[Apr 29-May 5'24] New leak #exxonknew

Carbon removal gap is too big, insights into Britains low energy mix, hardship makes societies more resilient and Exxon's own research confirmed fossil fuels role in 1970s.

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Weekly Climate 🎉

References: [1], [2], [3], [4] and [5].

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‼️News you can’t miss

Here’s one important scary/bad (🙀), good (😻), interesting (😼) and fossil (💩) news item.

🙀 The carbon removal gap is incompatible with 1.5C

😻 More insights into Britains low level of fossil fuels in energy mix

😼 Hardship makes societies more resilient (for the stoics among my readers this should come as no surprise)

💩 Exxon’s own research confirmed fossil fuels role in the 1970s

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👩‍⚕️ Status: Climate & Science

Let’s look at how we’re doing this week!

[#iceageanalysis] — A guest post on Carbon Brief discusses a study that suggests the worst-case global warming scenario is less likely based on an analysis of ice-age data. The study finds that the Last Glacial Maximum provides stronger evidence for modern-day climate sensitivity, narrowing the range to an equilibrium climate sensitivity of 2.9C, with a very likely range of 2.1-4.1C. These findings challenge the assumption that warmer climates are more sensitive than colder climates and have implications for future warming estimates.

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📰 The 7 Grand Challenges

⚡️Decarbonize Electricity

Clean electricity is the one do-or-die challenge we must solve.

[#UKemissions] — According to Carbon Brief analysis, fossil fuels supplied a record-low 2.4% of electricity in Great Britain for one hour in April. The analysis shows that the British electricity supplies are shifting decisively away from fossil fuels, with periods of high reliance on fossil fuels becoming increasingly rare. However, there is still a need for gas power during certain periods, and the variability of wind and solar power due to weather conditions affects the overall picture. Achieving the target of a fully decarbonized grid by 2035 will require alternatives to gas power and flexible low-carbon capacity.

🏘 Reduce impact of urban and rural areas

Lowering the impact of urban and rural areas.

[#hotelslippers] — Disposable hotel slippers are being targeted by sustainability activists due to their single-use nature and environmental impact. While slippers are deeply rooted in Asian culture and seen as a luxury standard, efforts are being made to find more eco-friendly alternatives. Some hotels have switched to slippers made from natural materials or recycled plastic, while others offer slippers on request instead of mandating their use. The waste associated with disposable slippers is significant, and hotel companies are increasingly focusing on sustainability practices to reduce their environmental footprint.

🌳 Protect and grow nature

Nature is our ally, we must protect it and help it help us.

[#coral] — Coral reefs are facing a tipping point due to rising ocean temperatures, with the world currently experiencing its fourth mass coral bleaching event. The survival of coral reefs, which support a quarter of marine life and provide numerous benefits to humans, is threatened by bleaching, where corals expel algae and starve. Scientists warn that coral reefs may have already passed a point of no return, and urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect these fragile ecosystems.