The Climate Disasters We Ignore Today Will Eventually Come for Us (excerpt): Gizmodo

Vehicles ply on waterlogged Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway
 near Narsingpur after heavy rains, in Gurugram

..... "In a just world, this would be major news, even in the faraway U.S. Perhaps stories about the local covid-19 crises we’re seeing across the country would get more attention, but surely, the displacement of millions deserves a spot on the front page. And yet.


If you didn’t know these floods were happening, I’m not here to scold you. Tragedies take place around the world every day, from bombings to hunger. Plus, here in the U.S., things are pretty awful for lots of people, too. It’s difficult if not impossible to keep up with every bad thing happening in all places. It’s also, frankly, easier for many of us in the Global North to ignore crises that are happening to poor people far away. When these crises do surface in news reports, many of us are taught to treat them as inevitable — things are simply more difficult for people “over there.”


This can all lead us to feel insulated from these horrors. We need to

Local residents look at a submerged bus in a waterlogged road 

underpass after monsoon rainfalls in New Delhi

 (Photo: Prakash Singh, Getty Images)

fight that impulse. Caring about our fellow human beings is the right thing to do, sure. But even if empathy isn’t your thing, there’s also an uncomfortable reality: Climate disasters will eventually come for us all if we don’t act now. 


The deafening silence about climate change-fuelled weather in the Global South isn’t limited to the recent floods in South Asia. People have died in deluges in India and Bangladesh in previous years, too — hundreds last year, 1,000 in 2018, over 1,200 in 2017. Hurricane Dorian, one of the most intense hurricanes to ever form in the Atlantic Ocean, absolutely ravaged the Bahamas just last year. Yet it has all but faded from popular memory in the U.S. aside from the saga of Sharpiegate. And nearly three years after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, thousands are still without homes and the power grid recently crashed again in the face of a moderate tropical storm yet these stories of widespread suffering are rarely found on front pages. 

World leaders plan for climate change

All of this devastation was not inevitable. World leaders could have taken steps to move us away from fossil fuels decades ago. They also could have poured far more resources into helping vulnerable people adapt before emergencies strike, and rebuild after they do. But they’ve made clear they won’t do much of that of their own accord — they claim it’s too expensive, too difficult, too impractical. We need a mass movement that shows them we won’t take no for an answer, and part of that is recognising the toll the crisis is already taking and acting with urgency and compassion.
World leaders already have blood on their hands. Every life these actions could have saved is important. Each of the hundreds of Indian and Bangladeshi people killed by the ongoing monsoons in India deserved better. And we all deserve better than to see this continue.


That’s not just because it’s the right thing to do. It’s also our only option. Eventually, ecological horror will come for all of us. It might be in a month, a year, or 20 years, but eventually, a storm, heat wave, or tornado will come banging down your door. The time to change course is now, starting with, at a minimum, acknowledging the impacts the climate crisis on the poorest among us. 

We want climate action now

Even if the world does act, some climate disasters may be inevitable since we’ve already overheated the planet and left people vulnerable. We won’t be able to stop every flood or heat wave from taking place. But what’s not inevitable is our treatment of some people as disposable. If we prioritise taking steps to help people adapt and prepare, countless lives could be saved. Stopping deforestation of catchment areas and restoring wetlands, for instance, could go a long way to better shielding communities in India and Bangladesh from rising waters. So could national policies to provide more resilient housing to all people, and international policies to prioritise aid to the struggling countries that are hit hardest......"

Go to complete Gizmodo story by Dharna Noor, August 21, 2020

Related:  Climate Change Poses Serious Threats to India's Food Security (excerpt): The Wire

 

 

Impact Assessment of the Canada's Vista Coal Mine Expansion Project: CAN

Vista Coal Mine, Alberta, Canada

"Unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe Territories [OTTAWA], 30 July 2020 – Teika Newton of Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat Canada applauds Minister Wilksinson’s decision to designate the Vista Coal Mine Expansion for a federal assessment in light of its potential adverse impacts to areas under federal jurisdiction and to Aboriginal and Treaty rights, a welcome shift from his December 2019 determination.  

Canada’s domestic and international leadership on phasing-out coal power would be severely undermined by continuing to supply overseas markets with the dirtiest fossil fuel. The Vista expansion must be closely scrutinized, and its climate effects carefully taken into consideration throughout the federal assessment process, as is to be expected under the newly released Strategic Assessment of Climate Change (part of the Impact Assessment Act)."

