[TheClimate.Vote] June 14, 2017 - Daily Global Warming News

[Richard Pauli]

/June 14, 2017/


    Don't ignore young people - we're key to fighting climate change
    <https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/jun/13/dont-ignore-young-people-were-key-to-fighting-climate-change>

The news should be a starting gun for a new wave of activism, action and 
change. Because...the real change is going to come from us. Call us 
millennials or Gen Z or Net Gen, we're the consumers, employees, 
employers and future leaders who will see the devastating effects of 
climate change.
We are also the most connected generation in history, with the capacity 
to arrange coordinated global protests ...
And yet, many of the NGOs, charities and global campaigns are failing to 
mobilise us.
...recent research shows that only 11% of the globe's NGOs employ a 
designated full-time or part-time social media manager.
That means they're losing the 28% of young people that use social media 
as their primary news source. It means they're missing out on the 43% of 
millennials that are driven to make financial donations through social 
channels, the one in two who'll share ideas with their friends online, 
or most importantly the one in three willing to donate their time.
Recent research demonstrates that one in seven millennials around the 
world identify as "activists" and half of those recognise their activism 
as an important part of who they are.  It's one of the many reasons the 
likes of Apple, Facebook and Goldman Sachs are prioritising their 
environmental focus despite Trump's actions – they know it matters to 
their future customers and workforce.
My generation was born into a world where climate change is an immutable 
fact, ...a global threat, ... We've got to make this the issue we tackle 
and overcome.
Daisy Kendrick is a 23-year old environmental campaigner and founder of 
We Are The Oceans
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/jun/13/dont-ignore-young-people-were-key-to-fighting-climate-change


*Three-minute story of 800,000 years of climate change with a sting in 
the tail* 
<https://theconversation.com/the-three-minute-story-of-800-000-years-of-climate-change-with-a-sting-in-the-tail-73368>
There are those who say the climate has always changed, and that carbon 
dioxide levels have always fluctuated. That's true. But it's also true 
that since the industrial revolution, CO₂ levels in the atmosphere have 
climbed to levels that are unprecedented over hundreds of millennia.
So here's a short video we made, to put recent climate change and carbon 
dioxide emissions into the context of the past 800,000 years.
video 3 minutes: <https://youtu.be/rivf479bW8Q>
Why reducing our carbon emissions matters (a little story about climate 
change) <https://youtu.be/rivf479bW8Q>
While it's true that Earth's temperatures and carbon dioxide levels have 
always fluctuated, the reality is that humans' greenhouse emissions 
since the industrial revolution have put us in uncharted territory.
*https://youtu.be/rivf479bW8Q*
The fundamental science is very well understood. The evidence that 
climate change is happening is abundant and clear. The difficult part 
is: what do we do next? More than ever, we need strong, cooperative and 
accountable leadership from politicians of all nations. Only then will 
we avoid the worst of climate change and adapt to the impacts we can't halt.
The authors acknowledge the contributions of Wes Mountain (multimedia), 
Alicia Egan (editing) and Andrew King (model projection data).
https://theconversation.com/the-three-minute-story-of-800-000-years-of-climate-change-with-a-sting-in-the-tail-73368


    The Trump administration is doing everything it can to keep a
    huge*climate*lawsuit from going to trial
    <http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-landmark-climate-change-lawsuit-2017-6>

(Dana Varinsky) The Trump administration is seeking a rare review of a 
preliminary decision in a landmark climate change lawsuit  - before the 
case has even gone to trial.
The plaintiffs in the case are 21 kids who range in age from 9 to 21. 
They argue that the federal government is violating their constitutional 
rights to life, liberty, and property by engaging in actions that 
contribute to climate change despite long-held knowledge of its 
dangerous consequences.
In November 2016, a federal judge denied all motions to dismiss the 
case, paving the way for it to go to trial. The Trump administration 
tried to appeal that decision (the plaintiffs named President Trump as a 
defendant instead of Barack Obama in February, under the federal rules), 
but the judge denied that request.
Now, the administration's lawyers are petitioning for a rare legal 
procedure  -  a writ of mandamus  -  in which a higher court would step 
in and review the lower court's decision to let the case proceed.
The youth plaintiffs aren't seeking financial compensation for the 
damage climate change is causing, though many have filed statements 
about how global warming has specifically impacted their lives. Instead, 
they're asking the court to compel federal agencies to end policies that 
directly hurt the environment (like permitting and subsidizing fossil 
fuel extraction) and move to phase out excess carbon dioxide emissions.
"At its heart, this lawsuit asks this Court to determine whether 
defendants have violated plaintiffs' constitutional rights," Judge Aiken 
wrote. "That question is squarely within the purview of the judiciary."
http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-landmark-climate-change-lawsuit-2017-6


