Search Climate Insights Directory

The document examines the social cost of carbon (SCC) as a tool for cost-benefit analysis in government regulation, noting that the chosen SCC value directly determines the stringency of climate regulations. It argues that SCC calculations rely on judgment calls and assumptions beyond standard science or economics, which can be hidden from policymakers.

The World Resources Institute and partners have developed a standardized geospatial dataset to operationalize the GHG Protocol’s Land Sector and Removals Guidance for corporate reporting. The dataset provides emission factors for 42 major crops across global, national, provincial, and municipal levels for the years 2020–24, covering carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Findings indicate significant variation in emissions by crop and region, with subnational data revealing 'hotspots' that national averages obscure.

The document updates global greenhouse gas emission data for 2005, noting that the share of emissions from land-use change decreased to 12.2% from 18.2% due to revised deforestation calculation methodologies, although absolute emissions from this sector actually increased between 2000 and 2005.

The document describes the launch of TerraMatch, a platform designed to overcome funding delays in reforestation by using an algorithm to match vetted project developers with funders based on specific preferences such as geography and restoration methods. It aims to facilitate the growth of one trillion trees to combat climate change and support vulnerable communities.

The U.S. GHG Emissions Flow Chart provides a detailed breakdown of 2003 emissions totaling 6,978 MtCO2 equivalent. The largest contributing sectors are Electricity & Heat (32.4%) and Transportation (27.2%), with Carbon Dioxide (CO2) accounting for 85% of the total gas composition.

The document presents a flow chart of global greenhouse gas emissions for 2000, totaling 41,755 MtCO2 equivalent. It identifies Electricity & Heat (24.6%) and Land Use Change (18.2%) as the largest contributing sectors, while Carbon Dioxide (77%) is the dominant gas species.

The document outlines three regional cap-and-trade initiatives in North America: the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), and the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. These programs involve 23 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces, representing a significant portion of the region's GDP and emissions. RGGI focuses on electric generating units with a 10 percent reduction target by 2018. WCI aims for an economy-wide program reducing emissions 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. The Midwestern Accord proposes an economy-wide reduction of 20 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.

The document outlines how U.S. climate policies typically target large 'smokestack' emitters and fuel importers to cover approximately 80 percent of emissions. It explains that while regulated facilities face compliance costs—such as purchasing GHG allowances—non-regulated facilities may encounter indirect costs passed through from suppliers. The text highlights that businesses can mitigate costs through energy efficiency and leverage new market opportunities by producing low-GHG technologies.

The document outlines the history of Earth's atmosphere from its volcanic origins to the development of oxygen-emitting photosynthesis. It describes the carbon cycle as a balancing process between reservoirs—including the atmosphere, oceans, and plants—that maintains planetary stability. However, industrial activity over the last century has released carbon from the ground into the atmosphere at a rate 100 times faster than previous natural increases, raising average temperatures by 1.8°F (1.0°C) since the late 1800s. This disruption has led to increased storms, flooding, wildfires, and heatwaves, necessitating urgent emission reductions and the restoration of the carbon cycle.

The document serves as a guide for educators to integrate climate change and wildlife conservation into their curricula. It introduces the concept of "climate-smart conservation" and provides a specific four-factor framework for assessing species vulnerability. The guide encourages students to conduct their own species assessments and provides a comprehensive list of climate science resources and citizen science projects to foster active participation in environmental monitoring.