No let up–it just gets worseBy Martin Bush
The State of the Climate in 2017 report from the American Meteorological Society is packed with the latest data on the planet's deteriorating climate. There are no signs that the situation is improving. On the contrary, most of the climate variables point to a worsening situation. The US, Canada, and Europe should be taking the lead. We got one out three.
Pricing carbon: regressive or not?By Martin Bush
Economists don't always agree: but they all seem to like the idea of setting a price on carbon. Either through a carbon tax or an emissions trading scheme, a levy on carbon appears certain to eventually reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. But at a price. The poorest sector of the population carries a disproportionately greater burden. It's a regressive tax. Is there a way to reduce emissions without penalizing low-income families?
Antarctic melt accelerates sea level riseBy Martin Bush
Recent satellite data from NASA and the ESA show that the Antarctic ice sheet is melting much faster than previously thought--leading to more rapid global sea level rise. The rate of increase of atmosheric carbon dioxide is also increasing. These data show evidence of geophysical positive feedbacks that will be difficult if not impossible to control without forceful measures to reduce emissions of carbon.
Solar, wind, and batteries: a winning trifectaBy Martin Bush
Solar energy and wind power are inexaustible sources of cheap renewable energy--but there's a fatal flaw. They are inherently intermittent, and this makes them poor candidates for providing dispatchable power. But coupled with megawatt scale batteries, solar and wind become star performers..
Two steps forward? Not for Canada.By Martin Bush
2017 was an exceptional year for renewable energy. That was the good news. But the bad news is that energy intensity declined worldwide, CO2 emissions are once again on the rise, and king coal refuses to cede its place to cleaner fuels. Surprisingly, the US gets good grades--and Canada gets the raspberry.
