Unchecked Greenhouse Gas Emissions opus 989
| 7 November 2026 1253 Hours | | Climate, Current Events, Environment, Ethics, Science |
The United Nations report published today
States that uncontrolled greenhouse gas emissions
May reach up to 5 degrees F. of warming this century.
This increase will cause mass extinctions and severe sea level rise.
Achieving warming targets is becoming increasingly difficult.
Scientists say there is still a possibility to avert the worst impacts,
But last year (2025) the US contributed a significant increase
In greenhouse gas emissions--more than any other nation!
China emits more annual total greenhouse gases each year
(Than the US), but has greater than four times the population.
Among G20 countries, the US and Russia both emit the most per capita.
US emissions increased because of electricity demand,
As well as the Trump administration's policies of greater
Support for burning fossil fuels longer than planned,
A rollback of vehicle fuel-efficiency standards,
And the ending of tax credits for solar and wind projects.
The wars in Ukraine and Iran have caused concern regarding energy security.
The US Environmental Protection Agency has reversed its previous position,
Now saying greenhouse gases pose no threat to human health and welfare!
World leaders will meet in Turkiye to discuss increased clean energy
And how to budget for the costs of climate change.
But work-wise, the US administration will not participate.
The US pollution is felt around the entire world.
The Earth is about 2.7 degrees F. warmer than it was in the mid-1800s.
The warming is causing disasters from deadly heat waves
And floods, to larger intense storms and wildfires.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says big emitters
Must do more. "Every fraction of a degree matters."
The Paris Climate Agreement now agrees
That the former lower goals are now out of reach.
If global emissions are lowered by about 25%
In the next 10 years, it may be possible to keep
Warming below 3.6 degrees F., avoiding cataclysms.
About 2/3 of countries have plans for cutting greenhouse emissions.
If this is accomplished, it would reduce emissions by about 15%
In the next decade--far less than the needed 25%.
Outdoor markets in the Iran area are so warm that many of the marketeers
Can stay only until mid-market because of the intense midday heat!
We must heed these warnings and take this seriously,
By voting and pressuring our politicians to make the correct decisions.