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As the climate summit approaches, Biden is feeling the pressure on his carbon target.

Published

2 years ago

April 19, 2021

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As President Joe Biden convenes a virtual climate summit with 40 world leaders on Thursday, he faces a difficult task: how to propose a nonbinding yet symbolic target to curb greenhouse gas emissions that will have a meaningful effect on climate change initiatives not just in the United States, but globally.

The carbon target, which will be enthusiastically anticipated on both sides of the climate debate, will signal how vigorously Biden intends to act on climate change, a controversial and costly problem that has riled Republicans to warn about job-killing government overreach while those on the left fear Biden has not gone far enough to resolve a fundamental challenge to the world.

The climate crisis presents a more challenging political challenge for Biden because it is more difficult to see and measure than either the coronavirus pandemic relief package or the infrastructure bill.

According to Kate Larsen, a former White House strategist who helped shape President Barack Obama’s climate action plan, the goal Biden chooses “sets the tone for the degree of urgency and the speed of pollution reductions over the next decade.”

The figure must be realistic by 2030 but still being ambitious enough to please scientists and activists who see the coming decade as a critical, make-or-break moment for slowing climate change, according to Larsen and other experts.

Scientists, advocacy activists, and even industry leaders are urging Biden to set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas pollution in the United States by at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030.

The 50 percent goal, which most economists believe is a possible result of vigorous White House negotiations, would virtually double the country’s previous pledge and would necessitate drastic improvements in the electricity and transportation industries, including major growth in renewable energy such as wind and solar power and steep cuts in emissions from fossil fuels such as coal and oil.

Anything less than that target, analysts warn, might jeopardise Biden’s pledge to keep temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, while also provoking harsh opposition from foreign partners and Biden’s supporters.

The aim is important not only as a visible goal for the United States to meet after four years of climate inaction under President Donald Trump, but also for “leveraging other countries,” according to Larsen. “Which helps domestically in the war that follows, which is putting policies in place to accomplish that goal. We will present a stronger political argument at home if other countries behave with the same degree of ambition as the United States.′′

The 2030 goal, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC, is an important component of the Paris climate agreement, which Biden entered on his first day in office. It’s also a significant step toward Biden’s ultimate target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Clearly, the evidence requires at least 50 percent” reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, according to Jake Schmidt, a climate analyst at the Natural Resources Defense Council, a major environmental organisation.

In an interview, he said that the 50% goal is “ambitious, but realistic.” It’s also a positive climate appeal, he says: “People get what 50% entails — it’s half.”

Whatever goal Biden chooses, the climate summit itself “demonstrates the United States is back in rejoining the international effort′′ to combat climate change, according to Larsen, now a director at the Rhodium Group, an independent consulting company.

She described the summit as “the starting gun for climate diplomacy” after a four-year “hiatus” under Trump. Biden’s climate envoy, John Kerry, has been pushing world leaders in person and online in the run-up to the summit for promises and partnerships on climate initiatives.

According to Nathaniel Keohane, a former Obama White House strategist who is now a vice president at the Environmental Defense Fund, analysts have agreed on the need to cut pollution by at least 50% by 2030.

“The number has to begin with 5,” he said, adding, “We did the math.” We need at least 50%.′′

The 2030 target is only one of many, often contradictory, climate-related targets highlighted by Biden. He has also stated that he plans to introduce a renewable energy standard that will make power fossil-free by 2035, as part of a larger target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions across the economy by 2050.

Gina McCarthy, Biden’s environment advisor, admitted that the sheer amount of data can be perplexing. She and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said last week at a conference that climate campaigners should rely on measures for the next decade.

“Let’s stop dreaming about 2050,” said McCarthy, who is overseeing White House efforts to create 2030 climate commitments for the United States.

Bloomberg, 79, went even further: “2050 is a decent number for people who give speeches, but I don’t know anybody who gives such speeches who will be alive in 2050.”

Some Republican politicians argue that focusing on lowering US emissions is counterproductive, claiming that Biden’s proposal will lift oil prices and destroy American jobs while encouraging Russia, China, and other countries to increase their greenhouse gas emissions.

“While our enemies maintain the status quo, the Biden administration would set punishing priorities for the United States. That will not address climate change,′′ said Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, the top Republican on the Senate Energy Committee. According to Barrasso, the United States currently leads the world in cutting carbon emissions, and Biden should continue to “make American electricity as renewable as we can, as soon as we can, without raising consumer costs.”

