Final words

This blog has been a bit of a bumpy ride to say the least! I initially came into this blogasphere thinking I would write some grand posts looking at the impacts of our greed for all resources...

With all my best intentions, this was never my passion. I ultimately wanted to look at energy, and how it shapes and controls our lives. 

This became a firm reality when I hit upon an article in The Times which explored our future energy security. From there I have explored our excessive use of energy through reporting on COP21, and how to mitigate against our exploitative habits through renewables (here, here and here.. oh, and also here). But renewables are old news, over-discussed and a tad boring... so I wanted to incorporate some of the issues in measuring and understanding energy consumption (something of vital importance if you are going to define exploitation (which can be found here and here)), as well as other issues people usually cite when faulting renewables (because people always complain about things!), and how to mitigate against the main issue (reliability) with storage solutions (here, here and here). My aim across all of my later posts was to discuss the current research being published in mainstream journals to understand how the scientific community was approaching a contemporary topic of astronomical future (and arguably current) importance.  

Wooo! Hope! (Source)

Ultimately, my opinions have changed. I have gone from someone who was a little sceptical (maybe cynical) of the potential that renewables could have in mitigating carbon emissions, to being incredibly hopeful.

Previously I would always argue that nuclear is the most promising energy source, as it is the most efficient and least polluting fuel. However efficiency isn't everything, and provided the initial investment hurdles can be overcome, the future for renewables could be bright. Two posts have really inspired me: Morocco and its quest to become a renewable powerhouse and the potential host for COP22; and the creative solutions for energy storage that are being developed and discussed. However the most heart-warming article I have read is the first-order investigative research report on Ontario's potential to become a fully renewable city! We are now at the stage of scientific understanding and development where we could develop fully renewable cities. Whether we will be a matter for politicians, lobbyists and people with money to decide!

Renewables are our best friend and worst enemy. They are cause for both optimism and concern. I will try to explain why.

Our future depends on renewable resources - in a world that thrives on consumerism and excessive consumption of resources, the limitless resources will always be most valuable. However, the means of collecting and generating electricity from these resources is expensive, technologically difficult and require a shift in perceptions. They are also expensive and tend not to provide the same standalone reliability compared to a fossil-fuel power station, as they must be used in conjunction with other renewable sources or energy storage solutions, further making them more expensive. Above all, it's worrying to know that amongst all the COP21 talks and investment in recent months and years, the dawn of renewables may be quickly over in the UK (a fellow blogger, Caitlin, discussed this topic in fantastic detail over at her blog)!

However from my blogging I hope you can see the optimism in academic literature. Scientists are trying to improve the situation through developing new and innovative ways to power our future. The models, experiments and investigations, although may seem silly ("why would you model the potential for renewables to fully power desalination plants?" you might ask), the results show that renewables have the capacity to do the things we need them to do.

At the beginning of these blogs I discussed the potential for a centralised resource system which efficiently distributes resources based on demand, instead of based on their value. I now think that idea is wrong. The distribution of resources equally and efficiently, although reduces the potential for greed and exploitation, does not mean we are not harming the environment. A means of efficiently collecting resources whilst having little impact upon the environment is of even greater importance. Although I have only focused on energy and the potential of renewable solutions, I believe other resources, when investigated could be efficiently and substantially consumed.  

Scientists have done their work. Its now time for everyone else to join in and provide a means to make renewables work. Our exploitation, greed, reliance and demand for electrical resources will never cease. However, how efficiently and environmentally friendly we collect, modify and distribute these resources can change. it just requires someone to take that first step.

*Little bit of a brain dump, sorry....*

TL;DR: renewables are promising, scientists are great; however only time will tell!

COP21: The Results

So COP21 has now ended! It was extended an extra day to finalise the agreement, but what has been the result?

You can find the report here for yourself (or, if you want the TL;DR version, it's here). For me, it's nothing spectacular.

I suppose I was expecting detailed targets and commitments from regions and countries. Compared to Copenhagen in 2009, this is a great result - there are some legally binding aspects, but in terms of carbon targets, there is nothing explicit. I'll explain.

The report asks that:

• Greenhouse gas emissions are peaked as quickly as possible, towards a world which balances human emissions with natural sinks -- An important aspect, as it incentives greater afforestation to provide a more sinks, ensuring the security of woodland and forest habitats. However, this requirement isn't until the second half of the 21st century, so maybe it will be too late by then?
• Review the progress of countries every 5 years -- now this is one of the legally binding requirements. I feel this can facilitate a good conversation and further progress in the future and drive further commitments.
• Limiting global temps to 2C, and strive towards 1.5C -- I really admire the ambition of the delegates. But I think the results from our mock COP21 (see Kaitlin's opinion of our mock COP21 here) show that we will strive to get to 2C. We managed 2.7C and the assessments of the INDCs predict countries will only just reach 2.7C.
• US$100 billion every year to finance climate initiatives in developing regions -- this item is a little more confusing. The report outlines the fund is for "mitigation actions" and "implementation". Funds will range from financial resources up front to results-based targets. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this aspect. The funds are only for developing countries, but some there are many issues with that. Do all countries have equal allocations of money? For those more affected by climate, will the funds be prioritised for them, or can it be used for aid? This will only come by 2020 though...

The legal aspects are the review (good!) and submission of targets (great!). The irony: the submitted targets will be voluntary (not legally binding).

Overall, I see this as a good stepping stone. Action needed to be taken and this is a good step forward.

What do you think of the results of COP21? Do you think the results are positive or negative?