NAS & EPA - What More Do You Need?

Since the grand creation of GreenMachine2050, one of my main objectives has been to lay the foundation for the need to take action on climate change - because the science is clear and the potential catastrophic impacts require it. Don't forget to check out the all important disclaimer.

The one avid reader out there other than myself will be familiar with my Fact or Fiction pieces that I usually try to do on Fridays. These posts have been sporadic unfortunately and I think I'm going to move more towards addressing the problem and away from identifying the problem. The evidence is overwhelming and there are a number of dedicated sites that focus solely on the science such as RealClimate and Skeptical Science.

But before I do that, I want to draw your attention to recent reports issued by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The reports reinforce the scientific evidence that global warming is happening and is likely due to human activity and the increased production of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

The NAS reports, covering the science, mitigation, and adaptation, are the most recent US studies which make the case for urgent action. The report on science concludes that a strong, credible body of scientific evidence shows that climate change is occurring, is caused largely by human activities, and poses significant risks for a broad range of human and natural systems. In its report on mitigation, NAS concludes that meeting internationally discussed targets for limiting atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and associated increases in global average temperatures will require a major departure from business as usual in how the world uses and produces energy, and calls for some type of price on carbon. And finally, in its report on adaptation, NAS concludes that adaptation to climate change calls for a new paradigm - one that considers a range of possible future climate conditions and associated impacts, some well outside the realm of past experience.

The EPA, in its report entitled Climate Change Indicators in the United States, outlines recent climate impacts occurring in real time. Some of the key findings include:

- Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are increasing. Between 1990 and 2008, there has been about a 14 percent increase in emissions in the United States.

- Average temperatures are rising. Seven of the top 10 warmest years on record for the continental United States have occurred since 1990.

- Tropical cyclone intensity has increased in recent decades. Six of the 10 most active hurricane seasons have occurred since the mid-1990s.

- Sea levels are rising. From 1993 to 2008, sea level rose twice as fast as the long-term trend.

- Glaciers are melting. Loss of glacier volume appears to have accelerated over the last decade.

- The frequency of heat waves has risen steadily since the 1960s. The percentage of the U.S. population impacted by heat waves has also increased.

So, we've identified the problem and the cause. Now it's time to start talking about the remedies. Stay tuned.

UK Nuclear Energy Policy

I recently came across this Financial Times article about UK nuclear energy policy. It's a bit dated but thought you might want to take a read.

Essentially it talks about the difference in views between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats. Yet despite these differences, there remains a commitment to nuclear energy, which emits zero greenhouse gases (GHGs). Furthermore, the private sector appears relatively unfazed about the need for 100% private sector funding so long as they have the regulatory certainty needed to make long term plans about nuclear new build.

If you really want to get into the weeds on UK nuclear energy policy take a look at their 2008 Nuclear White Paper and, more recently, the UK's draft National Nuclear Policy Statement.

National Academy of Sciences reports

NAS released three reports yesterday emphasizing why the US should reduce emissions and develop a plan to adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change.

I recommend reading this excellent article in Science Daily outlining the key messages of the reports.

The case for action on climate change has never been stronger. We need a comprehensive, aggressive, and pragmatic effort to begin reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions now. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away.