12 Frightening Results Of Climate Change That We Saw This Year

International Business Times - Immanuel Jotham

There is a lot of work ahead of us in preserving what is left of our planet.


World leaders gathered in Paris for climate summit, except for Donald Trump. Newsweek

Climate change, or global warming, is a subject that received a lot of attention this year. 2017 has seen erratic weather patterns, including massive storms and fires, and disheartening news from the scientific community about the state of the planet.
Here is IBTimes UK's list of the most important climate-based news in 2017. This list is by no means complete and does not include every single climate-based event this year, but is rather only a highlight reel. Also, the list has been in arranged in order of occurrence, starting in January 2017, and is not ranked by significance or importance.

2016 hottest year on record
The year started with the announcement that 2016 was the hottest one on record. Since climate levels first started being recorded in 1850, there has been no hotter year than 2016. Later in 2017, even the global warming hiatus was debunked. Scientists have found that temperatures have been steadily rising as a result of global warming.
Incidentally, before 2016, 2015 was the warmest year on record.

The largest ice shelf to ever break off into the sea: Larsen C
The story of Larsen C was in the news at the beginning of 2017 when it was reported that an ice shelf, one-quarter the size of Wales, was about to break off from Antarctica. In January, a report said that when it does break, it will be the largest iceberg in the region, about 5,000 km in size.
By July, it was just about to break off from the ice shelf and set itself adrift into the southern ocean. ESA called its size "biblical". It was expected to extend almost 210 metres into the sea as it floated like an island.
On 12 July, 2017, the 5,000 km ice berg finally broke off – that's a trillion tonnes of freshwater added to the sea.


Massive iceberg breaks free in Antarctica.

Arctic permafrost has started to melt
Permafrost, or the permanently frozen sections of ice, has started to thaw in the Arctic tundra. This region covers an area of 20 million sq. kilometres. Permafrost is described as ice that remains frozen throughout the year. The Arctic permafrost has been in a frozen state for thousands of years and global warming has started to gradually thaw out the ice.
This is bad news because all the dead, preserved organic matter will now start to decompose and release methane and several other carbon-based gases into the atmosphere. About 1,500 tonnes of carbon is locked up in the permafrost and its release into the atmosphere could bring about catastrophe. That is about three times as much carbon as all the forests of Earth combined.

Polar bears are exposed to between 100 and 1,000 times the estimated safe limit for long-lasting toxic chemicals in the environment, according to a study. NASA

Increasing dead zones in the oceans
Oxygen levels in the seas of the world have been steadily falling over the years and this is caused by the increasing surface temperature of water. Warm air will rise to the surface and stay there, reducing the circulation of water, exposing lesser water to the open air and cutting off the aeration effect. This creates "dead zones" in oceans – regions where mid-depth water has little to no marine life.

Antarctica record temperature
Antarctica has recorded temperatures as high as 17.5 degrees C (63.5 degrees F). While the tempreature was recorded in 2015, it was only published this year. Since then, warm water has been found melting out the underside of many shelves in Antarctica. The increased temperature of the air has been melting down the icy continent rapidly as well. The ice shelves in Antarctica are even more fragile than was first believed and things don't seem to be getting better there.

Trump bows out of the Paris Climate Agreement
US President Donald Trump withdrew from the Paris agreements in June this year. By November 2017, the US became the only nation that had not ratified the Paris accords – even North Korea and Syria had signed it. Trump has been a vocal critic of climate change agreements and the world's second-largest polluter is among the few countries right now that do not see climate change as being caused by human activity, according to their official state policy.

President Donald Trump announced that the United States would pull out of the Paris climate agreement on 1 June, 2017. Win McNamee/Getty Images

Projected effects of climate change maps
Temperatures accross the world are set to increase by approximately 4-6 degrees C before 2100. Temperatures of 35°C are also likely to increase and spread in many regions of the planet, according to a new study by the Climate Impact Lab. Maps showing what will happen to the global climate were released and they do not look too good

With Paris Agreement

Without Paris agreement

Sixth mass extinction underway
Scientists have declared that the world is facing its sixth mass extinction as several vertebrate species of animal life are disappearing fast. The loss of biodiversity in the Earth is a pressing problem. In fact, over the last century, it has been estimated that 200 species of vertebrates have gone extinct, which is roughly about two species every year. These losses continue to happen and are irreversible. The report was published by the PNAS.

