[GWSG] More CH4; $2t subsidy; perovskites; future food; more Gore; Wilkes Basin; climate focus; wind forecasts

[Tilley, Al]

1.  A study has shown that methane emissions from Arctic wetlands are much greater than had been supposed, comparable to emissions from topical areas.  The study will help analyze the likelihood of future warming.  http://www.climatecentral.org/news/arctic-methane-emissions-certain-to-trigger-warming-17374?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+climatecentral%2FdjOO+Climate+Central+-+Full+Feed

2.  When climate externalities are included, the International Monetary Fund calculates that annual fossil fuel subsidies are about $2 trillion globally, or 2.9% of global GDP.    http://cleantechnica.com/2014/05/01/fossil-fuel-subsidies-cost-2-trillion-according-imf/?utm_source=Cleantechnica+News&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=80126f3dfe-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_term=0_b9b83ee7eb-80126f3dfe-331994013

3.  Solar cells using perovskite minerals convert a broader sunlight spectrum to energy than does silicon, with efficiency now approaching 20%.  Layering perovskites with silicon can boost efficiency to 35%, and lower solar energy costs yet further.  Perovskites still have durability problems to solve before they are commercial.  http://www.sciencemag.org/content/344/6183/458.full

4.  The Dept. of Agriculture supports projects to develop farm animals more resistant to the coming climate.  Some believe that the effort would be better spent in developing ways to become less dependent on meat.  http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-climate-chickens-20140504,0,2628316.story#axzz30kPcBJb2  A sudden global conversion to vegetarianism would be economically disruptive but ecologically benign.  A more likely scenario of gradually diminishing meat consumption (especially meat from ruminants) is not only more likely but is most likely necessary.  http://www.businessinsider.com/what-would-happen-if-everyone-in-the-world-gave-up-meat-2014-5#!IaPGM  One good protein source with a future is the oyster.  Oyster reefs grow quickly enough to keep up with sea level rise and might help mitigate coastal deterioration.  (We do need to worry about acidification and temperature, though.  Oysters are sensitive beasts and may require protection in tomorrow’s ocean.)    http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/6873/20140503/oysters-may-be-able-to-protect-us-from-rising-seas.htm

5.  I know I ran an Al Gore piece recently, but this long interview from Politico (with an introductory comment by Peter Sinclair) is just too encouraging to pass up.  http://climatecrocks.com/2014/05/04/politico-the-al-gore-interview/

6.  East Antarctica’s Wilkes Basin has enough ice to raise sea levels 2-3 meters plugged by a small rim of ice resting on the ocean floor below sea level.  The plug would take about 200 years to melt, but once it does the Basin will melt irreversibly.  http://www.abc.net.au/environment/articles/2014/05/05/3997892.htm

7.  President Obama is increasingly focused on dealing with climate.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/for-president-obama-a-renewed-focus-on-climate/2014/05/04/6b81412c-d144-11e3-9e25-188ebe1fa93b_story.html
The National Climate Assessment, due out May 6, will make the case that climate disruption threatens everyone.  It is expected to set the President’s agenda for the rest of his final term.  http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/may/04/climate-change-present-us-national-assessment

8.  Accurate forecasts of wind power make it possible to depend on it for more of the total power production.  http://www.technologyreview.com/featuredstory/526541/smart-wind-and-solar-power/?utm_campaign=newsletters&utm_source=newsletter-weekly-energy&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20140505
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