STWR - Share The World's Resources

Energy companies are pursuing a carbon 'techno-fix' in the name of a Green New Deal. Rather than palliative measures, we should remove subsidies for polluting industries, invest in genuinely renewable power solutions and return the energy sector to public control, argues Oscar Reyes.

As negotiations on a global climate change treaty continue, a key issue of contention is the difference in consumption levels between rich and poor countries. The resulting proposals could be crucial in defining not only the successor to the Kyoto Protocol, but the future sustainability of the environment.

Carbon markets are failing to protect the environment by allowing rich countries to "buy their way out" of emissions cuts. If carbon trading continues, the amount of credits available must reflect scientific evidence rather than political and economic expediency, writes Rachel Godfrey Wood.

Many high-profile environmentalists limit their agendas to solutions within current social and economic parameters. Yet systemic changes to the global economy are required if meaningful solutions to biodiversity loss and environmental exploitation are to be reached, argues Michael Barker.

It is hubris to downgrade the culpability of the rich world's environmental footprint because generations of poor people not yet born might one day get to be as rich and destructive as us. Overpopulation is not driving environmental destruction; overconsumption is, argues Fred Pearce.

Researchers say that even if nations can get carbon dioxide levels under control, it would take 1,000 years or longer for the climate changes already triggered to be reversed. Reported by Thomas H. Maugh II.

The way that we generate energy creates a long-term global heating that far exceeds the danger of greenhouse gases, according to a renowned astrophysicist. Instead, we need a form of energy creation that harnesses the natural power of the earth: sunlight, wind and waves. By Bina Venkataraman.