Posted on 29 November 2020 by John Hartz

Story of the Week...

Saudis and Europeans reach compromise on climate as G20 projects unity

EU leaders endorsed Riyadh’s contentious “circular carbon economy” vision at the G20 summit, in exchange for a renewed commitment to phasing out fossil fuel subsidies 

Saudi Arabia's de-facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman (centre) hosts the G20 online from Riyadh (Picture: G20)

European leaders reached a compromise on climate change with the Saudi Arabian hosts at this weekend’s G20 summit.

The EU agreed to “endorse” Riyadh’s “circular carbon economy” concept in a joint statement, despite objecting that it shifts the emphasis away from cutting emissions to unproven carbon capture, reuse and storage models.

In return, it reinstated language dating back to 2009 on phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. The final text said: “We reaffirm our joint commitment on medium term rationalization and phasing-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption, while providing targeted support for the poorest.”

Mention of fossil fuel subsidies had been opposed by Saudi Arabia and was left out of an earlier joint declaration of energy ministers.

Click here to access the entire article s originally posted on the Climate Home News Website. 

Saudis and Europeans reach compromise on climate as G20 projects unity by Joe Lo, Climate Home News, Nov 23, 2020

Toon of the Week...

Hat tip to the Stop Climate Science Denial Facebook page.

Coming Soon on SkS...

• Fighting climate change: cheaper than 'business as usual' and better for the economy (Dana)
• How declining ice in clouds makes high ‘climate sensitivity’ plausible (Carbon Brief)
• SkS New Research for Week #48 (Doug Bostrom)
• Nitrogen fertiliser use could ‘threaten global climate goals’ (Diasy Dunne)
• Is there Hope for Climate Change? (Climate Adam)
• 2020 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #49  (John Hartz)
• 2020 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #49 (John Hartz)

Climate Feedback Claim Review...

The Earth is a sphere that rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun, contrary to Flat Earth video

CLAIM: “The Earth is not a globe. The Earth is stationary.”

VERDICT: 

SOURCE: Amber Plaster, Flat Earth, 17 Nov. 2020

KEY TAKE AWAY: Based on observations of the stars and geometric calculations, the Ancient Greeks hypothesized that the Earth was spherical more than 2,000 years ago. This observation has been confirmed numerous times through scientific studies and photographic evidence from satellites and crafts launched into space. It can also be determined from Earth-based and space-based measurements that the Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun.

The Earth is a sphere that rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun, contrary to Flat Earth video, Edited by Nikki Forrester, Claim Review, Climate Feedback, Nov 27, 2020 

SkS Week in Review... 

• Sun:2020 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming Digest #47 by John Hartz (SkS Original)
• Mon: Can shearing of Thwaites glacier slow or stop if humans control greenhouse gas emissions? by greenman316/Peter Sinclair (Yale Climate Connections)
• Tue: Gas-powered cars: Beginning of the end in California? by Bruce Lieberman (Yale Climate Connection)
• Wed: Skeptical Science New Research for Week #47, 2020 by Doug Bostrom (SkS Original)
• Fri: Media reaction: Boris Johnson’s ‘10-point’ net-zero plan for climate change by Josh Gabbatiss & Robert McSweeney (Carbon Brief Repost)
• Sat: 2020 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #47 by John Hartz (SkS Original) 

Poster of the Week...