New report from Greenpeace suggests that the world could be completely off fossil fuels by 2050.

Courtesy of Reneweconomy: 

A new report released by Greenpeace International on Monday has reinforced the view that there are no major economic or technical barriers to shifting the world to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2050; nor to the complete phase-out of fossil fuels. All we need now is the political will to do it. 

Greenpeace’s Energy [R]evolution scenario 2015 phases out coal, oil, gas and nuclear energy as fast as technically and economically possible, by expanding the renewable energy share to 42 per cent in 2030, 72 per cent in 2040 and 100 per cent in 2050.

The report also says that the transition will cost a great deal of money, as much as  1 trillion dollars a year, but that the savings are even larger.

“The investment costs for the switch to 100% renewables by 2050 is about $US1 trillion a year,” the report says. 

“But because renewable energies don’t need fuel, the average fuel cost savings are $US1.07 trillion a year. So the investment over the period is met in full (107 per cent) by fuel cost savings, with the cross-over happening between 2025 and 2030. 

Beyond 2050, there are no further fuel costs in renewable energy, thus stabilising energy costs for socities, as well as reducing energy sector emissions to near zero.

I don't know it all might be a little too optimistic, but then again if we don't commit to making it happen we'll never know.

Of course, as we know, the oil and coal companies will do everything in their considerable power to delay this as long as possible. 

President Obama convinces China to agree to a first time ever commitment to curb carbon emissions.

Courtesy of the New York Times:

China and the United States made common cause on Wednesday against the threat of climate change, staking out an ambitious joint plan to curb carbon emissions as a way to spur nations around the world to make their own cuts in greenhouse gases. 

The landmark agreement, jointly announced here by President Obama and President Xi Jinping, includes new targets for carbon emissions reductions by the United States and a first-ever commitment by China to stop its emissions from growing by 2030. 

Administration officials said the agreement, which was worked out quietly between the United States and China over nine months and included a letter from Mr. Obama to Mr. Xi proposing a joint approach, could galvanize efforts to negotiate a new global climate agreement by 2015. 

It was the signature achievement of an unexpectedly productive two days of meetings between the leaders. Mr. Obama and Mr. Xi also agreed to a military accord designed to avert clashes between Chinese and American planes and warships in the tense waters off the Chinese coast, as well as an understanding to cut tariffs for technology products.

I can see the Fox News reporting on this already, "President Obama sends another secret letter to  enemy of America."

Even after years of political and personal attacks from the Right Wing, and after losing the Senate to Republicans, the man continues to be a thorn in the conservative's side simply by doing his damn job.

I guess the Chinese did not get the word that this was the least effective President in the history of America. Perhaps they don;t get Breitbart News.

By the way if ANYBODY needs to curb carbon emissions it's China.

I don't know how these people get through the day breathing this crap.