Lets fight Global Warming

More than 600 people have been arrested at a demonstration against climate change in Copenhagen today.

What started as a peaceful demonstration calling for action on climate change, descended into rioting as hundreds of masked youths threw bricks and smashed windows in the Danish capital.

Police in riot gear arrested between 600 and 700 people, who were cuffed and forced to the ground, before being taken away in vans.

The scenes were in stark contrast to the rest of the colourful demonstration, which had progressed peacefully.
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An estimated 30,000 people attended the opening rally, which was part of an international "day of action" to mark the mid-point of the United Nations climate change summit currently being held in Copenhagen.

Police spokesman Rasmus Bernt Skovsgaard said they had taken preventative measures to control activists at the back of the procession.

Full Article: TIMES

The UK met office on Tuesday confirmed that 2000 to 2009 were the warmest of the last 160 years. Also, it's figures released at the UN climate summit in Copenhegen showed that 1998 was the warmest year on record. This official report will end the controversy which arised from a leaked e-mail over tweaked climate change data referred to as climategate-aimed at discrediting the phenomenon and the several thousands scientists that have been on work at it.

You heard that right... Tata Nano, which is the world's cheapest car manufactured by Tata(one of India's leading car manufacturing company), will soon come in a hybrid flavour, company's chairman, Ratan Tata said in an interview to a South-Korean newspaper. However, the chairman did not elaborate on the possible timeline for the launch of the cheap hybrid versions. The company also talks about use of bio-diesel and ethanol across Tata companies. Tata had also talked about a car project the company is working on with a France company, which will run on compressed air. He, however, expressed doubt about the project, saying "it may or may not happen". Till October, the company has delivered 10,518 units. The Nano delivery had started in July this year.

So here we are... as the world bears the brunt of the menace called Global Warming, the world fights back! It's time we fought this grave threat to our very existence with all the seriousness that it deserves and if things work out well in this very important summit comprising of almost all of the world, it would be a huge leap forward towards tackling this problem of Global Warming and Climate change. Here's a brief about this summit which is very much talked about all around the world:

"In 2012 the Kyoto Protocol to prevent climate changes and global warming runs out. To keep the process on the line there is an urgent need for a new climate protocol. At the conference in Copenhagen 2009 the parties of the UNFCCC meet for the last time on government level before the climate agreement need to be renewed.

Therefore the Climate Conference in Copenhagen is essential for the worlds climate and the Danish government and UNFCCC is putting hard effort in making the meeting in Copenhagen a success ending up with a Copenhagen Protocol to prevent global warming and climate changes.

The Climate Conference will take place in the Bella center. The conference centre is placed not far from Copenhagen and near the Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup in Denmark.

Governmental representatives from 170 countries are expected to be in Copenhagen in the days of the conference accompanied by other governmental representatives, NGO's, journalists and others. In total 8000 people are expected to Copenhagen in the days of the climate meeting."

source: ERANTIS

Major players:

1) United States of America(world's 2nd biggest CHG producer) :
U.S. President Barack Obama is the man under a lot of pressure. After his energy bill was stalled in the senate, he's left a tad embarrassed and unsure as to how to convince other nations of his nation's commitment to fight Global Warming will all honesty and seriousness. The United States could offer a cut in carbon emissions by 14-20% by 2020. They expect developing countries like China, India and Brazil to commit to slow growth of emissions.


2) China(world's biggest CHG producer):
China is a major player in this summit and the success of this summit depends a lot on what stand this communist Asian giant takes at Copenhegen. They are likely to commit a 40- 45% decrease in the "carbon intensity of the economy" – which actually equates to a 40% increase in emissions by 2020. They want rich countries to reduce emissions to 40% below 1990 level by 2020 and that the developed nations must assist developing nations by providing funds for cleaner technology.


3) The European Union(world's third biggest CHG producer):
It is likely to commit cut in emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2020, or 30% if other big emitters take tough action. It says the onus is on developing nations to come forward and help prevent a disaster that could rock them the most. It also wants rich nations to make 80-95% cut by 2050.


4) Japan(world's seventh biggest CHG producer):
They are offering a 25% cut on their 1990 emission levels by 2020 – much better than the 8% cut unveiled by the previous government in June. Lime-green, if not quite deep green. Their new PM Yukio Hatoyama is seen as a pro-environmentalist and wants his nation to do all it can to reduce this global threat.


