Stockholm has reduced its emissions by 35% from 1993 to 2010, but grew its economy by 41%, one of the highest growth rates in Europe. Since 1990, Copenhagen has reduced its carbon emissions by more than 40%, while experiencing real growth of around 50%. Our research in the province of British Columbia also proves you can implement a carbon tax without affecting development.
Rachel Notley just released Alberta’s climate strategy putting a price on carbon that is revenue neutral, following the lead of British Columbia’s carbon tax. Two-thirds of coal-generated electricity will be replaced by renewables—primarily wind power—and a cap on oil sands emissions to name only two initiatives.
Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England recently gave a speech at Lloyd’s of London. His focus was on informing those in the business of business that although many are far-sighted and understand the impacts climate change will have on international monetary balances, there isn’t much in place to ensure that plans are being executed at the rate required to respond to future imperatives.
The Guardian’s campaign to take a stand on climate change has got people talking. Hundreds of thousands have organized, and governments and industries all over the world are seeing the value (and the profit) in rapidly expanding investments in the potential of solar energy and other renewables.
This is a simple guide to the Paris climate change talks being held, November 29th to December 12th, why they matter and why you should care.
Evidence for Democracy is partnering with the Science Integrity Project, both of which are concerned that many public policy decisions made in Canada—and in its cities, provinces and territories—are not derived from the best available evidence, from research and indigenous knowledge. They have been working on “developing a set of principles to protect and promote evidence-based decision making in Canada”.
Naomi Klein is asking what many of us have been thinking: What is it about climate change that makes us look away and bury our heads, as opposed to reacting with drive, purpose and commitment to change? In her new documentary (based on her best-selling book), she raises a valid, and important point: people have been told that we are the problem, that it is our nature to be destructive.
All over Sweden, both private and public companies and services have been experimenting with a six hour work day, in the hopes that employees will be more productive and quality of output would improve. One company, Filimungus explains employees almost universally report being happier, more energized and engaged in their work.
In Norway’s capital city, they are taking steps towards a car-free city center by 2019. It is part of a larger plan, which would see the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2020. That’s right, FIVE years from now.
Framing climate change as a human rights issue is currently gaining momentum. Former Irish President Mary Robinson recently spoke about climate justice, pointing out that not only are more affluent nations better able to protect themselves, they are also responsible for the majority of the carbon emissions that are currently affecting their less developed neighbours in life changing ways.