Obviously everyone’s attention has (rightly) been focused on the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy as well as the impending Presidential election. However, there been some other climate-related happenings that we should all be aware off, even if our attention is mostly elsewhere.
1. Employment in the U.S. solar industry has grown 13.8% since October of last year. While that adds up to “only” 13,800 new jobs, it is a strong sign that solar is growing and is a sign of good things to come for solar. (Grist)
2. The world may soon face a serious climate data crisis due to technical problems and political missteps here in the United States. In the very near future, the U.S. will not have the satellite capability to maintain conduct essential storm tracking and climate monitoring. (Climate Science Watch)
3. Approved and proposed tar sands projects in Canada will lead to production in 2020 significantly above the level that International Energy Association says is necessary to slow climate change. (Oil Change International)
4. The price of operating and maintaining wind installations in Europe has fallen 38% over the last four years. Increased efficiency and competition among service providers have both contributed to the lower costs. (Bloomberg New Energy Finance)
Unfortunately not all the news is good:
5. In Australia, it seems that emissions are going to continue to grow between now and 2030 despite implementation of a carbon tax earlier this year. Australia will miss its target of emissions 5% below 2000 levels in 2020 and plans to make up the gap buy purchasing abatement credits in the international market. (Climate Spectator)
6. New Zealand’s emissions trading program seems to be in a desperate position. Prices for credits have fallen 85% in the last 18 months, due to a huge influx of cheap credits from the EU trading system as well as a decision by regulators to double the allowable emissions per permit. (Reuters)
Top Photo: Ok – one Sandy related item – the cover of the current Bloomberg Businessweek that has gone viral since it was made available online last week. (Bloomberg Businessweek)