2022, with the second round taking place in Paris from May 29th to June 2nd. Five meetings are expected before the end of 2024 to finalize a legally binding treaty. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which chaired the talks, released a blueprint ahead of the negotiations to reduce plastic consumption by 80% by 2040. Reuters reported that the blueprint outlined three key areas of action: reuse, recycling, and transitioning plastic packaging to alternative raw materials. However, environmental groups criticized the blueprint for its overemphasis on waste management and insufficient focus on source reduction, calling it a concession to the plastics industry. According to The Guardian, the world currently produces 430 million metric tons of plastic materials each year, two-thirds of which have a short lifespan and quickly become waste. If this trend does not change, plastic product production will triple by 2060. According to Politico, most of the second round of negotiations was spent debating voting rules and procedural points, and the main topic was not discussed until the third day.

2023-06-07

The US debt crisis has a solution, and Biden's green energy subsidies spark a battle to defend them.

With the US debt ceiling approaching, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen revised her estimate for the debt ceiling from June 1st to June 5th, buying more time for negotiations between US President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Biden announced a deal on Sunday (the 28th), but the details still need to be voted on by Congress. Republicans exploited the US debt crisis in April to demand significant cuts in green energy subsidies from the Inflation Reduction Act, citing the strong investment the bill had attracted, resulting in government subsidies exceeding expectations. According to a Reuters report on the 28th, Biden ultimately defended key provisions of the climate bill. Biden's climate law has exceeded expectations in both effectiveness and spending. The US passed the Inflation Reduction Act in August of last year, significantly subsidizing green energy investment, attracting more investment in US manufacturing than expected. In the eight months since the bill was signed, announced investments in new or expanded green energy projects have exceeded $150 billion. Qcells, the solar division of South Korea's Hanwha Group, has decided to invest $2.5 billion to establish a complete solar manufacturing supply chain in the United States. The European Union is also concerned about the bill's potential to attract investment and is considering green energy subsidy policies. According to a New York Times report in early May, Congress originally estimated in August last year that the bill's tax credits for climate and clean energy would reach $391 billion between 2022 and 2031. However, a recent recalculation found that

2023-06-01

Be a "plastic-free showerhead" too: British bath and shower brands are selling 66% of their products in plastic-free packaging.

Entering the bathroom, shampoo, face wash, body wash, conditioner, and skincare products are lined up in disposable plastic bottles and cans. With the growing trend of reducing plastic, many people are opting for "naked" plastic-free products. British bath and body brand LUSH announced that 66% of its products, including shampoo bars, bath soaps, and bath bombs, are now packaging-free. Other lotions and facial masks are made from 100% recycled bottles and cans. LUSH is promoting the use of 66% of its products as "naked" bottles and cans made from 100% recycled materials. While shampoo and shower gel use plastic, shampoo bars and bath soaps have become increasingly popular in Taiwan in recent years. LUSH, a British bath and body brand specializing in solid soaps, has recently expanded its Taiwan store network and held a press conference for the opening of its Ximen store yesterday (the 11th). LUSH Greater China General Manager Kang Ruicheng stated that the Pacific Garbage Patch is now 38 times the size of Taiwan. "Bottle recycling is no longer enough; we need to reduce plastic at the source." Currently, 66% of the company's products are sold without any packaging. Using the sales volume of LUSH's naked soap in January 2023, the earth has saved 18,975 200ml plastic bottles. Walking into a LUSH store, you can still see many bottled face masks, skin care lotions, perfumes and other products. These bottles are made of 100% recycled materials. "Liquid things still have to be bottled," said Kang Ruicheng. The Environmental Protection Agency launched the operation points in November last year (2022), requiring businesses to increase the proportion of plastic recycled materials in non-food bottles and cans year by year, reaching 25% and 3% in 2025 and 2030 respectively.

2023-05-19

To boost electric vehicle sales, the US is aiming to finalize its strictest vehicle air pollution regulations before the presidential election.