Hurricanes rattled the world this year as well
The 2017 hurricane season was the second most expensive on record in the US, only behind the year 2005, that brought Katrina, Dennis, and Cindy, noted a report by Time. This year, Harvey, Irma, and Jose caused an estimated damage of over $150-$200 billion. Harvey made landfall in August, Irma followed soon after and Jose came after it. These three hurricanes were caused by warmer climates intensifying the effects of the storm, scientists said. Super storms are likely to increase in number and ferocity in the coming years.


2017 Hurricanes and Aerosols Simulation. NASA
How can you see the atmosphere? By tracking what is carried on the wind.  Tiny aerosol particles such as smoke, dust, and sea salt are transported across the globe, making visible weather patterns and other normally invisible physical processes.

Carbon dioxide levels highest in 800,000 years
Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reached record highs this year. In over 800,000 years, there has never been so much carbon in the atmosphere, noted a report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
"CO2 remains in the atmosphere for hundreds of years and in the oceans for even longer. The laws of physics mean that we face a much hotter, more extreme climate in the future. There is currently no magic wand to remove this CO2 from the atmosphere," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.
Nasa pointed out that the extreme El Nino season in 2015 was one of the reasons for this massive spike in CO2.

The last El Nino in 2015-16 impacted the amount of carbon dioxide that the Earth’s tropical regions released into the atmosphere, leading to the recent record spike in atmospheric carbon dioxide. The effects of El Nino were different in each region. NASA/JPL-Caltech

Greenland faces rapid melt
Greenland is melting at a rate that is higher than previously estimated and is likely to melt into the sea in about 500 years. While it will not melt away in an even manner throughout, large cracks in the ice are apparent and will lead to a lot of loss in terms of the volume of ice over the next hundred years.

Scientists issue warning to humanity
In what is probably the most sobering of all climate related news in 2017, a report titled 'World Scientists' Warning to Humanity: A Second Notice' was published after 15,000 scientists from 184 countries came together to say that this second notice needs to be taken seriously. If not, catastrophic biodiversity loss and widespread human misery is sure to follow.
"Scientists are in the business of analysing data and looking at the long-term consequences. Those who signed this second warning aren't just raising a false alarm. They are acknowledging the obvious signs that we are heading down an unsustainable path. We are hoping that our paper will ignite a widespread public debate about the global environment and climate," said William Ripple, one of the authors of the report.
The first notice was released in 1992, and things have only gotten a lot worse since.

The past 16 years were among the warmest on record. iStock

It is important to note that while this list is quite alarming, it is not intended to cast a sense of doom. Rather, it is a reminder of the work required in order to keep the planet sustainable.
This year has also seen quite a bit of positive change. Companies as well as governments seem to be taking steps to cut down on emission levels and are also moving towards a renewable energy-based ecosystem. Car manufacturers, for example, are slowly abandoning fossil fuel-based engines for all-electric models. In fact, the British government has said that by 2040, petrol and diesel engines will be completely banned in the UK.


Here are nine ways climate change is destroying the planet. IBTimesUK/Wochit

Links

• Antarctic ice melt: Calculating the actual extent of sea level rise may not be possible until 2060
• One Planet Summit: World Bank will soon stop financing oil and gas exploration
• Man-made climate change was the sole cause of 2016's heat waves

Turnbull Has Politicked Himself Into Irrelevance On Energy And Climate In 2018

The Conversation - Alan Pears

Marcella Cheng/The Conversation

As we approach the end of the year, it’s useful to look back and forward. Now is an auspicious time, as two major energy-related reports have been released this week: the federal government’s review of their climate change policies, and a discussion paper from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) on future energy paths.
The difference between the two is striking. The AEMO paper is practical, direct and realistic. On the other hand, the climate policy review relies essentially on Australia buying lots of international carbon permits to meet our Paris target (and, implicitly, on state governments taking up the challenge their Canberra colleagues have largely abanondoned).
It’s amusing to read a document that plays with numbers in such creative ways. But it is a fairy story, and it’s no way to drive national climate policy.
I almost feel as though I could just change the dates and reprint my article reviewing prospects for energy in 2017:

