Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Post

🌍 Just completed my course on Advanced Concepts of Climate Change and the Carbon Market! 🌱 I’m excited to have gained deeper insights into the scientific, economic, and regulatory aspects of climate change and how the carbon market plays a pivotal role in driving sustainability. Understanding these mechanisms is key to addressing environmental challenges and contributing to a greener future. Looking forward to applying this knowledge to make a positive impact in the field of environmental science and beyond! #ClimateChange #CarbonMarket #Sustainability #EnvironmentalScience #GreenFuture

What common themes around climate action exist across the #GreatLakes region? Find out by reading this week's featured article by Liesl Clark, Director of Climate Action Engagement, University of Michigan- School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), and Lauren W., Deputy Director of Communications and Engagement for the SEAS Sustainability Clinic! The article discusses how their team analyzed climate action plans from six Great Lakes states to uncover key trends, best practices, and potential areas for collaboration across state and jurisdictional lines. Learn more by reading the article here: https://lnkd.in/g7zkUEiz

The NEED of environmental science ~In an era of escalating climate crises, biodiversity loss, and pollution, environmental science is more crucial than ever. ~It provides the tools to understand complex ecological systems, mitigate human impact, and develop sustainable solutions for a fragile planet. ~By integrating technology, policy, and community action, environmental science empowers societies to address pressing issues like global warming, resource depletion, and habitat destruction. ~As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, the discipline serves as a cornerstone for building a resilient and sustainable future.

I am pleased to announce the publication of our innovative research on assessing the carbon footprint of concrete materials in the prestigious Environmental Research journal [Q1, Impact Factor: 7.7]. This work represents a significant contribution to sustainability and the pursuit of a greener future. It also provides insights into mitigating the effects of climate change.

Research led by the PIK - Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC) gGmbH has looked at 1500 climate policies implemented between 1998 and 2022 across 41 countries from six continents. The results identified just 63 successful policy interventions with large-scale emissions reduction outcomes, with an average reduction of 19%. The research goes on to look at the key success factors of these 63 cases. Critically, climate policies are more effective as part of a mix: for example, combining carbon pricing with a subsidy. We certainly see this resonate in the Australian context, with the momentum of nature-based carbon sequestration projects strongly linked, not so much to the carbon price alone, but in tandem with initiatives that lower the barriers to entry (e.g. the Queensland Land Restoration Fund or the National Soil Innovation Challenge). The results are, perhaps, unsurprising, as the challenge is complex, touching all industries and human activities. It intuitively makes sense that policy approach also needs to be multi-pronged. A particular response to the article, from Dr Peter Barbrook-Johnson, Lecturer at the Enviornmental Change Institue, Univesrity of Oxford, sums it up well, we think: “It is now overwhelmingly clear that policy mixes, in which policies aimed at carbon prices are combined with investment, mandates, standards and planning rules, are likely to be more effective than individual policies or pricing alone. Coordination of policy between different ministries, and between countries is also vital." For a broader set of responses from scientists in the field of climate research, see link in comments - expert reaction to analysis of 1500 climate policies. Article citation: Stechemesser A, Koch N, Mark E, Dilger E, Klösel P, Menicacci L, Nachtigall D, Pretis F, Ritter N, Schwarz M, Vossen H, Wenzel A. Climate policies that achieved major emission reductions: Global evidence from two decades. Science. 2024 Aug 23;385(6711):884-892. [Link in comments] Image citation: #showyourstripes (showyourstripes.info) accessed 23/09/24. #climatepolicy #carbonprice

Nature-based solutions can play a significant role in combating climate change by removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; yet, investments in reforestation and other nature-based projects are lagging due, in large part, to inadequate quantification and confirmation of carbon removals and other ecosystem benefits that typically flow from nature-based investments—including increased resilience to climate impacts, according to a new report from Stanford Law School’s Law and Policy Lab, the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, and the Bezos Earth Fund. SLS Professor and report faculty lead David J. Hayes commented, “Policymakers and investors are looking for proof that nature-based solutions can deliver measurable and verifiable carbon emissions reductions and removals—and they are not getting it...". The “Investing in Nature to Fight Climate Change and Help Communities Thrive” report lays out a game plan for fixing current measurement and monitoring deficiencies for nature-based solutions, building on the White House’s release of its National Strategy to Advance an Integrated U.S. Greenhouse Gas Measurement, Monitoring & Information System. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gGYASMKc