Following the European Union's decision to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles starting in 2035, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also proposed tightening vehicle emissions standards on April 12th, billing it as the most aggressive vehicle emission reduction policy in the United States. This proposal covers all light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles produced after 2027. While not banning the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles, it is estimated that electric vehicles will account for approximately two-thirds of all vehicles sold by 2032. The EPA held a public hearing in early May. Foreign media reports indicate that the Biden administration is eager to finalize the new regulations before the presidential election to avoid any changes to the plan. Former President Donald Trump, during his presidency, relaxed vehicle fuel efficiency standards implemented by the Obama administration, only to reverse them upon Biden's inauguration. The sale of new fuel vehicles is not banned, and all types of vehicles are included. The EPA's proposed emission standards control pollution emissions from light-duty and medium-duty vehicles produced after 2027, as well as carbon dioxide emissions from heavy-duty vocational vehicles (such as delivery trucks, garbage trucks, utility trucks, school buses, etc.) and heavy trucks. EPA Administrator Michael Regan called it the "most aggressive" car and truck pollution control standard ever. The EPA estimates that the two bills combined can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 9 billion tons by 2055, more than double the total emissions in the United States last year (2022). In addition to combating climate change and reducing the harm of air pollution, it can also reduce dependence on oil imports by about 20 billion barrels. According to Reuters, the proposal stipulates that the average new car models between 2027 and 2032 will be

2023-05-12

Following the resounding success of the 9-euro transport ticket, Germany is extending its 49-euro monthly pass, hoping for a win-win for both consumers and carbon reduction.

Last summer (June-August), Germany launched a 9-euro ticket (approximately NT$280) offering unlimited travel on all regional trains, subways, trams, and buses for just 9 euros a month. Following a well-received trial, the 49-euro (approximately NT$1,660) monthly ticket officially launched on the 1st. This not only saves money but also encourages the use of public transportation and reduces carbon emissions. The program was so popular that approximately 750,000 tickets had already been sold in the week before its official launch. Germany continues to promote the 49-euro monthly ticket, a win-win for both citizens and carbon reduction. What can 49 euros do? In Germany, a one-way ticket from Hamburg to Berlin can cost over 40 euros; a monthly subway ticket in Berlin's A and B zones costs 91 euros. While significantly more expensive than the 9-euro ticket, the 49-euro monthly ticket is still very affordable compared to regular tickets. The 9-euro ticket policy has a unique background. Last year, the Russo-Ukrainian war caused energy and fuel prices to soar. The government introduced a three-month, 9-euro monthly transportation ticket to ease summer travel costs and encourage the use of public transportation. After three months, not only were the public satisfied, but also about 1.8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions were reduced. However, the 9-euro monthly ticket plan was supported by a 2.5 billion euro government subsidy and could not last long. After re-examination, the 49-euro monthly ticket policy came into effect on the 1st. It can be used for regional and short-distance transportation throughout Germany, including RE/RB second-class, subways, trams, buses, etc., but cannot be used for express trains (EC, IC, ICE) and private long-distance buses. German media "Clean Energy News Agency" (CLEW) reported that Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised it.

2023-05-05

Emitters Pay: European Parliament Passes Carbon Market Reform, World's First Carbon Tariff

The European Parliament approved several major climate policies on the 18th, paving the way for achieving the EU's carbon reduction targets. First, the ETS will phase out free carbon allowances. Meanwhile, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will be introduced in 2026 to increase carbon tariffs on imported products such as iron, steel, and cement. A second ETS is expected to be established in 2027, covering emissions from buildings and transport. Finally, the EU will establish a new social climate fund to reduce the energy and transport burdens of the poor. These bills are primarily based on the agreement reached between the European Parliament and EU member states at the end of last year (2022). Although they must be formally adopted by the member states after passing the European Parliament, they are not expected to undergo significant changes. The EU ETS will phase out free allowances, leading to rising carbon credit prices. The series of bills approved by the European Parliament are part of the EU's massive climate change plan, "Fit for 55," which aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The European Parliament passed the EU carbon trading market reform with 413 votes in favor, 167 against, and 57 abstentions. The carbon trading market primarily regulates the power generation industry and factories. Based on the polluter pays principle, they must purchase carbon credits to offset their carbon emissions. The new regulations require these sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 62% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, and to gradually phase out free carbon quotas between 2026 and 2034. Reuters reported that the sectors covered by the carbon trading market