5) India(world's sixth biggest CHG producer): Has committed to cut CO2 emissions per unit of
GDP by 20-25% from 2005 levels by 2020. India opposes any legally binding target for developing nations but want developed nations legally bound and do more than the developing nations as they contribute a lot more to Global Warming as compared to developing nations like itself. India's environment minister has pointed out that the most vulnerable country in the world to climate change is India.


6) Others
They include the African Union, Australia, Ethiopia, Maldives, Mexico and others.

The Copenhegen summit is an opportunity for the world to take some big decisions and more importantly implement those decisions with the aspiration of making this world more environment friendly and to prevent the deadly environmental hazards that would rock the world if not acted upon on time. Here's hoping that the participants would rise to the occasion and without giving too much importance to personal growth and development put the world first as the effects of climate change would not just affect one part of this world, but it would have far reaching effects. The developed countries led by the United States of America and the EU must take the lead in this fight for survival by taking bold decisions and paving the way for developing nations like China and India to follow suit.

Coming to Green cars, the Green Car Journal had released the list of 5 most sought after Green cars in 2009. As more and more concerned individuals shift to environment friendly vehicles, the demand for these cars is on the rise... here's the top 5 as per the Green Car Journal:

GREEN CAR'S TOP 5 FOR 2009(Alphabetical Order)

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BMW 335d

BMW'S 335d showcases how well advanced, efficient, and clean diesel power can be incorporated into a performance-based sport sedan. With 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway fuel economy and gobs of torque, there's no sacrifice for performance fans here.
Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six diesel Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5Horsepower: 265Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 23/33 (EPA)Base MSRP: Under $43,000



__________________
FORD FUSION HYBRID



Ford's first hybrid sedan uses a more advanced adaptation of the automaker's full hybrid system to allow electric driving up to 47 mph, bringing the roomy five-passenger Fusion best-in-class fuel economy. An innovative SmartGauge with EcoGuide helps drivers achieve maximum mpg.
Engine: 2.5-liter inline-four, gasoline-electric hybrid Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5 Horsepower: 155Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 38/35 (est.)Base MSRP: $27,000-$30,000 (est.)



______________________
SATURN VUE 2 MODE HYBRID



The Vue 2 Mode breaks new ground as the first application of GM's two mode hybrid technology in a V-6 front-wheel-drive vehicle. The compact SUV combines welcome functionality and fuel economy with sprightly performance and a very smooth hybrid powertrain.
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, gasoline-electric hybrid Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5Horsepower: 255Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 28/31 (est.)Base MSRP: Under $33,000


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SMART FORTWO

The smart fortwo represents an all new type of vehicle for American drivers. Now, the tiny two-seater that's been a popular choice in Europe for years has come here, bringing with it a small eco footprint, higher fuel efficiency, and a trendy 'green' ride for new car buyers.
Engine: 1.0-liter inline threeEmissions, EPA: Tier 2 Bin 5 Horsepower: 70 Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 33/41 (EPA)Base MSRP: $13,990


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VW JETTA TDI


The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI builds on VW's 30-plus years of diesel experience in the U.S. The latest diesel technology is used to enable this fuel efficient, affordable - and dare we say 'fun' - clean diesel sedan to meet tight emissions certification in all 50 states.
Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four, diesel Emissions, EPA: Tier 2, Bin 5 Horsepower: 140Fuel Economy, city/hwy mpg: 30/41 (EPA)Base MSRP: $21,990


source: greencar.com

Europe will next week start moves to help China and India develop technology to trap and bury carbon dioxide underground in the fight against global warming, according to a draft European Commission document.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), a process of burying harmful gases, is seen by some as a potential silver bullet to curb emissions from coal-fired power plants, which are multiplying rapidly worldwide and threaten to heat the atmosphere to dangerous levels.

The European Union will start a consultation process on how finance and technology should be delivered to China and later India. This could be critical in securing their commitment to a new global deal on climate change at talks in Copenhagen in December.

"China builds, every year, as much coal-fired power plant as the entire UK generating capacity," said a report prepared for consultations with industry and seen by Reuters on Friday.