It seems there has been a mix-up with the articles provided, as they do not focus on environmental or climate science, which are the areas I specialize in providing commentary on. If you have any articles or topics related to environmental issues, climate change, sustainability, or similar subjects, I would be more than happy to offer an insightful commentary on those. Please feel free to share relevant content, and I'll ensure to provide an educational and engaging perspective on the matter. #EnvironmentalScience #ClimateChange #Sustainability

🌞 Humanity is undoubtedly capable of a lot of #progress and breathtaking #innovation, as many examples show. Do you sometimes think to yourself that we could be doing so much better in our fight against the climate crisis and other environmental desasters? 🌀 It's the complex logic of the world that's in the way sometimes. But what exactly is that logic? 💡 The German sociologist Helmut Willke explains it in a convincing way in a recent book. We assume you've got a busy schedule, so we've got you covered with the snackable version. 👇 https://lnkd.in/exEf94cH

🌍 Participating in Harvard Climate Action Week 2024 hosted by The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University From toasting sustainability solutions to partnering for a healthier supply chain, the lineup of events has been insightful, showcasing discussions and actionable strategies for driving climate action. 🌱 It's heartening to see sessions like "Indigenous Leadership in Raising Global Climate Ambition" and "Supporting Community-Led Climate Adaptation," highlighting the importance of inclusive and community-centered approaches in tackling climate change. 🔬 We also explored topics such as "Moving from Innovation to Deployment" and "Innovative Climate Technologies" which provided a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in scaling climate infrastructure and leveraging technology for climate solutions. You can check our work at Climate Technology Solutions And according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) 2021, the widespread adoption of innovative climate technologies, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, could lead to a reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to current levels. (Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector) https://lnkd.in/grykNfFB 🌟 The session on "Leading Equitable Change for Climate Action" underscores the crucial role of equity and justice in shaping climate policies and initiatives, ensuring that no community is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future. Resonating very well with our works at CLIMATE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS HUB 🌿 And of course the critical role of cities in advancing climate action, which was highlighted in the session "How Cities Are Leveraging Food Systems to Advance Climate Action." By rethinking urban food systems, cities can play a significant role in mitigating climate change and promoting resilience. Research published in the journal Nature Food indicates that urban food systems contribute to approximately 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to food production, transportation, and waste . https://lnkd.in/gyAdm-iy 💡 As we come together to rethink global climate ambitions, it's clear that collaboration, innovation, and equitable leadership are key to addressing the climate crisis. Let's leverage our collective expertise and commitment to drive positive change for our planet and future generations. #HarvardClimateActionWeek #ClimateAction #Sustainability 🌎🌱

I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to people California and Los Angeles during this heartbreaking time. The unprecedented weather events and wildfires they facing are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change. It was reported thar, 2024 has been the warmest year ever by NASA and the World Meteorological Organization, with global temperatures reaching 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. But what happens if we go beyond this critical threshold? The consequences are dire: Extreme weather events: More frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and storms will become the new norm. Wildlife and ecosystem disruption: Rising temperatures will lead to loss of biodiversity, as many species struggle to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Sea-level rise: Melting glaciers and ice sheets will cause sea levels to rise, threatening coastal communities, cities, and ecosystems. Ecosystem suffering: Climate change will alter delicate ecosystem balances, leading to devastating consequences for agriculture, forestry, and human settlements. So, what's driving these changes? Human activities are primarily responsible: Burning fossil fuels: The extraction, transportation, and combustion of coal, oil, and gas release massive amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Deforestation: Widespread clearance of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and logging releases carbon stored in trees and reduces the ability of forests to act as carbon sinks. Land use changes: Urbanization, agriculture, and other human activities lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Now, the question is: What can we do to mitigate these challenges? The answer lies in collective action: Individually: Reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint Use public transport, walk, or bike Eat a plant-based diet and reduce food waste Conserve water and reduce single-use plastics Locally: Support renewable energy projects and community initiatives Advocate for climate policies and sustainable urban planning Engage in local environmental activism and education Promote sustainable agriculture and reduce pesticide use Globally: Support international climate agreements and cooperation Demand climate action from leaders and policymakers Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and technologies Promote global cooperation and knowledge sharing Together, we can make a difference. Let's work towards a more sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient future. Stay strong and resilient.