Tag Archives: emissions

Myths and mischief-making in renewable energy reporting

Posted on August 31, 2012 by John Gibbons

I couldn’t have claimed to be Ireland’s greatest fan of wind energy. Not because I don’t think it’s a good idea – it is – but rather, my concern is whether it will ever be deployed on a scale sufficient … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy, Global Warming, Irish Focus, Sceptics, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers: A crosscutting international instrument for advancing sustainability

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Mark Keenan

The current global ecological situation is perilous to humankind. Accumulated releases of greenhouse gases (GHGs) are causing climate change and eco-toxic releases are significantly impacting the environment and human health. Global eco-systems and resources are in decline. There is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Warming, Irish Focus, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

EU “may adapt” 10% biofuel target

Posted on July 6, 2010 by James Nix

The scientific perspective could “kill biofuels” – that’s what the head of the EU’s agriculture unit said to colleagues in response to data showing the global ramifications of dedicating land in Europe to biofuels. The new Commissioner has said “if … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Warming, Sustainability | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Suspend democracy to tackle emissions – Lovelock

Posted on April 4, 2010 by James Nix

From the Guardian: In his first major interview since the climate-change emails scandal, James Lovelock says he is disgusted by the actions of some scientists, applauds ‘good’ climate sceptics, and warns that global warming could even lead to war Leo … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Warming, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Decreasing carbon emissions without affecting the quality of life

Posted on March 9, 2010 by Paddy Morris

There are a couple of simple ideas, which if implemented could make deep and long term cuts in our carbon emissions, while maintaining (or even increasing) the quality of life for all. In no particular order, they are: 1. Immediately … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Energy, Global Warming, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

15 Reasons to be (Mildly) Optimistic about COP15

Posted on December 8, 2009 by Paddy Morris

As the Copenhagen conference progresses, I thought it might be worthwhile to take a brief look what’s the various different countries have offered, and reasons why there is some room for optimism about a decent deal being done… 1. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Warming | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Keeping our heads above (rising) water

Posted on November 26, 2009 by John Gibbons

In these dark November days, as parts of Ireland lie submerged after a virtually stormless deluge, it’s natural to want to look for some positive news. Images of tens of thousands of people using the public sector strike on Tuesday … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Warming, Irish Focus, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

To the last drop?

Posted on November 10, 2009 by John Gibbons

Take a minute or two to study the chart below. It is just issued by the International Energy Agency, an industry-centric organisation not prone to engaging in eco-alarmism. But this is alarming, truly shocking in fact. The dark blue chart … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy, Global Warming, Irish Focus, Nuclear, Peak Oil, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Challenging the infallible economist

Posted on October 15, 2009 by John Gibbons

Colm McCarthy chaired the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, better known as An Bord Snip Nua. It issued its various prescription for what ails us in July, and much of the national discussion since then has … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Global Warming, Irish Focus, Media, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Anthropocene draws to a close

Posted on October 8, 2009 by John Gibbons

The term Anthropocene was coined by Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen a decade ago to describe the new ‘Era of Man’, a distinct geological epoch shaped almost entirely by our actions and impacts. “The Anthropocence has yet to be accepted as … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Warming, Habitat/Species, Media, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Comhar’s Green New Deal makes sense

Posted on October 1, 2009 by John Gibbons

At 11am today in the Irish Academy in Dublin’s Dawson Street, Comhar, the sustainable development council formally launches its Green New Deal for Ireland. It’s a genuinely impressive document, as I’ve outlined in the Irish Times today, with much to … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Warming, Irish Focus, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Where will you be when the lights go out?

Posted on September 13, 2009 by John Gibbons

Prices in Ireland have, mercifully, started to ease back from the highs of a year or two ago, yet some things remain extraordinarily cheap. The two things that contribute probably more than anything else to our overall well-being, comfort, security … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy, Global Warming, Nuclear, Peak Oil, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Welcome to the New Emergency

Posted on June 4, 2009 by John Gibbons

They call it the ‘Greenhouse Gamble’. I’d call it the Wheel of Death. Either way, it’s a gizmo that looks like a cheesy prop from the National Lottery show, but in fact it has been developed by scientists from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Warming, Habitat/Species, Irish Focus, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A grandfather’s appeal to Obama

Posted on February 25, 2009 by John Gibbons

Politicians worry about the next election; business people worry about the next quarter. Who does that leave to worry about the longer term future? One top scientific expert believes the people who really do think ahead are parents, more specifically … Continue reading →

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John Bull takes climate change by the horns

Posted on October 12, 2008 by John Gibbons

We’re the ones with the Greens in Government, yet it’s Britain that has gone and set up a new department of Energy and Climate, headed by Ed Miliband. The UK is also to adopt a more severe target to cut … Continue reading →

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