2017 is the year when many long-festering energy policy problems must be addressed. Our outdated energy market model is falling apart. The gas industry is lining its pockets at the expense of Australian industry. Climate policy is urgent, but controversial among key decision-makers. Our fossil fuel exports are under threat from global forces.

But things have in fact shifted a long way – the revolution is accelerating and unstoppable. The federal government is almost irrelevant; the public statements and policies it presents are simply aimed at getting “something” through the Coalition party room, or trying to throw blame on others. It’s very sad.
The real games are being played out within state governments; in battles between energy policy agencies and regulators; by emerging industry players who do not even have formal roles in energy legisation; and by business and the community as they defend themselves from the failures around them by implementing “behind the meter” solutions and working together.

The real heavy lifters
Medals of Valour should be awarded to Chief Scientist Alan Finkel, AEMO chief executive Audrey Zibelman, and South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill.
The government’s response to this year’s Finkel Review showed that no amount of compromise would allow a sensible energy and climate policy to pass through the minefield of the Coalition party room. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg, both of whom know what they need to do, simply have too little political capital within that place to drive realistic energy policy.
But the Finkel Review also successfully recommended many changes that will help to fix the physical operation of the grid. Innovation and the laws of physics have finally begun to triumph over market politics and ideology.
AEMO worked out a way to get around the glacial and obstructive tactics of the Australian Energy Market Commission on demand-side action by setting up a “pilot project” to drive demand response. It has been clear for decades that this is a very cost-effective tool. Zibelman has been a voice of practical reality and clear understanding of the future of energy, including the demand side, and AEMO’s future energy paths reflects that.
Weatherill has weathered a storm of abuse over his state’s innovative energy strategy. His government has shown how a diversified approach can transform an energy system in little more than a year. But he needs to put more effort into long term energy efficiency and energy productivity improvement measures integrated with renewables and storage, to reduce pressure on electricity systems over time. For example, home cooling comprises a third of South Australia’s peak electricity demand, but could be slashed by efficient buildings and cooling equipment.

What lies ahead
Looking forward, the coming year will be shaped by some key issues, some of which are already playing out at a frenetic pace. Consider a small sample of many recent events:

• As mentioned, AEMO has released a discussion paper framing a very different electricity future, and including a low-carbon scenario.
• The new battery in South Australia has delivered remarkable outcomes, helping to stabilise the grid in ways that few imagined.
• The Victorian Essential Services Commission has proposed a new “time of day” feed-in price for rooftop solar that reaches 29 cents per kilowatt-hour in afternoons and evenings. If approved, this will be a game-changer, as adding battery storage to rooftop solar will become far more attractive.
• The Energy Networks Association, not the gas industry, has released a zero emission gas strategy at last.
• The annual report on the National Energy Productivity Plan (remember that?) shows we’re falling behind even the government’s weak target: not surprising given the miniscule resources allocated.

Meanwhile the federal government has released energy modelling to underpin ongoing negotiation on the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) that is simply irrelevant and embarrassing. The Energy Security Board’s involvement in this has undermined perceptions of its independence, especially when it is contrasted with the vision AEMO is discussing in its paper.
While the states have agreed to continue discussion on the NEG in April, there are some major hurdles. Primarily, states must be allowed to set and achieve their own energy targets: the federal energy minister has put the blame for problems on the states, and they now have to be seen by their voters to act.
Second, the design must ensure it does not give the dominant energy companies even more power to distort markets. Some members of the Energy Security Board seem to understand the challenges, and are optimistic they can be overcome. Time will tell.
As Turnbull has said, we live in exciting times.

