[May 28-Jun 2'24] Have already peaked?

Freshwater contamination, CO2 emissions peak, 250B$ in health benefits from solar and wind and climate denial think tank derailing EU elections.

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

References: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5] and [6].

I’m back - hope you missed your weekly dose of news. Unfortunately, I’m only back this week and next week before taking, yes another, vacation 🏝️ (yes I am based in EU 😂) (pausing subscriptions during that time as always). Enjoy!

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‼️News you can’t miss

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

🙀 Freshwater contamination is hurting reproductive health in Bangladesh

😻 Have we really reached a CO2 emission peak?

😼 250B$ in health benefits in the US courtesy of wind and solar

💩 Climate denial think tank planning how to derail EU elections

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👩‍⚕️ Status: Climate & Science

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

[#emissionpeak] — According to new estimates, global carbon dioxide emissions may have already peaked, signaling a potential shift. The rapid expansion of wind and solar power plants, along with the rise of electric vehicles and heat pumps, is expected to contribute to the decline in emissions. However, achieving net zero emissions by 2050 would require significant efforts and strict regulatory measures. While the decline in emissions will not be swift, the data suggests that humans are on the cusp of reducing the overall production of heat-trapping gases.

[#heat] — According to a new analysis, climate change has added an extra month's worth of abnormally hot days in the past year. The average person on Earth experienced 26 more days of high temperatures due to human-induced climate change. The burning of fossil fuels and the release of heat-trapping gases are major contributors to the record-breaking warmth. The impact varies by location, with some countries experiencing an additional two to three weeks of abnormal warmth, while others, such as Colombia, Indonesia, and Rwanda, experiencing over 120 extra days. The study also identified 76 extreme heat waves in the past year, affecting 90 countries across the globe.

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📰 The 7 Grand Challenges

⚡️Decarbonize Electricity

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

[#chinapeak] — New data suggests that China's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions may have already peaked in 2023. A recent analysis shows a 3% decrease in CO2 emissions in March 2024, attributed to a 1% decline in coal usage. The drop in emissions is also influenced by flat oil demand, a decrease in cement and steel production, and the growth of solar and wind power generation. If China maintains the buildout of clean energy sources, a peak in CO2 emissions is possible, with 2023 being the peak year.

[#batteries] — Long-duration energy storage technologies are gaining interest as they approach the point of out-competing lithium-ion batteries in certain markets. BloombergNEF's survey shows that some long-duration technologies already offer cheaper storage than lithium-ion batteries for durations over eight hours. However, the cost of long-duration energy storage is unlikely to decrease as quickly as lithium-ion batteries due to the extensive use of lithium-ion batteries in various sectors. China leads in cost-effectiveness for established technologies, but outside of China, long-duration energy storage has a better chance of competing with lithium-ion batteries. Ongoing advances in technology and favorable policies are essential for the commercialization of long-duration energy storage.

[#nonewfossil] — A study by University College London and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) suggests that governments should stop issuing new oil, gas, and coal licenses as there are already enough fossil fuel projects planned to meet global energy demand forecasts until 2050. The study emphasizes the need for governments to deliver promised changes to meet climate targets and encourages a managed decline of the fossil fuel industry while promoting investment in clean energy alternatives. The paper is expected to reignite criticism of the UK's Conservative government, which has promised oil and gas exploration licenses to boost the North Sea industry.

🏘 Reduce impact of urban and rural areas

Lowering the impact of urban and rural areas.

[#heatpumps] — Heat pumps can be installed in older properties, contrary to the belief that they are only suitable for newbuilds. Studies have shown success with retrofits and in poorly insulated homes. The number of heat pump installations in the EU is expected to surge, with the majority being in existing buildings. While challenges may exist, such as limited space and insulation issues, basic upgrades and alternative heat sources can mitigate them. Heat pumps offer a viable option for reducing carbon emissions in older homes.