THE BRIEF [Aug 26-Sep 1'24]
Canada's 2023 wildfires, batteries next solar, Australian household energy and Exxon chases subsidies.
Welcome to this week’s edition of The Weekly Climate 🎉
References: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5] and [6].
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‼️News you can’t miss
Here’s one important scary/bad (🙀), good (😻), interesting (😼) and fossil (💩) news item.
🙀 Canada’s 2023 wildfires emitted more than CO2 than almost any country.
😻 Batteries may be the next solar (from an investment standpoint)
😼 Australian households expected to produce more energy than they consume in 2040
💩 Exxon chases subsidies for CCS
This week’s highlights
[#glaciermelt] — Melting glaciers are releasing not only water but also harmful substances like methane, heavy metals, and even ancient viruses, contributing to climate change and posing risks to local communities. The cultural significance of glaciers is also threatened, leading to phenomena like "last-chance tourism." As glaciers disappear, they leave behind environmental and health challenges, including the potential for mercury contamination in food sources and the revival of dormant pathogens.
[#falsesolutions] — A report by Oil Change International reveals that the U.S. leads in public spending on ineffective climate solutions, investing $12 billion in carbon capture technology over 40 years, which has failed to significantly reduce emissions. The report criticizes the allocation of taxpayer funds to bolster fossil fuel industries instead of transitioning to renewable energy, highlighting the need for genuine climate action. It also notes that fossil fuel companies, like ExxonMobil, have shifted from skepticism to advocacy for carbon capture, seeking substantial government subsidies while continuing to promote oil production.
[#fightfirewithfire] — Silicon Valley entrepreneurs are developing innovative technologies to combat mega-wildfires exacerbated by climate change, focusing on automated machinery like remote-controlled skidders and fire-breathing robots called BurnBots. These advancements aim to improve forest management through thinning and controlled burns, addressing the challenge of insufficient manpower in the industry. Start-ups like Kodama Systems and BurnBot are backed by significant venture capital and are exploring new business models to sustain their operations while advocating for public sector support to tackle the growing wildfire crisis.
[#60sICEban] — In the 1960s, California Senator Nicholas Petris attempted to ban gas-powered cars due to severe air pollution caused by combustion engines, leading to a significant public and legislative movement. Despite initial support and a near-success in passing a ban, aggressive lobbying from the auto industry ultimately thwarted the efforts. The historical context highlights the ongoing struggle against internal combustion engines, as similar bans are being proposed today, reflecting the necessity for environmental change and the challenges posed by industry resistance.
That’s it for this week folks!
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