High sulphur dioxide levels at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak could be a sign of mass cremations, it has been claimed.
Satellite maps in recent days have shown alarming levels of SO2 around Wuhan, the Chinese city where the outbreak began.
In addition, there were high sulphur dioxide levels in the city of Chongqing which is also under quarantine.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7986553/Does-satellite-image-scale-Chinas-coronavirus-cremations.html
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Friday, January 3, 2020
Cities are set to miss 80% of their 2020 emission reduction goals
Most cities that disclosed emissions reductions targets to CDP did not have goals for as early as 2020. Seventy percent of the more than 608 individual targets that cities self-reported in 2019 cite deadlines further in the future. Over 800 cities disclose some amount of data to the organization.
Source: https://qz.com/1760352/cities-are-set-to-miss-80-percent-of-their-2020-emission-reduction-goals/
Source: https://qz.com/1760352/cities-are-set-to-miss-80-percent-of-their-2020-emission-reduction-goals/
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Sulphur 2020 – cutting sulphur oxide emissions
The main type of “bunker” oil for ships is heavy fuel oil, derived as a residue from crude oil distillation. Crude oil contains sulphur which, following combustion in the engine, ends up in ship emissions. Sulphur oxides (SOx) are known to be harmful to human health, causing respiratory symptoms and lung disease. In the atmosphere, SOx can lead to acid rain, which can harm crops, forests and aquatic species, and contributes to the acidification of the oceans.
Limiting SOx emissions from ships will improve air quality and protects the environment.
IMO regulations to reduce sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions from ships first came into force in 2005, under Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (known as the MARPOL Convention). Since then, the limits on sulphur oxides have been progressively tightened.
From 1 January 2020, the limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships operating outside designated emission control areas will be reduced to 0.50% m/m (mass by mass). This will significantly reduce the amount of sulphur oxides emanating from ships and should have major health and environmental benefits for the world, particularly for populations living close to ports and coasts.
Below you will find answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the sulphur limit.
Source: http://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/hottopics/pages/sulphur-2020.aspx
Limiting SOx emissions from ships will improve air quality and protects the environment.
IMO regulations to reduce sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions from ships first came into force in 2005, under Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (known as the MARPOL Convention). Since then, the limits on sulphur oxides have been progressively tightened.
From 1 January 2020, the limit for sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships operating outside designated emission control areas will be reduced to 0.50% m/m (mass by mass). This will significantly reduce the amount of sulphur oxides emanating from ships and should have major health and environmental benefits for the world, particularly for populations living close to ports and coasts.
Below you will find answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the sulphur limit.
Source: http://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/hottopics/pages/sulphur-2020.aspx
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Fossil CO2 and GHG emissions of all world countries, 2019
The global GHG emissions trend has increased since the beginning of the 21st century in comparison to the three previous decades, mainly due to the increase in CO2 emissions from China and the other emerging economies. As a result, the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases substantially increased enhancing the natural greenhouse effect, which may negatively affect the life on the Earth. These issues are internationally addressed in the framework of UNFCCC; countries are developing national emissions inventories and propose/implement actions to mitigate GHG emissions. CO2 emissions, which are the main responsible for global warming are still increasing at world level despite climate change mitigation agreements. However, CO2 emissions within the EU28 have decreased in the last two decades. Human related activities largely influence the total CO2 emissions – particularly, power generation and road transport but also emissions from combustion in the residential and commercial sectors play a key role. Despite decreasing trends for total EU28 CO2 emissions, CO2 emissions per capita within the EU28 are still higher than the world average value.
Read more at https://edgar.jrc.ec.europa.eu/overview.php?v=booklet2019
Read more at https://edgar.jrc.ec.europa.eu/overview.php?v=booklet2019
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
China, US biggest carbon polluters, study finds
The world continues to increase the amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide it pumps into the air, but it’s not rising as fast as in the previous couple years.
Led by big jumps from China and India, the world is projected to spew 40.57 billion tons (36.8 billion metric tons) of carbon dioxide into the air in 2019. That is up nearly 255 million tons (231 million metric tons) from 2018, according to two scientific studies released Tuesday.
Read more at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=137976&sid=6
Led by big jumps from China and India, the world is projected to spew 40.57 billion tons (36.8 billion metric tons) of carbon dioxide into the air in 2019. That is up nearly 255 million tons (231 million metric tons) from 2018, according to two scientific studies released Tuesday.