    (Snopes) Did 58 Scientific Papers Published in 2017 Say *Global
    Warming*is a Myth?
    <http://www.snopes.com/scientific-papers-global-warming-myth/>

An article on Breitbart News used flawed interpretations from a climate 
skeptic blog to amplify a grossly inaccurate understanding of 
climatological research.
*CLAIM*    A total of 58 peer-reviewed papers published in the first 
half of 2017 conclude that global warming is a myth.
*RATING*   False
*ORIGIN *   On 6 June 2017, Breitbart News ran an article titled 
"'Global Warming' Is a Myth, Say 58 Scientific Papers in 2017". This 
article, which is in essence merely a link to a post from a blog that 
goes by the name "No Tricks Zone" and some added musings on 
"grant-troughing scientists," "huxter politicians," "scaremongering 
green activists," and "brainwashed mainstream media environmental 
correspondents," claims that this ragtag collection of studies proves 
that the long-standing scientific consensus on climate change is nothing 
but a myth.
The blog post Breitbart linked to is a list of 80 graphs (so many 
graphs!) taken from 58 studies. The analysis of the findings presented 
by No Tricks Zone is crude, misinformed, and riddled with errors. ...
...We rank the claims made by both Breitbart and No Tricks Zone as 
false, because they dramatically misrepresent the findings of the 
scientists who conducted the research and utilize poorly-articulated 
straw man arguments to further misrepresent the significance of the work 
of those scientists. These studies were local in nature, narrow in 
scope, meant to address how the climate system functioned in the past, 
and pose no threat to the tenets of anthropogenic climate change.
http://www.snopes.com/scientific-papers-global-warming-myth/


    Understanding multi-decadal*global warming*rate changes
    <https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-06/ioap-umg061317.php>

...the globally-averaged surface temperature has shown distinct 
multi-decadal fluctuations since 1900,
...It is the net impact of multiple ocean surface temperature changes, 
rather than a single ocean basin change, that plays a main driver for 
the multi-decadal global warming accelerations and slowdowns.
The new finding of the importance of multiple ocean surface temperature 
changes to the multi-decadal global warming accelerations and slowdowns 
is supported by a set of computer modeling experiments, in which 
observed sea surface temperature changes are specified in individual 
ocean basins, separately. The results are published in "Distinct global 
warming rates tied to multiple ocean surface temperature changes", in 
the June 12 online issue of Nature Climate Change.
"It reveals a fact that we need to explore climate change in a more 
global perspective. This could stimulate an integrated strategy and 
coordinated effort toward understanding the causes of regional ocean 
changes."
  "While the tropical Pacific was generally regarded as a key 
contributor to the multi-decadal global warming rate changes, other 
ocean basins, including the Indian Ocean, the Atlantic and the Southern 
Ocean, also exert important effects. "
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-06/ioap-umg061317.php


*Book:   Rising Tides* 
<http://www.iupress.indiana.edu/product_info.php?products_id=808356>*Climate 
Refugees in the Twenty-First Century*
John R. Wennersten and Denise Robbins
Global climate change is undeniable. Over the next few decades, as sea 
levels rise, storms intensify, and drought and desertification run 
rampant, hundreds of millions of civilians will abandon their homes, 
cities, and even entire countries. What will happen to these massive 
numbers of environmental refugees? Where will they go, what rights will 
they have, and who will take care of them?
Over 200 million people in Asian countries live on land that will be 
affected by rising seas. Picture Pakistan, India, and China - all 
nuclear powers - skirmishing at their borders over access to shared 
rivers and farmable land with former coastal areas now submerged. 
Imagine tens of thousands of Pacific and Indian Ocean islanders cast 
adrift by waves that have drowned their nations, and more than 100,000 
Caribbean islanders forced to leave submerged towns. Consider the 
complete abandonment of Miami Beach and other coastal communities up and 
down the Americas. At the same time, hundreds of millions will be 
desperate for water and a secure life in drought-ravaged Africa and the 
Middle East.
Rising Tides sounds an urgent wakeup call to the growing crisis of 
climate refugees, and offers an essential, continent-by-continent look 
at these dangers. The crisis is everywhere and it is imminent. Detailing 
a number of solutions, John R. Wennersten and Denise Robbins argue that 
no nation can tackle this universal problem alone. The crisis of climate 
refugees requires global, concerted solutions beyond the strategic, 
fiscal, and legal capability of a single country or agency.
http://www.iupress.indiana.edu/product_info.php?products_id=808356


    Merkel urges bigger fight against*climate change*after US move
    <https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-climatechange-germany-idUSKBN1942OO>