2023-04-21

Germany advises Taiwan to respond quickly to the dual wave of digital and net-zero transformations.

Yesterday, the German Institute in Taiwan (DIT), the German Economic Office, and civil society groups held the "2023 Taiwan Sustainability Summit." The summit focused on the current global trend of digital transformation and net-zero transition, calling on Taiwan to accelerate its transformation across various sectors and utilize digital tools to support net-zero transition. Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Tseng Wen-sheng echoed this sentiment, stating that future power grids and industries will require smarter dispatching models, and that he will continue to support digital transformation efforts. Taiwan and Germany are jointly calling for accelerated progress in the global "dual transformation" trend. Taiwan and Germany are working together to promote net-zero. The DIT, the German Economic Office, and the Taiwan Sustainable Energy Research Foundation held the "2023 Taiwan Sustainability Summit," inviting representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taipower, and the Taiwan Railway Administration, among other domestic and international industry, government, and academia, to discuss Taiwan's transition progress. Experts focused on the trends of digitalization and net-zero emissions. Organizers noted that climate change is an undeniable fact, and digitalization is a global phenomenon. Both pose unprecedented challenges to countries and businesses, while also creating abundant opportunities. As a leading semiconductor country, Taiwan is urged to accelerate digital transformation and net-zero transformation in various fields and adapt quickly to ensure the sustainable development of the country, economy and industry. The organizers suggest that technology is the best weapon to seize opportunities and respond to challenges in the transformation process. To achieve the dual transformation goals, it is necessary to combine the virtual and physical worlds under the premise of information security, build a complete partnership and ecosystem, cleverly respond to the complex tasks of transformation, face time pressure, and focus on the bulk of carbon emissions to immediately respond to the challenges of net-zero transformation. Digital Development

2023-03-17

EU carbon trading price exceeds €100 per ton for the first time

The price of the European Union ETS (EU ETS) reached a record high of €101 per ton on February 21st. EU ETS prices have increased fivefold over the past three years. With the EU Parliament's preliminary approval of stricter ETS regulations, the market anticipates that as the total number of allowances decreases, free allowances will also decrease, driving a long-term bullish outlook for the ETS market. Regarding the rise in ETS prices, Vertis Environmental Finance suggests that this may be due to below-average temperatures expected in Northern Europe over the coming weeks, prompting power companies to manage their risks. On the other hand, while some analysts believe that the €100 ETS threshold will incentivize investment in emerging clean technologies such as carbon capture and hydrogen, some industry representatives, such as the President of the European Paper Industry Association and the European Steel Association, warn that continued increases in ETS prices will impact industry competitiveness. In response, the EU Parliament has stated that it will ensure that a portion of funds raised from ETS quotas are used to develop clean technologies to help accelerate industry decarbonization. News Keywords: #CarbonTrading #CarbonFees #IndustryDecarbonization Source: Financial Times (https://www.ft.com/content/7a0dd553-fa5b-4a58-81d1-e500f8ce3d2a)

