Flatlining: A Ray of Hope in the Debate Over Climate Change

Carbon dioxide emissions were stable between 2013 and 2014 despite growth in the world economy, reports the International Energy Agency. Emissions in the past fell with economic downturns. Emissions rose slightly in the US but fell in Europe and China. The GDP for the EU increased by 1.4 percent while emissions from energy use fell by 6 percent: “The IEA’s finding suggests the regulations put in place to rein in pollution are starting to have an impact,” reports the Economist. “In the EU, for instance, the number of household appliances has risen by a quarter in the past ten years, but household electricity use has been flat – testimony (probably) to the many efficiency requirements brought in under European law.” Holding steady is not good enough, researchers suggest, because that would result in a temperature rise of 3 degrees Centigrade by 2100. The goal is to keep the rise to 2 degrees C. Researchers are hopeful that the news could spur cooperation on climate change. – YaleGlobal