Read more at http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=137976&sid=6
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
EMS (Energy Management System) can manage greenhouse gas accounting, reporting and management
The emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases due to power generation, transportation and other industrial / commercial activities are contributing to climate change and environmental impacts worldwide. EMS (Energy Management System) can manage greenhouse gas accounting, reporting and management in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, New Zealand and UK.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Studio Retail has announced that it is selling its Findel Education unit to Wakefield City Council for £50 million.
Studio Retail has announced that it is selling its Findel Education unit to Wakefield City Council for £50 million.
Creating an AI can be five times worse for the planet than a car
Training artificial intelligence is an energy intensive process. New estimates suggest that the carbon footprint of training a single AI is as much as 284 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent – five times the lifetime emissions of an average car.
Read more: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2205779-creating-an-ai-can-be-five-times-worse-for-the-planet-than-a-car/
Friday, December 13, 2019
Li Ka Shing Foundation Processes 'Instant Relief Fund' via Google Cloud AI; Applications in 8 Mins on Avg.
The Li Ka Shing Foundation is embracing technology and using Google Cloud AI to facilitate application for Crunch Time Instant Relief Fund for eligible SMEs. The entire application and review process is completed within a matter of days, as all data are processed online automatically.
60% of applications were submitted via a mobile device and it takes just five seconds for Google Cloud Vision AI to process the text in each image. Each application can be submitted within eight minutes and The Foundation was able to process over 43,000 applications within the first 3 weeks, said Lucy Werner, Head of Google Cloud Hong Kong.
Source: https://www.aastocks.com/en/stocks/analysis/stock-aafn-con/00001/NOW.980301/hk-stock-news
60% of applications were submitted via a mobile device and it takes just five seconds for Google Cloud Vision AI to process the text in each image. Each application can be submitted within eight minutes and The Foundation was able to process over 43,000 applications within the first 3 weeks, said Lucy Werner, Head of Google Cloud Hong Kong.
Source: https://www.aastocks.com/en/stocks/analysis/stock-aafn-con/00001/NOW.980301/hk-stock-news
Monday, December 2, 2019
EU bank to focus solely on clean energy sources starting in 2022
(CNN Business)The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced Thursday that it will end financing for fossil fuel energy projects at the end of 2021, adding in a statement that future financing will focus on accelerating innovations in clean energy.
"We will stop financing fossil fuels and we will launch the most ambitious climate investment strategy of any public financial institution anywhere," EIB President Werner Hoyer said Thursday.
The EIB is the European Union's lending arm. Its new energy lending policy will "unlock 1 trillion euros of climate action and environmental sustainable investment" in order to enable energy decarbonisation, and meet a 32% renewable energy share throughout the European Union by 2030.
"Climate is the top issue on the political agenda of our time...The EU bank has been Europe's climate bank for many years. Today it has decided to make a quantum leap in its ambition," Hoyer added.
Continue reading at https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/14/intl_business/eu-funding-fossil-fuel-projects/index.html
"We will stop financing fossil fuels and we will launch the most ambitious climate investment strategy of any public financial institution anywhere," EIB President Werner Hoyer said Thursday.
The EIB is the European Union's lending arm. Its new energy lending policy will "unlock 1 trillion euros of climate action and environmental sustainable investment" in order to enable energy decarbonisation, and meet a 32% renewable energy share throughout the European Union by 2030.
"Climate is the top issue on the political agenda of our time...The EU bank has been Europe's climate bank for many years. Today it has decided to make a quantum leap in its ambition," Hoyer added.
Continue reading at https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/14/intl_business/eu-funding-fossil-fuel-projects/index.html
Thursday, October 10, 2019
WWF-Hong Kong’s view on Long-term Decarbonisation Strategy
This paper sets out WWF-Hong Kong’s (WWF) views on an all-rounded and feasible
long-term decarbonisation strategy for Hong Kong. In order to achieve the goal of
limiting global heating to 1.5°C, all 7 key elements below should be adopted and
implemented by policymakers:
1. HKSAR Government to show strong leadership and determination to
limit global heating to 1.5°C through setting a legally-bound, sciencebased target by 2022
The Chief Executive should lead all government departments, public bodies,
and agencies to develop and commit to legally-bound, science-based targets
aimed at limiting global heating to 1.5°C.
