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Why EVs Aren't a Climate Change Panacea

Cars That Think

In states (or countries ) with a high proportion of coal-generated electricity, the miles needed to break-even climb more. Behavioral change is hard How willing are people to break their car dependency and other energy-related behaviors to address climate change? The answer is perhaps some, but maybe not too much.

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MIT report finds China’s actions on climate change crucial; argues for global economy-wide greenhouse gas tax

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A new report from the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change shows the importance of all major nations taking part in global efforts to reduce emissions—and in particular, finds China’s role to be crucial. The researchers argue for a global economy-wide greenhouse gas tax that spreads the burden of responsibility.

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OECD: governments should make better use of energy taxation to address climate change; “meaningful” increases limited to road sector

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Taxes are effective at cutting harmful emissions from energy use, but governments could make better use of them. Tax rates were below the low-end estimate of climate costs (EUR 30/tCO 2 ) for 97% of emissions. Comparing taxes between 2012 and 2015 yields a disconcerting result. Governments should do more and better.

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Report finds says “negative emissions technologies” need to play a large role in mitigating climate change

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To achieve goals for climate and economic growth, “negative emissions technologies” (NETs) that remove and sequester carbon dioxide from the air will need to play a significant role in mitigating climate change, according to a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

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Converting Coal Power Plants to Nuclear Gains Steam

Cars That Think

On a planet aspiring to become carbon neutral, the once-stalwart coal power plant is an emerging anachronism. It is true that, in much of the developing world, coal-fired capacity continues to grow. But in every corner of the globe, political and financial pressures are mounting to bury coal in the past.

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PCAST suggests 6 key components for climate change strategy to President Obama; adaptation and mitigation

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The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) released a letter to President Obama describing six key components the advisory group believes should be central to the Administration’s strategy for addressing climate change. Improving coordination and support for research efforts on climate change preparedness.

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Perspective: The Role of Offsets in Climate Change Legislation

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This article shows that including offsets in climate change legislation would likely make an emissions program more cost-effective by: (a) providing an incentive for non-regulated sources to generate emission reductions; and (b) expanding emission compliance opportunities for regulated entities. Assuming the offset is legitimate—i.e.,