More than 50 countries around the world have pledged to become net zero. But what does net zero actually mean—and is it achievable?
Category Archives: Climate Change
Western Drought: Expect More Fires & Water Wars
As of mid-June, nearly three-quarters of the US’s West has been experiencing “severe,” “extreme,” or “exceptional” drought conditions. In addition to the states above, it also includes northern states like North Dakota and Montana.
Overall, climate change is playing a role. But there are smaller factors at play that are tied to climate change as well. Including…
- Not enough rain. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) said the Southwest’s 2020 monsoon season (read: ‘nonsoon’) was “the hottest and driest summer/monsoon season on record.” And the decrease in rainfall is having an impact on today’s drought (think: not enough water for crops, lakes, or reservoirs). And for the little rain that has fallen, it could dry up faster because of…
- Warmer temps. The NOAA dubbed 2020 the second-hottest year on record. And in late June, a record-breaking heat wave hit the Pacific Northwest, with the temperature reaching up to 112 degrees Fahrenheit in places like Portland, OR. (Psst…if you’re dealing with hot weather, here are some tips to stay safe.) Hotter, drier weather creates a thirsty environment, which speeds up evaporation. Rising temps are also causing snowpacks to melt faster, and they’re reportedly producing less runoff – a vital water resource. All of which means there’s less water available for communities and ecosystems.
Experts are also worried that the current dry and hot conditions will have a ripple effect, which brings us to wildfires. Last year’s West Coast wildfire season was the worst ever. Fires in California killed 31 people, burned more than 4 million acres, and destroyed thousands of buildings and structures. And this year, states like Arizona have seen an early start to their wildfire season. But the effects of the drought stretch even further.
Morning News: What A 3° Warmer World Looks Like, Sudan & Liverpool Let Go
It seems ever more certain that global temperatures will sail past limits set in the Paris Agreement. We examine what a world warmed by 3°C would—or will—look like.
Our correspondent speaks with Sudan’s three most powerful men; will they act in concert or in conflict on the way to democracy? And why Liverpool has been booted from UNESCO’s world-heritage list
Morning News: U.S.-Russia Climate Meeting, Moldova & Aviation Sustainability
What could US climate envoy John Kerry hope to achieve in his visit to Moscow? Plus: we unpack the fallout from Moldova’s election and discuss the aviation sector’s sustainability goals.
Climate: How California’s Drought Fuels Disasters
Each year, California and the Southwest break new records for droughts and high temperatures, leading to heat waves, wildfires, and even flooding. Learn how these catastrophes operate together—and how engineers are working on new technologies to help us survive.
Views: Dominican Republic Shifts Into Green Energy
Small solar panels are to be installed on the roofs of houses in the village of Sabana Real, Dominican Republic. The local project is part of a major plan: By 2025, the country hopes to generate a quarter of its energy from renewable sources.
Weather: Northwest U.S. 1000-Yr Record Heat Wave
With records broken in Portland, Eugene and Seattle, the Pacific Northwest is sweltering under triple-digit temperatures the likes of which has never seen before in the normally temperate month of June. Lilia Luciano reports. Jeff Berardelli also joins “CBS This Morning” to discuss more.
Finance: The $1 Trillion Market For ‘Green Bonds’
So-called green bonds have become more popular in recent years, and this fast-growing segment of the $128.3 trillion global bond market could grow even more. When an issuer sells a green bond, they’re making a nonbinding commitment to earmark the sale’s proceeds for environmentally friendly projects. That could include renewable energy projects, constructing energy efficient buildings or making investments in clean water or transportation. Green bonds fall under the wider umbrella of sustainable bonds, which include fixed-income instruments whose proceeds are set aside for social or sustainability projects. Big household names such as Apple and PepsiCo are diving into this space. A handful of massive banks and governments around the world are also issuing sustainable bonds, including China, Russia and the European Union. This may be contributing to the space’s rapid growth. A report from Moody’s said new sustainable bond issuance may top $650 billion in 2021. That would represent a 32% jump from 2020.
Climate: Mozambique Builds Green Areas To Curb Cyclone Flooding
In 2019, Cyclone Idai devastated Mozambique’s port city of Beira. Many died and entire neighborhoods were flooded. The city is now setting up large green areas designed to absorb future floodwaters. But entire fishing communities need to relocate.
Climate Change: A Fleet Of Saildrones Patrol Oceans
A fleet of unmanned surface vehicles equipped with AI and a suite of scientific sensors are currently mapping the ocean floor, counting fish populations and monitoring ocean and weather conditions all over the planet in the fight against climate change. CNET’s Stephen Beacham spoke with Saildrone Inc. Vice President of Ocean Mapping Brian Connon to learn more about Saildrone’s mission. Read the CNET Article: Autonomous Saildrones are the newest weapon in fighting climate change https://cnet.co/2RwaJaq
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