Those on the left believe Biden does not go far enough.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat who has advocated for a big Green New Deal, said Biden deserves “a tonne of credit” for the ambition and reach of his infrastructure strategy, but that it stops well short of what is needed to meaningfully tackle the climate crisis. She and her allies are urging the federal government to spend at least $10 trillion over the next decade to fix climate change and other issues.

McCarthy refuted the notion that Biden had reneged on campaign pledges to lead on climate change.

“We’re either doing too little or too much,” she said earlier this month to reporters. “However, be assured that the president placed a (spending) amount out here that he thought was not only defensible, but also necessary to reach this moment in time.”

Many of the increased climate change funding is found in Biden’s $2.3 trillion infrastructure package.

McCarthy said that if Republicans believe that less funds can be spent on renewable energy and utilities, “then we’ll have some talks.”

Marcella Burke, a former Trump administration official who is now an energy lawyer in Houston, gives Biden a “A-Plus” for passion on climate change but a “F” for specifics. “We’ve got a lot of targets released, just not a lot of plan to get there,” she said. “So the verdict is already out.”

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Car

Changing a Car Tyre: A Brief Guide to Roadside Resilience

Published

3 days ago

September 26, 2023

Andrew Mathon

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Knowing how to change a car tyre is an essential skill for any driver. A flat tyre can occur unexpectedly, and being equipped to handle the situation can save time, money, and provide a sense of self-reliance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of changing a car tyre, ensuring you’re prepared to tackle this common roadside challenge.

Please consider this article as a basic guide. The requirements may change from car to car, and the skill level needed may differ from one situation to another. It is always best to seek an expert’s guidance to learn about minute details and everything in between about what all is needed and how to go about changing your car’s tyres. Always follow manufacturer’s guidelines to safely and efficiently replace a car tyre.

1. Safety First

Before you start, ensure your car is parked on a flat, stable surface away from traffic. Engage the parking brake and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. If possible, place wheel chocks on the opposite side of the flat tyre to prevent any rolling.

2. Gather Tools

Ensure you have the necessary tools: a spare tyre, lug wrench, car jack, and your vehicle’s owner’s manual. The manual provides specific instructions for your car model.

3. Loosen Lug Nuts

Using the lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the flat tyre. Don’t remove them completely; just break their initial resistance. This is easier when the car is still on the ground, providing stability to the tyre.

4. Position the Jack

Consult your owner’s manual to locate the recommended lifting points for the jack. Use the car jack to lift the vehicle off the ground, allowing enough clearance to remove the flat tyre. Remember, the jack is meant for lifting, not for holding the car up.

5. Remove the Flat Tyre

With the car lifted, finish loosening and removing the lug nuts. Carefully take off the flat tyre, ensuring you have a firm grip. Place it under the car as a precaution in case the jack fails.

6. Mount the Spare Tyre

Position the spare tyre onto the wheel hub. Push it gently onto the hub to ensure a proper fit.

7. Hand-Tighten Lug Nuts

Hand-tighten the lug nuts as much as possible. Avoid cross-threading them. This initial tightening ensures the tyre is properly seated on the hub.

8. Lower the Car

Using the jack, carefully lower the car back to the ground. Once the car is stable on the ground, you can proceed to fully tighten the lug nuts.

9. Fully Tighten Lug Nuts

Using the lug wrench, fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite corners). This ensures even pressure on the tyre and prevents it from wobbling. Tighten the lug nuts as much as possible, but avoid using excessive force.

10. Lower the Jack

Once the lug nuts are tightened, lower the car completely and remove the jack. Give the lug nuts a final check to make sure they are secure.

11. Check Tyre Pressure

After changing the tyre, it’s important to check the tyre pressure. Use a tyre pressure gauge to ensure the spare tyre is properly inflated to the recommended PSI.

12. Stow the Tools

Place the flat tyre, jack, lug wrench, and any other tools back into your vehicle. Don’t forget to secure them properly to prevent them from moving around while driving.

13. Visit a Professional

While a spare tyre is a temporary solution, it’s essential to replace it with a proper tyre as soon as possible. Spare tyres are not designed for extended use or high speeds.

Conclusion

Knowing how to change a car tyre empowers you to handle unexpected situations on the road. This basic skill ensures your safety and keeps you on the move. Remember, practice makes perfect, so consider practicing changing a tyre in a controlled environment before facing an actual roadside emergency. With the right tools, confidence, and a step-by-step approach, you can master the art of changing a car tyre and drive with peace of mind.

