Climate Crisis AM Edition 1.31.24 Bikes Instead Of Trains
The Air Pollution Foundation, backed by the car and oil industries, knew of the effects of climate change in 1954. The conclusion was based on work by scientist Charles Keeling. He followed the increase in carbon dioxide emission levels. His measurements became known as the “Keeling Curve.” Geoffrey Supran, an expert in historic climate disinformation at the University of Miami, told The Guardian, “They contain smoking gun proof that by at least 1954, the fossil fuel industry was on notice about the potential for its products to disrupt Earth’s climate on a scale significant to human civilization.” The Air Pollution Foundation backed a portion of Keeling’s work.
Another look at climate change: Administration gives up on gas stove plans
Caregivers are more affected by climate change than many other groups. Some of these are parents who take on additional work during events that include heavy periods of snow. Air pollution can affect the summer activities of those being cared for. Fast Company reports, “The inequitable impacts of worsening climate change exacerbate instability, disproportionately increasing the workload of caregivers and disrupting paid labor through systemic barriers to workforce participation.” Caregivers are likely to be paid poorly, if at all. It is another example of how climate change weighs on the underprivileged.
“Micromobility”
“Micromobility” may be a better option to fight climate change than large infrastructure projects. This means using bikes and scooters over high transportation infrastructure projects, which have mixed results in how much they help the climate. Subway and train projects can cost billions of dollars, according to a study by the Marron Institute of Urban Management, which is part of NYU. The study focused on New York and Northern California. One conclusion, The Hill reports, is “Optimizing regulations and creating adequate lanes for micromobility vehicles require effort and money, but the cost is a small fraction of that needed to extend urban rail systems. “
AI may help with complex climate forecasts but has a problem that partially offsets that. Like Bitcoin and other energy-hungry technologies, AI has a climate footprint problem. AI has enhanced the ability to detect and predict the effects of climate change. However, huge carbon emissions are created because large computer systems are needed to run AI applications.