2. Meet 10% renewable energy (RE) target by 2030, achieve net zero
emission by 2048 through global and regional cooperation
It is necessary to innovate, diversify, and magnify the application of solar PV
technology. In the long-term, explore global and regional cooperation for RE
trade and avoid trade-offs. The Government should not construct new
additional gas-fired generating units in the next Scheme of Control
agreement. Avoid further sourcing of nuclear energy. Stricter rules should be
applied to the application of bioenergy.
3. Realise a 50% energy saving improvement roadmap to 2050
It is essential to establish a mandatory climate change mitigation and
adaptation building scheme to all new building and introduce a carbon
budgeting mechanism for existing buildings.
4. Introduce decarbonisation financing scheme and put a true cost on
carbon
Replicate energy efficiency and renewable energy projects within government
properties to open spaces and privately-owned buildings. Open for public
acquisition and allocate complementary shares to the public. Conduct studies
on the economic, social, and financial implications of the climate crisis, and
design a progressive carbon charging system.
3
5. Establish a global extensive native-species reforestation program for
extant grassland areas
Reforestation can contribute to carbon sequestration and make Hong Kong
more carbon neutral. Subtropical forests can sequester 10 to 30 metric tonnes
of carbon per hectare. It can also reduce erosion and bolster freshwater
supplies.
6. Rethink urban planning and transform Hong Kong into one of Asia’s
most walkable cities
Mandate district cooling systems in the urban planning process. Develop
underground pedestrian commute paths to promote a low carbon lifestyle.
Phase out sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Roll out a “no-car-day” in
city centers. Provide incentives for electric vehicle acquisition and operation.
7. Healthy and wealthy, people-centric strategy
It is essential to put people at the heart of the decarbonisation policies. Set
up a public engagement team to regularly collect public feedback on longterm strategy. Introduce a compulsory climate crisis course for kindergarten,
primary and secondary school. Promote home office, community working
center and community-based job creation to avoid long distance commute.
Avoid inequalities when forming a new scheme.
Source: https://d3q9070b7kewus.cloudfront.net/downloads/wwf_submission_on_long_term_decarbonisation_final.pdf
long-term decarbonisation strategy for Hong Kong. In order to achieve the goal of
limiting global heating to 1.5°C, all 7 key elements below should be adopted and
implemented by policymakers:
1. HKSAR Government to show strong leadership and determination to
limit global heating to 1.5°C through setting a legally-bound, sciencebased target by 2022
The Chief Executive should lead all government departments, public bodies,
and agencies to develop and commit to legally-bound, science-based targets
aimed at limiting global heating to 1.5°C.
2. Meet 10% renewable energy (RE) target by 2030, achieve net zero
emission by 2048 through global and regional cooperation
It is necessary to innovate, diversify, and magnify the application of solar PV
technology. In the long-term, explore global and regional cooperation for RE
trade and avoid trade-offs. The Government should not construct new
additional gas-fired generating units in the next Scheme of Control
agreement. Avoid further sourcing of nuclear energy. Stricter rules should be
applied to the application of bioenergy.
3. Realise a 50% energy saving improvement roadmap to 2050
It is essential to establish a mandatory climate change mitigation and
adaptation building scheme to all new building and introduce a carbon
budgeting mechanism for existing buildings.
4. Introduce decarbonisation financing scheme and put a true cost on
carbon
Replicate energy efficiency and renewable energy projects within government
properties to open spaces and privately-owned buildings. Open for public
acquisition and allocate complementary shares to the public. Conduct studies
on the economic, social, and financial implications of the climate crisis, and
design a progressive carbon charging system.
3
5. Establish a global extensive native-species reforestation program for
extant grassland areas
Reforestation can contribute to carbon sequestration and make Hong Kong
more carbon neutral. Subtropical forests can sequester 10 to 30 metric tonnes
of carbon per hectare. It can also reduce erosion and bolster freshwater
supplies.
6. Rethink urban planning and transform Hong Kong into one of Asia’s
most walkable cities
Mandate district cooling systems in the urban planning process. Develop
underground pedestrian commute paths to promote a low carbon lifestyle.
Phase out sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Roll out a “no-car-day” in
city centers. Provide incentives for electric vehicle acquisition and operation.
7. Healthy and wealthy, people-centric strategy
It is essential to put people at the heart of the decarbonisation policies. Set
up a public engagement team to regularly collect public feedback on longterm strategy. Introduce a compulsory climate crisis course for kindergarten,
primary and secondary school. Promote home office, community working
center and community-based job creation to avoid long distance commute.
Avoid inequalities when forming a new scheme.
