In this edition of Climate Change Weekly:
- A few presidential candidates unveil climate/climate-related plans.
- The UK declares a climate emergency while a committee pushes for net zero emissions.
- Indonesia wants to move its capital away from Jakarta, which is sinking.
- A look at how food affects climate change.
- The House votes to pass Climate Action Now Act, which aims to keep US in Paris Agreement.
- And more…
A few Democratic presidential candidates shared climate-related plans this week. Beto O’Rourke‘s climate change plan calls for net zero emissions by 2050, and comes with a $5 trillion price tag. O’Rourke was subject to some criticism from youth climate group the Sunrise Movement for his plan not being urgent enough, but they seemed to make up somewhat later in the week when O’Rourke agreed to sign the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge:
💥NEW💥 @BetoORourke signs the #NoFossilFuelMoney Pledge!
This wouldn’t have happened if not for Sunrisers across the country who asked him repeatedly to sign the pledge & stand w/ our generation.
We applaud Beto for being responsive to the concerns of youth across the nation. https://t.co/segcN2OOnq
— Sunrise Movement 🌅 (@sunrisemvmt) May 2, 2019
“Climate change candidate” Jay Inslee released his own clean energy plan on Friday. Inslee’s plan sets a number of ambitious targets for 100% clean electricity, zero carbon pollution from new buildings, and zero emission vehicles.
Across the pond, the UK government declared a climate emergency. The Committee on Climate Change recommended a new goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the UK by 2050, and banning sale of all diesel and petrol vehicles by 2035.
Indonesia announced plans to move its capital city of Jakarta, which is sinking into the sea. The news has drawn lots of attention, with climate change getting most of the blame. While climate change is a factor as sea levels rise around the coastal city, Popular Science details Jakarta’s many other problems which have ultimately lead to such a decision.
The New York Times has an interactive look at how the global food system affects climate change, with details about the climate footprint of various foods, and ways you can make a difference with “small shifts” in the way you eat. (Hint: consider not going so heavy on any foods that come from the cow.)
House Democrats voted to pass the Climate Action Now Act, which would block President Trump from exiting the Paris Agreement. It will likely turn out to be symbolic, as the Senate is unlikely to pass the bill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who’s received millions from oil and gas companies, (R-Ky.) said it “will go nowhere,” as noted by The Hill.
However, symbolism matters — though it may take some time. A new article from Politico examines how the GOP’s willingness to demonize the Green New Deal may cost them young voters not just now, but for the long-term, as well.
#ClimateChange now ranks as the very TOP issue for Democratic primary voter
s in new CNN poll, beating out health care. PDF here: https://t.co/LVzAG7zEZq pic.twitter.com/J30gQNTlut— @huntercutting.bsky.social (@HunterCutting) April 30, 2019
As Facebook looks to do more fact checking, the social media giant has partnered with a number of third-party organizations to act as fact-checkers. One of them is CheckYourFact.com, a right-wing offshoot of Koch-funded The Daily Caller. EcoWatch points out the concerns, especially when it comes to climate denial.
Deforestation is combining with climate change to heat up the planet even more, especially on a local scale. Biologists’ findings on the matter were detailed by Yale Climate Connections.
Pennsylvania became the 24th state or territory to join the US Climate Alliance this week. The state also released a new climate action plan.
In related news, Yale Climate Connections took a look at how warmer weather is soaking Pennsylvania farms.
WEEK 11 of #schoolstrike4climate in Iceland. We are ready for real action now and for those in charge to take responsibility ✊♻️#loftslagsverkfall #climatestrike #FridaysForFuture @GretaThunberg pic.twitter.com/OMPKyH2T3W
— Elsa M G Drífudóttir (@Elsamariagulla) May 3, 2019
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