2023-03-01

2023 CECP latest statistical report: 96% of companies have set carbon reduction or net zero targets

CECP, a global nonprofit organization bringing together over 200 companies, and its Global Exchange Alliance recently published the report "Global Impact at Scale: Corporate ESG Action and Social Investment 2022," analyzing global ESG trends, corporate sustainability strategies, and CSR impact. CSRone, a CECP strategic partner, compiled five key takeaways for senior decision-makers and sustainability practitioners. CECP's Global Exchange (GX), an international organization of over 200 companies worldwide, officially published the survey results of "Global Impact at Scale 2022 Edition: Corporate Action on ESG Issues and Social Investments" on January 24, 2023. The report indicates that corporate awareness of ESG management continued to rise in 2022, with 96% of responding companies having set carbon reduction targets. The 2021 CECP statistical report shows that as many as 81% of companies around the world have integrated SDGs into their

2023-02-22

First Global Carbon Removal Report: Nature Helps Store 2 Billion Tons of CO2, But Climate Targets Still Far Behind

Scientists warn that achieving global warming within 1.5°C requires not only significant carbon reductions but also accelerated deployment of carbon dioxide removal. On the 20th, scientists led by the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford released the "State of Carbon Dioxide Removal" report, the world's first independent scientific assessment tracking carbon removal. The report estimates that current land-based carbon removal—through traditional methods such as afforestation and forest restoration—is approximately 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year. The report estimates that annual carbon removal must reach 4 billion tons by 2050. Depending on the warming scenario, the gap between targets is expected to emerge by 2030 and will gradually widen. Planting trees is also carbon removal—carbon reductions have specific targets, and carbon removal must keep pace. Unlike carbon capture and storage (CCUS), carbon removal (CDR) involves capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it permanently—for decades or millennia—in the form of land, oceans, rock formations, and products. How can carbon removal help us achieve our climate goals? The report released by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in April last year pointed out that carbon dioxide removal is an indispensable key factor in limiting global warming to 1.5°C or below 2°C. The latest Global Carbon Removal Report shows that the carbon dioxide removal required to control global warming is

2023-02-01

Belgian NGO partners with barbershops to recycle hair clippings to protect the environment

Barbers across Belgium are sweeping up and bagging their customers' hair after clippings, then handing it over to Dung Dung, an NGO that recycles the hair to protect the environment. The hair recycling project feeds strands of hair into a machine that compresses them into square mats, which can be used to absorb oil and other polluting hydrocarbons or made into biocomposite bags. Project co-founder Patrick Janssen explained that 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of hair can absorb 7-8 liters (1.8-2.1 US gallons) of oil and hydrocarbons, and said the mats can be placed in sewers to absorb water pollution before it reaches rivers. "Our products are more ethical because they are made locally... they are not imported from other parts of the world," he told Reuters. "They are here to solve local problems." The project states on its website that hair has strong properties: a single strand can support 10 million times its own weight and can absorb fats and hydrocarbons. Due to its keratin fibers, hair is water-soluble and highly elastic. Isabelle Voulkidis, manager of the Helyode salon in Brussels, is one of dozens of hairdressers across the country who pay a small fee to the project to collect their haircuts. “Personally, what motivates me is that I don’t feel comfortable throwing my hair in the trash now when I know there are so many things I can do with it,” she said.

2023-01-03

Major EU carbon reduction agreement: Building and transport carbon markets IN, free carbon quotas OUT

On the 18th, representatives of the European Parliament and EU member states reached an agreement on a major reform of the EU ETS (European Union Carbon Trading System). The agreement will gradually reduce carbon emission quotas, resulting in a 62% reduction in carbon emissions from ETS-covered industries by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. In addition, the EU will launch a new carbon trading market for buildings and road transport, "ETS 2." The new agreement will not officially take effect until approved by the European Parliament and the European Council. Carbon market quotas will be reduced, and carbon emission targets will be tightened by another 1%. The EU carbon trading market regulates nearly 11,000 energy-intensive industries, including energy, steel, mining, and papermaking, representing nearly half of EU emissions. The EU's goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, making carbon market reform imperative. The EU carbon market uses capping regulations to reduce carbon emissions. Companies that successfully reduce emissions below their regulated quotas generate tradable carbon credits. Companies that fall short of their emissions reductions must purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions. The trading price of each ton of carbon fluctuates according to the supply and demand of quotas and carbon rights. Negotiations started on the 16th and it took 30 hours to reach an agreement. The representatives decided that the greenhouse gas emissions covered by the EU ETS in 2030 should be reduced by 62% compared with 2005, which is 1% more than the 61% originally proposed by the European Commission. To achieve this goal, the ETS will reduce the quota by 90 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2024 and another 27 million tons in 2026. Between 2024 and 2030, the annual quota will be reduced by 1 million tons.

