[GWSG] Failed neutrons?; CPP looking good; deal on aircraft emissions; missing topic in debates; Matthew's pedigree

[Tilley, Al]

1.  Fast neutron reactors are expensive, prone to dangerous leaks of the sodium coolant, and tricky both to build and to operate.  The record of developmental failures is now sufficient to indicate that breeder reactors are a failed technology.      http://reneweconomy.com.au/2016/nuclear-the-slow-death-of-fast-reactors-21046

The author is an anti-nuclear advocate.  If there are knowledgeable fast neutron fans among you I hope they will point out the flaws I failed to see in the piece.  Other fourth generation technologies remain viable, if not yet commercial.



2.  A lawyer on the side of the EPA's Clean Power Plan and not on that of its Republican attackers explains why it is permissible to be hopeful that the legal attack on the CPP will be unsuccessful.  Arguments were heard by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals last week, and its judgment is expected this spring.  http://grist.org/climate-energy/heres-why-supporters-of-the-clean-power-plan-are-feeling-optimistic/?utm_campaign=daily-static&utm_medium=email&utm_source=edit-daily



3.  191 countries have agreed to limit aircraft emissions through the use of carbon offsets.    http://www.climatecentral.org/news/countries-strike-deal-to-cut-aircraft-emissions-20770?utm_source=Inside+Climate+News&utm_campaign=9aa8110a96-Today_s_Climate12_10_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_29c928ffb5-9aa8110a96-326454481

Carbon offsets can be gamed, and some might argue that the prospect of counting a move from open hearths to solar cookers as part of air transport's emissions reduction is an example of such a game; the agreement may still be celebrated as a move toward sustainable air transportation.



4.  In "What About the Planet?" Paul Krugman finds the lack of attention to climate in the debates, and in the campaigns generally, hard to understand.  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/07/opinion/what-about-the-planet.html?emc=edit_tnt_20161007&nlid=43628374&tntemail0=y&_r=0



5.  Hurricane Matthew is also proceeding with little attention to his pedigree in warmer seas and wetter air.  https://thinkprogress.org/global-warming-hurricanes-1c3a1ddca521#.gsy2g8wjx  ?

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