30 July 2020

Go to Climate Action Network

From Climate Action Network Canada

coal mining, Canada, #jailclimatecriminals, greenhouse gases, 100% renewable energy,

Joe Biden if president will push allies like Australia to do more on climate, adviser says (excerpt): The Guardian

Biden

Jake Sullivan says the former vice-president, if elected, won’t ‘pull any punches’ on what is a global problem

Joe Biden will not pull any punches with allies including Australia in seeking to build international momentum for stronger action on the climate crisis, an adviser to the US presidential candidate has said.

"If elected in November, Biden will hold heavy emitters such as

Biden and Harris

China accountable for doing more “but he’s also going to push our friends to do more as well”, according to Jake Sullivan, who was the national security adviser to Biden when he was vice-president and is now in the candidate’s inner circle.

In a wide-ranging podcast interview with the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, Sullivan also signalled that Biden would work closely with Australia and other regional allies in responding to the challenges posed by the rise of China.

While Australia’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, is likely to welcome the pledge of US coordination with allies on regional security issues, there may be unease in government ranks about the potential for tough conversations about Australia’s climate policies.

The Coalition government has resisted calls to embrace a target of net-zero emissions by 2050 and it proposes to use Kyoto carryover credits to meet Australia’s 2030 emission reductions pledge. Some Coalition backbenchers still openly dispute climate science......"

Pics are from this blog

Go to The Guardian article   

by Daniel Hurst

Mon 7 Sep 2020

Related:The Federal Government’s plan to use clean money to fund dirty projects - Video: The Climate Council



Biden, Harris, Trump, PM Morrison, #cambio-climatico, #climateaction, #Australia, #climateemergency,

How do you take care of your pets during a heatwave? - - Climate Council

Pug in water

15.12.19 By Climate Council

 

In the lead up to last Christmas and during January 2019, blistering heatwaves swept across the country. January 2019 was the hottest month ever recorded in Australia, and the summer also went down as the hottest on record for Australia. This summer, we are again facing intense heatwaves across the country, and temperature records are expected to be broken once again. The entire summer is shaping up to be a terrible trifecta of heatwaves, bushfires and drought.

Preliminary results suggest that the 17th December 2019 was Australia’s hottest day on record at 40.9 ºC, with the average maximum across the country as a whole, exceeding the previous record of 40.3 ºC on the 7th January 2013.

Over the past 100 years, heatwaves have killed more Australians than any other natural hazard. Scientists predict that heatwaves are only going to get hotter, longer and more frequent. 

While we can escape to the air conditioner or strip off to cool down, we need to consider our furry friends in the extreme heat, both domestic pets and surrounding wildlife. 

Just like us, many animals can be affected by heat stress or heat stroke. Similar to humans, the old and the young are often the most vulnerable. However, while we can sweat it out, dogs and cats can only release heat through areas not covered by fur, mostly their paws.  

HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR PETS DURING A HEATWAVE?

Cat at window with dog watching

Image Credit: Unsplash

Cats are normally pretty self sufficient and stay cool by seeking shade and limiting physical activity. They will normally find a nice cool place to sleep it off so just make sure they have water and shade and some wet towels if they want them.

However, dogs need a little more TLC when it gets hot. The small surface area of their paws are not a very effective means of getting rid of excess heat from their bodies. Dogs use the evaporation of moisture from their tongues, nasal passages and lungs to cool down by panting. 

Make sure if you are heading to work your best friend has plenty of water and shade in a well-ventilated area. If you want to get creative with ways to cool your pal down you could whip up some refrigerated snacks, top their bowls up with cold water from the fridge or simply dampen their bed. Got a garden? Perhaps invest in a small paddling pool or turn the sprinklers or hose on so they can get a bit of a shower.

Image Credit: ‘Young at Heart’ Flickr user DaPuglet licensed under CC BY-SA 2.

If your dog is riding with you never leave them locked in the car! It takes under 10 minutes for a car to reach lethal temperatures even when parked in shaded areas, with the windows open.

Dog in car

Image Credits: ‘FGE_7735” Flickr user Just Me licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Although they are eager to get out and burn off some energy, reconsider going for midday walks as the hot pavement can burn their feet (if it’s uncomfortable for you to walk barefoot then it will be for them too!) Top tip: head out for a stroll early in the morning or just before bed and stick to grassy areas. Ultimately if you are melting and want to be in front of the fan or air conditioner, then they probably do too!

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PET IS AFFECTED BY HEAT?

Key signs you should look for are changes in behaviour, disinterest in food and water, isolating themselves and heavy panting. If your pet is lethargic, relentlessly panting, drooling, vomiting or collapsing get them to a vet ASAP. Check out the RSPCA for more information. 