2022-12-27

IEA: Energy crisis accelerates green energy development; the amount of energy built in the past 20 years could be completed in the next five years

The Russo-Ukrainian war has plunged the world into an energy crisis. To mitigate the impact of international energy prices, renewable energy is rapidly expanding. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA)'s recently released "Renewables 2022" report, global renewable energy installed capacity will nearly double over the next five years, and is expected to surpass coal to become the largest source of electricity. This trend will also help control global warming to within 1.5°C. To break away from dependence on fossil fuels, countries are accelerating the development of renewable energy. With the support of policies and investment, the IEA estimates that the amount of construction that took 20 years to complete in the past will only take 5 years in the future. The IEA estimates that between 2022 and 2027, global renewable energy installed capacity will grow by 2,400GW (million kilowatts), equivalent to China's total installed capacity. Renewable energy accounts for more than 90% of the five-year power expansion plan. It is expected that by early 2025, renewable energy will surpass coal to become the world's largest source of electricity. "The Ukrainian war is a key point in the progress of renewable energy in Europe." The IEA predicts that the new renewable energy construction in Europe in the next five years (2022-2027) will be twice the increase in the past five years. China, the United States and India have also seen significant growth. The IEA pointed out that China's new renewable energy capacity in the next five years will account for about half of the world's new capacity; the United States just passed the Inflation Reduction Act this year, which will also help

2022-12-19

The world's largest youth forum on biodiversity: Human behavior needs to change, fairness and justice cannot be absent

The United Nations Biodiversity Conference opened on the 6th, with representatives from nearly 200 countries gathering in Montreal, Canada, to forge a key global agreement on the environment for the next decade. Amidst numerous disagreements and slow progress in negotiations, 300 young people from around the world, some as young as 10, gathered in Montreal's Old Port, less than a 15-minute walk from the conference center. They are determined not only to push the agreement forward but also to reverse the accelerating loss of biodiversity through action. Restoring nature cannot wait: Young people from 50 countries are urging concrete action at the United Nations. The 15th United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP15) is currently underway in Montreal. Its key mission is to finalize the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, setting specific goals and guidelines for action over the next decade. The Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) hosted the world's largest youth forum on biodiversity from the 5th to the 6th. Founder Christian Schwarzer took the stage and declared, "This year, we must ensure that representatives from all countries hear our voices." Scientists point out that nearly one million species will be on the verge of extinction in the next decade. Young people hope that countries will not just make empty promises. A young Aboriginal man from Canada recounted that his family lives on the same land.

2022-12-14

A zero-carbon farm has grown in London's underground air-raid shelter, minimizing transport costs and ensuring exceptional freshness.

You see a salad in front of you, and the packaging says the vegetables come from "Growing Underground." What comes to mind? Don't vegetables grow in the soil? The underground here refers to the air-raid shelters 33 meters below London. Clapham is located in the southern suburbs of London. Deeper than the subway, there is a World War II air-raid shelter. The British agricultural technology company "Zero Carbon Farms" has built a vertical farm here to grow lettuce and herbs. What are the benefits of growing vegetables in the air-raid shelter? For consumers, the vegetables here can be on the table within hours of harvest, ensuring superb freshness. Due to strong demand from large retailers and local restaurants for its bean sprouts, arugula leaves, and watercress, the company expects to double its planting area. According to the World Economic Forum, this area can harvest 60 times a year, six times more than traditional farms. Compared with conventional soil farming methods, it can reduce water use by 70%. Vertical farming is not without its disadvantages. The growing environment requires strict control and relies heavily on artificial lighting, which leads to high production costs due to electricity consumption. But this farm is built underground, and the underground temperature is stable, so it can produce all year round. Vertical farms also require less land. Zero Carbon Farm pointed out that this means that more crops can be grown in a smaller space. In addition, the farm is located directly under the city, with less transportation mileage and lower carbon emissions. This will help achieve the company's initial goal.

