Hey, great to see you all, the new meeting format went well!
The three articles we discussed were:
1) from Linda, “It’s time to freak out about methane emissions” by Rebecca Leber in Vox.com https://www.vox.com/22613532/climate-change-methane-emissions
Comments on the huge and ridiculous food waste problem in rich countries, on the difficulty of changing mass-agricultural processes because of the ever-growing number of mouths to feed, the fact that rice paddies are large sources of methane.
Focus on methane at COP26 is great, it’s a “low-hanging fruit” that can be addressed quickly (especially closing the leaks) and have an immediate payoff. A 65% reduction of methane by 2025 will slow global warming by 30%! Exactly the kind of thing should be done—let’s hope that it is!
2) from Barbara, “Illinois Climate Jobs and Justice Bill” by David Roberts here.
A real feel-good one! Such a victorious achievement in climate justice legislation. The fact that it passed by a bipartisan supermajority in both houses is just incredible. (Perhaps the key fact in that was the utilities, being embroiled in a big scandal, were not as involved--making for favorable circumstances).
Even so, it took years of hard work and the participation of various coalitions from environmental, justice, Black caucus, labor, coal communities, renewable energy developers, etc. It is so comprehensive, inclusive and fair. Zero emissions by 2045. A model for all states.
3) from me, “Why the COP26 climate summit will be both crucial and disappointing” The Economist. I evidently didn’t get the memo about choosing a “positive” story, haha!
<why COP26 climate summit will be both crucial and disappointing.pdf>
For all its flaws, especially the consensus rule that means “the pace is set by the least willing,” the conference plays a crucial role and is the “best mechanism the world currently has” to deal with the crisis, with its combination of “science, diplomacy, activism, and public opinion.” Until consensus is reached, “the wisest response is bold prompt action from willing countries in Europe and elsewhere…” “As so often in climate change, the task is not choosing between options so much as finding how to press ahead with all of them at once.”
Our next meeting will be Wednesday Dec. 1 at noon. Please look for a good article or any media item, and be sure to share it at least a couple of days ahead of time.
Thanks, Sue
Great meeting and I like the new approach of being a "discussion group."