Dog in sunset

Image Credit: Unsplash

HOW DO YOU HELP WILDLIFE DURING A HEATWAVE?

And while you are out and about, think of our native wildlife too: the same rules apply – water, shade and rest. If you live in a rural area put some water out in shady areas for any native wildlife that may be nearby. 

Try to avoid disturbing our native wildlife more than you have to. Everyone is feeling hot and bothered, so the last thing you’d want to do is stress them out and use up any more of their already low energy stocks.  

However, rescue babies if they are particularly vulnerable and reach out to a local wildlife helpline:

NSW: WIRES 1300 094 737
VIC: Wildlife Victoria (03) 8400 7300
QLD: RSPCA QLD 1300 ANIMAL
SA: Fauna Rescue of SA inc 08 8289 0896
WA: Wildcare WA (08) 9474 9055.
NT: Wildcare NT 08 8996 121.
TAS: Bonorong Wildlife Hospital and Rescue 0447 264 625
ACT: ACT Wildlife 0432 300 033

Go to Climate Council site

Related: News outlets continue to ignore climate change in articles about California's record-breaking weather (excerpt): Heated


Climate Council, pets, #heatwaves, #extremeheat, global heating, #Australia, heatstroke, #wildfire, wild life,

Australian coal worker of 40 years embraces renewables: Climate Council video

Tony Wolfe has worked in coal for over forty years. But he knows it's time for a change - it's time to embrace renewables. Australia needs clean jobs to reboot its economy. That's why we created the Clean Jobs Plan. 

 

Learn more about it here: https://climc.nl/3hAZdSW -- 

 

 The Climate Council is Australia's leading independent, community-funded climate change communications organisation. We're a catalyst propelling Australia to take bold, effective steps to address the climate crisis. We're made up of some of the country’s leading climate scientists, health, renewable energy and policy experts, as well as a team of staff, and a huge community of volunteers and supporters who power our work. 

 

Find out more and connect with us here: → Website: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au → Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/climatecouncil → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theclimatec... → Twitter: https://twitter.com/climatecouncil

Aussie invention could save old coal stations by running them on zero-emissions ‘Lego’ blocks (excerpt): The Conversation

Miscibility Gap Alloy (MGA)

"As climate change worsens, the future of fossil fuel jobs and infrastructure is uncertain. But a new energy storage technology invented in Australia could enable coal-fired power stations to run entirely emissions-free.
The novel material, called miscibility gap alloy (MGA), stores energy in the form of heat. 


MGA is housed in small blocks of blended metals, which receive energy generated by renewables such as solar and wind.

MGA

The energy can then be used as an alternative to coal to run steam turbines at coal-fired power stations, without producing emissions. Stackable like Lego, MGA blocks can be added or removed, scaling electricity generation up or down to meet demand.

MGA blocks are a fraction of the cost of a rival energy storage technology, lithium-ion batteries. Our invention has been proven in the lab – now we are moving to the next phase of proving it in the real world."

............................................

"If our electricity grid is to become emissions-free, we need an energy storage option that’s both affordable and versatile enough to be rolled out at massive scale - providing six to eight hours of dispatchable power every night. 
 
MGAs store energy for a day to a week. This fills a “middle” time frame between batteries and hydro-power, and allows intermittent renewable energy to be dispatched when needed."

Go to complete The Conversation article

Related:  'The Future We Choose', Book by Christiana Figueres & Tom Rivett-Carnac

miscibility gap alloy (MGA), energy, coal, #methanegas, #Australia, batteries, #jailclimatecriminals, video,

COVID-19 can be an historic turning point in tackling the global climate crisis: UK Committee on Climate Change

(Pics from this blog)  

 If only the current Australian government would take advice like this. This is from the United Kingdom's Committee on Climate Change to the U.K. government in 2020.

Climate Action Now

 "Ministers must seize the opportunity to turn the COVID-19 crisis into a defining moment in the fight against climate change, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) says today.
 

In its annual report to Parliament, the Committee provides comprehensive new advice to the Government on delivering an economic recovery that accelerates the transition to a cleaner, net-zero emissions economy and strengthens the country’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Cities might become unbearable.

Important steps have been taken in the last year, but much remains to be done. For the first time the Committee sets out its recommendations government department by government department. These are the urgent steps that must be taken in the months ahead to initiate a green, resilient COVID-19 recovery. 