It is important to invest in high quality tyres that last long and provide excellent driving experience. If you are searching for top quality tyres, such as Vredestein – Ultrac Vorti, please visit Vredestein website.

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NOVAK DJOKOVIC WILL NEED ‘LEGS AND GENIUS’ TO DEFEAT ‘CAREFREE’ BEN SHELTON AT THE US OPEN, SAYS JUSTINE HENIN

Published

3 weeks ago

September 7, 2023

Anna Domino

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Ben Shelton will face Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in his first major semifinal match. Shelton, 20, who is attempting to become the first American champion since 2003, is the subject of a lot of buzz. When analyzing the matchup, former world No. 1 Justine Henin suggested that Shelton, who has hit the tournament’s fastest serve, should maintain a “carefree” attitude.

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Highlights: For the first time ever, Shelton and Muchova advance to the US Open semifinals.

According to Justine Henin, Novak Djokovic will need to show off his “legs and genius” if he wants to defeat the “carefree” Ben Shelton in the US Open semifinals.
In the quarterfinals, the 20-year-old Shelton defeated fellow American Frances Tiafoe, winning a four-set match against a player five years his senior.
Shelton has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open this year before falling to Tommy Paul in four sets, but he has now accomplished at least one more feat in New York.

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Business

Carl Nassib made queer NFL history. Now he’s stepping away from the game

Published

3 weeks ago

September 7, 2023

Recently Heard

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When Carl Nassib came out as gay, he made history as the first active NFL player to do so. He’s currently on the subsequent chapter.

He is who? In the NFL, Nassib played defensive end.

He played for the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the course of seven seasons.
Why all the fuss? Nassib announced his big news—retiring from the NFL—via Instagram.

Nassib also came out as gay on Instagram in 2021, posting a video saying, “I just want to take a little moment to declare that I’m gay. This is something I’ve been meaning to accomplish for a while. But now that I’m secure enough, I can say it.
Nassib declares that he will now devote himself to Rayze, his business that aims to improve internet connections between nonprofits and people.
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What is being said?

Nassib wrote the following in his Instagram post:

It seems like yesterday when I first joined Penn State as a walk-on. More than I ever could have anticipated, football has given me. Knowing that I gave it my all, I can honestly put my helmet away for the last time.

Football was always so much fun when I was a kid. I enjoyed seeking perfection. Every athlete has a brief window in which to pursue their goals, and I enjoyed that. If you do, it makes the experience much more thrilling. Even as a walk-on, playing in the NFL was always my goal, so I truly feel like the luckiest man alive.

This kind of moment calls for thankfulness. I want to express gratitude to God, my family, and my friends for being there for me at all times, even when I wasn’t aware of it. Brian Ayrault, my agent, is to be thanked. One of my best choices ever was sticking with you to WME. I came out to Brian in the football industry first, and he didn’t bat an eye. He pushed and motivated me to make the biggest effect I could by going through with my announcement. I also want to thank John Spytek and Jason Licht. These two not once, but twice revived my career. They hired me both times after they fired me. Without those two football giants, I would not have had the opportunity to play my greatest football in Tampa.

Want to learn more about the NFL? Consider the Consideration This episode discusses the lack of diversity in the NFL (still).

And here’s Jim Buzinski, co-founder of Outsports.com, on the significance of the moment with NPR in 2021 after Nassib came forward:

The first player you’ll be able to recognize as gay while watching a game on television is Carl.

And whether they play football or another sport, every young LGBTQ athlete can now confidently assert, “I can do this; if he can do it, I can do it.”

Sports allow for more tolerance. We’ve come a long way, but there are undoubtedly still many issues with homophobia in athletics. And the response to Carl’s appearance sort of proves that. There isn’t much more to say about it, so in many ways, it will be a one- or two-day tale. What are you going to do about the fact that he is gay other than celebrate him?

Carl Nassib will devote all of his time to his charitable app.
Getty Images/Ethan Miller
Then what?

Nassib said he is eager to collaborate with the NFL in the future on philanthropic initiatives as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
And he offers the following guidance to everybody who aspires to be the best: Never let anyone tell you that something is impossible. In whatever you do, strive to be your best. Work hard, make wise decisions, and show others kindness.