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

Union of Concerned Scientists

However, several analyses—including a recent one by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)—have concluded that the IRA, even when coupled with the bipartisan infrastructure act and other federal and state climate policies, will not be enough to meet US carbon emission reduction goals. Energy efficiency also plays a critical role.

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What’s Up With Water – November 8, 2021

Circle of Blue

Google officials say their data centers need more water to cool the equipment, but neither the city nor Google will say exactly how much more. The root cause of the issue is global climate change, which can only be addressed by rapidly curbing carbon emissions. Google claims the water-use data is a trade secret.

2021 246
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In Climate Talks, Plans to Keep Planet from Overheating Should Not Ignore Water

Circle of Blue

Carbon-reduction plans, if not well designed, can worsen water scarcity and pollution. Plans to reduce carbon emissions should take water into account. Some low-carbon energy options require significant amounts of water. By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue – September 23, 2021. Carl Ganter/Circle of Blue.

Biofuels 363
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What’s Up With Water – December 6, 2022

Circle of Blue

This first report presents data from 2021, but only for a few topics. The report’s authors claim that success in lowering carbon emissions will be determined by how well the world manages its water. Freshwater ecosystems like marshes and wetlands store carbon, protect biodiversity, and improve soil and water quality.

2022 246
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Analysis: How to cut emissions from ‘big sport’?

A Greener Life

Reusing venues and replacing fossil fuel with renewable energy use is essential to cutting emissions at a large sporting event. Approximately 95% of venues for the Paris Games will be pre-existing or temporary facilities, and this factor alone is expected to reduce carbon emissions by one million tonnes compared to new buildings.

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Getting physical with the climate crisis

Physics World

Up in flames After recording Canada’s highest ever temperature on 29 June 2021, Lytton in British Columbia had to be evacuated as wildfires engulfed the town and destroyed most of its buildings. Overall, cement accounts for 3% of the world’s carbon emissions. Courtesy: Canadian Press/Shutterstock). Where are they most likely?

Cooling 133
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Wildfires and Power Grid Failures Continue to Fuel Each Other

Union of Concerned Scientists

Last year, my UCS colleagues working on climate science and corporate accountability found, in a peer-reviewed study , that 37% of the area burned in western North America since 1986 is attributable to the carbon emissions of just 88 fossil fuel companies and cement manufacturers. That 37% equates to 19.8