The John James Newsletter 17
1 October 2014.
“Always know that indifference is a militant thing. It batters down the walls of cities and murders the women and children amid the flames and the purloining of altar vessels. When it goes away it leaves smoking ruins, where lie citizens bayonetted through the throat. It is not a children’s pastime like mere highway robbery.”
Stephen Crane The Red Badge of Courage.
Archbishop Tutu on Climate Change – well worth passing on to your friends (and others!)
Mapping Global Carbon Emissions – for graph lovers!
The latest report on global carbon emissions released this week revealed that emissions will likely reach 40 billion tonnes this year. Growth continues to match the worst-case scenario modelled by the IPCC of between 3.2 and 5.4C by 2100.
http://reneweconomy.com.au/2014/graph-of-the-day-mapping-global-carbon-emissions-95259
Do your own graph annually and see we could reach 2C in the next 20 years. This does not include Global Dimming (the almost equal amount of latent heat held in the system that is not yet affecting temperatures) nor any catastrophic tipping points (such as the sudden collapse of the ice sheets or eruptions of methane).
China announces targets on carbon emission cuts
The State Council announced that China is going to reduce the intensity of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP in 2020 by 40 to 45 percent compared with the level of 2005. However, with the expected doubling of GDP this means the emissions in 2020 would be roughly the same as emissions now. For the world’s dirtiest economy standing still is not a reduction.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/26/content_12544181.htm
Solar to be world’s main energy source by 2050
Due to the rapid cost reductions achieved by PV, the IEA is now more bullish on the contribution the technology can make to global electricity and represents a big increase on previous roadmaps because things have changed so quickly,
http://reneweconomy.com.au/2014/iea-solar-worlds-main-energy-source-2050
Interview with Deputy Defence Minister of Russia – Dmitry Rogozin
Valuable insight into the other side. Click on the “translate” icon 4th from the right for English subtitles.
Teach the Truth!!
‘Little rebels’ protest against changes to history curriculum
After a conservative school board proposed dramatic changes to promote patriotism and downplay civil unrest in an advanced course, hundreds of students and teachers joined a growing protest against censorship of education
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/26/-sp-colorado-ap-history-curriculum-protest-patriotism-schools-students?CMP=ema_565
Hong Kong citizens urged to continue protests as police withdraw
In the past mass protests had police approval and emphasised that demonstrations would not affect everyday life. This time they really don’t care. Beijing may have put itself in a corner and may not be able to back down.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/29/hong-kong-citizens-protests-police-withdraw?CMP=ema_565
Iran says it will strike if Islamic State nears border
Military commander warns of attacks ‘deep into Iraqi territory’ unless militants keep their distance.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-says-it-will-islamic-state-if-it-nears-border/