Source: https://d3q9070b7kewus.cloudfront.net/downloads/wwf_submission_on_long_term_decarbonisation_final.pdf
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Reductions of China national emission improved air quality in past 3 years
The reductions are important in helping to control China’s national emissions which could lead to an improvement in air quality and considerable health benefits.
A team of experts from the UK and China analysed emissions from coal, oil, natural gas and biomass power plants, with a focus on coal-fired power plants as the major contributors to ambient air pollution.
The study, published today in Nature Energy, analysed data from 2014, when China introduced the ambitious Ultra-Low Emissions (ULE) Standards Policy for renovating coal-fired power stations to limit air pollutant emissions, to 2017.
The team found that between 2014 and 2017, China’s annual power plant emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter dropped by 65%, 60% and 72% each year respectively from 2.21, 3.11 and 0.52 million tonnes in 2014 to 0.77, 1.26 and 0.14 million tonnes in 2017, under the ULE standards policy.
Source: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2019/oct/china-track-meet-its-ultra-low-emissions-goals-2020
Polluting emissions from Chinese thermal power plants declined significantly between 2014 and 2017, according to research involving UCL.
China is on track to meet its ultra-low emissions goals for 2020
A team of experts from the UK and China analysed emissions from coal, oil, natural gas and biomass power plants, with a focus on coal-fired power plants as the major contributors to ambient air pollution.
The study, published today in Nature Energy, analysed data from 2014, when China introduced the ambitious Ultra-Low Emissions (ULE) Standards Policy for renovating coal-fired power stations to limit air pollutant emissions, to 2017.
The team found that between 2014 and 2017, China’s annual power plant emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter dropped by 65%, 60% and 72% each year respectively from 2.21, 3.11 and 0.52 million tonnes in 2014 to 0.77, 1.26 and 0.14 million tonnes in 2017, under the ULE standards policy.
Source: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2019/oct/china-track-meet-its-ultra-low-emissions-goals-2020
Polluting emissions from Chinese thermal power plants declined significantly between 2014 and 2017, according to research involving UCL.
China is on track to meet its ultra-low emissions goals for 2020
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Sony, Microsoft, Stadia, and others join forces with United Nations to announce new climate change commitments
A more eco-friendly PS5. The PS5 to include a low power suspend mode to help reduce carbon emissions, Sony announces as part of new partnership with United Nations
Today, the United Nations has announced it is partnering with 21 companies in the video game industry to "harness the power of their platforms to take action in response to the climate crisis", as part of its new Playing for the Planet initiative.
The likes of Sony, Microsoft, Google Stadia, Ubisoft, and more have all pledged to the programme, announcing various initiatives to reduce their own corporate carbon footprint while simultaneously promoting awareness about the climate crisis through their medium.
Sony's President and CEO Jim Ryan, for example, has announced that the upcoming PS5, the next generation PlayStation console, will feature a "low power suspend mode" which could potentially save huge amounts of energy expenditure for its users around the world.
Microsoft is continuing to reach its aims of producing carbon neutral Xbox consoles, and plans to reduce its supply chain emissions by 20% in 2030, while Google Stadia is releasing a Sustainable Game Development Guide to help its partnered studios create games through greener processes.
Full story here: https://www.gamesradar.com/sony-microsoft-stadia-and-others-join-forces-with-united-nations-to-announce-new-climate-change-commitments-including-a-more-eco-friendly-ps5/
Today, the United Nations has announced it is partnering with 21 companies in the video game industry to "harness the power of their platforms to take action in response to the climate crisis", as part of its new Playing for the Planet initiative.
The likes of Sony, Microsoft, Google Stadia, Ubisoft, and more have all pledged to the programme, announcing various initiatives to reduce their own corporate carbon footprint while simultaneously promoting awareness about the climate crisis through their medium.
Sony's President and CEO Jim Ryan, for example, has announced that the upcoming PS5, the next generation PlayStation console, will feature a "low power suspend mode" which could potentially save huge amounts of energy expenditure for its users around the world.
Microsoft is continuing to reach its aims of producing carbon neutral Xbox consoles, and plans to reduce its supply chain emissions by 20% in 2030, while Google Stadia is releasing a Sustainable Game Development Guide to help its partnered studios create games through greener processes.
Full story here: https://www.gamesradar.com/sony-microsoft-stadia-and-others-join-forces-with-united-nations-to-announce-new-climate-change-commitments-including-a-more-eco-friendly-ps5/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)