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Archived copy of the article

Archived copies of the article:

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cross-posted from: https://beehaw.org/post/17832333

Cross posted from: https://beehaw.org/post/17832023

Archived version

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that global coal demand is expected to reach unprecedented levels in 2024. In its latest report, "Coal 2024: Analysis and Forecast for 2024," the agency predicts coal consumption will climb to 877 crore tonnes, marking a new record.

The report notes that while global coal demand increased by 1% in 2023, the growth rate has slowed compared to previous years. In 2021, coal demand surged by 7.7% following the COVID-19 recovery, while growth rates moderated to 4.7% in 2022 and 2.4% in 2023.

[...]

China, the world's largest coal consumer, will significantly drive global demand. The IEA estimates China's coal consumption will grow by 1% in 2024, reaching 490 crore tonnes. India, the second-largest consumer, is expected to see a 5% increase, bringing its consumption to 130 crore metric tonnes—a level previously achieved only by China.

Conversely, coal demand in developed regions like the European Union and the United States continues to decline. The European Union’s demand is projected to drop by 12% in 2024, while the US is expected to see a 5% decline. However, these decreases are less steep compared to the significant drops in 2023.

[...]

The period occured in 2024 between late winter and early summer. "Compared to the same period in 2023, solar output in California is up 31%, wind power is up 8%, and batteries are up a staggering 105%."

Link to the study PDF mentioned in the article: https://web.stanford.edu/group/efmh/jacobson/Articles/Others/25-CaliforniaWWS.pdf

One of the paper's cowriters is Mark Z. Jacobson, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the atmosphere/energy program at Stanford University.

If the goal is securing affordable access to the transit point over the long term, it is climate change, not Chinese influence, that U.S. policymakers should worry about.

Climate Change and Global Shipping

The article discusses how climate change is affecting global shipping and trade, particularly in two regions that are of interest to the US government: Greenland and the Panama Canal.

• Greenland: Rising temperatures have led to significant ice melt, making the area more accessible for oil and gas drilling and mineral mining. This has attracted international interest, but also raises concerns about environmental harm.
• Panama Canal: Climate change is causing droughts and rising sea levels, threatening the canal's lock system and freshwater supply. The canal authority has proposed a $1.6 billion project to secure freshwater.

The article also mentions that China and Russia are working together to develop Arctic shipping routes, and that the US government is paying more attention to climate change's impact on global shipping.

Trump's Interests

The article notes that Donald Trump wants to acquire Greenland and reclaim control of the Panama Canal, citing national security concerns. However, experts suggest that Trump's interests are also driven by climate change, which is making both regions more important for global shipping and trade.

Climate Change Consequences

The article highlights the consequences of climate change, including rising sea levels, droughts, and increased risk of environmental disasters such as oil spills. It also mentions that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has promoted the use of toxic fertilizer, which has been linked to health problems.

New research from beneath the Thwaites Glacier suggests a more complicated picture than we ever imagined...

Chapters

0:00 The Doomsday Glacier

0:55 The History Of The Twaites Glacier

2:12 Why Is Thwaites So Dangerous?

4:33 Ad Read

5:35 How Bad is The Doomsday Glacier?

8:20 What We Discovered Below The Doomsday Glacier

13:22 What Do We Do About Thwaites?

Your privacy is important. Protect yourself from Google with the FreeTube app.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/23701231

Summary

The UN declared 2024 the hottest year on record, capping a “decade of deadly heat” where all 10 of the hottest years occurred.

UN Secretary General António Guterres urged urgent action to slash emissions and transition to renewable energy in 2025 to prevent further climate breakdown.

The World Meteorological Organisation highlighted record rainfall, flooding, cyclones, heatwaves, and wildfires, with 26 of 29 extreme events in 2024 linked to climate change.

Dangerous heat days increased by 41 this year, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to address escalating heat risks.

Were electric ferries not a viable option?

Oil executive Tom Ragsdale walked away from his old wells, making the pollution left behind the state of New Mexico’s problem. His tactics, however, are ubiquitous in the industry.