(Reuters) Germany and the rest of Europe should redouble their efforts 
to fight climate change after the withdrawal of the United States from 
the Paris climate pact, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday.
Merkel told members of her conservative party in the German town of 
Erfurt that the U.S. decision would not stop those committed to 
protecting the earth from continuing their efforts.
"For us, it is clear that the Paris agreement is a cornerstone for 
cooperation in the world," she told the event, which was livestreamed on 
Facebook. "I believe we must take even more decisive action in Germany 
and Europe to join forces to combat climate change."
Merkel said the efforts would pay off for humanity and would also spur 
economic growth.
The German leader, who is seeking a fourth term in September national 
elections, said she had been involved in the issue for nearly her entire 
political career. She served as German Environment Minister from 1994 to 
1998.
Climate change is likely to be a contentious issue when U.S. President 
Donald Trump visits Germany next month for a summit of the Group of 20 
industrialized countries.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-climatechange-germany-idUSKBN1942OO


*US cities face growing flood risks 
<http://climatenewsnetwork.net/22423-2/>*
As the seas rise, US cities can expect varied flood risks: some will 
have more of the worst floods, others more frequent familiar inundations.
By Tim Radford
LONDON, 13 June, 2017 – Sea level rise – driven by global warming and 
climate change – will bring new flood risks to America's coastal cities.
Paradoxically, those conurbations already at risk of catastrophic floods 
driven by hurricanes can expect a greater number of "moderate" floods. 
And those cities that have little or no history of severe flooding can 
expect a greater level of risk from historically unprecedented 
inundation, according to a new study in the journal Environmental 
Research L.etters
http://climatenewsnetwork.net/22423-2/


*Editor of New 'Sham Journal' Is Climate Science Denier With Ties to 
Heartland Institute 
<https://www.desmogblog.com/2017/06/11/new-sham-journal-OMICS-climate-science-denier-ties-heartland-institute>*
Graham Readfearn <https://www.desmogblog.com/user/7036>• Sunday, June 
11, 2017 -
The title alone of the scientific paper could have suggested one of two 
things  -  either the author deserved a Nobel prize in science, or 
something very odd was going on.
Professor Steve Sherwood knew it was not the former.
The paper's title was grandiose but sincere  -  "The Refutation of the 
Climate Greenhouse Theory and a Proposal for a Hopeful Alternative"  -  
and appeared in a publication with a name that sounded like a legitimate 
scientific journal. But appearances don't always stack up, and neither 
did this paper.
"The paper is laughable," Sherwood told DeSmog.
"It is so riddled with unsupported, fantastic and … or … unintelligible 
claims, arranged in a disorderly fashion and sprinkled liberally with 
innuendo,
Climate scientists have told DeSmog that anyone considering publishing 
in the "pseudo journal" should steer clear or risk damaging their 
reputation.
After just two issues, the journal has published six papers claiming to 
refute the science linking human activity to dangerous climate change  
-  claims that run counter to the conclusions of all the world's major 
science academies.
Climate scientists have described the papers as "garbage" and 
"ridiculous."...
Two scientists listed as editorial board members at Environment 
Pollution and Climate Change told DeSmog they had not been aware of the 
nature of the climate articles being published at the journal.
One scientist, Manolis Tyllianakis, an environmental economist working 
at a UK government agency, had accepted an email invitation to be on the 
editorial board before the first issue had been published. He told 
DeSmog he had not read, written, or reviewed any articles.
He said he was "very sorry I was included in such a journal" and said 
his own research showed he was "completely against" the views being 
expressed.
He added: "From this market failure arose the predatory open-access 
publication, where marginal academics can get stuff published that would 
never get published in legitimate journals.
"Climate skeptics have simply taken advantage of this to get their 
particular brand of bullshit published. Ultimately, though, most people 
know a fourth-rate journal when they see it and I don't think these faux 
peer-reviewed papers are taken seriously by anyone. At least I hope not."
https://www.desmogblog.com/2017/06/11/new-sham-journal-OMICS-climate-science-denier-ties-heartland-institute


*Will Adani's coal mine kill 500,000 people? 
<http://www.climatecodered.org/2017/06/will-adanis-coal-mine-kill-500000-people.html>*
If all goes as Adani plans, coal from its proposed mine in Queensland 
will produce enough air pollution to kill hundreds of thousands of 
Indians. Given that this risk is not only known but avoidable, would it 
be fair to say that the businessmen and politicians developing this mine 
will be guilty of premeditated mass murder? Here are the facts and the 
competing arguments: you make the call.
Scientists found that air pollution from coal burnt to generate 
electricity in India causes the premature deaths of 80,000 to 115,000 
people per year from chronic lung conditions, respiratory infections, 
heart diseases, strokes, bronchitis and trachea and lung cancers. 10,000 
of these victims are children under the age of 5. In addition every year 
tens of millions of cases of asthma and other respiratory ailments are 
linked to coal pollution including 21 million asthma attacks.
http://www.climatecodered.org/2017/06/will-adanis-coal-mine-kill-500000-people.html