They can be delivered through strong coordination across Whitehall. Doing so will propel the UK towards more rapid climate progress and position the country as an international climate leader ahead of the pivotal COP26 climate summit in Glasgow next year.

CCC Chairman, Lord Deben, said: “The UK is facing its biggest economic shock for a generation. Meanwhile, the global crisis of climate change is accelerating. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address these urgent challenges together; it’s there for the taking. The steps that the UK takes to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic can accelerate the transition to a successful and low-carbon economy and improve our climate resilience. 

Choices that lock in emissions or climate risks are unacceptable.”

Climate Change is a fact

Chair of the CCC’s Adaptation Committee, Baroness Brown of Cambridge, said: “COVID-19 has shown that planning for systemic risks is unavoidable. We have warned repeatedly that the UK is poorly prepared for the very serious impacts of climate change, including flooding, overheating and water shortages. Now is the moment to get our house in order, coordinate national planning, and prepare for the inevitable changes ahead. The UK’s domestic ambition can be the basis for strong international climate leadership, but the delivery of effective new policies must accelerate dramatically if we’re to seize this chance.”

The Committee’s new analysis expands on its May 2020 advice to the Prime Minister in which it set out the principles for building a resilient recovery. In its new report, the Committee has assessed a wide set of measures and gathered the latest evidence on the role of climate policies in the economic recovery. Its report highlights five clear investment priorities in the months ahead:

1. Low-carbon retrofits and buildings that are fit for the future.

Hydrogen energy still requires research and development

There are vital new employment and reskilling opportunities across the country if Governments support a national plan to renovate buildings and construct new housing to the highest standards of energy and water efficiency, to begin the shift to low-carbon heating systems, and to protect against overheating. Roll-out of ‘green passports’ for buildings and local area energy plans can begin immediately. 

2. Tree planting, peatland restoration, and green infrastructure. Investing in nature, including in our towns and cities, offers another quick route to opportunities for highly-skilled employment, and outcomes that improve people’s lives. By making substantial changes in our use of land, which are needed to meet the UK’s Net Zero target, we will bring significant benefits for the climate, biodiversity, air quality, and flood prevention.

Land ice is melting

3. Energy networks must be strengthened for the net-zero energy transformation in order to support electrification of transport and heating. Government has the regulatory tools to bring forward private sector investment. New hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure will provide a route to establishing new low-carbon British industries. Fast-tracked electric vehicle charging points will hasten the move towards a full phase out of petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032 or earlier.

4. Infrastructure to make it easy for people to walk, cycle, and work remotely. Dedicated safe spaces for walking and cycling, more bike parking and support for shared bikes and e-scooters can help the nation get back to work in a more sustainable way. For home working to be truly a widespread option, resilient digital technology (5G and fibre broadband) will be needed.

5. Moving towards a circular economy. Within the next five years, we can not only increase reuse & recycling rates rapidly but stop sending biodegradable wastes to landfill. Local authorities need support to invest strategically in separated waste collections and recycling infrastructure and to create new regional jobs.

There are also opportunities to support the transition and the recovery by investing in the UK’s workforce, and in lower-carbon behaviours and innovation:


1. Reskilling and retraining programmes. The net-zero economy will require a net-zero workforce, able to install smart low-carbon heating systems and to make homes comfortable; to design, manufacture and use low-carbon products and materials; and to put carbon back, rather than taking carbon out, from under the North Sea. Now is the time to build that workforce and to equip UK workers with vital skills for the future.

Our children want answers.

2. Leading a move towards positive behaviours. There is a window for Government to reinforce the ‘climate-positive’ behaviours that have emerged during the lockdown, including increased remote working, cycling and walking. The public sector must lead by example by encouraging remote working. It also needs to innovate in order that customer service can be provided effectively remotely.

3. Targeted science and innovation funding. Kick-starting research and innovation now in low-carbon and adaptation technologies will facilitate the changes needed in the decades ahead and build UK competitive advantage. The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the importance of research if we are to understand fully the threats and learn how to manage them.

Cities must retreat from the coast.

Achieving the UK’s climate goals and rebuilding the economy fit naturally together. Each makes the other possible. Success demands that we do both. The actions recommended by the CCC will deliver an improved economy, better public health, improved biodiversity and access to nature, cleaner air, more comfortable homes and highly productive and rewarding employment."

Related:   Climate change: How the UK contributes to global deforestation (excerpt): BBC

#economy, #heatwaves, Britain, cities, COVID-19, energy, England, floods, infrastructure damage, reskilling, science, tidal flooding, United Kingdom