Flat Global Carbon Emissions

Congratulate renewable energy. Within the last several years, solar and wind energy have become so widely adopted that global CO2 emissions have been flat for the last three years. Breaking conventional wisdom, it is also happening as economies are expanding. The good news is that emissions have flattened. The bad news is that they flattened at an unacceptably high level. The hope is that the trends in renewable energy will continue and begin reducing CO2 emissions. While humans are a major producer of greenhouse gases, the warming climate means nature has become a contributor, too. Methane released by humans can come from leaks and deforestation. Methane released by nature can come from thawing permafrost. The work isn’t over, but we can at least celebrate a major positive shift that should be sustainable.

“Coal Comfort” – Grist