Links

• The federal Climate Policy Review: a recipe for business as usual
• The Finkel Review at a glance
• Yes, SA’s battery is a massive battery, but it can do much more besides
• A gas shortage next year is unlikely, but that’s the only good news
• Climate change will displace millions in coming decades. Nations should prepare now to help them
• Sydney’s closer to being a zero-carbon city than you think
• The federal Climate Policy Review: a recipe for business as usual

Ipsos Poll: Only 18 Per Cent Think Turnbull Government Is Doing A Good Job On Climate Change

Fairfax - Matt Wade

One in two Australians believe climate change is already damaging the Great Barrier Reef and causing more extreme storms, floods and droughts.
But only 18 per cent think the Turnbull government is doing a good job tackling global warming, a new poll has found.

Snowy Hydro 2.0: over budget already

The ambitious project will take longer to build and cost more than first thought, according to a study into the multi billion dollar expansion.

An annual survey by Ipsos, which has probed public opinion on climate change for the past 12 years, shows eight in 10 agree human activity is contributing to climate change – 42 per cent say humans are mainly or entirely responsible while 38 per cent believe climate change is caused partly by humans and partly by natural processes.
Just 3 per cent of respondents think there is no such thing as climate change, a share that has hardly shifted during the past decade. Another 12 per cent believe climate change is caused entirely or mostly by natural processes.

A new Ipsos poll shows only 18 per cent of Australians think the Turnbull government is doing a good job combating climate change. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Ipsos researcher Jennifer Brook said public perceptions about climate change in Australia have stabilised in recent years.
"Despite this maturation of belief in climate change, there is still confusion as to the exact causes and frustration around conflicting opinions resulting in confusion on the topic of climate change," she said.
"It is these details that still seem to be up for debate, and complicate people's understanding of the causes."

What best describes your opinion about the causes of climate change?

Base: Percentage of all respondents Source: Ipsos Climate Change Survey 2017

Energy policy has been a key political theme in 2017, with the Turnbull government unveiling major policies including the National Energy Guarantee and the expansion of Snowy Hydro.
That may have contributed to a rise in the share of Australians who think combating climate change is primarily the federal government's duty. The proportion saying climate action is mainly the federal government's responsibility was 41 per cent, the equal highest since the question was first asked in 2010.

Who should be mainly responsible for action on climate change? 

Source: Ipsos Climate Change Survey 2017

But only 3 per cent of respondents rated the federal government's response to climate change as "very good", with a further 15 per cent rating it as "fairly good." More than four in 10 rated the federal government's performance on climate change as poor or very poor.
The share of respondents who felt the international community was doing a good or very good job of tackling climate change rose to 22 per cent, 3 percentage points higher than last year.

Opinion on climate change action

Source: Ipsos Climate Change Survey 2017

Almost half of respondents (47 per cent) agreed climate change is already causing more frequent and extreme storm events, is already causing the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef (47 per cent) and that is already causing more frequent and extreme droughts (47 percent).
A slightly smaller share agreed climate change is already causing more frequent and extreme floods (45 per cent) and more frequent and extreme bushfires (44 per cent).
A clear majority (54 per cent) agreed that climate change poses a serious threat to our way of life over the next 25 years while nearly two thirds agree that climate change poses a serious threat to our way of life over the next 100 years.

The top five processes that Australians believe are already impacted by climate change

Source: Ipsos Climate Change Survey 2017

Those aged less than 50 are much more likely to think climate change is mostly or entirely caused by human activity than those aged over 50.
Australians are sceptical about letting market forces alone determine how much power is generated from renewable sources.
Only 27 per cent supported a deregulated, "market only" approach with no national target for the uptake of renewable energy.
Seven in 10 were in favour of the federal government setting a national target for renewable energy use (32 per cent strongly support this) with just 15 per cent opposed.
Only 5 per cent of respondents said business should be mainly responsible for climate change action, the lowest share since 2010.

Links

• The 2017 Ipsos Climate Change Report
• PM disappoints public on climate change
• Snowy Hydro expansion could hit nearly $12 billion
• 'Snowy 2.0' will go ahead but costs blow out by billions
• National energy guarantee only guarantees more confusion