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Ask a Scientist: The US Has to Do More to Meet Its Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals

Union of Concerned Scientists

The legislation committed nearly $400 billion to support, among other things, wind and solar power, battery storage, electric vehicles, and other clean energy technologies that will make a significant dent in US heat-trapping emissions. First, decarbonizing the electricity sector mainly with wind and solar to replace coal and fossil gas.

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Reevaluating the Role of Fossil Gas in a Decarbonizing Grid

Union of Concerned Scientists

Fossil gas power plants currently provide the largest source of electricity generation and capacity in the United States. To meet our climate goals and reach net zero emissions by 2050, most studies show that we need to dramatically reduce gas use for generating electricity, heating homes and businesses, and running industrial processes.

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Subnational Climate Action in the UK

Legal Planet

In sharp contrast with their American counterparts, British conservatives remain firmly behind the Paris Agreement and supportive of cap-and-trade. Scotland set a 2020 goal of 100% renewable energy electricity generation. This covers electricity, heating, transportation, etc., Here’s what’s happening across Great Britain.

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The EIA Just Released a 30 Year Energy Outlook. It’s… Not Great

Union of Concerned Scientists

They just released their 2022 “Annual Energy Outlook” (AEO), which is a big deal: it tells us where electricity is headed over the next 30 years. Here are five key takeaways from this year’s AEO, focused primarily on the electricity sector: 1. Relying on market trends is nowhere near enough to do the job. Carbon emissions remain high.

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Analysis: New coal mines add question mark to India’s climate commitments

A Greener Life

Despite a significant uptake of renewable energy, India still relies on coal plants for more than half of its installed electricity supply. Enhanced coal production Despite the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement, which committed the countries of the world to lower carbon emissions, India has seen no need to reduce coal use.

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Estimating the impact of ‘eco’ jet fuel: How much could it reduce CO2 emissions by 2050?

Frontiers

However, with entirely electric-powered aircraft some way off from becoming commonplace and limited in range, airlines have turned to cleaner jet fuels to help reduce their impact on the planet in the meantime. Estimates suggest that the sector is responsible for about 2.5% SAF is not a silver bullet.

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Predictions of IRA’s Success Solidify

Legal Planet

Despite the IRA’s substantial assist to emission cuts, we will need additional policies to push emissions 50% below 2005 levels. A mid-August 2022 report from a Princeton research group, concluded that IRA would close two-thirds of the remaining emissions gap between current policy and the nation’s 2030 climate target (50% below 2005).

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