The Ùnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol were created with the ultimate objective of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system [1]. Based on the paleoclimate science and climate observations of James Hansen, head of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, 350 parts per million has been identified as the upper limit for safe levels of atmospheric CO2 [2].
The data in this report shows that atmospheric CO2 has been dangerously high for two decades. It also shows that atmospheric CO2 is accelerating away from safe CO2 levels (decade over decade). The data provides an objective indication for our collective achievements in stabilizing the atmospheric concentration of the chief anthropogenic greenhouse gas (CO2). The ultimate target of stabilization remains elusive. Much more needs to be accomplished. A key question is how deeply emissions must be reduced for atmospheric CO2 to start falling back toward safe levels.
State of the World Report 2009 | Review by Sue Boyce
State of the World Report 2009: Into a Warming World
The WorldWatch Institute. Available in print or pdf for $19.95.
Review by Sue Boyce By reading this newsletter, you are showing concern for the condition of the planet. To delve deeper and understand more, consider the latest State of the Earth Report by the WorldWatch Institute.
Each chapter of the 2009 edition reports on global adaptation and CO2 reduction imperatives from multiple perspectives. It covers energy and bio-diversity, farming and land-use, geo-engineering and the pivotal 2009 climate conference in Copenhagen. Written to be accessible to non-specialist audiences, it includes examples of good practice from around the world. An antidote to fatalism, it insists “Yes, we can” – if we all take action soon.
The Report also includes a Climate Change Guide with many clear and up-to-date graphs and charts, invaluable for you, teachers and anyone else wanting to spread the word. Plus, complete source references are provided for every fact cited.
This is the 26th annual State of the World Report, examining progress towards a sustainable future for humanity and the planet. The Worldwatch Institute now has it down to a fine art. This accessible, authoritative report is highly recommended.
Sue Boyce
North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
(Sue also recommends EnvironmentalResearchWeb.org as an excellent source for climate and envirnmental research.)
"State of the World 2009 is a research masterpiece, the single most important reference guide to climate change yet published." - Alex Steffen, Executive Editor, Worldchanging.com
Bothered by My Green Conscience | A book by artist Franke James
Review by Michael McGee The full name is
Bothered by My Green Conscience: How an SUV-driving, imported strawberry-eating urban dweller can go green. It's by Franke James of Toronto. This book of visual essays is engaging, beautiful, ingenious and an unusual pleasure to read. It is good for future generations, for frugal budgets and one's own spirit. To learn more, see the links below.
Read More
>> The Gazette (Montreal) | Beyond the bags and bulbs
>> Jim Carroll | I read a book today, oh boy! "Bothered by My Green Conscience"
>> Burner Trouble | I'm not bothered by my green conscience
>> FrankeJames.com | No one will know except you (a visual essay by Franke James)
>> Book Orders | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | New Society Publishers (Canada)
For the Greater Good | Dalai Lama aims for CO2 target of 350 ppm
In The Media | CO2, Other Greenhouse Gases, Impacts, Solutions...
CO2 Monitoring | Project Vulcan
Science Daily | NASA-funded CO2 map of US on Google Earth
Purdue University | About Project Vulcan
Perdue University / YouTube | NASA-funded CO2 map of US on Google Earth
Purdue University / Google Earth | NASA-funded CO2 map of US on Google Earth
Scientific Assessments
Science Daily | Scientists predict five-fold increase in CO2 warming for 1000 years
Science Daily | Climate change largely irreversible for 1,000 years: NOAA
Solve Climate | Scientists say climate change is here and now
Yale e360 | IPCC 2007 climate assessment is already dated
Stanford EurekAlert | Top IPCC scientist warns of greater climate devastation
Washington Post | Top IPCC scientist says pace of climate change exceeds expectations
Science Daily | Fewer “extreme cold” days and more “extreme heat” days in Europe
Guardian | Hansen declaration: Coal is single greatest threat to civilization
Science Daily | Scientists measure climate change impacts on 1000+ species of fish
Reuters | G20 urged to back “Green New Deal”
Science Daily | Climate change increasingly impacting investment decisions
Emissions
The Ultimate Adaptation
Science News | Two countries prepare to evacuate on sea level rise
Geo-engineering
Gristmill | Plan B: Geo-engineering is risky and likely inevitable
Science Daily | Geoengineering projects that could offset global warming
Technology
Science Daily | Low–cost LEDs may slash home electric bills in five years
Newsletter Directions
Subscribers may have noticed that Atmosphere Monthly has been going through some growing pains. With this edition, Atmosphere Monthly gets back on track as the sole newsletter available from CO2Now.org. Steps have been taken to simplify the content for the benefit of readers and for newsletter production. For subscribers, Atmosphere Monthly will be sent shortly after the public release of the latest monthly data for atmospheric CO2. Expect that Atmosphere Monthly will get better with age, and more helpful for people who are working to send atmospheric CO2 (and other greenhouse gases) in the need direction (downward toward 350 parts per million). And, do not hesitate to share your ideas for improving this newsletter. If you would like to recommend some relevant web links, submit a story or review, make a correction, or help with the editing or "CO2 number crunching," get in touch with Michael McGee. See the bottom of this newsletter for contact info.
Acknowledgements
Gratitude is extended for the following contibutions:
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Sue Boyce of the UK for her review of the State of the World Report 2009
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Richard Pauli of the USA for providing links about Project Vulcan
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Scripps Institution of Oceanography (both in the USA) for the data that is presented in this newsletter and at CO2Now.org.
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About Atmosphere Monthly
Atmospheric Monthly is a free, monthly email publication distributed worldwide by CO2Now.org and Pro Oxygen of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
CO2Now.org and Atmospheric Monthly are made possible by private indviduals who manage to fit these meaningful side projects into their busy lives.
Editor
Michael McGee
phone | 1-250-884-6760
The Dalai Lama is calling on Buddhists, concerned people of the world, and people of good heart to take action to undo the damage from the introduction of fossil carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. He is officially urging people to reduce atmospheric CO2 to safe levels of 350 ppm.