Global Warming

JAKARTA (Reuters) - An Indonesia-based study shows carbon-rich tropical peat lands trap more greenhouse gases than first thought, driving up their potential value on the carbon market and strengthening a case for their protection. Green groups on the sidelines of U.N. climate talks in Barcelona said tropical deforestation accounted for a smaller portion of global carbon emissions than thought, reaching 15 percent including draining peat soils where rainforests grow. Huge amounts of greenhouse gases are released when peat lands are logged or drained for agriculture, and even more when the dried bogs catch fire and release toxic haze into the air. While scientists agree ... Read Full Story

Smokestack scrubbers will eliminate most of the sulfur emissions from the coal-fired Kingston Fossil Plant, but they will also produce a new waste stream for a site still engaged in a $1 billion cleanup from a massive ash spill. "It is a tradeoff. In order to clean the air up, you create a landfill," the Tennessee Valley Authority's Ron Nash said Thursday during a tour of Kingston's new $500 million scrubber complex. "But it is still better to clean the air. We all breathe the air. It is not a choice," said Nash, who heads the scrubber program for all 11 coal-fired power plants ... Read Full Story

A list of key points negotiators hope to clarify before meeting for a decisive U.N. climate conference next month in Copenhagen, Denmark. EMISSIONS TARGETS — Industrial nations are asked to make specific pledges for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, while developing nations should state how they are reducing emissions growth. Scientists say industrial countries should reduce emissions by 25 to 40 percent from 1990 levels to avoid climate catastrophe. So far their pledges amount to far less. Developing nations want their rich counterparts to commit to cut emissions by at least 40 percent from 1990 levels. CLIMATE AID — Industrial nations are asked ... Read Full Story

Asia-Pacific leaders plan to call for sweeping cuts in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at a summit here next week, according to a draft communique obtained by AFP Friday. "We believe that global emissions will need to peak over the next few years, and be reduced to 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, recognising that the time frame for peaking will be longer in developing countries," the draft said. Leaders of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, including the United States and China, will meet in Singapore on November 14-15 to discuss global economic recovery, environmental issues and free trade. The ... Read Full Story

Triple threat facing the world economy. The oil reserves have been nearly depleted by 2050. By the increase in greenhouse gas emissions caused by climate change will be enormous damage. Higher transport costs and food will reduce economic growth. As a result of economic stagnation throughout the world, there is no hope of escape or reversal. That future generations will pay a heavy price for the past, the failure of governments to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions, and to change the world energy supply. Our dependence on fossil fuels, must be fully completed in the next three or four decades, otherwise the world will destroy ... Read Full Story