2022-12-10

50 more countries sign methane pledge; follow-up actions by major emitters China and India remain to be seen

The meeting concluded on the morning of the 20th, with an agreement reached to establish a fund for climate disasters. However, other carbon reduction initiatives largely maintained last year's progress, with no further commitments made. The Global Methane Pledge, proposed last year, saw approximately 50 additional signatories this year, pledging to reduce methane emissions. However, China and India, two major methane emitters, did not join. Methane is the second-largest contributor to global warming, with a warming potential dozens of times greater than that of carbon dioxide. During the ministerial meeting on the 17th, China's special climate envoy, Xie Zhenhua, made a surprise appearance. He noted that China's methane reduction strategy was undergoing approval, but he did not join the pledge. 150 countries have joined the Global Methane Pledge, while China and India did not. At last year's UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), 105 countries signed the Global Methane Pledge, jointly initiated by the United States and the European Union, pledging to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030 (compared to 2020 levels). After a year, at a ministerial meeting on methane on the 17th, US Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry announced that more than 150 countries have joined the commitment, and 50 have already launched related plans or actions. The United States and the European Union also issued a joint statement outlining the progress of the global methane initiative this year. 95% of countries around the world are incorporating methane into their national carbon reduction plans, and many countries have stated that they will complete their national methane action plans before the next conference (COP28). About 40% of methane emissions come from natural resources such as wetlands, and 60% from

2022-11-21

EU CBAM set to launch, but nearly 40% of SMEs lack net zero plans

The European Union will pilot the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) next year (2023), potentially impacting Taiwanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) along the supply chain. Yesterday (the 16th), Taiwan Today published the results of a survey on carbon reduction among SMEs, finding that approximately 85% of companies had heard of the CBAM, with over 25% believing it had a "significant impact" on their companies. The survey also revealed that nearly 55% of SMEs have net-zero plans, with "paying attention to information" and "improving energy management and efficiency" being the most common practices adopted. The two main challenges facing SMEs in the net-zero process are "lack of industry resources or guidance" and "a lack of relevant professional talent within the company." The CBAM will be piloted next year, with small Taiwanese manufacturers already receiving "carbon reduction orders" to comply with the net-zero goal. The European Union expects to begin piloting the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) next year, with its official implementation in 2027. In the future, manufacturers will be required to purchase carbon credits or pay a sufficient carbon fee to import their manufactured products into the EU, which will have a significant impact on Taiwanese SMEs. This Week magazine recently collaborated with the National Small and Medium Enterprises Association and China Development Financial Holdings to investigate carbon reduction issues among Taiwan's small and medium-sized enterprises. Over 10,000 questionnaires were sent out, and 276 valid samples were collected. A press conference was held yesterday (16th) to announce the results. According to the survey, approximately 85.3% of companies have heard of CBAM, of which 26.66% believe it has a "significant impact" on their companies. The system is about to be piloted, and the impact can already be seen. According to This Week magazine, Taiwan's small wire manufacturer, Xincheng Company, has been receiving inquiries from the government since June this year.

