Reducing Emissions of Greenhouse Gases

Many ways to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases are being discussed and implemented. Some may have little effect on the problems others can have a big impact but all raise general awareness. The existing methods of power generation must be reexamined for their carbon footprint (particularly hydroelectric power).

The danger is that by doing our little bit we may think we are solving the problem. Study the facts in How Bad is the Situation? and you may agree with me that cut backs, however severe, even if backed by legislation, will not give our grandchildren an acceptable way of life.

The billions in Asia and Africa naturally want the same standard of living we currently enjoy. We must plan to satisfy their legitimate needs or war and famine will be the norm over a vast part of the globe.

Operation Noah suggests a 90% cut in Europe and North America so that less developed countries could "catch up" their standard of living with only a 50% cut. A 90% cut would probably mean a ban on carbon emissions for anything except air travel. Even this would mean it would take a long time for the carbon in the atmosphere to start to decrease and even longer for the resulting temperatures to start to decline. George Monbiot goes further and argues persuasively for tougher targets. The reaction of oil producing countries to such cuts is critical.

The sun provides ample energy, even if the world population continues to grow. It is just rather expensive to harness at present, but in sight of becoming competitive. However the word competitive is hardly relevant if the planet is at stake. Let's make it our main source of energy by law.

The change over to sun power must be well planned and benefit everyone, including the oil giants!

Malcolm

Group members

• Malcolm

Sources

1. New Energy Saving Inventions
2. Carbon Reduction Label Launch in Australia 01/07/09
3. Paying the Climate Debt 30/04/09
4. China Advances Coal Fired Closures 05/05/09
5. Low Carbon Cows from Canada 20/05/09
6. German Eco-City 31/08/09
7. Forest Fires Represent 40% of total emissions 28/02/09
8. Cattle Destroy Amazon Rainforest 16/04/09
9. Biomass Pros and Cons 16/04/09
10. Black Carbon Role 30/03/09
11. Shell Oilsands Promises not being Kept 09/04/09
12. 2005 Amazon Drought Damage caused vast CO2 emissions 06/03/09
13. USA Counts the cost 17/09/08
14. Fuel Cell Catalyst Improved 17/05/09
15. Quit Coal Campaign 28/02/09
16. Oil versus water disaster 29/12/08
17. Paying to stop Deforestation 06/08/08
18. U K Phases out light bulbs 30/09/07
19. Indonesia's Carbon Catastrophe 01/12/08
20. Light Emitting Diodes - Watch the Progress Here (updating)
21. Industry Two Faced 24/02/08
22. Vegetarians Combat Climate Change 29/08/07
23. Plans to reduce deforestation at Bali Conference 07/12/07
24. China Recognises the Problem
25. Wal-Mart Efforts 19/11/07
26. The Black Carbon Solution by reducing biomas combustion 25/03/08
27. Combined Heat and Power examples in operation 01/12/07
28. China to switch to Eco-Bulbs in ten years 05/10/07
29. 15% of Emissions from Burning Forest and Peatland
30. 10 ways to save energy
31. The Coal War 04/09/07
32. Green Aircraft 13/06/07
33. Efficient Power Generation 17/07/07
34. UK Largest Power Station Low Targets
35. CO2 levels
36. Larger Homes a Disaster
37. Commercial Kyoto
38. China Halts Chemical Plant
39. Deforestation plays major role
40. Hydro May be Worse
41. Waste heat can generate electricity see ENECO Solar