Global efforts to reduce carbon emissions must be stepped up says the International Energy Agency (IEA) after finding emissions in 2010 were the highest in history; with coal continuing to be the major culprit.
After a slowdown in 2009 due to the effects of the Global Financial Crisis, the IEA estimates 2010’s emissions reached a record 30.6 Gigatonnes (Gt), a 5% jump from the previous highest year, 2008.
Dr Faith Birol, Chief Economist at the IEA, said an estimated 80% of projected emissions from the power sector in 2020 are already locked in.
“This significant increase in CO2 emissions and the locking in of future emissions due to infrastructure investments represent a serious setback to our hopes of limiting the global rise in temperature to no more than 2ºC”.
Dr. Birol says that unless “bold and decisive” actions are taken very soon, it will be very difficult to limit global average temperature increases to 2 degrees. The 2 degree point is not a get out of jail free card – it will still have serious ramifications; but beyond that point the effects will be even more disastrous.
In its latest World Energy Outlook, the IEA says 44% of emissions in 2010 came from coal, 36% from oil, and 20% from natural gas.
The grim news will bolster the Australian Government’s attempts to sell its carbon tax to the Australian public. Its own efforts have been overshadowed in recent days by the launch of the “Say Yes” campaign spearheaded by a collective of groups; including the Australian Conservation Foundation, Greenpeace, the Climate Institute and GetUp!
The associated television commercial featuring Michael Caton and Cate Blanchett urging Australians to support a price on carbon pollution has come under heavy fire from some corners; with commentators stating given Ms. Blanchett’s comfortable position, she should not be speaking out on the topic.
In various interviews, Mr Caton has argued if wealth was a measure of credibility on the topic, then many involved in politics and business should not be participating in the debate and like himself, Ms. Blanchett was simply standing up for something she is passionate about.
In an ABC news report, Dick Smith commented he was approached to appear in the ad, but that he was too “gutless” as he feared a backlash against him from Rupert Murdoch’s News Limited newspapers, stating he knew it would result in a “front page of lies”.
The “Say Yes” campaign will culminate in rallies around the nation on June 5 (World Environment Day) at the following venues:
Sydney: Prince Alfred Park, 11 am
Melbourne: Outside the State Library, 11 am
Adelaide: Victoria Square, 11 am
Brisbane: Riverstage, 1pm
Perth: Perth Cultural centre – Wetlands stage, 11am
Hobart: Franklin Square, 11am
Canberra: Regatta Point (near the bridge), 1.30pm
