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G20 Progress on Clean Energy, but Not on Fossil Fuels
At their 2023 meeting in India, the leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) countries responsible for approximately 80 percent of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions have agreed to triple the use of renewable energy and allocate more funds toward managing climate change-related disasters. However, they did not reach a consensus on phasing out fossil fuels, especially coal, a major contributor to carbon emissions. The G20 did not give specifics on how policies and targets might be amended or how to pay for the estimated $4 trillion a year needed for the clean energy transition. The declaration by the G20 countries sets the stage for more discussions at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP28, later this year in the United Arab Emirates. The G20 announcement has sparked discussions on the feasibility and implications of replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. Alternatives to fossil fuels exist, such as energy derived from solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric or biofuel sources, but the replacement of fossil fuels is complex. Significant challenges remain in terms of the scalability, storage capacity and dependability of renewable energy. For instance, the production of solar and wind energy is dependent on the weather, and storing excess energy for later use requires substantial technological improvements. Significant investments are needed to overcome these limitations. There are compelling reasons to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Their combustion results in the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, leading to climate change and global warming. Additionally, extracting and using fossil fuels create environmental problems like air and water pollution and biodiversity loss. However, completely replacing all forms of fossil fuel use in the near term may not be feasible. A combination of strategies, including energy efficiency, conservation and the development of new technologies, is necessary to transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy system. 10
New Haven/Middlesex Counties
Devastating Effects of Sand Extraction
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global briefs
According to a report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the world’s oceans are being stripped of sand at a massive rate, with more than 6 billion tons extracted annually. The global demand for sand has continually risen, fueled by expanding cities, construction for infrastructure and glass manufacturing. The UNEP Marine Sand Watch program found that marine sand mining practices have led to widespread environmental damage, including beach erosion, degradation of coral reefs and wetland areas, and the loss of habitat for fish and other marine life. These fragile areas, which serve as nurseries and sanctuaries for many marine species, are being irreversibly compromised. The disruption and destruction of these ecosystems have catastrophic consequences for biodiversity, threatening the survival of various fish, plants and other marine organisms. U N EP als o rais es c o n c e rns fo r t h e livelihoods and well-being of coastal c o m m u n it i e s wo rld w i d e. T h e r is e i n renewable energy technologies, such as offshore wind farms and deep-sea mining, could further exacerbate the marine sand extraction in fragile ecosystems. The report calls for the establishment of regulations and frameworks, improved accountability and more innovative, sustainable alternatives to sand extraction.
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