Energy & Environment

For those in attendance and those observing from afar, what do you think of the Copenhagen climate conference proceedings? (December 12, 2009)

 

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“Meaningful agreement” reached between U.S., China, and India

Daniel Kammen, Class of 1935 Distinguished Professor of Energy | 12/18/09 | 10 comments | Leave a comment
Daniel Kammen

Editor’s note:  Dan Kammen reports in from Copenhagen

Today, a senior White House office announced that the U.S. had reached a “meaningful agreement” with China, India and South Africa at the U.N. Climate Summit in Copenhagen.  According to the Associated Press, the official characterized the deal as a first step, but said it was not enough to combat the threat of a warming planet.

Details of the deal with these emerging economies were not immediately clear.

To my mind, the key operative term here is “meaningful agreement with INDIA AND CHINA”, which means that the major developed and developing nations that did not … More >

Comments to "“Meaningful agreement” reached between U.S., China, and India":
    • Garden Greenhouse Ideas 8/25/10, 5:12 pm I think that ultimately the U.S. and China will have to lead the way on this issue. The energy consumption that the big two are responsible for now and into the future are massive. On a local level though we can all contribute in our own small way, and these small contributions can ... More >
    • greenhouse beleiver 4/26/10, 9:31 pm I think the next Greenhouse Conference should only involve scientist and experts in the related fields - not 100's of politicians and their staff looking for a junket. Imagine the lower carbon footprint of such an event!
    • Used Lawn Mowers 5/21/10, 9:14 pm I completely agree and well said. That would set a great example for the rest of the world. If those who are most knowledgeable about 'Green House Effect' are sloppy about their carbon footprint, what can you expect from the rest of the world?

Copenhagen: Crests of hope, troughs of frustration

Daniel Kammen, Class of 1935 Distinguished Professor of Energy | 12/15/09 | 15 comments | Leave a comment
Daniel Kammen

Editor’s note:  Dan Kammen reports in from Copenhagen.

The Copenhagen Climate Conference mid-week #2 is now at full-pace.  Everything from protests to presidential appearances are taking place at a fast pace.

First of all, the meeting to this point feels very different than past COPs in that Week One had the sense of a very large trade show.  The number of booths, individuals and groups presenting their materials in every venue (from formal displays to ‘take our climate position papers piled in the bathrooms), and of technology and business propositions stashed, incongruously next to indigenous people’s displays in the ‘NGO Hall) was … More >

Comments to "Copenhagen: Crests of hope, troughs of frustration":
    • Hearing Aid Reviews 2/4/11, 4:03 am Nice post. Pictures speak louder than words. The world is finally waking up to the environment threat.
    • Dan Plesner Henriksen 6/2/10, 2:30 am It's to bad that the CPO15 summit in Copenhagen went all wrong! I guess that we'll have to wait for Mexico COP16 - too bad :-( Dan
    • lastofthesane44 7/19/10, 11:59 pm actually, we are not ready to change yet. there are some who are, and are starting to make change in their own little way. but in general, we are just naive, apathetic beings and we are all in just for ourselves and not the safety of our race. just as simple as quitting smoking. but ... More >

In counterpoint to the constant refrain of ‘no we can’t’

Daniel Kammen, Class of 1935 Distinguished Professor of Energy | 12/12/09 | 6 comments | Leave a comment
Daniel Kammen

Editor’s note:  Dan Kammen reports in from Copenhagen

Week 1 at COP-15: The first week comes to a close about where one might expect

Arrival in Copenhagen airport gives one a good feeling what you will experience at the COP15 meeting.  Everything is very comfortable, from the near 24 hour coffee/tea/food/information service. But the frustration over the lack of action so far on climate protection is visible, too.   Large billboards are everywhere with a rogues gallery of world leaders who have not accomplished climate goals.  A sample, this one of Australia’s Kevin Rudd — who just suffered a climate setback … More >

Comments to "In counterpoint to the constant refrain of ‘no we can’t’":
    • Julien - Photo fan's 11/13/10, 7:32 pm The climate protection still a big mission, we really need politics change.
    • seafoodchef 4/11/11, 6:08 am Hi, I thought your description of the powerful visual signs and displays around the conference center was great. It was really interesting to see that Denmark, even at that time was getting 29% of its electricity from renewables and 205 from wind which a lot of countries who have ... More >

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