"Unless a way can be found of making this climate-compatible, we can never meet our climate objectives, regardless of what action we take in Europe," it added.

"We will seek to garner financial support from member states for this initiative, which in the first instance will affect China, then India, South Africa, OPEC and other emerging economies and developing countries," it added.

In 2050, almost 60 percent of CO2 emissions from the power sector are projected to be captured, compared to virtually none today and almost 30 percent in 2030, said the report.

Reuters

Well... one must say... this is a good initiative. China and India are amongst the elite nations that are growing rapidly and in the process emitting mammoth amounts of anti-climate constituents. While they lack efficient technology and means to tackle climate change, such steps to empower them would go a long way in reducing emissions... of course, if they are implemented properly.

World Environment day passed just 3 days back(June 5)...This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, to stimulate awareness about the environment, and enhance political attention and public action.

Here's a look at how we stand today... and how the present state of the environment if allowed to deteriorate would create a grave danger for our present and future generation.


2009: The first migration due to sea-level rise took place this year from the Carteret Islands, off the coast of Papua New Guinea.

2020: Less than 5% of Amazon forests will remain in pristine condition, About 1/5 of central Africa's forests will have gone.

2030: Around 5 lakh humans will have died due to the fallout of climate change.

2035: Many central and eastern Himalayan glaciers will melt completely.

2050: Maldives will become uninhabitable due to sea level rise. Some say it could happen by 2030.
How India responded to this special occasion...

Chandigarh: World famous Taj Hotels in Chandigarh organised a special candle-lit dinner by turning off lights to reaffirm their support for the environment and this special day. As the clock struck eight in the evening, the lights in most parts of the hotel were either switched off or reduced to the minimum. Instead, the hotel was lit up with candles as and where needed. "World Environment Day is an internationally acclaimed event and it has inspired us at Taj Chandigarh to celebrate the spirit and the cause with our patrons," remarked the hotel's general manager Anil Malhotra as guests walked in, pleasantly surprised to see the warm glow.

Delhi: Hundereds of people undertook a march to express their concern and make a statement on this World Environment Day. Dressed in white t-shirts with tress printed on them, their aim was to create awareness about this growing menace of global warming and climate change and to encourage people to grow more trees.

Gwalier: Children participated in a fancy dress competition to mark the World Environment Day in Gwalior on Friday to propagate the message of 'Save the Environment' with unmatched enthusiasm.

The event was organised by the Association of Gwalior Youth Society had organised with a purpose to relay the theme of 'Save the Environment'.

Tripura: In tune with United Nations' theme this year, various organisations and educational institutions in Tripura today held colourful rallies, tableaus, talk shows, debates and quiz contests as part of observance of 'World Environment Day' across the state.

The state government has urged citizens and public authorities to stop vehicular movement in the state and switch off their power gadgets for 15 minutes at 1100 hours to observe the day.

While such initiatives are refreshing, here's hoping that the message to be passed reaches out to many who in turn do their bit in making this planet a greener place.

As time goes by and the major emitters of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming keep on giving a blind eye to this deadly menace, the threat of an ice-free Arctic during summers looms large. There was no major breakthrough during the G20 summit with regards to climate change. Inspite of agreeing on a $1.1 trillion stimulus package, campaigners believe that climate change was the biggest loser at the summit. Once again world leaders have short-changed people and the planet,” said Friends of the Earth’s executive director Andy Atkins. “The economic system and the global environment are on a devastating collision course - but despite pledging to build an inclusive, green and sustainable recovery little has been done to change direction.” While developed nations want India and China to be equal partners in tackling climate change, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has made it clear that it is not possible to be equal partners with nations like the United States which contribute(emissions) many times more than what is contributed by India. There is a deadlock there as well.

As things get worse, a suggestion to tackle global warming in case of an 'emergency' has come out. It's to cool the climate by use of technology. This is called geoengineering. President Obama's science adviser John Holdren has suggested the shooting of pollution particles into the upper atmosphere to reflect the Sun's rays. he claims that this idea has been discussed in the White House and the future course of action will be arrived upon.

Talks, talks and more talks! When will our leaders come up with a stringent and an effect solution? Mistrust, jealousy and greed to grow without considering the effects on our environment has driven us away from important issues that could take it's toll on our future generations. Well... wait.. on us...!!