    Growing Concern Over*Climate Change*Is Creating Interfaith Dialogue
    <https://psmag.com/social-justice/growing-concern-over-climate-change-is-creating-interfaith-dialogue>

Two years after Pope Francis launched Laudato Si, the Vatican's plea to 
save the Earth, Trump rejected its tenets and the Paris Agreement. But 
people of all faiths are unified globally to beat climate change.
    JUSTIN CATANOSO
Two years after the release of Laudato Si - and long after its intense 
global attention has faded - it's worth asking: is the uncompromising 
and unprecedented Catholic teaching document fulfilling Vatican 
expectations by uniting leaders of all faiths, along with their billions 
of congregants, to take decisive climate action "in care for our common 
home"?
The answer is a qualified "yes" - based on evidence from interviews with 
a range of faith leaders, recent conferences, signed pledges, and a host 
a concrete actions, large and small, in congregations and seminaries 
around the world.
"There is an assumption that if religious leaders let the pope talk 
about [environmental protection], it will usher in rapid, large-scale 
change," said Fletcher Harper, executive director of GreenFaith, a 
U.S.-based interfaith environmental activism organization with an 
international reach.
On May 10th, nine large Catholic organizations - one global, five from 
Italy, two from the U.S., and one from the United Kingdom - announced 
their divestment from coal, oil, and gas stocks in what was deemed "the 
largest Catholic fossil fuel divestment to date," by the Global Catholic 
Climate Movement.
https://psmag.com/social-justice/growing-concern-over-climate-change-is-creating-interfaith-dialogue

/
/*This Day in Climate History June 14, 2001 
<http://www.chron.com/opinion/editorials/article/Novak-President-not-giving-in-to-his-greens-2025433.php> 
-  from D.R. Tucker
*In his nationally syndicated column, Robert Novak writes:
"For weeks, a contingent of greens inside the administration has been 
pressing the president to look more and more like Al Gore. Bush has been 
forced to fight his own advisers in order to maintain his rejection of 
the Kyoto treaty and his call for more science to determine the true 
causes of climate change.
"The last such encounter was over substantial government spending to 
combat global warming, proposed in his [June 11] speech. According to 
administration sources, Deputy National Security Adviser Gary Edson 
inserted the money figures on his own initiative. A veteran of the 
Reagan and first Bush administrations, Edson, under the new president, 
has established himself as a formidable bureaucratic infighter and a 
leading proponent of a forward position on global warming.
"His ally has been John Bridgeland, deputy domestic policy adviser in 
the White House, who has coordinated the task force on global warming. 
In private meetings, Bridgeland has argued that giant industrial 
concerns are enthusiastic about plans to voluntarily reduce carbon 
dioxide emissions in tacit fulfillment of the Kyoto accord.
"Edson and Bridgeland are not alone as middle-level staffers confronting 
solid opposition from on high. Environmental Protection Administrator 
Christie Whitman has pressed for control of CO2 emissions from her first 
day in office, and she is supported by Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill 
(called 'Mr. Global Warming' by dismissive congressional conservatives) 
and Bridgeland's boss, domestic policy chief Josh Bolten.
"Behind closed doors of the task force, they urged Bush to embrace the 
global warmers and come out for caps on CO2 emissions. An e-mail 
floating around the capital last week listed a proposed schedule that 
would finally eliminate these emissions by the year 2050. White House 
aides, with some passion, denounced this report as a fantasy. However, 
other administration officials contend that at one point, a draft of the 
president's speech did call for voluntary CO2 emission controls as the 
message he would carry to Europe.
"The Bush greens ultimately failed. In task force meetings so restricted 
that the senior staffers of Cabinet members were not permitted to 
attend, the CO2 caps were removed after considerable debate. That 
retained the president's renouncing of the Kyoto accord, contending that 
its emission targets are 'arbitrary and not based on science.'"
In his 2003 book "The Right Man: The Surprise Presidency of George W. 
Bush," former Bush administration speechwriter David Frum notes that 
"bureaucratic rivals" of Edson and Bridgeland leaked the story of their 
defeat to Novak out of spite.
http://www.chron.com/opinion/editorials/article/Novak-President-not-giving-in-to-his-greens-2025433.php
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