A new report reveals a concerning rise in methane emissions, driven largely by human activity. The increase, exceeding 20% over the past two decades, threatens to derail climate change goals, including the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming limit. The study highlights the urgent need for stronger action to curb methane emissions, particularly from agriculture, fossil fuels, and waste.
Norway has delayed crucial legislation aimed at reducing cruise ship emissions in its iconic fjords, succumbing to pressure from the cruise industry. This decision has sparked backlash as it risks jeopardizing the country’s environmental commitments and delaying the development of vital sustainable infrastructure. While some argue that current technology limits emission-free operations for larger vessels, evidence suggests otherwise, with companies already operating emission-free ships in Norwegian waters. The delay raises concerns about the cruise industry’s true commitment to sustainability and its potential to hinder the development of cleaner maritime technologies.
US airlines, represented by Airlines for America, have lobbied against the European Commission’s plans to expand aircraft emission monitoring beyond carbon dioxide, arguing that the science surrounding non-CO2 emissions is insufficient. Despite this resistance, the Commission is moving forward with regulations to monitor and report on pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide starting in 2025, with international flights included by 2027. The debate highlights the complexities of regulating aviation’s environmental impact and the need to balance economic interests with climate concerns.
Cruise ships, exempt from fuel duties and taxes, are growing in size and number, leading to increased emissions and environmental concerns. T&E calls for stricter climate requirements, transparent emissions disclosure, and a €50 tax on cruise tickets to fund decarbonization efforts.
Air New Zealand has withdrawn its 2030 carbon emission reduction targets, citing delays in building new planes, a lack of alternative fuel, and regulatory hurdles. This move highlights the aviation industry’s struggle to meet climate goals and the reliance on unproven solutions like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Experts argue that the only way for airlines to significantly reduce emissions is to fly less.
A new study reveals that 12 EU countries are on track to miss their climate targets under the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR), which sets binding emissions reduction goals for member states. The report warns that these countries could face significant financial penalties, potentially reaching billions of euros, if they don’t implement new policies to reach their targets. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential for a bidding war over scarce emission credits, driving up prices and further increasing financial burdens.
A seasoned mechanic, Scotty Kilmer, advocates disabling the popular automatic start/stop feature in modern vehicles to extend engine lifespan. Kilmer believes that the frequent starting and stopping of the engine causes excessive wear and recommends switching off this functionality using the toggle button on the dashboard.
Many cities across B.C. offered free transit on Earth Day to encourage residents to leave their cars at home and reduce carbon emissions, but Metro Vancouver commuters continued to pay regular fares. While TransLink urged commuters to consider using transit over driving, it did not offer free rides due to its annual funding shortfall. TransLink emphasized that transit use can significantly reduce transportation-related emissions and save users up to $8,000 per year compared to driving, but the lack of free transit in Metro Vancouver disappointed some residents who noticed the discrepancy with other cities.
