A Statement from U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz on the (IPCC) Final Synthesis Report

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://energy.gov/articles/statement-us-secretary-energy-ernest-moniz-intergovernmental-panel-climate-change-s-final

[font face=Serif][font size=5]A Statement from U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Final Synthesis Report[/font]

November 3, 2014 - 11:24am

[font size=3]…

“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s final Synthesis Report reiterates many of the critical takeaways from the last three reports. Leading climate scientists from many countries have restated their conclusion that the atmosphere and ocean have warmed, sea level is rising and the effect of human activity on the climate system is clear. The IPCC also notes that recent changes to the climate system are impacting human and natural systems now, in line with the conclusions reached for the United States in the Third Annual Climate Assessment released by the Administration in June.

"Acting now is essential if we are to avoid the worst consequences of climate change and minimize economic impact of climate risk mitigation and of adaptation to climate impacts, such as those associated with sea level rise and extreme weather.

"The United States has already been actively addressing these critical issues through the President’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP approach to mitigation encompasses an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes strong investments in clean energy technologies all along the innovation chain from early stage research to accelerated deployment. New initiatives and current programs aim to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions from our fossil fuel plants and transportation sector, advance nuclear power, and scale renewable power sources. The CAP also addresses climate impacts, including the development of a 21st century energy infrastructure that is more resilient to climate risks and enabling of clean energy system. Energy infrastructure initiatives provide the initial focus of the Administration-wide Quadrennial Energy Review, which is well underway.

"We look forward to working with Congress, states and regions, international partners, business, civil society, and stakeholders from the faith community to the national security establishment to meet the climate challenge while continuing to grow the economy through the President’s all-of-the-above strategy. This latest IPCC report serves to reinforce the importance and urgency of collective action."[/font][/font]

[CRH]

1. "meet the climate challenge while continuing to grow the economy" ...

with an all of the above strategy, which includes oil, nat gas and coal.
I don't think last night's political upheaval will make all that much difference, if this was the enlightened approach.

[OKIsItJustMe]

2. You're suffering from a lack of imagination

This is a moderate position, with an emphasis on developing alternative sources.

There are much worse positions, and we're liable to see them.
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=nws&q=republican+%22renewable+energy%22

[CRH]

3. Not suffering from a lack of imagination, ...

I've seen what losing control of committees an their agendas leads to, several times.

In comparison to the urgency, the more enlightened approach couldn't even produce climate negotiators that would allow a dialog pursuing emission reductions through Copenhagen to present. After six years we have pledges that have not been confirmed. We have a policy and environmental stance that has encouraged fracking, with a look the other way approach to not just ground water pollution but methane release, and has insured the lack of funding to investigate and regulate. Coal has been mildly curtailed in the US while allowing increased exportation to Asia, only shifting the pollution to the site of global manufacturing. This of course ignores the global nature of the emissions problem.

There was much political and physical capital spent on legislation for an insurance industry wind fall for health care system that promotes symptom drugging as method of care, while a much more dangerous situation of carbon pollution threatening species and eco systems on unprecedented levels through irreversible climate change, is kicked down the road; while attempts at progress are sabotaged at international climate forums.

So frankly the performance of the Obama administration has been nothing more than meek, and there isn't much momentum to reverse, in comparison to the work that needs to be done. That the republicans will promote more fossil fuel extraction and utilization is hogwash, because clean energy has not significantly replaced carbon sources or drawn down emissions as of yet. Global emissions continue to rise. Fossil fuels will only be replaced when it is economically advantageous to do so no matter which party is in power. As long as economic growth is the desire of both political parties, the end result will not be significantly different in the time frame dictated by the effects of human activity.

It is only slightly more sad, to realize we won't even try to lessen the impact or potential adaption, possible for future generations.

[OKIsItJustMe]

4. Make yourself a calendar reminder for one year from now

See if you think things at that point are no worse than they are now...

Save this URL: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1127&pid=77333

[CRH]

5. They possibly will be, ...

and I am under no illusions that there won't be attempts at defunding renewables research, climate science and the EPA. Obama will be hanging in the wind with all but the veto pen.

However I'm not convinced the emission level of the US will be significantly affected, while attempts to grow the economy continue using an all of the above strategy.