2022-11-17

From buses to cemeteries, Oslo's zero-carbon vision manifests in small, yet comprehensive, lifestyle changes

Where will the world's first capital city go all-electric for public transportation? The answer might be Oslo, Norway. Ruter, Oslo's public transport company, recently ordered 137 more electric buses, with delivery expected by the end of 2023. This is part of Oslo's plan to fully electrify its public transport by 2023, five years ahead of schedule. With a population of 700,000, Oslo is a leader in sustainable transportation, boasting an extensive tram and bicycle network, and most of the fjord ferries are electric. Changes have also been quietly taking place in another part of the city. The lawn mowers and excavators at Oslo's cemeteries have also gone electric. The lawns are no longer mowed in a single, flat surface, but have been restored to wild meadows and beehives have been installed. Wildflowers in the meadows attract insects, which in turn attract birds and owls, and foxes and deer have also arrived. Magne Hustavenes, the cemetery's director, told The New Yorker writer Nick Romeo that a woman complained that the flowers she had placed at a grave were missing and suspected someone had stolen them. The staff explained that recently deer were often spotted eating roses in the cemetery. The woman happily asked, "What do they like? What kind of flowers should I bring next time?" The city government is embracing low-carbon transportation. From transportation to cemeteries, everything is part of Oslo's zero-carbon city plan. Based on 2009, Oslo has set a goal of reducing carbon emissions by 95% by 2030. Here, there are more parking spaces for electric vehicles and they are cheaper. The government has also set up a "net zero emission zone."

2022-11-16

Global CO2 emissions remain high. Have we exceeded our carbon budget?

The Global Carbon Project released its "2022 Global Carbon Budget" report on the 11th, showing no signs of abating global carbon dioxide emissions. The report directly indicates that if current emissions continue, there is a 50% chance that global average temperature rise will exceed 1.5°C within nine years. Scientists predict that Earth is likely to exceed 1.5°C of warming by 2040, reaching an irreversible climate threshold. 1.5°C is also the target set by the United Nations Paris Agreement, and countries around the world are working to strengthen their carbon reduction commitments at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt this week. What is the Global Carbon Project? What are the latest projections for 2022? How much carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere by humans, and how much is offset by carbon sinks on land and in the oceans? Calculating the difference between the two provides a glimpse into Earth's carbon budget. If we want to limit global warming to 1.5°C, we have very little room left to "cut back" on our carbon emissions. Just like a financial budget, a "carbon budget" shows how much a country can spend over a period of time - but in units of greenhouse gas emissions, not money. The Global Carbon Budget report predicts that carbon emissions will remain high in 2022, with anthropogenic emissions reaching 40.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide, slightly higher than the 40.2 billion tons in 2021, but slightly lower than the 40.9 billion tons of carbon dioxide in 2019. The "Global Carbon Budget" has been updated annually since 2006. This year (2022) is the 17th report.

2022-11-11

Global heatwaves have cost nearly $16 trillion over the past 20 years, with poorer countries particularly vulnerable.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) will convene on the 6th. Besides carbon reduction, a key focus in recent years has been on compensation and climate finance funds. How much do climate disasters cost? According to a recent study, heatwaves caused by climate change in the two decades between 1992 and 2013 have already cost the world at least $16 trillion in economic losses. Even the poorest countries with the lowest carbon emissions have been affected, highlighting the inequalities inherent in the climate crisis. The study, published in the journal Science Advances on October 28th, was conducted by Dartmouth College geography professor Mankin and doctoral student Christopher Callahan. They calculated the impact of extreme heat waves on health, agricultural losses, productivity, and other areas between 1992 and 2013 to be approximately $16 trillion. According to the study, in wealthy regions like Europe and North America, extreme heatwaves cost per capita GDP 1.5%. By comparison, low-income countries like India and Indonesia experienced an annual per capita GDP loss of 6.7%. Mankin said this reveals the issue of climate justice and inequality. The economic losses caused by heat waves are disproportionately borne by poor countries in the tropics and the Southern Hemisphere, most of which have low carbon emissions. The Guardian pointed out that because these regions are already hot, heat waves will hit them harder; and because they already have poor economic conditions, they are more vulnerable when they encounter climate disasters.

2022-11-03